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

a mind link like we

limited by distance, but still

of vampires is as modern as they come 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 city lin Ryder's tension in front of my desk tells me everything I need

Nothing.

a single lead outside

even a rumor on this Mad Prince? That's

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

to contain the flare of irritation at a delta daring

idea

gesture that has my mental hackles

my throat as I scratch at my beard. and lean back in my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest. After a few moments, I

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☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

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

too soon.

you in your qu Fury lashes through me, hot and sharp. All those innocent lives

updates." His too-calm words pull

them. Their daughter is still

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

world. They're not equipped to handle this kind

if the Granite City police-who are well aware of their

170 1ess Brand

issues at play-were to

nothing more

investigate a supernatural

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

door.

human joining the investigation is likely to have a hard time," Ryder points

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

limits, desperate for a break in the case, some way to strike back at the monsters

check on the preparations for the rites. Keep