Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted

LISA

I hate feeling helpless.

Ava's out there being chased down by a freaking monster and I'm stuck in a building, surrounded by wolf shifters with a bad attitude.

Not toward me—but in general. The kind of badassery that makes me feel as safe as I guess I can feel, despite knowing that no one can apparently damage the strange wolf.

Guilt and frustration war inside of me. I was starting to get a little comfortable with the idea that I can defend myself, damn it. It was feeling good. Today's been not only a huge blow to that bit of ego, but it's ramped up all kinds of not-great feelings.

Like, I know a lot of lives were lost today. Even one is too many.

And I know my bodyguards were expecting to be part of that number.

Hell, I did, too.

And now I can't even help Ava. If I could just send my damn guards to her, I would.noveldrama

"Calm down, child." The Grand Sage glances up from his meditation, acting for all the world like Apocalypse v2.0 isn't happening in our own front yard. "Your agitation is riling them."

My guards' eyes flick toward me for the hundredth time, their shoulders rigid beneath their tactical gear. Heat creeps up my neck. They're always so calm and collected, it never really occurred to me that my agitation might feed theirs.

It makes sense, though.

"Sorry."

"Sit down before you wear a hole in the floor." Elverly's voice cuts through my pacing. "Unless you think you're some kind of hero who can save the day by walking back and forth."

Her attitude always seems to transcend the events of the moment. She used to intimidate me, but now I know it's just how she is. "I know, I know. I just—" My hands clench into fists. "I hate that I can't help. That I'm not strong enough yet."

"Strong enough?" The old gnome's snort could peel paint. "Accept what you are, girl. Stop trying to be something you'll never be."

The words sting, but I recognize the concern beneath her harsh tone. It's just Elverly being Elverly. Still hurts though.

"That's quite enough." The Grand Sage's mild rebuke carries weight even with his eyes closed. His meditation pose hasn't shifted an inch since we arrived.

I turn to the nearest guard—he's not one of mine. I think he's one of the guys who follow Ava around. His name escapes me. "Any word yet?"

His jaw tightens, but he doesn't respond. Just like the last dozen times I've asked. Just like all of them have been doing for the past thirty minutes.

The silence grates against my nerves, but I don't bother them. They might be talking through their pack link or something.

Thankfully, we're in Kellan's cabin, so it's at least comfortable, if a little crowded. There are seven guards in here, and even more outside.

My brace is warm against my wrist; I swear I'm never going anywhere without it again, even if it makes me look like a poor man's Wonder Woman.

My fingers tug at my sleeve for the hundredth time, the fabric bunching and releasing in a nervous rhythm. The door creaks open and my heart leaps—but no. Just Vanessa. Not Ava.

The healer exchanges a quick nod with my guards before making her way to me. "Are you alright?"

"I wasn't hurt." My voice comes out sharper than intended. "I never even saw the thing up close."

She reaches for my wrist anyway, her fingers cool against my pulse point. "Let me check."

I submit to her examination, knowing arguing with a healer is pointless. "Has anyone heard from Ava? Is she okay?"

"She's on her way back." Something in Vanessa's tone makes my stomach drop.

"Is she hurt?" The words tumble out. "Did that thing—"

"No, no." Vanessa's hands move to my shoulders, steadying me. "Minor injuries from what I hear. Nothing serious."

"Then what's wrong? You sound like someone died."

Vanessa releases me, straightening her scrubs. "The entire compound is on high alert. We've detected multiple breaches in the perimeter."

"What?" I glance at my stoic guards. "More attacks?"

"We haven't identified who or what is testing our defenses." Vanessa's voice drops lower. "But you need to be prepared. All of you."

My guards knew. They've probably been communicating through their pack link this whole time, leaving me in the dark. I bite back a scowl—they're just doing their jobs. "I'll be careful."

"Has anyone explained the evacuation protocols to you?" Vanessa's eyes narrow at my guards.

"No?" Frowning a little at the oversight, I mutter, "I guess they were too busy protecting me to share that tidbit."

Then I feel ungrateful, because hello, they are willing to die to keep me safe. But come on. At least communicate with me a little. It's not like we don't speak the same language.

Vanessa's glare could melt steel. The guards shift uncomfortably, and one of them—the one that belongs to Ava's bunch, I think—rubs the back of his neck. Their faces twitch in that way I've learned means someone's chewing them out through the pack link.

"Unacceptable." Vanessa's voice drops to barely above a whisper. "What if you're all incapacitated? What then?"

"We won't—" one of them starts.

"Shut up." Vanessa turns to me then, motioning for the gnomes to listen. The Grand Sage even opens his eyes, giving her his full attention. "Listen carefully. There are three escape routes. The first is through the kitchen pantry—there's a tunnel behind the dry goods shelving. Second is beneath Kellan's bed; I'll show you how to access it. Third is in the hospital wing, behind the supply cabinet in exam room three."

There's an escape route under our bed?

How did I miss that?

This isn't paranoia—they're prepared for the worst. They've already had to leave their territory once.

"If you're separated from your guards, get to the nearest tunnel. Don't wait. Don't look back. Just run."

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