Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 462

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 as I close the

settling in?" I

circumstances." Clayton gestures toward the temporary quarters Lucas assigned them. "Your mate has been impressively accommodating, considering the situation Westwood is in. It is greatly appreciated

recognize from my time

of them notices me watching and offers a respectful

even ma’am or miss. Just the proper address for the Luna of

My lips curve.

or shadow in his eyes. They’re clear and

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

me feel silly for worrying

know, I never properly thanked you," I say,

raises an eyebrow. "For

being a friend when I was lost." The words come easier than

faint smile. "We all serve our

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

creep and shadows swallow! The silver-haired woman sleeps beneath

body goes

quickly. "He’s been following us since we found him near

follows the twirling spirit

Ivy. He talks in riddles, but

doesn’t crack. After a long moment, he nods. "Thank you for telling me. If you learn anything concrete from it, I’d appreciate being informed immediately." He looks at me directly. "I defer

almost laugh at that. "Ghosts aren’t

than wolf, though,

a rueful chuckle, though his eyes are cold when he watches the ghost float by.

* * *

from the Aspen wolves’ cottage, I run into Lisa—almost literally. She has a cigarette in hand and

did you take up

at me in confusion before she looks down at her hand. "Oh. No, it isn’t a cigarette.

head. "A cigarette

sings, "Smoke rings, ghost things, coughing in the dark—Cancer’s just

spirit giving its best impression of a ballerina beside her, but shakes off her unease as she answers. "Mm.

of the most cancerous addictions in

shoulders are more relaxed. She tucks the candy into her pocket and tilts her head.

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