Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 462: Ava: Falling Into Place

Chapter 462: Ava: Falling Into Place

The unmistakable scent of ocean and pine hits me before I even round the corner to the cottage we’ve emptied for the Aspen Pack’s use. Lucas said something about it being a voluntary sacrifice on the part of some of our pack members; I have to remember to get their names.

I’m not sure what I can do to show our gratitude, but there’s probably something. Maybe extra rations. Practicality goes farther than luxuries these days... Or am I thinking too simply? I’ll have to ask Lucas what he usually does in these situations.

I prefer meat, Selene offers.

Grimoire hums. I’d rather have a new book.

Not helpful. But I guess it means I should learn more about the people to understand what they would prefer.

A vaguely familiar face opens the door when I knock, but I can’t quite place it. Clayton’s standing with his back to me as he speaks with two other wolves. My steps falter momentarily.

I haven’t seen him in a long time; since I made it clear I chose Lucas.

It would be strange not to feel a little anxious in this situation.

"Baa baa black wolf, have you any wives? Yes sir, yes sir, three lives’ time," the ghost sings overhead, twirling in erratic circles. "One for the master, and one for his dame, and one for the little girl who lives without shame."

He’s getting more coherent, Grimoire notes. Interesting.

And more annoying, Selene grumbles.

"Both of you, hush," I mutter under my breath.

Clayton turns at the sound of my voice, and I brace myself for... what, exactly? Coldness? Resentment? Pain? His name has felt synonymous with the block of guilt I’ve carried in my chest for months.

But his expression is open, his green eyes clear as he dismisses his guards with a brief nod.

"Luna of the Westwood Pack," he says, inclining his head respectfully. "I was hoping you’d find time to check on us."

My steps stutter again, but for an entirely different reason. There’s no shadow crossing his face, no hint of our complicated past in his demeanor. Just genuine respect.

Grimoire’s attention piques. Well, well. Looks like someone’s gotten over his little crush.

The proper title, Selene says, sounding oddly pleased.

again

are your wolves settling in?" I ask, finding my

can be expected under the circumstances." Clayton gestures toward the temporary quarters Lucas assigned them. "Your mate has been impressively accommodating,

over his shoulder catches my attention. Several Aspen guards I recognize from my time in

watching and offers a respectful

ma’am or miss. Just the proper address for the

My lips curve.

his hand. "It’s good to work with the esteemed Luna of the Westwood Pack," he says with a warm smile. There isn’t a hint of regret or shadow

his hand, and it’s just a handshake. No electricity, no charged moment. Just a respectful greeting

almost makes me feel silly for worrying about

properly thanked

raises an eyebrow.

I needed it. For being a friend when I was lost." The words come easier than I expected. "I don’t think I would have found my way

faint smile. "We all serve our purpose in

swoops down between us, making Clayton step back instinctively. The spirit

The silver-haired woman sleeps beneath silver moon, but not for

entire body goes

us since we found him near the perimeter. We can’t touch him, and

twirling spirit with newfound

about Ivy. He talks in riddles, but he

anything concrete from it, I’d appreciate being informed immediately." He looks at me directly. "I defer to your expertise in

that. "Ghosts aren’t magic," I

closer to magic than wolf,

are cold when he watches the ghost float by. "Whatever they are, they’re outside my realm of

* * *

Aspen wolves’ cottage, I run into Lisa—almost literally. She has a cigarette

did you take

she looks down at her hand. "Oh. No, it isn’t a cigarette. It’s

head. "A cigarette

things, coughing in the

a ballerina beside her, but shakes off her unease as she answers. "Mm. Yeah.

much else to say about a sweet shaped like one of the most cancerous addictions in the world. Though the ghost seems to have plenty to sing about

looks... better than earlier. The shadows under her eyes have lightened, and her shoulders are more relaxed. She tucks the candy into her pocket and tilts