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

is limited by distance, but

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 to know

Nothing.

this time and we haven't manufactured a single lead outside of what Ava's learned

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

exists," Ryder

contain the flare of irritation at a delta daring to question

no idea

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

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

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

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

too soon.

and their Elder Healer arrived an hour 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 lashes through me, hot and sharp. All those innocent lives

few hours for updates." His

morning." Even though we have no news, no hope to give them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering at the hands

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

They're not equipped to handle

aware of their jurisdiction and

170 1ess Brand

at play-were to join

nothing more than a

investigate a supernatural

for more bodies to add to the death toll, and the Unregistered don't play nicely with any government entity at

door.

have a hard time," Ryder points out, echoing

snap, my frayed nerves getting the better of me. Taking a deep breath, I force myself to

We're all pushed to our limits, desperate for a break in the case, some way to strike

check on the preparations for the rites. Keep me