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

link like we

by distance,

large wolf packs. Even the

Nothing.

time and we haven't manufactured a single lead outside of what Ava's learned from her

even a rumor on this Mad Prince?

verify he exists," Ryder agrees

of irritation at a delta daring to question

he has no idea who gave

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

tears from my throat as 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 rein in

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

my own. "What else can you tell me about the pack rites?" The

too soon.

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

have been calling every few hours for updates." His too-calm words pull me from my spiraling

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 "They insist on

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

equipped to

if the Granite City police-who are well aware of their

170 1ess Brand

issues at play-were to join the investigation, it

nothing more than

investigate

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

door.

have a hard time," Ryder points out, echoing

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

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

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