Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 144

144 Ava: Searching for a Candle

144 Ava: Searching for a Candle

It takes a little more effort than I expected to convince Dr. Beaumont to discharge me home, but after

promising up and down to let Vanessa visit twice a day for bloodwork and vitals, I finally get my way.

Lucas treats me like a fragile vase on the way to the apartment, worrying over leaving me in Lisa’s place alone. He’s not thrilled that I refuse to go to the alpha lodge in the wake of the vampire attack, and it feels like the entire apartment building is filled with wolf shifters in suits, glowering at everyone who passes by.

But I still count it as a win.

I can’t believe two healthy adult women in their twenties don’t have a single candle in their apartment. Selene noses open a cabinet to sniff inside, before clicking her nails across the kitchen to another one. Nothing here.

As she checks the lower cabinets, I shove my way through our everything drawer, only coming up with a small lighter. Helpful, but only half of what I need.

I even check the pantry, but there’s no waxy pillar to

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184 Asa Searching for a Candle

be found.

Going behind Selene, I double check where she’s already looked, ignoring her half–offended snort when I come up as empty as she did.

I told you, there are no candles. My nose works quicker and better than your eyes. 

We’ve already checked Lisa’s room and mine. Not a single candle to be had.

How are we out of candles? At the bare minimum, we should have some handy in case the electricity ever goes out.

I stalk to the bathroom, flinging open drawers. “Where

the hell are the candles?”

Selene opens the linen cabinet with a deft paw, shoving her head inside to sniff.

It’s all towels, of course.

And shampoo.

And soap.

All things that make her sneeze.

I slam another drawer shut. “We didn’t buy any

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149 Avd Searching fa a Candio

because of all the wolves around. Scented stuff bothers your noses.”

Selene snorts. Point taken. But on TV, the girls are always taking bubble baths with scented candles. 

I roll my eyes. “You watch too much TV. It’s going to rot your brain.”

My brain is just fine. Although I question yours 

sometimes…

I ignore her, yanking open the cabinet under the sink. Jackpot. I pull out a dusty lavender candle. “Finally.”

Selene reaches out with her nose for a quick sniff, sneezing again. It smells terrible. Nothing like lavenders. 

A sharp knock on the door startles us both, and I set the candle aside. I’ll have to call for Sister Miriam later.

Unlocking the door, I swing it open, unsurprised to find Lucas standing there, hands shoved in his pockets and brows furrowed. Who else would make it past all the guards to knock on my door?

He hasn’t been gone long, though.

“Did you need something?” I ask, as my heart races

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144 Ava Searching for a Candlo

from his presence.

Ever since dancing with Teddy, since realizing that no other person can make me feel what Lucas does–it’s like I’m weak to the fated pull between us.

Almost like I never put up walls at all.

If it wasn’t for the current situation, I’d probably throw myself at him shamelessly.

He is patient, Selene says, sounding as if she’d rather be murdered than admit it.

144 Ava Searching for a Candio

“It’s not just about that,” he cuts me off, voice low and tense. “You were attacked, Ava. Vampires invaded my territory. Attacked my mate.” His jaw clenches. “I couldn’t be there to protect you, but I can at least be here so you’re not alone. I won’t drag you to the alpha lodge, if this is where you want to be. But I don’t feel right leaving you here without her. I can stay for a little bit.”