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

mind link like we do

by distance, but

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. Even the rogue

Nothing.

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

find even a rumor on this Mad Prince? That's what you're

verify he exists," Ryder agrees quietly. "Are you absolutely

contain the flare of irritation at

no idea who gave me

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

throat as I scratch at my beard. and lean back in my chair, the

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

obeys immediately, but the tension radiating from him mirrors. my own. "What else can you tell me about the pack rites?" The words feel like sandpaper

too soon.

see the pain in his eyes. "Your funeral clothes are ready for you in your qu Fury lashes through

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

running a hand over my face. "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

know what a disaster that will

They're not equipped to handle this kind

the Granite City police-who are well aware of

170 1ess Brand

at play-were to join the investigation,

more than

investigate a

to the death toll, and the

door.

joining the investigation is likely to have

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

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

going to check on the preparations