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

mind link like we do

limited by distance, but still

the city 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 shifters allowed within their city lin Ryder's tension in front of my desk tells me everything I need to know about

Nothing.

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

rumor on

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

contain the flare of irritation at a delta daring

he has no idea

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

I scratch at my beard. and lean back in my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

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 lost

too soon.

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 lives lost,

for updates." His

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

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

equipped to handle

Granite City police-who are well aware of their

170 1ess Brand

to join

more than a

can investigate a

the death toll, and the

door.

the investigation is likely to have a hard

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

We're all pushed to our limits, desperate for a break in

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