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

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170 LUCA Rame

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

a mind link like we

limited by distance, but still

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.

time and we haven't manufactured a single lead outside of

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

even verify he exists," Ryder agrees

to contain the flare of irritation at a delta daring to

idea who

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

I scratch at my beard. and lean back in my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest. After a few moments, I force myself to

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☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

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

too soon.

show solidarity during 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

calling every few hours for updates." His too-calm words

"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

I already know what

They're not equipped to handle

Granite City police-who are well aware of their

170 1ess Brand

issues at play-were to join

nothing more

investigate a supernatural

death toll, and the Unregistered don't play nicely

door.

to have a hard time," Ryder points out, echoing my

Taking a deep breath, I force myself to relax. "I'm sorry, Ryder. I shouldn't take this

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

going to check on the preparations for the