Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 27

27 Ava: Watched

I step into my apartment, muscles aching from another grueling self–defense session with Kyle. Despite the pain, I can feel myself getting stronger.

A heavy sigh escapes my lips as I kick off my shoes, relishing the feeling of being home, safe within these walls. Selene’s thoughts brush against my

consciousness, a comforting feeling after an awful day, as she pads over to the couch to take a nap.

You did well today. You’re progressing rapidly, as I knew you would. 

I nod, offering a weary smile. “Thanks. I feel like a truck hit me, but in a good way, you know?”

A low chuckle reverberates through our bond. Rest, my 

human. You’ve earned it.

Peeling off my sweat–drenched clothes, I make my way to the bathroom, the promise of a hot shower

beckoning me. As the water cascades over my aching muscles, I allow my mind to drift, replaying the events of the day.

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27 Ava: Watched

And inevitably, my thoughts turn to him.

Lucas.

Just the mere thought of his name sends a shiver down my spine, a heady mixture of longing and resentment coiling deep within me. I can still see the intensity in his golden eyes, the way his gaze seemed to strip me bare.

Unbidden, my body responds to the memory, a

traitorous flush creeping up my neck as desire unfurls in my core. I curse inwardly, hating the way he still has this effect on me, even after everything that transpired between us.

Selene’s disapproval washes over me, a cool balm

against the raging inferno of my emotions. He threw you away like trash, she growls. It does him no good to come around now, begging for forgiveness. 

I wince, her blunt assessment striking a chord deep within me. She’s right, of course. Lucas had his chance, and he squandered it, crushing my heart beneath the heel of his contempt. The pain of that rejection still lingers, a raw, festering wound that refuses to heal. The ache will never go away. Stupid fated mates

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bullshit.

“I know,” I murmur, rinsing the shampoo from my hair. “Believe me, I haven’t forgotten.” And yet, a

treacherous part of me yearns for his touch, his embrace, his acceptance.

Selene’s presence ebbs and flows. Do not let him in just because the bond tries to call you, she finally says. You are worth more than the demands of a bond. 

With a deep breath, I push him from my mind. He hasn’t done anything to me in weeks, if you don’t count breaking into my apartment when I’m not home. Even at work, he’d stepped aside as soon as I brushed

him away.

So far, he isn’t dangerous. Well–not that kind of dangerous.

My heart, though… That, I need to guard carefully.

***

The next week passes in an odd manner.

Every morning, there’s a note on my apartment door.

There was even a new bag of dog food the first time I came home to dinner, though Selene announced that she was not eating out of that bag under any