Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 427

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.

trot back to

There must be limitations to their skill. Energy cost. Distance. Number of people they can transport. Sister Miriam was able

specific point? one of my

Thinking of how their numbers seemed to shrink, and how we assumed it was from them covering their tracks more wisely, I

end. Why? That seems strange, if he

answers; I'm convinced these damn bloodsuckers are trying to

out privately,

should follow

pulses through

It's a trap.

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

that. They expected

And if we're wrong?

with readiness, bloodthirsty

And I am, too.

Vester's question hangs in the

announce, We backtrack. It's time

perk forward.

divided, so we stay together and

back. The crisp scent of Ryder remains where we found it,

leads west, away from the

certainty floods our bond again. Whatever awaits us, he's ready

Stay alert.

trail to follow, and our pace is fast. The tracks in

thick it coats my tongue. No wolf's scent should

wrong. Aurum's ears flatten against our skull. This isn't

paws sink into the deep snow as we crest another hill. The landscape stretches before us, white and pristine save for scattered patches of

wind shifts, bringing another wave of Ryder's scent. My nose burns from its intensity. Aurum's hackles rise, his aggression

formation

hills offer too many places

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

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

is wrong. Aurum's thoughts mirror my

of wind brings not just Ryder's scent, but

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