Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 50

50 Ava: The Grey Girl

“Good morning,” Clayton says with a smile, and I step back to let him into the apartment. He pauses for just a moment when he sees Selene, and I wait for the questions–but he doesn’t ask any.

He’s polite like that.

Honestly, outside of my paranoia and not wanting to rely on him, he seems like a pretty great guy.

Clayton strides into the kitchen like he owns it–which, I mean, he does–while I stand around feeling awkward and out of place in this fancy apartment. He seems so at home here, like he belongs.

“Everything okay with the phone?” he calls out from the kitchen. “You didn’t text me this morning.”

“Oh, uh, no issues,” I reply, glancing down at the sleek new device on the end table. “I just woke up a little while ago and haven’t set it up yet.”

There’s a brief pause, and then the sound of a pot clattering onto the stove. “Have you eaten?”

I shake my head, even though he can’t see me. “No,

15:01 =

1/8

50 Ava: The Grey Girl

not yet.”

“Well, go relax then. I’ll whip up some breakfast.”

Before I can protest, he emerges from the kitchen, those intense green eyes fixing me with a look that brooks no argument. Grasping my shoulders, he turns me towards the plush couch and gives me a gentle nudge in that direction.

“Go on, I’ve got this.”

I open my mouth to argue, but one glance at his resolute expression has me snapping it shut again. Instead, I just nod and make my way over to the couch, sinking into the soft cushions with a sigh.

Selene, ever my loyal companion, leans against me as she focuses on her show, resting her head on my lap. I absently run my fingers through her soft fur, trying to ignore the sounds of Clayton puttering around in the kitchen.

1

It’s weird, having someone else cook for me. Take care of me. I’m so used to being the one doing all the work, all the cooking and cleaning. Having someone else step into that role makes me feel uncomfortable. Lazy.

But at the

50 Ava: The Grey Girl

relieved to have someone else shoulder that burden for a change. To be taken care of, instead of being the one doing all the taking care. It’s just breakfast, but he just came in and took over, like-

Like an alpha who thinks he’s my mate.

I shake my head, trying to dislodge those thoughts. I can’t afford to get too comfortable here, too used to having Clayton around. This isn’t permanent, no matter how much he might want it to be.

The sizzle of bacon on a hot pan has my ears perking up–Selene’s, too–and the smell reaches my nose a few seconds later. My stomach gives an involuntary rumble.

Okay, maybe I can let him take care of me for just a little while longer.

It’s not a sin to get a little comfortable, right? Since I can’t leave, anyway?

***

Breakfast with Clayton is comfortable.

He doesn’t try to touch me. No more kisses on the forehead. He’s just there, polite and friendly, making

15:01 ‘

38

50 Ava: The Grey Girl

sure I’m taken care of.

Selene seems to approve, because she’s zoned into her show instead of watching his every move. Of course, she doesn’t have anything against Clayton in the first place. She doesn’t like the idea of being trapped here, but she has nothing against him.

It’s not like the snide remarks she throws in about Lucas every time he comes up..

Not wanting to think about him, I focus on my cup of creamer with a splash of coffee, adding another spoon

of o

sugar. I can see Clayton giving my drink a little side–eye, but I’m used to it.