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.

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

Gala, where she was last seen leaving 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.

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Lucas: Realization

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 her family’s genes would be passed down

another pack, in hopes of increasing his power in the Council. It is uncertain if this alliance is friendly or with darker designs in mind. Whatever plans he has, he holds close to his vest. Jessa Grey has been seen attending Luna training,

has no intention of

details

to breed proper alpha heirs Shortly after

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Lucas: Realization

that my own position may be compromised, and I plan to return to the Westwood

I urge you

her well–being raise serious concerns about the morality of their pack leadership, and what they might do

wisely to protect not only Ava but also the interests of our own pack.

Your loyal scout,

Ethan Hawke

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

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Realization (II)

to scent the

snapping at the air. We would normally know once her wolf appears,

the breath out of my lungs. Fuck.

Blackwood Pack never did anything to her. And if I were to be fully

to be fate.

my wolf growls. And you threw our

Shit.

side for a moment. If I don’t, I might just throw my fucking desk through the window. Son of a fucking bitch. My mate. And I let her go. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest

Let her disappear.

Fuck!

Lucas: Realization (II)

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

Ava. My sweet, perfect mate.

Fuck.

plans Alpha Blackwood had made for that

painting a picture far more disturbing