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.

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Shocking Return

fall into

Ava’s face, those wide blue eyes that so easily sucker–punch me with so many

she doesn’t want you back?”

the possibility. Ava and I are meant to be together. I can feel it

will,” I say firmly. “I’ll make her

asshole,” but I choose to ignore it. He doesn’t have a fated mate connection. He doesn’t understand the pull between us,

she’s near.

the thought of seeing her again has me half–hard in my jeans. I shift uncomfortably, trying to adjust

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Lucas: Shocking Return

soft skin under my fingers

my tongue.

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

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

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

Kellan’s response before I end the

my peripheral vision, and I feel a sense of

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Lucas: Shocking Return

until I’m at Ava’s doorstep, ready to grovel at

the potential war with Blackwood 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 to access chapters of novels early and in

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

come.

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

Where is

catches my eye from her usual table,

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

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Shocking Roturn

me, her voice strained. “Have

seat.”

my body tense as I perch on the edge

hands 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.

missing. I leave on

she leave on

something more

her?

looking for her, like they

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