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 do

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Lucas: Shocking Return

into place.

blue eyes that so easily sucker–punch me with so many feelings. “I’m finally making progress. I’m going to

she doesn’t want you back?”

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

firmly. “I’ll

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

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

skin under my fingers and tasted

my tongue.

her body. I want to bury

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

the car to go faster.

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

sign flashes by in my peripheral vision, and

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Lucas: Shocking

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

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 the

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

come.

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 here

is she?

Elkins catches my eye

I make my way

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Shocking Roturn

me, her

seat.”

as I perch on the edge of the chair. “What’s going on? Where’s Ava?”

front of her. “That’s what I was hoping you could tell me. She

chest. Ava’s missing. I

leave on her

is it something

Blackwood found her? Those assholes have

looking for her, like they finally realized what they lost.

I admit, my voice rough. “I’ve been out