Tangled

170

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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

link like we do as

limited by distance, but

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

Nothing.

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

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

he exists," Ryder agrees quietly. "Are you

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

has no idea who gave

a placating gesture that has

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

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

him mirrors. my own. "What else can you tell me about the pack rites?" The words feel

too soon.

solidarity during the service. 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 and sharp. All those innocent lives lost, and for what? I have

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

we have no news, no hope to give them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering at the hands of a sadistic vampire, a "They insist on the local police being

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

equipped to handle this

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

170 1ess Brand

to

nothing more than a

can investigate

toll, and

door.

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

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 this

but I can see the strain on his face. 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 the preparations for the rites.