Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 265 Ava: The Receptionist

It isn't until we're walking that I realize still | don't hear Selene in my head. Her presence hasn't filled its space.

| was so focused on Lucas that | forgot my own damn wolf. That's terrifying, in a way.

"Didn't you say Selene's here?"

"She was." He glances atin the dim moonlight. "She's been coming and going a lot. Can't you talk to her?"

He appears confused; | guess no one's specifically told him that Selene and | can't contact each other over long

distances.

"No."

"Oh." He's quiet as he processes that. "So you just... can't talk to your wolf?"

| shrug. "She's her own person. | guess it's because she isn't in my body."

Kellan makes an odd sort of noise in his throat. | glance at him in concern. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he says, shaking his head. "Your bond with Selene is just strange. Communication isn't equal

among wolves—scan have full conversations, sdon't—but you're another level."

Ah. Yeah, it is weird. It's becsuch a normal part of my life, though. "Yeah." To me, it's strange to think

someone has a wolf and can't talk to them.

"How did you know to chere if you don't speak with Selene?" Kellan asks.

The golden stranger's strange friendliness and otherworldly presence flash through my mind. | open my mouth,

ready to explain about Acarus again, figuring he'd forgotten the brief conversation from earlier.

Westwood might have a traitor.

The realization hitslike a sudden downpour, and | snap my mouth shut. We don't know who it is or if they're

still here in this compound. Every word we say can potentially reach the wrong ears. My throat tightens.

"I'll explain later," | say instead, putting heavy emphasis on the last word. | meet Kellan's eyes, willing him to

understand the unspoken message.

His eyebrows raise slightly, but then understanding dawns on his face. He faces forward, but | can still see the

hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Smart idea."

My mind races, cataloging every interaction, every face I've seen since arriving. Which is only about six of them.

Who could the traitor be?

The thought that someone close to Lucas is working against him...

My stomach churns.

* kK

Kellan leadsto a simple building. It's a long building with blacked out windows, looking desolate in the dark

of night.

Gleaming tiles catchoff guard as we step inside. It's like walking into another world—sterile, bright, and

utterly unlike the unassuming ranch house exterior.

It's a modern hospital.

The contrast is jarring, and | find myself blinking rapidly, trying to adjust to the sudden change.

A dimly lit hallway stretches to the side, with several doors, all closed. The familiar smell of antiseptic has my

nose twitching.

The front desk, in contrast, is brightly lit. A pair of double doors marked 'Staff Only' stand beyond it, showing the

faint shadowy outline of people as they walk past. Even this late at night, it's good to know there are people

around to take care of the patients, just like any other hospital.

"Is this a real hospital?" | ask Kellan in a hushed whisper.

"Yes. It's been here for a long time." He taps at my shoulder, nudgingto follow him to the front desk.

A human woman in crisp blue scrubs sits, her fingers flying over a keyboard. She looks up as we approach, a

warm smile spreading across her face. "Beta Ashbourne," she greets Kellan, her voice syrupy sweet. "Alpha is

sleeping at the moment. Is there something I can help you with?"

Kellan's hand settles on my lower back, guidingforward. "Actually, yes. I've brought his mate to see him."

The receptionist's eyes flick to me, and in an instant, her demeanor changes. The warmth vanishes, replaced by

a cool professionalism that borders on frigid. "I see," she says, her tone clipped. "I'm afraid visiting hours are

over for the day."

My heart sinks. Lucas is so close and yet still out of reach. | want to scream, to demand entry, to use whatever

authority being his mate grants me, but | hold myself back.

That would be unethical. Rude. Terrible.

Even if it sounds pretty good right now.

"But she's his mate," Kellan argues, his brow furrowing. "Surely an exception can be made?"

The receptionist's lips thin into a tight line. "I'm sorry, but the rule applies to all patients, regardless of rank or

relation. It's for their well-being and recovery."

The fight drains out of me. If what Kellan says is right—if he's lost his memories—seeingas his mate might

agitate him. Besides, if | throw my weight around here, it'll only reinforce the idea that I'm sentitled

outsider, throwing my weight around.

Kellan must sense my resignation because he squeezes my shoulder gently. "It might be for the best," he says

softly. "This way, he'll be awake and rested when you cby in the morning."

| hate that he's right. | hate even more that a part ofis relieved. What if Lucas isn't happy to see me?

Without his memories, will he wantaround?

"You're right," | murmur, then turn to the receptionist. "I'm sorry for coming by so late. We'll cback in the

morning."

She nods, her professional mask firmly in place. "Visiting hours begin at 9 AM."

Kellan's already turning away, heading for the door, but something makeshesitate. | glance back at the

receptionist, catching a glimpse of her face before she notices my gaze. The sneer twisting her features is

unmistakable, a flash of pure disdain that vanishes as quickly as it appeared.

"Have a good night," she says, her voice pleasant but her eyes cold.

My throat tightens as | hurry after Kellan. The cool night air hits my face as we step outside, and | take a deep

breath, trying to shake off the weight of the receptionist's contempt.

"You okay?" Kellan asks, scrutinizing my face.

| force a smile. "Yeah. Just really want to see Lucas."

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