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

outside world, they are almost completely closed to any of the large wolf packs. Even the rogue

Nothing.

lead outside

on this

he exists," Ryder agrees quietly.

contain the flare of irritation at a delta daring

idea

has my

chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest. After a few moments, I force myself to rein

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

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

too soon.

eyes. "Your funeral clothes are ready for you in your qu Fury lashes through me, hot and sharp. All those innocent lives

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

a hand over my face. "I'll call them in the morning." Even though we have no news, no hope to give them.

know

world. They're not equipped to handle

of their jurisdiction and would only send someone sensitive

170 1ess Brand

issues at play-were to join the investigation, it

more

investigate a supernatural

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

door.

have

getting the better of me. Taking a deep breath, I force myself to relax.

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

move, to do something. "I'm going to check on the preparations for the rites. Keep