Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 418

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.

"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.

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