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.

bring her home. Once I

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Lucas: Shocking

into place.

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

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

say firmly.

He doesn’t have a fated mate connection. He doesn’t understand the

she’s near.

jeans. I shift uncomfortably, trying to adjust myself without taking my hands off the wheel. It’s been months since I last touched her,

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Lucas: Shocking

skin under my fingers and

my

I want to bury myself inside her tight heat and make her scream my name

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

the confines of my zipper. I press down on the gas pedal, urging the car to go faster. I need to get

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

Cedarwood” sign flashes by in my peripheral

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Shocking

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

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

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

come.

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

Where is she?

Elkins catches my eye

make my way to her,

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Shocking

she greets me, her voice

seat.”

tense as I perch on the

could tell me. She hasn’t shown up for work in

Ava’s missing. I leave on pack business and now

she leave on her

it something

Blackwood found her? Those assholes

looking for her, like they

admit, my voice rough. “I’ve been out