Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 380

LUCAS

Being blindsided by the enemy sends pure rage through my body, but I struggle to keep it contained, to hide the depth of my fury from my sweet little mate and her human friend.

They’re busy blaming themselves, and I’m ready to burn the world down for bringing this onto their shoulders.

This Mad Prince has gone too far once again. I already have a large blood debt to pay; this has brought it back to urgent priority.

Aurum paces beneath my skin as I watch my mate push a bowl of stew into Lisa’s trembling hands. The human’s face remains pale, her eyes haunted. Even after proving her strength in battle, she looks fragile enough to shatter.

"You need to eat." Ava’s voice carries that gentle tone she uses with injured wolves. "Please, Lise."

Lisa stares into the bowl as if it holds answers rather than meat and vegetables. "I’m not hungry."

"Just a few bites. The protein will help."

"Kellan." I keep my voice low as I motion him closer. "We need to implement those changes now."

He nods, following me to the corner of the room. "The rotating patrol schedule?"

"Yes. I want the best trackers we have checking the perimeter twice daily."

I tap my fingers against my thigh, considering our options. "Our supply runs will need double the guards. Make sure we have them staggered so no one knows where they’re going. We’ve been too complacent, shopping too close."

"And the taint?"

That’s the real problem. Without Ava’s purification, the corruption will spread. But we can’t risk her, either.

"Any sign of taint, the area gets quarantined immediately. No exceptions."

"The hunting parties won’t like that."

"The hunting parties can starve or adapt. I won’t lose more wolves to this corruption. She’ll still be purifying, just at a slower rate. That’s all."

"Lucas." Ava’s voice draws my attention. She’s gotten Lisa to eat half the bowl, but the human looks ready to fall over. The shadows under her eyes speak of bone-deep exhaustion.

"Go," I tell Kellan. "Take her home."

Lisa stiffens. "What about Mira’s—" Her voice breaks.

"Her burial rites won’t be today," Ava says gently. "Get some rest."

The door clicks shut behind Lisa and Kellan. My mate’s shoulders slump, and I pull her closer, letting her lean into my strength. Her scent carries the sharp tang of exhaustion mixed with honey and vanilla. The combination twists my protective instincts into knots.

"She’ll need time." My thumb traces circles on Ava’s hip. "Kellan will watch over her."

"I just hate seeing her like this. She’s always been the strong one."

"She’s still strong. Taking a life changes you, even when necessary."

"I should have been there faster."

I turn her to face me, cupping her face between my palms. "Don’t. You did everything possible. Stop acting like you can stop every bad thing in the world from happening. It’s impossible."