Tangled

18 Lucas: Realization (1)

18 Lucas: Realization (I)

LUCAS

The frost of winter thaws, giving way to the brisk air of spring. The days drag on, each moment blurring into the next as my frustration builds. Weeks have passed since that fateful night at the Lunar Gala, and still, the

Blackwood Pack’s intentions remain shrouded in

mystery, even with summer peeking around the corner. My wolf paces restlessly within me, yearning for answers, for action, for her.

My obsession grows.

I slam my fist on the desk, the impact reverberating through the room. Kellan, ever the loyal beta, barely flinches. He knows better than to disturb me when I’m

like this, consumed by the need to unravel the web of

secrets that surrounds us.

A missive arrived last week from Alpha Blackwood, a terse notification that his beta’s daughter, Jessa Grey, would be attending the local university here in Granite City. The balls on that asshole, sending her into our territory without so much as a proper request for

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18 Lucas: Realization (1)

permission. It’s an unspoken rule among our kind, a courtesy extended to the ruling pack when an outsider plans to stay within their domain.

I can’t help but wonder if this is another ploy, another move in the twisted game that Blackwood seems intent on playing. Jessa’s presence here, so close to the heart of our pack, sets my teeth on edge. What secrets does she carry? What lies will she spin to further her alpha’s agenda?

My thoughts drift naturally to her, the girl who haunts my every waking moment. Ava. The memory of her scent, her touch, the way she surrendered to me in the garden–it’s seared into my very being. And yet, my hatred grows by the day.

caged beast. The cool air brought

I need

on Jessa Grey the moment she sets foot in Granite City. I want to know her every move, every breath she takes. And if you find even a whisper of information about her sister…”

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2/T

Realization

the sentence hanging, the implication clear. Kellan nods, his expression grim. He understands the gravity of the situation, the weight that rests upon our shoulders.

behind the Blackwood Pack’s actions, like we have a thousand times. But this time, I let my mind linger on Ava. On the

beyond the walls of this room. “A way to

When I met Ava that night, I

manipulation.”

“She probably applied it in

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Realization

there’s a

that’s possible, but her relationship with her family seemed strained. The way they interacted, the tension between them, wasn’t

united front.”

“Exactly. And that’s why it’s even more likely. Think about it, Kellan. If Ava’s relationship with her father is rocky, she’d be even more desperate to prove herself, to earn his approval. Sacrificing herself, using her

widen. “I hadn’t considered that angle.

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into fists at my sides. The thought of Ava being used in such a way, of her willing participation in this deception, fuels

to be prepared for anything,” I growl, my voice low and dangerous. “The Blackwood Pack

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Lucas: Realization (1)

them destroy everything we’ve built, everything we stand

keep a close eye

when they try to mess with the Westwood Pack.” There’s no

gaze sweeping over the city that is mine to protect. The Blackwood Pack may be able to hold their secrets, but they have no

matter the cost.

***

the fog of sleep from my mind as

out, my voice rough.

enters the room, his posture stiff and his expression guarded. I

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