Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 442

Wolf shifter men are, as a standard, larger and broader than human average. Six of them in a single minivan will certainly overpower it, but that's how they've managed to limp their way home—with a strange new addition.

"You said they were bringing a captive, not a child," I mutter to Vanessa, who seems unsurprised by the young girl's presence.

"Yes, well, age doesn't determine threat level." Vanessa's words fade into background noise as Lucas emerges.

My heart stutters. His golden eyes lock onto mine, and my world narrows to the space between us. One stride. Two. Three. His arms wrap around me, crushing me against the solid wall of his chest. The familiar scent of amber and campfire smoke floods my senses.

"You're safe." His voice rumbles through me. "When I couldn't reach you—"

"I know." My fingers curl into his shirt. Every muscle in my body unwinds, releasing tension I hadn't realized I'd been carrying. "I was worried, too."

Over Lucas's shoulder, I watch Kellan and Vester exchange a warrior's greeting—forearms clasped before Vester yanks Kellan into a quick, rough embrace. The small Fae girl between them looks even tinier, her purple hair a stark contrast against the snow. Her chains jingle as she shifts from foot to foot.

As much as I want to revel in Lucas' return, I can't ignore her.

"What are you planning to do with her?" The girl can't be more than thirteen, and something about her reminds me of myself at that age—lost, uncertain, trying to appear braver than I feel. Maybe I'm projecting.

Lucas's arms tighten fractionally. "She has information about the New Order. And about Jericho. I missed you."

The warmth of his love clashes with the ice chill of worry in my veins. I haven't seen the old man, but I'm still hoping for good news. "Jericho? Did you find him?"

"No." His jaw clenches against my temple. "But we found what they left behind."

The girl's eyes dart between faces, her brows pulled together as her entire body trembles. Her fingers toy with one of the chains running from her shoulder to her belt—not restraints, I realize, but some sort of fashion statement.

"She came to us," Lucas continues. "Claims she was trying to help evacuate Jericho's group, but something went wrong. It was strange—we'll talk privately."

"She's Fae, isn't she? I think we should have Magister Orion and his people watch her." As he nuzzles his face into my neck, breathing in deep near the mate mark over my crescent scar, I frown in the direction of the girl. Her shoulders hunch as Kellan approaches her. Despite his gentle expression, she takes a step backward, chains clinking softly.

"I won't hurt you," Kellan says, his voice pitched low and soothing. "We just need to get you somewhere warm and safe while we sort this out."

"Lucas." I touch his arm. "She's scared."

His muscles flex under my fingers. "She should be. The things we found..." He shakes his head. "But we'll treat her fairly. We should be on the same side, but we don't have enough information to be certain. She could be lying, too."

The last part comes out as a quiet rumble meant for my ears alone. I watch as Kellan and Vester escort the girl further into Wolf's Landing, their broad frames making her appear even smaller between them.

"You look exhausted." Lucas' thumb traces the shadows beneath my eyes. "What happened here? I heard some of it, but…"

I sigh. There's so much to explain. "I want to drag you home and never leave bed for a couple days—"

His eyes light up. "I like this idea."