Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted - Chapter 360

Chapter 360: Lucas: Post-Blizzard Return
LUCAS

Ava’s nowhere to be found, but Aurum is quick to let me know she’s checking on her wards again.

He sounds grumpy, and I don’t blame him.

The woman’s turned into a bit of a workaholic when it comes to her magic wards. I don’t understand them—they’re far more advanced and finicky compared to the pack wards we’ve used for generations. She says it’s because they’re practically useless, but I think they work just fine.

Aside from the vampire problem, which probably means she’s right. But it still shouldn’t need to go out near-daily to check on them, right?

But I can appreciate her dedication to our pack’s safety, and it’s true no one’s stumbled upon us since she put them up.

It would just be nice if she’d check on her mate as religiously as she checks on those damn wards.

Jealousy, Aurum whispers in the back of my head.

Shut up. You feel the same way.

His agreement is without guile. Aurum is true to himself and comfortable with his insecurity involving our mates. Goddess knows he makes a scene around Selene whenever he gets a chance.

Mate, he says wistfully.

I sigh, stamping my feet to dislodge the snow from my boots. The cold seeps into my bones, and I head straight for the shower, eager to warm up. As the hot water cascades over me, I make a firm decision.

We’re staying in tonight. No scouting runs, no training, no debriefings. I just want to spend the night with Ava. Eat a nice dinner together. Relax. Ask her about her day…

And more.

My mind drifts to the carnal side. The curve of her hips, the softness of her skin. Aurum rumbles his approval in the back of my mind. Just as I’m imagining the sound of her cries as I slam into her from behind, a strange sound interrupts the pleasant daydream.

I shut off the water, straining to hear. It’s hard to smell anything over the powerful scent of Ava’s bodywash—something I’ve gotten into the habit of using when I miss her.

Quickly exiting the shower, I slap a towel around my waist, tracking water everywhere as I head to the living room. Whoever it is, it isn’t pack. Must be Aspen.

The scent hits me first, feminine and familiar.

Ivy.

What the hell is she doing here?

There are no guards; they’re out with Ava. There’s no need to guard this place when she isn’t here. Ava’s absence means Ivy waltzed right in without hindrance. Irritation flickers at the breach of protocol.

“Ivy,” I call out, keeping my voice level. “What are you doing here?”

Her eyes rove over my half-naked form. Something in her gaze makes my skin crawl. She takes a step closer, too close for comfort.

I let out a strong pulse of alpha power, stopping her in her tracks. Her eyes widen. There’s fear, yes, but something else I’d rather not name. I’ve been doing my best to pretend I don’t notice it.

“Alpha,” she says breathily, recovering quickly. “I apologize for the intrusion. I have urgent news about the food supplies. We’re running dangerously low on—”

I cut her off with a raised hand. “And this couldn’t wait until morning? Or be relayed through proper channels?”

She blinks, her bright green eyes wide and innocent. “I thought it best to inform you immediately. Our people’s welfare is at stake.”

It sounds legitimate on the surface. But I’ve been an alpha too long to fall for such transparent manipulation. And the way she says our people sets my hackles to rising.

“Ivy,” I say, my voice low and dangerous. “There’s no reason for you to barge into the Alpha’s quarters for such a paltry reason. Food supplies, while important, are not an emergency that requires you to enter my private space uninvited. Further, you can speak with my Luna.”

She opens her mouth to protest, but I continue, “Furthermore, my Luna is in charge of the food situation here. Any further concerns should be brought to her attention first, as she’s the Luna of this pack.”

Her face twists for a moment before smoothing out. “Of course, Alpha. I meant no disrespect. I simply thought—”

“You thought wrong,” I interrupt, my patience wearing thin. “Now, I suggest you leave. Immediately.”

She hesitates, her eyes darting around the room. Looking for what, I wonder? But then she nods, backing away slowly.

“My apologies, Alpha. It won’t happen again.”

I watch her go, my jaw clenched. Something about this doesn’t sit right. Ivy’s always been ambitious, even when she was younger. She has more drive and thirst for power, probably from living in her brother’s shadow.

But she’s never seemed to be the kind of person to play such strange games.

Aurum growls in my mind; her scent is strong, and he doesn’t like it.

I flex my hands, frustration coursing through me as I watch Ivy’s retreating form. The door closes behind her, but the unease lingers. With a low growl, I turn and head back to the shower. The warm water cascades over me once more, but it does little to soothe my agitation.

My mind races, replaying Ivy’s unexpected visit. Her flimsy excuse, the way her eyes roamed over my body—it’s a sign that the situation’s growing untenable. I’ve done my best to avoid anything remotely questionable between us, underlying Ava’s position at every possible chance.

But it seems like things are escalating.

It all sets my teeth on edge. I scrub my skin harder than necessary, as if I could wash away the memory of her presence in our home.

“Dammit,” I mutter, rinsing off the soap. The scent of Ava’s body wash fills my nostrils again, and a different kind of tension coils in my gut. I close my eyes, letting the familiar scent wash over me. It’s not enough. I want—no, need—my mate here.

Now.

My cock twitches, responding to thoughts of my mate. I groan, leaning my forehead against the cool tile of the shower wall. The contrast of temperatures sends a shiver down my spine, and I can’t help but imagine Ava’s cool hands on my heated skin.

“Fuck,” I breathe, struggling to control my thoughts.