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

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170 LUCA Rame

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

link like we do

is limited by

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.

manufactured a single lead outside of what Ava's learned from

on this

Ryder

unable to contain the flare of irritation

no idea

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

my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest. After a few moments, I force myself

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

but the tension radiating from him mirrors. my own. "What else can you tell me about the pack rites?" The words feel like sandpaper on my tongue. A funeral for all the young wolves

too soon.

their Elder Healer arrived an hour ago to 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 Fury lashes through me, hot and sharp. All those innocent

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

give them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering at the hands of a sadistic

talk to them." Though I already know what a disaster that

not equipped to handle this

aware of their jurisdiction and would

170 1ess Brand

issues at play-were to join the investigation, it

more

investigate a supernatural

only asking for more bodies to add to the death toll, and

door.

investigation is likely to have a

a deep breath, I force myself to

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

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