Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 68

68 Ava: Their Plans (II)

Phoenix taps a finger against the table, watching me with a calculating gaze. “You need to understand what situation you’re in, Ava.“@

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

“Why?”

His smile is mirthless. “This entire pack will throw you away without a second thought. Alpha Renard will trap you in a life of misery and pain, and you will forever be a pawn in his hands.”

“I know. That’s why I want to escape. You’re the one who brought me here, remember? None of this is news.

to me.”

Phoenix nods. Just the slightest nod. “Alpha Renard’s plans changed when he received some very interesting news from the Aspen territory. He heard of an omega with your description, with a heat so strong that even the Aspen alpha was affected.”

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The glass of water is all I focus on. It’s hard to look him in the face as he talks about everything they’ve

planned for me.

“His orders changed from bringing you back with force, to rescuing you.” The emphasis is unmistakable, the slight disgust in Phoenix’s voice sending a little shudder down my back. “I flew out that night to find you and bring you back. Now, Alpha Renard is going to use your connection with him to nullify his ability to support Westwood in the upcoming war.”

“Why is he so interested in Westwood? I don’t

understand.”

Phoenix sighs. “His last son was killed in a skirmish on Westwood territory. Against rogues, while he was traveling on a diplomatic mission. Alpha Renard never liked Westwood to begin with, but now he’s

determined to bring the packs together under his rule.”

“But the Council-”

“Has overstepped its authority too many times. They have demanded changes in our pack policies, and have threatened us when we refused to give in to the

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unreasonable. It’s time for things to change.”

“You mean, he’s going to take over the entire Northwestern Territories?” How stupid is that? There are five other packs he would have to take over. Blackwood isn’t large enough to do that.

Phoenix shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter what he wants to do, Ava. That’s not what concerns you.”

“Then why are you telling me any of this?”

“I need you to understand why I’m about to tell you what you need to do.” He steeples his fingers, waiting until my eyes drift toward him. “I have a plan for your escape that will benefit us both.”

I think back to how relieved I felt when he and Jessa

showed that they were willing to help me escape, even if it wasn’t for my benefit.

Now, I feel like I’ve walked into a snake’s den.

Foreboding slinks down my spine.

“You need to return to the Aspen pack and seduce the alpha until he claims you.” His eyes drift to my neck, where the scars have faded and only my crescent scar remains. “Get pregnant. Have his heir. Become the

68 Ava: Their Plans (II)

Aspen Luna.”

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