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. Once

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2/9

Shocking

into

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

she doesn’t want you

Ava and I are meant to be together. I can feel it in my bones, in the way my wolf howls for

will,” I say firmly.

have a fated mate connection. He doesn’t

she’s near.

shift uncomfortably, trying to adjust myself without taking

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3/9

Shocking Return

skin under my fingers and tasted her

on my tongue.

moaning as I claim every inch of her body. I want to bury myself inside her

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

the car to go faster.

for Kellan’s response before

in my peripheral vision, and I feel a sense of anticipation

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Shocking Return

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

waiting for me back home. All that matters is Ava and earning her forgiveness.

get that steamy reconciliation I’ve been fantasizing about. The thought brings a wolfish grin

come.

a sense of comfort, but today it only fuels my anxiety. She’s not behind the counter, and a quick glance around the

Where is she?

my eye from her usual table,

over with a grim expression. I make my way to her, dodging the mid–morning rush of customers.

14:50

Shocking

greets me, her voice strained.

seat.”

I perch on the edge of

you could tell me. She hasn’t shown

my chest. Ava’s missing. I leave on pack

she leave on her

it something more

Blackwood found her? Those assholes

they finally realized what

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