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 do as

by distance, but still

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

Nothing.

manufactured a single lead outside of what Ava's

a rumor on this Mad

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

unable to contain the flare of irritation at a delta daring to question their

idea

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

frustrated growl tears from 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,

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

me about the pack rites?" The words feel like

too soon.

Ryder's voice is steady, but I can see the pain in his eyes. "Your funeral clothes are ready for you in your qu Fury lashes through me, hot

for updates."

them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering at the hands of

talk to them." Though I already know

equipped to handle

are well aware of their jurisdiction

170 1ess Brand

play-were to

more than

investigate a supernatural

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

door.

have a hard time,"

snap, my frayed nerves getting the better of me. Taking a deep breath, I force myself

on his face. We're all pushed to our limits, desperate for a break in the case, some way

check on the preparations for the