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

a mind link like we do

is limited by distance,

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

Nothing.

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

a rumor on this

yet to even verify he exists," Ryder

I grit out, unable to contain the flare of

he has no idea who

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

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

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

from him mirrors. my own. "What else can you tell me about the pack rites?" The words feel like

too soon.

Healer arrived an hour 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 those innocent lives lost, and for what? I have nothing to

every few hours for updates."

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 hands of a sadistic

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

world. They're not equipped to handle this kind of

of

170 1ess Brand

issues at play-were to join

more than a

human can investigate a supernatural

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

door.

is likely to have a hard time,"

a deep breath, I force myself to relax. "I'm sorry, Ryder.

I can see the 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 monsters who

going to check on the preparations