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.

like a caged beast. The cool air brought in by an open window

I need

silence. “I want eyes on Jessa Grey the moment she sets foot in Granite City. I want to know her every move, every breath she takes. And

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Lucas: Realization (1)

the sentence hanging, the implication clear. Kellan nods, his expression grim. He understands the

actions, like we have a thousand times. But this time, I let my mind linger on Ava. On the garden. On

developed some kind of pheromone enhancer?” I muse aloud, my eyes focused on something beyond the walls of this room.

that night, I didn’t sense anything unusual. No hint

manipulation.”

“She probably applied it in the garden, knowing I was watching her.

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Lucas Realization (1)

me believe there’s a connection, and then use

his brow furrowed in thought. “I suppose that’s possible, but her relationship with her family seemed strained. The way they interacted,

united front.”

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

“I hadn’t considered that angle. It

website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest

curling into fists at my sides. The thought of Ava being used in such a way, of her willing participation in this deception, fuels the rage that warms my skin.

growl, my voice low and dangerous. “The Blackwood Pack

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Realization (1)

them destroy everything we’ve built, everything we stand for.”

is grim. “I know. We all do. We’re behind you, Lucas. We’ll keep a close eye on Jessa, and if we find any evidence of foul play…”

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

to protect. The Blackwood Pack may be able to hold their

matter the cost.

***

clear the fog of sleep from my mind as I

I call out, my voice

the room, his posture stiff and his

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