Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 367 Ava: New Plan

Vanessa and | have cup with a plan. It's a little crazy, and something we've been trying to avoid, but—

there's a chance it's going to make things a lot easier for me.

We're going to spend a week on the perimeter, chasing down areas of corruption. No more wasted twalking

miles back hevery day. Granted, we'll be carrying a lot more stuff than normal, but I've already been

banned from holding anything heavier than a whisper.

Is it crazy to admit that I'm a little excited?

Lucas frowns as he tugs my coat firmly closed. "I don't like it."

"It doesn't matter if we like it or not. We don't have a choice." Wrapping my hands around his, | keep my voice

soft. "We can't risk our people getting caught up in this stuff."

His fingers work methodically to secure each button of my coat. "I just don't see why you can't cback every

day."

"And waste hours and energy trudging back and forth through the snow?" My boots are comfortable, like walking

on clouds, and | stamp my feet experimentally. They're new; Lucas gave them tolast night. I'm a little

worried about breaking them in, but he swears up and down | won't get a single blister. "That's not practical. We

need to cover more ground, and camping out is the most efficient way. It'll givemore rest between sites,

too."

"| said no." His jaw tightens as he tugs my scarf higher.

"You didn't, actually. You said you don't like it. There's a difference."

His golden eyes narrow, and | swear | can see him pondering whether or not to wrap my mouth with the scarf to

keepfrom arguing with him. Of course, he won't keephere. He's already agreed to it. He's just reserving

his right to complain—at length. "Winter camping is brutal, Ava. The temperatures drop well below freezing at

night."

"Good thing you've assembled an experienced team then." | catch his hands as they fuss with my collar for the

third time. "I'm not the sgirl you first met. I'm stronger now."

"Being stronger doesn't make you immune to hypothermia."

"No, but it means | can handle myself better." | squeeze his fingers. "Marcus has years of experience with winter

expeditions. Greg practically grew up in the snow. The entire team knows what they're doing. And | have my

magic to keepwarm. Fire's easy."

"That's not the point."

"Then what is? Because from where I'm standing, this is the most logical solution. We can't risk leaving any of

that tainted energy out there where it could affect more wolves."

Lucas's shoulders tense. "The point is that my mate wants to camp in subzero temperatures while there are

rogues and hunters in the area. Not long after collapsing, too."

"Your mate wants to protect our people." | step closer, letting his warmth seep into me. "And she has an entire

team of highly trained wolves to keep her safe while she does it. Plus, Vanessa and Marcus are coming. They'll

make sure | don't put my health into danger. And Grimoire's keeping a closer eye on me, too."

"Still, they can miss something."

"It's a team that includes two of your most trusted people, and arguably the best healer in your pack." | press my

palm against his chest, feeling his heart thunder beneath my touch. "Plus Selene and Grimoire. I'll have more

protection than the average alpha."

His hands settle on my waist, grip firm through the layers of winter gear. "You're not the average anything."

"No, I'm your Luna. Which means | have responsibilities to our pack." | rise on my toes to brush my lips against

his jaw. "Letdo this. Lethelp keep them safe."

Lucas pullscloser, his lips capturing mine in a heated kiss that makes my toes curl inside my boots. The cold

air vanishes, replaced by his warmth.

"You need to eat." His words vibrate against my mouth between kisses. "More than usual. The cold burns through

—" Another kiss steals his words. "Through your energy reserves."

"We've packed enough supplies." | lean into him, savoring his touch. "Plus, Marcus and Greg are excellent

hunters."

His hands slide up my back, pressingcloser. "Check in every morning and night." His teeth graze my lower

lip. "No excuses."

"Yes, Alpha." A smile tugs at my lips as he growls at my teasing tone. "You know, if you tyour night patrols

right, you could always stop by our camp. That would be a fun way to keep warm, don't you think?"

A rumbling sound in his chest is his only response before he claims my mouth again. His kiss turns possessive,

demanding, stealing my breath—

The front door creaks open, followed by Vester's exaggerated sigh. "This is what's taking so long?"

"Shut up. Like you don't maul Vanessa before every mission." Lucas doesn't bother looking away from me.

"I do not maul—"

"You absolutely do." His thumb traces my cheek. "At least | keep my clothes on."

"That was one time! And we thought we were alone."

Lucas steals another quick kiss. "Behind the med tent isn't alone. Everyone uses that path."

This is a fascinating story, and I'm definitely going to bother Vanessa about it later. But | shove my gloved hands

against my mate's mouth, my cheeks hot. "I have to go."

"Agreed." Vester clears his throat, once again cool as a cucumber. "Are you done saying goodbye, Alpha, or

should I give you another minute?"

Lucas growls, but there's no heat or aggression behind it. Sliding his arm around my waist, he guidesto the

door, following Vester.

Once we reach the de facto village exit, where most of us gather before saying goodbye to any scout team

departing—where most of our cars are parked, currently buried beneath a few inches of snow—I stop in my

tracks.

The sight beforeis...

Startling.

Four massive wolves stand in formation, hooked up to what can only be described as the most impressive dog

sled I've ever seen. Their fur gleams in the morning light, like someone's given them a bath and brushed them

out. Leather straps connect them to a wooden contraption that looks both ancient and perfectly maintained.

"Surprise!" Vanessa's voice rings with pride.

My mouth opens. Closes. Opens again.

"You said you had it worked out, but..." The words trail off as | take in the setup. Supplies are already loaded,

secured with thick rope against the wooden slats.

"Did you think | meant we'd just carry less?" Vanessa's laugh echoes across the snow. She seems excited, more

energetic than normal.

She's very happy, Selene agrees, dashing out of nowhere to approach the sled. Her delicate black nose goes wild

as she sniffs it over.

"It's perfect." The words cout breathless. No more fighting through waist-deep snow. No more exhausting

myself before | even reach the contaminated areas.

Marcus steps forward, adjusting one of the harnesses. "These four are our best distance runners. They'll have us

covering twice the ground in half the time. They're also great hunters. We're bringing food, but they'll be able to

supplement what we have."

"And you'll actually have energy left to purify the taint when we find it." Vanessa's smile turns smug as she

catches her alpha's eye. "See? Told you | had it handled."

His arm tightens around my waist, but | can already tell he's more relaxed than before. "You could have

mentioned this part earlier."

"And miss the look on your face?" Vanessa snorts. "Not a chance. It's not every day an Alpha gets to see his

wolves hooked up like common huskies. No offense, Selene."

The husky in question just snorts and shakes her head, her ears swiveling back and forth.

Vester checks the supplies one last time, his movements precise and practiced. "You should head out soon. You'll

want to cover sground before the temperature drops."

"Right." I turn in Lucas's arms, pressing a quick kiss to his jaw. "Tto go."

His fingers flex against my hip. "Remember. Check in—"

"Morning and night." | pat his chest. "I know."

"And eat—"

"More than usual." Another kiss, this tto the corner of his mouth. "I know that too."

"And if anything feels wrong—"

"I'll tell Vanessa immediately." | catch his face between my gloved hands. "I promise."

His forehead presses against mine, his breath warm against my lips. "Be safe."

"Always am."

A pointed cough from Vester breaks us apart. "If you two are quite finished..."

"Never." Lucas steals one more kiss before releasing me. "But you can have her anyway."

The wolves hooked to the sled stamp their paws impatiently, eager to run. Their excitement radiates through the

air, infectious enough to chase away the last of my nerves.

"All aboard." Vanessa pats the sled. "Your chariot awaits, Luna."

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