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

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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

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 tells me everything I

Nothing.

haven't manufactured a single lead outside of what Ava's learned

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

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

out, unable to contain the flare of irritation

if he has no idea who gave me the

go up in a placating gesture that has my mental

my throat as I scratch at my beard. and lean back in my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest. After a few moments, I force myself to rein

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☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

but the tension radiating from him mirrors. my own. "What else can you tell me about the pack rites?" The words feel like sandpaper on my tongue. A funeral for all the young wolves lost

too soon.

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

few hours for updates." His too-calm words pull me from my spiraling

we have no news, no hope to give them.

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

equipped to handle

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

170 1ess Brand

play-were to join the investigation,

nothing more

human can investigate

to add to the death toll, and the Unregistered don't play nicely with any government

door.

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

my frayed nerves getting the better of me. Taking a deep breath, I force myself to relax. "I'm sorry,

strain on his face. We're all pushed to our limits, desperate for a break in the case, some way to strike

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