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

is limited by distance,

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

Nothing.

this time and we haven't manufactured a single lead outside of

on this Mad Prince?

Ryder agrees quietly. "Are you absolutely positive

the flare of

if he has no idea who gave

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

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

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

tell me about the pack rites?" The words feel like sandpaper on my

too soon.

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,

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

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

know what a disaster

They're not equipped to

aware of their

170 1ess Brand

play-were to join the investigation,

as nothing more than a

investigate a supernatural

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

door.

the investigation is likely to have a hard

getting the better of me. Taking a deep breath, I force myself to relax. "I'm

limits, desperate for a break in the case,

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