Tangled

170

170

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 we do as

by

with the outside world, they are almost completely closed to any of the large wolf packs. Even the rogue

Nothing.

a single lead outside of what Ava's learned from her little vampire

we can't find even a rumor on

to even verify he exists," Ryder agrees quietly.

out, unable to contain the flare of irritation at a

has no idea who gave me

up in a placating gesture that has my mental hackles rippling. "I didn't mean to question you,

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

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

obeys immediately, but the tension 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

updates."

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

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

They're not equipped to handle this

of their

170 1ess Brand

play-were to join the investigation, it

as nothing more than

can investigate a

the death toll,

door.

investigation is likely to have a hard time," Ryder

frayed nerves getting the better of me. Taking a deep breath, I

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

stand abruptly, needing to move, to do something. "I'm going to check on the preparations