Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 33

33 Ava: Selene’s Return

Panic seizes me as I pat frantically at my neck, searching for the familiar weight of my necklace and finding only smooth skin.

Where is it? How could I have lost it?

Hurriedly, I retrace my steps, dripping water across the tile as I scour the bathroom. I get down on my hands and knees, peering under the sink and toilet, my heart pounding with rising dread. Nothing. It’s not here.

Wrapping myself in a towel, I venture back into the main room, my gaze darting frantically about as I search for any sign of the missing crystal. I rifle

through the sheets on the bed, tossing pillows aside as my desperation grows.

Not there.

I get the bright idea to check my pockets, but it isn’t

there either.

Shit.

Fuck.

14:52

1/8

33 Ava: Solone’s Return

you.”

I clutch the towel tighter around myself. “Thank you. I just showered, so it’s perfect timing.”

It dawns on me that I hadn’t even checked for a

change of clothes before showering. My brain’s been defective since I got here; it’s no wonder I didn’t notice the necklace missing.

I end up in a soft cotton hospital gown that buttons up in the back, instead of gaping open. Nurse Jenna left a cup of water at my bedside and showed me how to use my call light in case I needed anyone.

Too bad none of them can help me materialize a missing necklace.

I try to relax in bed; I can’t.

I try to relax in the recliner they’ve provided; I can’t.

I try to drink water; I can’t.

Food? Perish the thought. I wouldn’t be able to swallow that, either. The thought alone makes me

nauseated.

I keep reaching out for Selene in my mind, meeting only silence. It’s something I should be used to, after

14. 14.

36

33 Ava: Selena’s Retur

years

of it—but it’s amazing how you adapt to change.

I can’t imagine life without Selene anymore, even when she isn’t in my head.

It’s wrong.

I fall asleep in fits and starts. Every few hours, a nurse comes in to check all my vitals, and it takes a long time until I can fall asleep again.

But even a restless sleep replenishes your energy, and I wake at sunrise feeling ever–so–slightly refreshed and ready to take on the world.

Well–maybe not the world.

But definitely to ask Alpha Clayton if I can go back to the scene of the accident.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t go well. Apparently, he’s too busy to just be called down to the hospital because a strange woman wants to meet with him.

By lunch, I’m nearly crawling out of my skin with agitation.

***

Ava.

4/8

33 Ava: Selene’s Return

I drop my spoonful of orange jello in shock.

Selene! Where have you been?! 

…can’t…far… 

I can hear you, her voice whispers, and I can feel tears

33 Ava: Selene’s Return

I’m in a hospital run by the Aspen pack. Their alpha saved me last night. I quickly give a summary of events, feeling her presence strengthen every minute.

Are you hurt?

Ava. Are you hurt? 

Not bad, mainly from the car crash. I have some questions, though. They said I’m going into heat. They want me here until my heat is over.

That will be problematic, she says, sounding grim. Has the alpha scented you? 

You mean, sniffed me? Yes.

I can hear a faint growl in my head. Has he gotten near

the scar on your neck?

No, I respond obediently.