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

like

is limited by distance,

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

Nothing.

lead outside of what

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

to even verify he exists," Ryder agrees quietly.

to contain the flare of irritation at a delta daring

no idea

has

lean back in my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest. After

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

tell me about the pack rites?"

too soon.

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?

been calling every few hours for updates." His too-calm words

news, no hope to give them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering at the hands of a sadistic vampire, a

talk to them." Though I already know

They're not equipped to

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

170 1ess Brand

issues at play-were to join

nothing more than

investigate

to add to the death toll, and the Unregistered don't

door.

human joining the investigation is likely to have a hard

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

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

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