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

almost completely closed to any of the large wolf packs. Even the

Nothing.

lead outside of what Ava's learned from

even a rumor on this Mad Prince?

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

of irritation

no idea who

that has my

my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest. After a few moments,

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

else can you tell me about the pack rites?" The words

too soon.

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

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

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 a sadistic vampire, a "They insist on the local police being part of

sigh escapes me. "I'll talk to them." Though I already know what a disaster that will be. Humans have no idea

to handle

are well aware of their jurisdiction and would only send someone

170 1ess Brand

play-were to join the

more than a

can investigate

toll, and the Unregistered don't play nicely with any

door.

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

Taking a deep breath, I force myself to relax. "I'm sorry, Ryder. I

understanding, 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

to do something. "I'm going to check on the preparations for the rites. Keep me updated if anything