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.

to bring her home. Once I

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Shocking

into place.

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 going to fix this.”

doesn’t want you back?”

but I refuse to consider the possibility. Ava and I are meant to be together. I

will,” I say firmly. “I’ll make her see.”

ignore it. He doesn’t have a fated mate connection. He doesn’t understand

she’s near.

just the thought of seeing her again has me half–hard in 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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skin under my fingers and tasted

on my

her beneath me, writhing and moaning as I claim every inch of her body. I want to bury myself inside her tight heat and make her scream my name until she forgets anyone else

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

pedal, urging the car to go faster. I need to get to Ava

not waiting for Kellan’s response before I end the call and toss it

by in my peripheral

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Lucas: Shocking Return

I’m at Ava’s doorstep, ready

All that matters is Ava and earning her forgiveness.

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

come.

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 only fuels my anxiety. She’s not behind the counter, and a quick glance around the seating area confirms she’s not

is she?

catches my eye from her usual table,

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

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Lucas: Shocking

her voice

seat.”

comply, my body tense as I perch on the edge of the chair. “What’s going on? Where’s Ava?”

clasped 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

heart clenches painfully in my chest. Ava’s missing. I leave on pack business and now she’s

she leave on

something more sinister?

found her? Those assholes have

they finally realized what they

out of