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

fall into place.

those wide blue eyes that so easily sucker–punch me with so many feelings. “I’m finally

doesn’t want you

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 for her.

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

his breath that sounds suspiciously like “stubborn asshole,” but I choose to ignore it. He doesn’t have a fated mate connection. He doesn’t understand the

she’s near.

in my jeans. I shift uncomfortably, trying to adjust myself without taking my

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skin under my fingers and tasted her

my tongue.

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

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 deep as I

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

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

Cedarwood” sign flashes by in my peripheral vision, and I feel

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Lucas: Shocking Return

in my gut. I’m so close now, just a few more miles until I’m at Ava’s doorstep, ready to grovel at her

for me back home. All that matters is Ava and earning

The thought brings a wolfish grin to my face as I take the exit into town, my heart pounding in anticipation

come.

cozy interior for any sign of Ava. The scent of coffee and old books usually brings a sense of comfort, but today

Where is she?

my eye from

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

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Shocking

me, her voice strained.

seat.”

the edge of the chair. “What’s

her 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. Her

Ava’s missing. I leave on pack business and

she leave on her

something

her? Those assholes have

looking for her, like they finally realized

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