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

by

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

Nothing.

single lead outside of what Ava's

on this Mad Prince? That's what you're

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

out, unable to contain the flare of irritation

if he has no idea who gave me

go up in a placating gesture that has my mental hackles

scratch at my beard. and lean back in my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest.

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

"What else can you tell me about the pack rites?" The words feel like sandpaper

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 me,

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

to give them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering at the hands of a sadistic vampire, a "They insist on the local police being part of the

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

equipped to handle this

the Granite City police-who are well aware of their jurisdiction and would only send someone

170 1ess Brand

play-were to join

more

human can investigate a

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

door.

is likely to have a hard time," Ryder points

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

nods in understanding, but I can see the strain on his face. We're all pushed to our limits, desperate for

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