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

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170 LUCA Rame

have no word from them and no way to check on them. They don't

link like we do as

limited by distance,

packs. Even the rogue shifters allowed within their city lin Ryder's

Nothing.

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

we can't find even a rumor on this Mad Prince? That's what

exists," Ryder agrees quietly. "Are you absolutely

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

no idea who gave me the

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

growl tears from 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

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

else can you tell me about the pack rites?" The words feel like sandpaper on my tongue. A funeral for all the young wolves

too soon.

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 through

every few hours for updates." His too-calm

give them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering at the hands of a sadistic

I already know what a disaster that will

not equipped to handle this

if the Granite City police-who are well aware of their

170 1ess Brand

play-were to

as nothing more

human can investigate a supernatural

only asking for more bodies to add to the death toll, and the Unregistered don't play

door.

likely to have a

Taking a deep breath, I force myself to relax. "I'm sorry,

his face. We're all pushed to our limits, desperate for a break in the case, some way to strike back at the monsters who did

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