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.

home.

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Lucas: Shocking

fall into

with her, Kell.” My voice softens as I picture Ava’s face, those wide blue eyes that so easily

if she doesn’t want

are meant to be together. I can feel it

will,” I say firmly. “I’ll make her

“stubborn asshole,” but I choose to ignore it. He doesn’t have a fated mate connection.

she’s near.

her again has me half–hard in my jeans. I shift uncomfortably, trying to adjust myself without taking my

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soft skin under my fingers and tasted

my tongue.

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

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

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

to go,” I grunt into the phone, not waiting for Kellan’s response before I end the call and toss it onto the passenger seat.

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

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Lucas: Shocking Return

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

home. All that matters is Ava and earning

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

come.

burst through 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 around the seating area confirms she’s not here at

Where is she?

eye from

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

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Lucas: Shocking

greets me, her voice

seat.”

on the edge

tightly in front of her. “That’s what I was hoping you could tell me. She hasn’t

my chest. Ava’s missing. I

leave on her own?

it something more sinister?

found her? Those

looking for her, like they finally realized what

“I’ve been out of town for a few days. Fuck, I should have been