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

by

to any of the large wolf packs. Even the rogue shifters

Nothing.

a single lead outside

a rumor on this Mad Prince? That's what you're telling

yet to even verify he exists," Ryder agrees quietly. "Are you absolutely positive on

out, unable to contain the flare of irritation at

no idea who gave me the

placating gesture that has my mental hackles rippling. "I didn't mean to question you,

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

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

tell me about the pack

too soon.

see the pain in his eyes. "Your funeral clothes are ready for you in your qu Fury lashes through me, hot and sharp. All those innocent lives lost,

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

"I'll call them in the morning." Even though we have no news, no hope to give them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering at the hands of

know what a disaster that will be. Humans have no

world. They're not equipped to handle

City police-who are well aware of their jurisdiction and would

170 1ess Brand

issues at play-were to join the investigation, it

nothing more than

can investigate a supernatural

add to the death toll, and the Unregistered don't play nicely with any government

door.

investigation is likely to have a hard time," Ryder points out, echoing

getting the better of me. Taking a deep breath, I force myself

to our limits, desperate for a break in the case, some way to

move, to do something. "I'm going to check on the preparations for the rites. Keep me