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

mind link like we do

is limited by

wolf packs. Even the rogue shifters allowed within their city lin Ryder's tension in front of my

Nothing.

we haven't manufactured a single lead outside

rumor on this

exists," Ryder agrees quietly. "Are you absolutely positive on the

unable to contain the flare of irritation at a delta daring

no idea who gave me

has my mental hackles rippling. "I didn't mean to

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

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

"What else can you tell me about the pack rites?"

too soon.

"Your funeral clothes are ready for you in your

few hours for updates." His too-calm words pull me from

hand 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,

I already know what a disaster that will be. Humans

equipped to

well aware of their jurisdiction and would

170 1ess Brand

to join the

more than

human can investigate a supernatural

more bodies to add to the death toll,

door.

the investigation is likely to have a

me. Taking a deep breath, I

face. We're all pushed to our limits, desperate for a break in the case, some way to strike back at the monsters who did

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