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

link like we do as

is limited by

of the large wolf packs. Even the

Nothing.

a single lead outside of what Ava's learned from

find even a rumor on this

have yet to even verify he exists," Ryder agrees quietly. "Are you absolutely positive

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

he has no idea who gave me

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

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

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

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

too soon.

is steady, but I can see the pain in his eyes. "Your funeral clothes are ready for you in your

parents have been 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

"I'll talk to them." Though I already know what a disaster that will be. Humans have no idea about

to handle this kind

Granite City police-who are well aware of their jurisdiction and would

170 1ess Brand

to join the investigation,

nothing more than a

investigate a

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

door.

have a hard time," Ryder points

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

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

to do something. "I'm going to check on the