Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 427: Lucas: Follow the Trap

LUCAS

For Ryder's scent to be so crisp, he should be in range for a pack link.

And yet there's nothing when I try.

More evidence it's a trap.

We follow the original trail. There's always a chance I'm wrong, and it's really Ryder. If it is, though, he's in a better situation than Jericho to survive.

Choices. It always comes down to choosing. The hardest part of leadership.

My pack falls into line without question as we continue our pursuit of the attackers.

The original trail weaves between snow-covered pines. The tracks continue to lessen, until it seems as if only one of them remains, but each step is heavy in the snow. Jericho's drag marks persist, but at intervals, as if he's carried at some times and pulled along at others.

But then, after another mile of tracking, it all stops.

Vester circles the area where the trail ends, agitation swishing his tail. There's nothing. Not even a lingering scent.

The growl that vibrates my chest comes from Aurum; my brain's too busy processing what we're seeing. Check the perimeter. Twenty-yard radius.

My wolves spread out, methodically searching every inch. They examine trees, rocks, anything that could hide a clue. The sound of their movements only emphasizes the unnatural silence that's fallen in this part of the world.

But there's nothing.

We widen the perimeter, but stick together. Fifty yards.

Then seventy-five.

One hundred.

Still nothing.

First the empty camp, then the bodies, now this. Every lead dissolves like smoke the moment we get close, as if they're playing with us.

They must have teleported. But why wait until now? They should have done it from the start.

question is a valid one as we trot back to the end point of the

rules, just like anything else. There must be limitations to their skill. Energy cost. Distance. Number of people they can transport. Sister Miriam was able to appear over large distances, but from what we have

to wait until they reached a specific point? one of my scouts asks. Or

was from them covering their tracks more wisely, I add, They started it

Why? That seems strange, if he was

Always more questions without answers; I'm convinced these damn bloodsuckers are trying

privately, not broadcasting the option to the

should follow Ryder's

certainty pulses through our

It's a trap.

course it's a trap. Aurum's mental voice carries a hint of amusement. But traps work both

enemies want to split our forces—which means they're counting on us doing exactly that. They expected me to choose between Jericho and Ryder. At least, that's

And if we're wrong?

just radiates with readiness, bloodthirsty

And I am, too.

hangs in the

all of them, I announce, We backtrack. It's

perk forward.

stay together and spring their trap on

Ryder remains where

leads west, away from the direction Jericho

bond again. Whatever awaits us,

Stay alert.

It's an easy trail to follow, and our pace is fast. The tracks in the snow fade suddenly after half a mile,

Ryder saturates the air, so thick it coats my tongue. No wolf's scent should be this strong, not even if they

flatten against our skull. This

snow as we crest another hill. The landscape stretches before us, white and pristine save for scattered patches of brush

scent. My nose burns from its intensity. Aurum's hackles rise, his aggression bleeding into our

the formation to tighten. Check every

scanning the terrain. The snow-covered hills offer too many places to hide. Each dip and rise could conceal enemies

scouts motions toward a cluster of snow-laden bushes. The scent

approach with measured steps. The overwhelming smell of Ryder emanates from that spot like a beacon, drowning out any other scents that might

my

wind brings not just Ryder's scent, but