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.

need to bring her home. Once I do that,

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Shocking

into

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

doesn’t

question hangs heavy in the air, but I refuse to consider the possibility. Ava and I are meant to be together. I can feel it in my bones, in the way my wolf howls

will,” I say firmly. “I’ll

to ignore it. He doesn’t have a fated mate connection. He doesn’t understand the pull between us, the raw, primal need that consumes

she’s near.

to adjust myself without taking my hands off the wheel. It’s been months since I last

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Shocking Return

under my fingers

my

every inch of her body. I want to bury myself inside her tight heat and make her scream

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

I press down on the gas pedal, urging the car to go faster. I need to get to Ava now, before I combust from the sheer force

grunt into the phone, not waiting for Kellan’s response before I end the call and toss

“Welcome to Cedarwood” sign flashes by in my peripheral vision, and

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Lucas: Shocking Return

few more miles until I’m at Ava’s doorstep, ready

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

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 into town, my heart pounding in anticipation of what’s to

come.

the doors 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

is she?

Elkins catches my eye from her

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

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Lucas: Shocking

me, her

seat.”

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

you could tell me. She hasn’t shown up for work in the past couple of days. No call, no explanation. Her dog is missing, too.”

painfully in my chest. Ava’s missing. I

on her own?

is it something more

found her? Those assholes

they finally

she is,” I admit, my voice rough. “I’ve been out of town for