Chapter 22
Tori's POV:
As I approached him, I hesitated, debating whether I should acknowledge him with a greeting or simply pretend I hadn't noticed him.
Before I could decide, his deep voice broke the evening silence, catching me by surprise.
"Just getting off work?"
I stopped, surprised by his direct address. Looking up, I met his intense gaze.
The streetlight cast shadows across his sharp features, highlighting the strength in his jawline.
"Yes," I answered simply, uncertain why the Alpha would care about my work schedule.
He studied me for a moment, his head tilting slightly. "Why are you still working at the café when you've received quite a substantial scholarship?"
How did he know about my scholarship? It had only been announced today.
Suspicion flooding through me, I instinctively asked. "How do you know about that?"
For a brief moment, Lucas seemed to freeze, his expression tightening almost imperceptibly before relaxing again.
"Morgan mentioned it," he replied smoothly. "She was quite excited about her friend's achievement."
The explanation made sense. Morgan did live on the Grayson estate and seemed to have some connection to Lucas. I nodded, accepting his answer.
"The scholarship is appreciated, but it doesn't cover everything," I said, not elaborating further. My grandmother's medical expenses were none of his business.
Lucas frowned slightly. "It's getting late. It's not safe for an Omega to walk alone, especially after what happened at the café recently. I can escort you back to your dormitory."
His offer caught me off guard.
Why would the Alpha of the most powerful pack in Moonhaven concern himself with my safety? Was it because I was Morgan's friend? Or was there something else I wasn't seeing?
He seemed a bit too enthusiastic.
"The dormitory isn't far," I said, hesitating.
Under normal circumstances, I would have declined immediately, but Lisa Morris's interest in me had me on edge.
Lucas seemed to sense my indecision. "I'm heading that direction anyway," he added, though I wasn't entirely convinced that was true.
After a moment's deliberation, I nodded. "Alright."
We walked in silence, Lucas maintaining a respectful distance slightly ahead of me.
I studied his broad shoulders and confident stride, wondering again why he was taking such an interest in my welfare.
"How are you feeling today?" Lucas asked suddenly, breaking the silence. "Any lingering effects?"
I immediately realized he was referring to the night of the ceremony—being locked in the bathroom, drenched with ice water, the humiliation I had endured.
"I'm fine," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "Nothing bad."
As if my body wanted to contradict me, a sudden sneeze escaped before I could suppress it.
Lucas seemed to let out a soft chuckle. "Not very honest, are you?"
I felt my cheeks warm with embarrassment. Tracy stirred within me, seemingly amused rather than defensive at his observation.
"So you're just going to take it?" Lucas asked after a moment, his tone more serious. "Not planning to fight back against how they treat you?"
I hadn't expected someone like him to be concerned about my problems with Mia and Fiona.
I gave a bitter smile. He couldn't possibly understand my situation. "I don't have the resources or position to fight them."
Lucas stopped abruptly and turned to face me, his expression surprisingly serious.
"What if I were willing to help you?" he asked, his voice low but hoarse.
I froze, staring at him blankly. Before I could formulate a response, he continued.
"If you need assistance, don't hesitate to contact me."
He inclined his head, those intense gray eyes studying me in a way that made me feel like he was seeing something I couldn't.
"Goodnight, Tori."
It wasn't until the cool night air hit my face that I realized we had already arrived at my dormitory.
I watched him walk away, his tall figure gradually disappearing into the shadows between the street lamps.
With my thoughts in complete disarray, I made my way back to my room.
My phone rang just as I was hanging up my jacket, startling me from my thoughts. Seeing my grandmother's name on the screen sent a mixture of warmth and concern through me.
"Grandma?" I answered immediately.
"Tori, dear." Her voice sounded tired but warm as always. "I hope I'm not calling too late."
"Not at all. Is everything okay?" I asked, already sensing something was wrong from the slight tension in her tone.
She sighed softly. "Hannah called me earlier today."
My stomach tightened. Nothing good ever came from Hannah contacting my grandmother directly.
"What did she want?" I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral.
"She told me about what happened at the ceremony," Grandma said carefully. "About you... attacking Fiona."
I closed my eyes, anger and frustration washing over me.
Of course, Hannah would twist the story to make me the villain.
"That's not what happened," I said firmly. "Fiona deliberately provoked me and then staged the whole thing to make it look like I attacked her."
"I know, dear," my grandmother responded without hesitation. "I know you wouldn't do something like that unprovoked."
The immediate faith in her voice made my throat tighten. After everything that had happened, my grandmother's unwavering belief in me was the one constant I could rely on.
I sank onto my bed, suddenly exhausted. "I'm sorry she bothered you with this."
"Don't be sorry, Tori." Her voice grew softer. "I'm the one who should apologize. If it weren't for my condition and the expenses, you wouldn't have to deal with Hannah at all."
"No," I said immediately, my voice cracking with emotion. "Don't ever say that, Grandma. You've never been a burden to me. Never."
Grandma sighed heavily. "I just want you to try and get along with Hannah and her family. I can't help you much, Tori, and with my condition... I might not have many years left. When I'm gone, Hannah will be the closest family you have."
"Don't say that," I choked out, my voice thick with emotion. "You're going to live a long life, Grandma. "
I swallowed hard against the lump in my throat. "And besides, Janet and Anna are my families too. "
The mention of their names cast a shadow over our conversation.
A heavy silence fell between us for a moment.
"Tori," Grandma finally said, her voice gentle but firm, "you need to stop blaming yourself. What happened four years ago wasn't your fault."