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.

bring her home. Once I do that,

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Shocking Return

into place.

right with her, Kell.” My voice softens as I picture Ava’s face, those wide blue eyes that so easily sucker–punch me with so many feelings. “I’m finally making progress. I’m

doesn’t want

I refuse to consider the possibility. Ava and I are meant

say firmly. “I’ll make her

something under his breath that sounds suspiciously like “stubborn asshole,” but I choose to ignore it. He doesn’t have a fated mate connection. He doesn’t understand the pull between us, the raw, primal

she’s near.

my jeans. I shift uncomfortably, trying to adjust myself without taking my hands off the wheel. It’s been months since I

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Shocking

my

my

bury myself inside her tight heat and make her scream

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, thrusting

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

into the phone, not waiting for Kellan’s response before I

by in my peripheral vision, and I feel a

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Lucas: Shocking

close now, just a few more miles until I’m at Ava’s doorstep, ready

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

if I’m lucky, maybe I’ll even get that steamy reconciliation I’ve been fantasizing about. The thought brings a wolfish grin to my face as I take the exit into town, my heart pounding in anticipation of

come.

of The Novel Grind, my eyes scanning the cozy interior for any sign of Ava. The scent of coffee and old books usually brings a sense of comfort, but today it

Where is

my eye from her usual

a grim expression. I make my way to her,

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Lucas: Shocking

her voice strained.

seat.”

comply, my body tense as I perch on the edge of the

me. She

missing. I leave on pack business and now she’s gone.

on her

it something more

found her?

they finally realized what they lost.

voice rough. “I’ve been out of town for a few days. Fuck, I should have been