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.

home.

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Shocking

fall into

things 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 going to fix

she doesn’t

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

say firmly. “I’ll

that sounds suspiciously like “stubborn asshole,” but I choose to ignore it. He doesn’t have

she’s near.

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 last touched her, since

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my fingers and tasted her

on my tongue.

me, writhing and moaning as I claim every inch of her body. I want to bury myself inside her

I hover over her. I’d take my time with her, worshipping

cock straining against the confines of my zipper. I press down on the gas pedal, urging the car to go faster. I need to get to Ava now, before I

to go,” I grunt into the phone, not waiting for Kellan’s response before I end the

sign flashes by in my peripheral vision, and I feel

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Shocking Return

more miles until I’m at Ava’s doorstep, ready to grovel at her feet if that’s what it

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

if I’m lucky, maybe I’ll even get that steamy reconciliation I’ve been fantasizing about. The thought brings a wolfish grin

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

is

eye

grim expression. I make my way to her,

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Lucas: Shocking

she greets me, her voice strained. “Have a

seat.”

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

sighs, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. “That’s what I was hoping you could tell me. She hasn’t shown

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

leave on her own?

something more sinister?

Blackwood found her? Those assholes

for her, like they finally

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