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

link like we

by distance, but still

packs. Even the rogue shifters allowed within their city lin Ryder's tension in front of my desk tells me everything I need to know

Nothing.

manufactured a single lead

even a rumor on this Mad Prince? That's

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

the flare of irritation at a delta

no idea who gave me

delta's hands go up in a placating gesture that has my mental hackles rippling. "I didn't mean

in my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest. After a few moments, I force myself to rein

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

own. "What else can you tell me about the pack

too soon.

beta and their Elder Healer arrived 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. All those innocent lives lost, and for what? I have nothing to tell their

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

face. "I'll call them in the morning." Even though we have no news, no hope to give them.

I already know what a disaster that will be. Humans have

to handle this

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

170 1ess Brand

play-were to join the investigation,

as nothing more than a

investigate a

only asking for more bodies to add to the death toll, and the Unregistered

door.

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

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

I can see the strain on his face. We're all pushed to our limits, desperate for a break

going to check on