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.

the length of my office like a caged beast. The

I need answers.

foot in Granite City. I want to know her every move, every breath she takes. And if

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Lucas: Realization (1)

clear. Kellan nods, his expression grim. He understands the gravity of the situation, the weight

mind linger on Ava. On the garden. On that scent that I can never forget and how there was something different about it all. My mind races, trying to piece together the fragments of information we’ve gathered.

enhancer?” I muse aloud, my eyes focused on something beyond the walls

don’t know, Lucas. When I met Ava that night, I didn’t sense anything unusual. No hint

manipulation.”

in the

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Realization (1)

don’t you see? Lure me in, make me believe there’s a connection, and then use that

relationship with her family seemed

united front.”

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 body as a tool to further their agenda… it’s exactly the kind of thing

hadn’t considered

Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to

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

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

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Lucas: Realization (1)

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

We all do. We’re behind you, Lucas. We’ll keep a

them what happens when they try to mess with the Westwood Pack.” There’s

Pack may be able to hold their secrets, but they have no idea who they’re dealing with. I will uncover

matter the cost.

***

across my desk. I blink, trying to clear the fog of sleep from my mind as I realize I must have dozed off while poring over the latest reports from Granite City.

in,” I call out, my voice

deltas, Ryder Thorn. He enters the room, his posture stiff and his expression

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