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 do

by distance, but still

large wolf packs. Even the

Nothing.

we haven't manufactured a single lead outside of what

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

he exists," Ryder agrees quietly.

contain the flare of irritation at a delta daring to

no idea

in a placating gesture that has my mental hackles rippling. "I didn't mean

my throat as I scratch at my beard. and lean back in my chair,

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

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

too soon.

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 families, no justice to offer them. No way

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

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, a "They insist

sigh escapes me. "I'll talk to them." Though I already know what a disaster that will

not equipped to handle this kind

well aware of their jurisdiction and would only send someone

170 1ess Brand

to join the

more than

human can investigate a

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,

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

face. We're all pushed to our limits, desperate for a break

going to check on the preparations for the rites. Keep