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

like

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

Nothing.

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

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

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

out, unable to contain the flare of irritation at

has no idea who gave

go up in a placating gesture that has my mental hackles

throat as I scratch at my beard. and lean back in my chair,

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

you tell me about the pack rites?" The words feel like sandpaper on my tongue. A funeral

too soon.

are ready for you in

been calling every few hours for updates."

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

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

not equipped to handle this kind

well aware of their jurisdiction and would

170 1ess Brand

at play-were to join the investigation,

more than

can investigate a

the death toll, and the Unregistered don't

door.

joining the investigation is likely to have a hard time," Ryder points

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

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

to do something. "I'm going to check