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.

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

before midnight. Surprisingly,

never existed.

38

Lucas: Realization

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 to her offspring, potentially increasing their combat power in the next generation. They do not believe her defect would be passed down. My source believes that once she proved her ability to bear children,

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 friendly

has no intention of mating

cost. The source who provided these details was one of Alpha

breed proper alpha heirs

14:44

4/8

Lucas: Realization

to return to the Westwood Pack as soon as possible to ensure my own safety and share any

Westwood, I urge you to

The Blackwood Pack’s treatment of Ava and their apparent disregard for her well–being raise serious concerns about

knowledge wisely to protect not only Ava but also

Your loyal scout,

Ethan Hawke

on that, remembering her delicate face behind those thick–framed glasses. So,

58

Lucas: Realization

to scent

snarling and snapping at the air. We would normally know once her wolf appears, but she has no wolf. That is why the

out of my lungs. Fuck. Fuck.

Ava is wolfless, the odd connection would make sense, The Blackwood Pack never did anything to her. And if I were to be fully honest, the connection had begun on sight, before I had ever scented her.

had to

And you threw our mate

Shit.

that to the 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 disappear.

Fuck!

Realization (II)

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

sweet, perfect mate.

Fuck.

the plans Alpha Blackwood had made for that

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