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

a mind link like

is limited by distance, but

the city of vampires is as modern as they come and do business with the outside world, they are almost completely closed to any of the large wolf packs.

Nothing.

lead outside of what Ava's learned from

can't find even a rumor on this Mad Prince? That's what you're telling

verify he exists," Ryder agrees quietly. "Are

to contain the flare of irritation at a delta daring to question their

idea who gave me the

go up in a placating gesture that has my mental hackles rippling. "I didn't mean

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

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

can you tell me about the pack

too soon.

see the 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 for what? I have nothing to tell their families, no justice to offer them. No

for updates." His

them. Their daughter

already know what a

world. They're not equipped to handle this kind

Granite City police-who are well aware of their

170 1ess Brand

at play-were to join the investigation, it

as nothing more

human can investigate

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

door.

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

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

face. We're all pushed to our limits, desperate

stand abruptly, needing to move, to do something. "I'm going to check on the