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.

14:58

2/9

Shocking

fall into

My voice softens as I picture Ava’s face, those wide blue eyes that so easily

she doesn’t want you back?”

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

will,” I say firmly. “I’ll make her

under 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

she’s near.

the thought of seeing 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

14:58 •

3/9

Shocking

my

my tongue.

inch of her body. I want to bury myself inside her tight heat and make her scream my name until she forgets anyone else ever

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

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

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

by in my peripheral

14:58

Shocking

I’m at Ava’s doorstep, ready to

for me back home. All that matters is Ava and earning her forgiveness. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Find_Nøvel.ɴet

fantasizing about. The thought brings a wolfish grin to my face as

come.

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

Where is

my eye

me over with a grim expression. I make my way to her,

14:50

Shocking

she greets me, her voice strained. “Have

seat.”

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

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

heart clenches painfully in my chest. Ava’s missing. I leave on pack business and

she leave on her

something more

found her? Those

they

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