chapter 112
Tori's POV:
Dinner at the Grayson estate had left my nerves frayed.
The rich venison and various delicacies had also taken their toll on my stomach, unaccustomed as it was to such abundance.
I leaned toward Elizabeth, who had just finished explaining some ancient Grayson family tradition. "Would you excuse me for a moment? I need to use the restroom."
She nodded graciously. "Of course, dear. Down the hall, third door on the left."
The Grayson mansion was a labyrinth of corridors and rooms, but I managed to find the bathroom without difficulty, thanks to Elizabeth's clear directions.
After relieving myself, I splashed cold water on my face, trying to calm my racing thoughts.
I dried my hands and stepped back into the hallway, only to freeze in my tracks.
Ethan stood leaning against the opposite wall, moonlight from a nearby window casting half his face in shadow.
His scent—pine and cinnamon—reached me before he spoke, stirring unwelcome memories.
"I just wanted to see you," he said quietly, pain evident in his voice.
I remained silent, watching him warily as he studied me.
"He takes care of you," Ethan continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "I never thought I'd see my uncle like this... so attentive, so..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "You've changed him."
The moonlight shifted across his features, and for a moment, I caught a glimpse of the boy I had once loved—earnest, gentle, kind.
But that boy was gone everything could never go back.
"You look just like you did five years ago," he murmured, taking a step toward me. "Except your eyes. They used to look at me with such love... now there's only wariness and distance."
I took an instinctive step back, my wolf Tracy stirring uneasily within me. "Don't, Ethan. We can't go back."
Without waiting for his response, I retreated into the bathroom, quickly locking the door behind me.
My heart pounded against my ribs. Being caught alone with Ethan would only add fuel to the Grayson family's suspicions. The last thing I needed was another scandal—Lucas had already faced enough opposition because of me.
My hands trembled as I pulled out my phone and sent Lucas a link message: I want to leave now. Followed quickly by: I'm in the first-floor bathroom. Please come get me.
I stood with my back against the door, listening for footsteps in the hallway.
Minutes passed like hours until finally, I heard familiar footsteps approaching—heavier, more deliberate than Ethan's. The distinct scent of cedar and snow that was uniquely Lucas seeped under the door.
"Tori?" His deep voice was controlled, but I detected the concern underneath.
I unlocked the door and practically fell into his arms, my body finally relaxing as I felt his warmth envelop me.
Lucas didn't ask questions; he simply held me, one hand cradling the back of my head.
"Let's go home," he said quietly.
We made our excuses to Richard and Elizabeth at the front door, but before we could leave, Elizabeth followed us outside.
"Wait, wait," she called, grasping my hand with surprising strength for her age. "Child, don't use any protection tonight. I'm desperate for grandchildren."
Heat flooded my cheeks as I stared at her in mortification. Lucas remained impassive beside me, but I could sense his discomfort.
Elizabeth studied my slender frame with a critical eye. "You need to feed her more, Lucas. She's too thin to carry pups properly."
I wanted the ground to swallow me whole. Lucas cleared his throat. "Mother—"
"What's that look for?" Elizabeth frowned, sudden realization dawning on her face. "You haven't fully mated yet, have you?"
"Mother," Lucas said firmly, taking my hand. "Our personal matters are not up for discussion."
Elizabeth sighed dramatically. "You're thirty-one years old and still dragging your feet. Perhaps I need to take matters into my own hands."
"That won't be necessary," Lucas replied, guiding me toward his car. "Goodnight, Mother."
As we drove away from the estate, the tension gradually eased from my shoulders.
Lucas kept one hand on the steering wheel, the other resting on my thigh, our fingers intertwined. Occasionally, he would stroke the back of my hand with his thumb, the gentle motion oddly comforting.
"I need to go north for a couple of days," he said, breaking the comfortable silence. "There's a border dispute between packs that requires mediation."
I glanced at him, surprised by the unexpected twinge in my chest at the thought of his absence. "Will it be dangerous?" The question slipped out before I could stop it.
His fingers tightened around mine. "Just routine diplomacy. Nothing to worry about."
The rest of the drive passed in companionable silence.
When we arrived at Lucas's residence, Lucas walked me to my door, his hand resting lightly on my lower back.
"Get some rest," he said, bending down to press a gentle kiss to my forehead. "It's been a long evening."
I stood there, confused, as he turned to leave.
"You're not staying?" The words tumbled out before I could think better of it.
Lucas paused, turning back to look at me with an unreadable expression. "Would you like me to?"
My heart hammered against my ribs. "I just thought... I mean, you usually..." I swallowed hard, then shook my head. "Never mind, it's nothing."
I slammed the door shut with a bang, my face burning with embarrassment. I leaned against it, mortified by my own boldness. What had I been thinking?
After several deep breaths, I pushed myself away from the door and headed to the bathroom. A hot shower would help clear my head.
Twenty minutes later, wrapped in a light purple silk nightgown, I stepped back into the bedroom.
And froze.
Lucas reclined against the headboard, a thick leather-bound book open in his lap. He wore a dark gray sleep robe, his hair still damp from his own shower.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice higher than I intended.
He looked up, one eyebrow raised. "Didn't you invite me to sleep here?" he asked casually, turning a page.
I stood rooted to the spot, acutely aware of how the sheer fabric of my nightgown clung to my still-damp skin.
My eyes kept wandering to the exposed strip of his chest that appeared and disappeared as he shifted. Damn him for tempting me like this, I thought, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.
The faint cedar and snow scent of him filled the room, mixing with the clean smell of soap.
Lucas glanced up from his book, his eyes studying me as I remained frozen in the bathroom doorway.
"Are you afraid of me, little wolf?" he asked, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Of course not," I replied too quickly, lifting my chin in defiance.
I took a tentative step toward the bed, then another.
Just as I reached the edge, Lucas's hand shot out, grasping my wrist and pulling me down beside him in one fluid motion.