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

a mind link like we do as

limited by distance,

modern as they come and do 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 tells me everything I need

Nothing.

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

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

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

flare of irritation at a delta daring to

has no idea who gave me

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

as I scratch at my beard. and lean back in my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest. After a

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

tension radiating from him mirrors. my own. "What else can you tell me about the pack rites?" The words feel like sandpaper

too soon.

ready for you

for updates." His

morning." Even though we have no news, no hope to give them. Their daughter is

I already know what a disaster that will be. Humans have no

world. They're not equipped to handle this

City police-who are well aware of

170 1ess Brand

at play-were to

as nothing more than

investigate

toll, and the

door.

investigation is likely to have a hard time," Ryder

deep breath,

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

check on the preparations for the rites. Keep