Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 358

Left alone, I take the opportunity to glance around the cabin. It’s cozy, with a rustic charm that suits Kellan. My eyes land on the couch, and I’m surprised to see a pillow and blanket neatly folded at one end. It looks like Kellan’s been sleeping there.

The realization makes me frown. I knew things were awkward between Lisa and Kellan, but I didn’t realize it had gotten to the point where they weren’t even sharing a bed. The whole "fated mates" situation is clearly causing more tension than I’d thought.

I settle into an armchair to wait.

The shower shuts off, and a few minutes later, Lisa emerges wrapped in a fluffy towel, her hair damp and skin flushed from the hot water.

"Feel better?" I ask.

She nods, grabbing some clothes from a nearby dresser. "Much. Nothing like a hot shower after freezing your butt off outside."

As she dresses, I can’t help but ask about what I’ve noticed. "So, um, is Kellan sleeping on the couch?"

Lisa pauses, her shirt halfway over her head. She pulls it down slowly, avoiding my gaze. "Yeah."

I wait, giving her space to elaborate if she wants to. After a moment, she sighs and sits on the edge of the bed.

"It’s just... this whole fated mates thing is a lot, you know? I mean, I like Kellan. He’s great. But it feels like there’s all this pressure and expectation for our future, and I’m not sure I’m ready for that."

Sympathetic to her plight, I can only nod. "It’s a big adjustment, especially for someone who wasn’t raised in pack culture."

Lisa runs a hand through her damp hair. "Exactly. And Kellan’s been so patient and understanding, but I can tell it’s hard for him too. But, you know, he’s Kellan, and always trying to be a gentleman. So he decided he should give me even more space the other day."

"Hence the couch," I conclude.

"Hence the couch," she agrees with a wry smile.

I lean back in the chair, considering her words. Despite her words, there’s a layer of frustration in her voice.

"How are you feeling about it all?"

Lisa shrugs, her expression a mix of emotions. "Honestly? I’m not sure. Part of me is drawn to Kellan in a way I can’t explain. But another part of me is terrified of what it all means. I mean, am I supposed to just accept that some mystical force has decided who I’m meant to be with for the rest of my life?"

I think about my own complicated relationship with Lucas, the push and pull between us. "I get it," I say softly. "It’s not always as simple as the stories make it out to be."

Lisa looks at me gratefully. "Exactly. And then there’s all this other stuff going on. It’s a lot to process."

"Have you talked to Kellan about how you’re feeling?"

She sighs. "A little. But every time I do, it’s like he thinks he’s not giving me enough space, and it drives us further…" A vague gesture toward the couch. "Apart. Anyway. Enough about us."

I arch a brow, but don’t push the subject any further. If she doesn’t want to talk about it, I’m not going to force her.

"How are things with you and Lucas?"

I can’t help but chuckle at her attempt to change the subject. "Oh, you know. Complicated in our own special way."

Lisa raises an eyebrow. "Care to elaborate?"

I consider for a moment. "Have you heard any rumors lately?"

* * *

An hour later, armed with a tiny stash of venison jerky, four bottles of water, a freshly baked loaf of bed, and a watery soup that’s more potatoes than sausage—but surprisingly delicious—Lisa slams her hand against Kellan’s dining table.

"She’s outrageous."