chapter 124
Fiona's POV:
I maintained my perfect smile as I stood by Elizabeth Grayson's hospital bed, my hand resting protectively over my baby bump.
Around me, the Grayson family had gathered like a pack circling wounded prey - Richard with his perpetual scowl, Cecilia with her judgmental glares, Arabella holding Leo close, and of course, Lucas, standing tall and imposing near the window.
The memory of last night's chaos flashed through my mind - Elizabeth's sudden collapse during dinner, the panicked shouting, servants running for help.
The Grayson estate had erupted into frenzied activity. Alpha Lucas was urgently summoned home. I'd never seen the composed Graysons so utterly frantic before.
We'd all rushed to Moontouch Medical Center, the emergency staff whisking Elizabeth away immediately.
The endless hours in the waiting room had stretched, tension thick enough to choke on.
After the longest night of anxious waiting, the first pale rays of morning light had just begun filtering through the blinds when Elizabeth's eyelids finally showed signs of movement.
"She's waking up," Arabella whispered, leaning forward as Elizabeth's eyelids fluttered.
I squeezed Ethan's hand, but he barely responded, his skin cold against mine. The gulf between us had grown wider since I was sued by Tori, and I was running out of ways to bridge it.
Elizabeth's eyes finally opened, confusion momentarily clouding them before recognition set in.
"What are you all doing here?" Her voice was weak but carried the unmistakable Grayson authority.
"Mother, you had an episode," Lucas explained, moving to her side.
Elizabeth waved away his concern with a frail hand. "Don't make such a fuss," she said with surprising firmness. "We all face our mortality sooner or later. It's simply my turn to be reminded of it."
She glanced around the room again, her shrewd eyes taking inventory of each face. "Though I am surprised to see the entire family assembled. Don't you all have responsibilities to attend to?"
Cecilia leaned slightly, her voice barely above a whisper yet still audible in the quiet room.
"I notice not everyone bothered to come," she murmured. "Your precious Luna-to-be couldn't be bothered to show up."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees as Lucas's head snapped toward Cecilia, his eyes flashing with warning.
"Tori and I haven't formally completed the mating ceremony. This isn't her responsibility." His voice dropped to a growl. "Besides, there are too many people with ill intentions here. I chose not to inform her."
Cecilia's lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn't dare challenge him further.
I suppressed a smirk. As expected, even Cecilia isn't brave enough to challenge Lucas directly.
Elizabeth's gaze lingered on Lucas, a knowing look crossing her features.
"Lucas is right. The girl shouldn't be subjected to family drama before she's officially Luna." She reached for Lucas's hand. "Though that reminds me... I had the strangest dream while I was unconscious."
The room fell silent as everyone leaned in slightly.
"I dreamed of your second brother," she said softly. "He had returned home, and in his arms was a silver-furred wolf pup with the most remarkable eyes." Her voice took on a wistful quality. "It felt so real, like a vision from the Moon Goddess herself."
Lucas remained perfectly still, his expression unreadable.
I shifted uncomfortably, the mention of Lucas's second brother sending a ripple of curiosity through me.
I'd heard whispers about him—the middle Grayson son who had fallen in love with a woman far beneath his station. Elizabeth had vehemently opposed the match, and he had vanished from Moonhaven shortly after.
"I've been thinking," Elizabeth continued, "about the mistakes I've made. Separating your brother from the one he loved was perhaps my greatest regret."
Her grip on Lucas's hand tightened. "Don't wait too long, my son. Complete the permanent marking with your Tori. Give this pack the heir it needs."
Lucas's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "I will consider it carefully, Mother."
The sound of breaking glass startled everyone. Ethan stood frozen, the water he'd been pouring now shattered at his feet.
My heart clenched with fury.
Is he still pining for Tori?
I struggled to maintain my pleasant expression as rage coursed through me.
Elizabeth's keen eyes hadn't missed Ethan's reaction. Her expression softened with understanding, and she smoothly changed the subject.
"Ethan, dear, isn't today Fiona's prenatal appointment? You should accompany her."
I seized the opportunity, flashing my perfect smile. "Yes, Elizabeth. How thoughtful of you to remember."
"Of course, I remember. That child carries our bloodline too." Her words were gracious.
I gathered my purse, squeezing Ethan's arm. "We should go. We wouldn't want to keep Dr. Bennett waiting."
As we exited the room, I smiled graciously at everyone. "I hope you feel better soon, Elizabeth."
In the hallway, Ethan walked several paces ahead, his shoulders rigid with tension.
"Ethan, wait," I called, struggling to keep up in my heels. "Are you okay?"
"Fine," he replied without turning, his voice hollow.
The prenatal check-up was painfully silent. Dr. Bennett's soothing voice as she pointed out our baby's development on the ultrasound screen did nothing to soften Ethan's expression.
He stood at a distance, arms crossed, eyes fixed on a point above the monitor.
"Everything looks perfect," Dr. Bennett said cheerfully, either oblivious to or professionally ignoring the tension.
After thanking the doctor, we gathered our things and headed toward the exit. Ethan paused in the hallway, not quite meeting my eyes.
"I have some pack matters to handle," he said flatly. "I'll head out first."
Without waiting for my response, he turned and strode down the corridor.
I stared after his retreating form, frustration burning in my chest. Before I could process my anger, my phone rang sharply, Alexander's name flashing on the screen.
"Fiona," Alexander's voice was tight with urgency. "Hannah's been admitted. She's here at Moontouch."
My irritation with Ethan momentarily forgotten, I quickened my pace toward the elevators. "What? Which room? "
"Fourth floor, room 417."
I hurried through the corridors, my mind racing with dread.
Has the photo manipulation been discovered so quickly? Will they trace it back to me? Cold sweat broke out along my spine as I considered the possibilities.
Lucas Grayson's retribution would be merciless if he discovered my role in framing his precious Tori.
When I reached Hannah's room, Alexander was pacing outside, his face ashen.
"What happened?" I demanded.
"She was attacked," Alexander said, his voice hollow with shock. "Last night, on her way home. The police believe it was the same group involved in the kidnapping attempt on Anna."
He ran a trembling hand through his hair. "It seems this was their revenge. Hannah escaped punishment, but the ringleader's brother is serving time in Silver Fang Prison. They made it very clear this was payback."