Tangled

19 Lucas: Realization (II)

19 Lucas: Realization (II)

LUCAS

His spine straightens in an instant, and his face goes. blank. “Of course not, Alpha. I only worry that this obsession with the Blackwood girl is distracting you from what really matters.”

I stand in a swift motion, my chair scraping against the floor. Inexplicable rage fans the flames of months of irritation and frustration. “What matters is the safety and security of our pack. If the alpha of Blackwood is plotting against us, if they’re using Ava as a pawn in their twisted game, then it is my duty to uncover the truth. Don’t you agree?”

He takes a step back, his head bowed in submission. “I understand, Alpha. Forgive me for overstepping.”

I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my temper. “Your concern is noted, Delta. But I need you to trust me on this. I know what I’m doing.”

He nods, his expression still blank. “Of course, Alpha. I’ll leave you to your work.”

178

With that, he turns and leaves the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. I sink back into my chair, rubbing a hand over my face. The letter from the scout lies on my desk, taunting me with the promise of new information.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath as I try to quell the maelstrom of emotions raging within me. I know I need to approach this situation with a clear head, to separate my personal feelings from the cold, hard facts. But it’s easier said than done when it comes to

Ava.

With a heavy sigh, I unfold the missive, my eyes scanning the contents. Each word is like a punch to the gut, and I feel my heart sinking lower and lower with every line. The letter shakes in my hands as I read, a cold fury seeping into my bones with every damning word

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: URGENT: For Alpha’s Eyes Only

Attachment: Report.docx

19 Lucas: Realization (II)

My source within the Blackwood Pack has provided crucial information regarding Ava’s circumstances. She has been enduring severe mistreatment and neglect from her own family, with Beta Alexander Grey being the primary perpetrator of cruelty. Furthermore, her mother and siblings have displayed little regard for her well–being, demonstrating indifference or outright disdain. Ava is consistently subjected to assault by numerous pack members and is treated as an outcast within the community.

that Beta Grey’s decision to permit Ava’s attendance at college has raised eyebrows among the pack. However, rumors suggest that this allowance was motivated by a desire to remove her from his immediate vicinity. Notably, Ava has been working independently to finance her education, receiving no support

the building shortly before midnight. Surprisingly, the Blackwood Pack has made no effort to locate her or ensure her safety. It appears they have simply washed their hands of

never existed.

38

Lucas: Realization (II)

these revelations are, there is more to the story. My source within the Blackwood Pack has confided in me that Ava is a wolfless shifter–she is basically human. It seems that Alpha Blackwood and his inner circle had plans to use her as a breeder to several strong males within the pack. They believed that

to the ambitions of Alpha Blackwood, there is rumor that he wishes to create an alliance via mating with another pack, in hopes of increasing his power in the Council. It is uncertain if this alliance is

no intention of mating her.

The source who provided these details was one of Alpha Blackwood’s former

to breed proper alpha heirs

14:44

4/8

Lucas: Realization (II)

dead under suspicious circumstances. I fear that my own position may be compromised, and I plan to

you to consider this

carefully. The Blackwood Pack’s treatment of Ava and their apparent disregard for her well–being raise serious concerns about the morality of their pack leadership, and what they

you will use this knowledge wisely to protect not only Ava but also the interests of

Your loyal scout,

Ethan Hawke

mind reeling from the implications of its contents. Ava is a wolfless shifter. My mind focused on that, remembering her delicate

58

Realization (II)

or sight, or ability to scent the

wolf appears, but she has no

of

wolfless, the odd connection would make sense, The Blackwood Pack never did anything to her. And if I were

had to

my wolf growls. And you threw our mate away.

Shit.

I don’t, I might just throw my fucking desk through the window. Son of a fucking

Let her disappear.

Fuck!

Realization

as I picked up the letter again, re–reading it and letting every word stab into

Ava. My sweet, perfect

Fuck.

know the plans Alpha Blackwood had

the puzzle are falling into place, painting a picture far more disturbing than