Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 468: Lisa: Our Tether

LISA

Kellan sleeps like he does everything else—with his whole body committed to the action. One arm flung wide, the other tucked under his pillow, face softened in a way I never get to see when he’s conscious and on guard. The hospital sheet barely covers him, twisted around his hips, revealing the muscled plane of his stomach and the bandages still wrapped around his chest.

His gown was ditched long ago, so he’s basically half-naked, though he does have boxers—and sweats—on under the blanket. Thanks to a well-timed delivery from one of the pack wolves.

Kellan hasn’t specifically said so, but I think he’s keeping his chest on display in hopes for round two.

Anyway. I should be asleep, too. My body feels liquid and warm, like I’ve melted into this tiny hospital bed, which is definitely not made for two people. But I can’t shut my brain off.

Instead, I watch the slow rise and fall of his chest, memorizing the rhythm of his breath.

It’s strange how comfortable this feels—lying here with him, my leg draped over his, my head resting in the crook of his shoulder. Strange because it should feel too intimate, too vulnerable. But there’s something about the mate bond pulsing between us, making this feel like the most natural thing in the world. Like my body recognizes its other half.

A little bubble of happiness swells in my chest. I never thought I’d be here. Never thought I’d give in to this connection with a man who drives me absolutely insane half the time. But Kellan’s someone who looks at me like I’m everything—and somehow still sees the real me.

I trace a finger lightly over his collarbone, careful not to disturb his rest. His skin is warm, almost hot to the touch. Werewolf metabolism. I’m pretty sure I could use him as a space heater through the winter.

Which I have, when he didn’t disappear to the couch because he decided he was pushing me too far.

Stupid past Lisa and her stupid inability to hold onto a gem like Kellan. All those nights of being cold for nothing, all because I was weirded out by the idea of being fated to someone.

The steady thrum of our bond wraps around me like a blanket. Safe. Secure. Not something I should fear or be wary of.

It’s like breathing, only... better. Something so necessary to my happiness, I can’t really remember a time without it.

Then it happens.

from the asshole vampire’s bite

No. Not now.

pass, but instead, it intensifies—a phantom pressure like teeth sinking deeper into

Beautiful girl.

whisper slides into my mind, uninvited and unwelcome. It’s not my

trying not to wake him as I slip out from under his arm. Every muscle

think your

I press my hand against it, willing the sensation away. But it’s like trying to hold the atmosphere—the more I fight it, the more it seems to

stares back at

feel sick. Like he was watching.

Fucking pervert.

the shock of it feels grounding, real. I do

You’ll

I whisper, gripping the edges of the sink. "You’re not

hungry. I can practically feel it tugging at

harder in my chest, a different rhythm emerging. It’s the mate bond, I realize. Responding, fighting back. The steady

my reflection again, and for a split second, I swear I see my lips move

Come back to me.

is normal again—just

of my head,"

my leg. I grip the sink harder, trying to anchor myself to

In, out. Simple.

fought this before. In that clearing, with the Mad Prince right in front of me, I