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

limited by

business with the outside world, they are almost completely closed to any of the large wolf packs. Even the rogue shifters allowed within their city lin Ryder's tension in front of my desk

Nothing.

lead outside of what Ava's learned from her

we can't find even a rumor on this Mad

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

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

has no idea who

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

my chair,

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

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

too soon.

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

for updates."

we have no news, no hope to give them. Their daughter is still

sigh escapes me. "I'll talk to them." Though I already know

equipped to handle this

well aware of their jurisdiction and

170 1ess Brand

play-were to join

more than

can investigate

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

door.

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.

strain on his face. We're all pushed 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 for the rites.