Tangled

170

170

170 Lucas: Rites

LUCAS

"Everything's ready for the pack rites, but are you sure our Luna won't be there?"

Delta Ryder looks as exhausted as feel. Aside from the moments I stole to be with Ava at the expense of my pack duties, I've had no sleep or rest.

My wolf has been silent in my head since she left. We don't have the connection that Ava seems to have with Selene-

our conversations aren't as in depth, and he doesn't feel like a completely separate entity as their bond is-but he still feels the loss of his pack children keenly.

He doesn't even have a name, and I can't believe I've never asked

him about it.

I've always called him my wolf.

"No. She's intending to visit with her mother again and see if she can glean any more information." Not that I'm sure why. I want to tell Kellan to drag her back to Westwood at all costs, but that's a terrible way to Despite having a magnet for trouble, I need to let her make decisions for herself.

Rubbing between my eyebrows, I shuffle through more reports. Another dead scout, though we can't find his body.

Ryder has a few humans he trusts in the Unregistered city, but we

17:30 - 0

15

170 LUCA Rame

have no word from them and no way to check on them. They don't

link like we do as

is limited by

and do business with the outside world, they are almost completely closed to any of the large wolf packs. Even the rogue shifters allowed within their

Nothing.

manufactured a single lead outside of what Ava's learned from her little

we can't find even a rumor on this Mad Prince? That's what you're

he exists," Ryder agrees quietly. "Are

I grit out, unable to contain the flare of irritation at a delta daring to question

if he has no idea who

up in a placating gesture that has my mental hackles rippling.

my beard. and lean back in my chair, the weight of responsibility

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

tell me about the pack rites?" The words feel like sandpaper on

too soon.

"Your funeral clothes are ready for you in

few hours for updates." His too-calm words pull me from

to give them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering at the hands of a sadistic vampire,

know what a disaster that will be. Humans have no

to

City police-who are well aware of their jurisdiction and would only send someone sensitive

170 1ess Brand

at play-were to

nothing more

can investigate

add to the death toll, and the Unregistered don't

door.

human joining the investigation is likely to have a hard

breath, I force myself to relax. "I'm sorry, Ryder. I shouldn't take

We're all pushed to our limits, desperate for a break in the case, some way to strike back at the monsters

to move, to do something. "I'm going to check on