Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 170 Lucas: Rites

LUCAS

"Everything's ready for the pack rites, but are you sure our Luna won't be there?"

Delta Ryder looks as exhausted as I feel. Aside from the moments I stole to be with Ava at the expense of my pack duties, I've had no sleep or rest.

My wolf has been silent in my head since she left. We don't have the connection that Ava seems to have with Selene—our conversations aren't as in depth, and he doesn't feel like a completely separate entity as their bond is—but he still feels the loss of his pack children keenly.

He doesn't even have a name, and I can't believe I've never asked him about it.

I've always called him my wolf.

"No. She's intending to visit with her mother again and see if she can glean any more information." Not that I'm sure why. I want to tell Kellan to drag her back to Westwood at all costs, but that's a terrible way to keep her trust.

Despite having a magnet for trouble, I need to let her make decisions for herself.

Rubbing between my eyebrows, I shuffle through more reports. Another dead scout, though we can't find his body.

Ryder has a few humans he trusts in the Unregistered city, but we have no word from them and no way to check on them. They don't have a mind link like we do as shifters.

is limited by distance,

almost completely closed to any of the large wolf packs. Even the rogue shifters allowed within their city

me everything I need

Nothing.

this time and we haven't manufactured a single lead

even a rumor on this Mad Prince? That's what you're

he exists," Ryder agrees quietly. "Are you absolutely

out, unable to contain the flare of irritation at

he has no idea who gave

up in a placating gesture that has my mental hackles rippling. "I didn't mean to

as I scratch at my beard and lean back in my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest. After a few moments, I force myself to rein in my temper.

immediately, but the tension radiating from him mirrors my own. "What else can you tell me about the pack rites?" The words feel like sandpaper on my

service." Ryder's voice is steady, but I can see the pain in his eyes. "Your funeral

through me, hot and sharp. All those innocent lives lost, and for what? I have nothing to tell their families, no

calling every few hours for updates." His too-calm words pull me

the morning." Even though we have no news, no hope to give them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering at

on the local police being part

talk to them." Though I already know what a disaster that will be.

their jurisdiction and would only send someone sensitive to the supernatural issues at play—were to join the investigation,