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

by distance,

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.

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

on this Mad Prince?

exists," Ryder agrees quietly. "Are you absolutely positive on the

out, unable to contain the flare of

no idea who gave

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

back in my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest. After a few moments,

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

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

too soon.

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,

hours for updates." His too-calm words pull me from my

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

Though I already know

They're not equipped to

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

170 1ess Brand

play-were to

more than a

human can investigate a

add to the death toll, and the Unregistered don't play nicely with any government entity at

door.

the investigation is likely to have a hard time," Ryder

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

understanding, but 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

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