Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 212

212 Ava: The Challenge of Being Luna 

Jericho’s words leave me reeling. “No, he hasn’t said anything.” I can’t keep the surprise from my voice. “But I’m aware it’s not normal. How can any of this be normal?” I wave a hand over my body in frustration. “It’s unknown territory for all of us, but Lucas. says we can get through it together. 

His eyes narrow. “Witches aren’t well regarded in history. There will be pushback from those who want nothing to do with a witch, even one born from a pack.” 

Kellan shifts uneasily, conflict etched on his face. “Ultimately, the Westwood wolves will accept their alpha’s mate.” His words are confident, but his tone is not. 

“If Lucas is hell–bent on forcing Ava down their throats, there will be alpha challenges.” Jericho’s words are a grim warning. 

And he’s not wrong. 

Alpha challenges are a right of any wolf in the pack. 

If Lucas chooses an unsuitable Luna–me–there will be outraged wolves ready to challenge his status within his pack. It’s why I can’t take the responsibility lightly. Why I can’t take the title as my due, even when some of the guards use it for me. 

I don’t want to be Lucas‘ weakness. 

I want to be his strength. His partner. 

A Luna isn’t just their alpha’s mate; she is a leader in her own right. 

“I’ve never wanted to become Luna until the pack accepts me. That 

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212 Ava: The Challenge of Being Luna 

doesn’t change.” 

Jericho’s expression softens slightly. “I’m not trying to hurt your feelings, Ava. But I need to know if you’re willing to fight for your place in the pack despite all odds.” 

“Jericho, stop borrowing trouble,” Kellan interjects, but Jericho rounds on him. 

“We wolves are superstitious and loyal to our lore. With everything. going on and the increase in vampire presence, a witch won’t be looked at kindly.” 

“Why would it be a problem when wolves once worked with witches? They called them magicians.” I can’t hide my confusion at the history I’ve learned from Selene. 

Jericho shakes his head. “I’ve never learned of witches working with wolves, only of those who wished to gain control over humans 

and wolves.” 

Glancing at Selene, I ask, “How do vampires see witches?” 

“I don’t know.” Jericho’s admission hangs heavy in the air. “The Unregistered communities have been around for a long time, effectively segregating many from our world. Common knowledge. is no longer common.” 

“Have either of you ever been there?” I ask, looking between them. 

They both shake their heads. “We’ve lost several scouts trying to learn more about it,” Kellan admits 

I can’t shake the feeling that we’re missing crucial information. Why do Sister Miriam and this unknown person seem so sure I’ll 

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212 Ava: The Challenge of Being Luna 

enter the city? “How much does Steve know about the 

Unregistered city? She seems familiar with it, even calls it by a different name.” 

Kellan frowns. “She’s told us she has no information to give.” 

Latching onto those words, I cling to them like a lifeline. “That doesn’t mean she doesn’t know anything. It’s just that she doesn’t want to give you the information you’re looking for.” 

“That’s… possible,” Kellan concedes after a moment. 

“We should visit Steve.” I’m talking to Kellan, but Jericho interrupts again, bringing us back full circle. 

“Ava, do you intend to fight for your position by Lucas’s side?” 

I meet his gaze unflinchingly. “I will never give up my place as 

Lucas’s mate.” 

“What will you do if you have to choose between your magic and your mate?” 

“Lucas.” There’s no hesitation in my answer. 

Jericho nods, seemingly satisfied, but Kellan rounds on him, fury in his eyes. “Stop interfering. This isn’t even a concern yet. Ava isn’t a witch. She’s a shifter, just like the rest of us.” 

“The position of Luna is a concern of every wolf in the pack.” 

Jericho’s voice is steel. “I need to know that the Luna will work for 

the pack over all others. No Alpha and no Luna can lead a pack with split loyalties.” 

His words settle uneasily in my gut, a disquiet I can’t quite 

understand. 

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10 Ava: The Challenge of Being Luna 

“I won’t put the pack in any more danger. I can’t do that again.” Meeting Jericho’s gaze, then Kellan’s, I add, “I’ve learned my lesson. I want to fight with all of you. I want to keep every Westwood wolf safe. What power I have, I want to wield it for a better tomorrow for my pack. For my mate.” 

“I know that, Ava,” Kellan says, but Jericho just grunts. 

“Remember that resolve. You’ll need to stand by it when the challenges come.” 

*** 

The ride to Steve’s office is silent. It’s a different kind of silence to 

our normal, and Kellan seems distracted as he drives. 

“Jericho seems convinced there will be challenges if Lucas 

announces me as his Luna.” May as well address the elephant in the 

room. 

He glances toward me out of the side of his eye, before returning his attention to the road. “Jericho’s a paranoid old man.” 

“Is he?” Jericho’s always seemed to have good advice. 

Kellan sighs, shifting in his seat. “Jericho was once a beta who followed his alpha’s orders blindly. Unfortunately, he ended up causing the deaths of the previous pack leaders, Lucas‘ parents. Ever since, he’s been hip–deep in conspiracy theories, and devoted his time to training the younger generation in case of war.” 

“How did they die?” 

Kellan shakes his head, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. “That’s for Lucas to share, when he’s ready.” 

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212 Ava: The Challenge of Being Luna. 

Tilting my head, I say, “It isn’t like it’s a secret. I can ask anyone in the pack.” 

Kellan glances at me, his gray eyes unreadable. “You sure you’ll get the actual truth that way?” 

The official story may not match the facts, Selene murmurs in my mind. Somehow, her presence feels stronger today, despite being 

so far away. 

“I don’t even know the official story,” I mutter, rubbing my temples. The more I learn about Westwood, the more questions I have. 

“Good.” Kellan’s voice is firm. “There’s nothing wrong with not. knowing. It doesn’t affect how you perceive Jericho. He’s a good man, Ava. Loyal to a fault.” Yet his voice is bitter and cold, at odds 

with his words. 

I study Kellan’s profile, the tension in his jaw. “Why do you hate. your father so much?” 

Kellan’s laugh is humorless. “I don’t hate Jericho. I just… I’ve heard too many conspiracy theories, dealt with too much paranoia and false alarms. It wears on you, after a while.”