Tangled

44 Lucas: Shocking Return

44 Lucas: Shocking Return

LUCAS

The highway flies by in a blur of white lines and

endless pine forests as I grip the steering wheel tightly with one hand, the other holding a cigarette I

shouldn’t be having. I quit smoking a long time ago, but the past forty–eight hours have been hell.

I didn’t get to see Ava for a couple days after flying out when I got the news that our scout was murdered, his body hanging between the Blackwood and Westwood territories. I don’t even know what Ava thought of my note taped to her dining table, explaining that I’d be back as soon as I could.

Is she grateful I’m not there? Or is she missing me?

My cell phone is pressed between my ear and shoulder while I shout into it in between puffs of the

cancer–causing burn stick I’ve been craving for the past twenty miles,

“I don’t give a flying fuck, Kellan,” I growl, cutting off his protest. “I’m not leaving Washington for the next three days, so don’t even fucking think about calling

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44 Lucas: Shocking Return

me back there.”

“Lucas, come on. The Blackwoods-”

“Aren’t going to do anything first.” My jaw clenches as I take a sharp turn, tires screeching. “You know they’re trying to bait us into the first move. We have no proof the Blackwoods killed him. Until we do, we can’t do shit. And since we can’t do shit, I need to see Ava.”

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Alpha.” Kellan’s sigh crackles through the speaker. “If Blackwood finds out you’re sniffing around Grey’s daughter…”

“He’ll what? Start a war?” I let out a harsh laugh. “He won’t alienate his allies. He’s hoping they’ll help him when the war comes. He won’t take the first step.”

“It changes everything and you know it.”

I can practically hear Kellan’s disapproved frown. He’s been frustrated, saying my obsession with Ava keeps me too far from the pack and the issues going on

there.

He’s not wrong, but nothing is more important than

my mate.

her home.

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Lucas: Shocking

into place.

make things right with her, Kell.” My voice softens as I picture Ava’s face, those wide blue eyes that so

if she doesn’t want you

to consider the possibility. Ava and I are meant to be together. I can feel it in my bones, in

will,” I say firmly. “I’ll make

have a fated mate connection. He doesn’t understand the pull

she’s near.

to adjust myself without taking my hands off the wheel. It’s been months

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Lucas: Shocking Return

skin under my fingers and tasted

my

I claim every inch of her body. I want to bury myself inside her tight heat and make her scream

low growl rumbles in my chest as I imagine it: Ava spread out on my bed, her blonde hair fanned across the pillow as I hover over her. I’d take my time with her, worshipping every curve and valley until she’s trembling with need. And when she’s right on the edge, begging for release, I’d finally give it to her,

my zipper. I press down on the gas pedal, urging the car to go faster. I

waiting for Kellan’s response

to Cedarwood” sign flashes by in my peripheral vision, and I feel a sense of

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Lucas: Shocking Return

few more miles until I’m at Ava’s

or the dead scout or any of the other bullshit waiting for me back home. All that matters is Ava and earning her forgiveness. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ

I’ve been fantasizing about. The thought brings a wolfish grin to my

come.

the cozy interior for any sign of Ava. The scent of coffee and old books usually brings a sense of comfort, but today it only fuels my anxiety. She’s not behind the counter, and a quick glance around the seating area confirms she’s not here

is she?

catches my eye

make my way to her, dodging the mid–morning rush of customers.

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Shocking

she greets me, her voice strained. “Have

seat.”

as I perch on the edge of the chair. “What’s going

tightly in front of her. “That’s what I was hoping you could tell me. She hasn’t shown up for work in the past couple of days. No call, no explanation. Her dog is missing, too.”

my chest. Ava’s missing. I leave

she leave on her own?

is it something

Blackwood found her? Those assholes have

they finally

voice rough. “I’ve been out of town