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

mind link like

is limited by distance, but

wolf packs. Even the rogue shifters allowed within their city

Nothing.

we haven't manufactured a single lead outside of

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

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

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

he has no idea who gave

that has my mental hackles rippling. "I didn't mean to

and lean back in my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest. After a few moments, I

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

radiating from him mirrors. my own. "What else can you tell me about the pack

too soon.

an hour ago to show 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.

been calling every few hours for updates." His

running a hand over my face. "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 a sadistic vampire,

I already know what a disaster that will be. Humans

to handle

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

170 1ess Brand

to join the

nothing more than

can investigate

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

door.

likely to have a hard time," Ryder points

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

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

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