Tangled

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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

like we

limited by distance, but

any of the large wolf packs. Even the rogue shifters allowed within their city lin Ryder's tension

Nothing.

this time and we haven't manufactured a single lead outside of

find even a rumor on

have yet to even verify he exists," Ryder agrees quietly. "Are you

grit out, unable to contain the flare of irritation at

idea who gave me the

gesture that has my mental hackles rippling. "I

I scratch at my beard. and lean back in my chair,

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

"What else can you tell me about the pack rites?" The words feel like sandpaper on my tongue. A

too soon.

eyes. "Your funeral clothes are ready for you in your qu Fury lashes through me, hot and sharp. All those innocent lives lost, and for what? I have nothing to tell their families, no justice to

parents have been calling every few hours for updates." His

no news, no hope to give them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering at the hands

talk to them." Though I already know what a disaster that will be.

world. They're not equipped to handle this kind of

are well aware of their jurisdiction and would only send

170 1ess Brand

issues at play-were to

as nothing more

investigate

toll, and the Unregistered don't

door.

the investigation is likely to have a hard time,"

snap, my frayed nerves getting the better of me. Taking a deep breath, I force myself to relax. "I'm sorry, Ryder. I shouldn't take

can see the strain on his face. We're all pushed to our limits, desperate for a break

check on the preparations for the