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

15

170 LUCA Rame

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

link like we do

is limited by distance, but

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

Nothing.

haven't manufactured a single lead outside

on this Mad Prince? That's what

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

of irritation

he has no idea who gave me the

has my mental hackles rippling. "I

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

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

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

too soon.

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 lost, and

updates." His too-calm words

over my face. "I'll call them in the morning." Even though we have no news, no hope to give them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering at the hands of a sadistic vampire, a "They insist on the local

I already know what

world. They're not equipped to handle

police-who are well aware of

170 1ess Brand

issues at play-were to join the investigation,

nothing more

human can investigate

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

door.

is likely to have a hard time," Ryder points

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

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

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