Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 95

95 Ava: Lisa (II)

A light tapping at my door pulls us out of our giggling.

“Come in,” I call out, wiping the last of my tears away. I’m sure my eyes are red and puffy, but I can’t find it in

me to care.

Dr. Beaumont steps into the room, her smile gentle as she takes in the sight of us huddled together on the bed. “Well now, isn’t this a pretty picture?”

For the past few days, Dr. Beaumont has been

thorough in my care. I’ve come to enjoy her visits, even if they’re just for work. She’s respectful to both nurses and patients, and doesn’t treat me with the awed deference like some of the nurses do.

Everyone knows I’m their alpha’s fated mate, even the humans. Few seem to understand that we aren’t in a

relationship, though.

It is interesting to see how many humans think of Lucas as ‘their‘ alpha, though. I’m used to a distinct difference between shifter and human, even in the Aspen territory. Here, there are humans working alongside shifters, and they even interact with each

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95 Ava Lisa (II)

other. Just yesterday I heard a shifter nurse talking to a human doctor about her mate’s desires for shifted

sex–something I’ve known about but never heard talked about–and the human hadn’t been scandalized.

She’d even asked questions.

Maybe she watches the same show Selene does. TV is great for normalizing things.

“Lisa, this is Dr. Beaumont. She’s been taking care of me.” I introduce them, watching as they shake hands.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lisa.” Dr. Beaumont’s eyes twinkle. “I must say, a little company has really helped

our Ava here look a lot better.”

That has to be a lie. My eyes are still puffy and swollen, and hurt a little when I blink. Still–having Lisa here, -being able to cry, and talk, and laugh…

It’s helped.

A lot.

“Thank you for taking such good care of her,” Lisa says earnestly, like an older sister more than a friend.

Dr. Beaumont chuckles. “Oh, it’s my job. And even if it wasn’t…” She leans in conspiratorially. “No one tells

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95 Ava Lisa (II)

Lucas no when it comes to Ava’s care. She’s in the best

hands here.”

He’s been overseeing my treatment and making sure I have the best of everything, and it’s not a secret. Still, hearing it stated so plainly is embarrassing.

“He really cares about you, you know,” Dr. Beaumont continues, her voice softening. “I’ve never seen him so

worried.”

Part of me is thrilled at the idea of Lucas caring so much. But another part, the part that’s still raw and hurting from everything that’s happened, is terrified of what that means.

“I know,” I manage finally. “I just… it’s complicated.”

Dr. Beaumont nods in understanding. “Fated mate bonds always are. But from what I’ve seen, the two of you have something special. Don’t let fear hold you back from exploring that.”

Lisa squeezes my hand, offering silent support. She knows better than anyone how conflicted I am about Lucas, about everything.

“Well, I just wanted to check in and see how you were doing” Dr. Beaumont straightens slinning back into

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95 Ava: Lisa (II)

I’m not going to argue with her. It would have come in handy recently, on a few occasions.

There’s a long pause, and then Kellan’s voice again, still sounding baffled. “Ava will have guards with her at all times Lisa She won’t need nenner soray There are

95 Ava: Lisa (II)

already guards stationed all over her hospital wing and by her door.”

That’s news to me. Then again, I haven’t left my room -ever. Even when I was encouraged to go on a hallway walk, I refused and paced in my room instead.

Guards. Of course I have guards. Because even now, even here, I’m not really free. I’m still a prisoner, just in a gilded cage instead of a dingy cell.

Lisa argues with Kellan for a few more moments, but I tune out their words, my mind reeling. Dr. Beaumont, perhaps sensing the rising tension, quickly makes her

escape.

“Well, this conversation is above my pay grade,” she jokes weakly, edging toward the door. “I’ll get your -discharge papers ready, Ava. You should be good to go

after breakfast tomorrow.”

And then she’s gone, leaving me alone with Lisa and the weight of my new reality pressing down on my chest. Guards. Constant surveillance. No privacy, no

freedom.

Is this really what my life has come to? Trading one form of captivity for another?

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95 Ava: Lisa (II)

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I close my eyes, fighting back the sudden sting of tears. I should be happy. I’m alive, I’m safe, I’m surrounded by people who care about me. But all I feel is trapped, already suffocated by the expectations and obligations that come with being Lucas’s mate.

I don’t want guards. I don’t want to be watched and monitored and controlled. I just want to be normal, to live my life on my own terms. To find me. I managed that at Cedarwood, and I was happy there.

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