Tangled

170

170

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

like we do as

is limited by distance, but still

any of the large wolf packs. Even the rogue shifters allowed within their city lin Ryder's tension in front of my desk tells me everything I need to

Nothing.

manufactured a single lead

can't find even a rumor on this Mad

Ryder agrees quietly.

grit out, unable to contain the flare of irritation at a delta daring

has no idea who gave

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

beard. and lean back in my chair, the weight of responsibility

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

you tell me about the pack rites?"

too soon.

ready for you in your

updates." His too-calm words pull me from

have no news, no hope to give them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering at the hands of a sadistic vampire, a "They insist on

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

equipped to handle this kind

well aware of their

170 1ess Brand

to join the investigation,

as nothing more than

investigate a

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

door.

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

know," I snap, my frayed nerves getting the better of me. Taking a deep breath, I force myself to relax. "I'm sorry, Ryder.

can see the strain on his face. We're all pushed to our limits,

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