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.

desk, pacing the length of my office like a caged beast. The cool air brought in by an open window does little to soothe my

I need

on Jessa Grey the moment she sets foot in Granite City. I want to know her every move, every

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Realization

expression grim. He understands the gravity of the situation, the weight that rests upon our

as I once again contemplate the possible motives behind the Blackwood Pack’s actions, like we have a thousand times. But this time, I let my mind linger on Ava. On the garden. On that scent that I can never forget and how there was something different about it

beyond the walls of this room.

Lucas. When I met Ava that

manipulation.”

to face him. “She probably applied it in the garden, knowing I was watching

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Lucas Realization

there’s a connection, and then use

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

united front.”

prove herself, to

widen. “I hadn’t considered

on

into fists at my sides. The thought of Ava being used in such a

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

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Lucas: Realization (1)

them destroy everything we’ve

keep a close eye on

when they try to mess with the Westwood

my gaze sweeping over the city that is mine to protect. The Blackwood Pack may be able to hold their secrets, but they

matter the cost.

***

at the door jolts me awake, scattering the papers strewn across my desk. I blink, trying to clear the fog of sleep from my

in,” I call out, my

the room, his posture

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