Chapter 28
Lucas's POV:
"The proposed territory adjustment along the eastern border is reasonable," William Sullivan said, tracing his finger along the map spread across the conference table.
"My pack can accommodate the shift without issue."
I nodded, studying the proposed boundary lines while only half-listening to the discussion.
These quarterly Alpha meetings were necessary.
Our four packs—Grayson, Sullivan, Shepherd, and Freeman—had formed Moonhaven together centuries ago, governing the city in relative peace despite occasional conflicts.
Over generations, the once-distinct bloodlines had begun to blur through intermarriage. Surnames spread beyond their original packs, creating a complex web of relationships where a name no longer guaranteed pack affiliation.
"Lucas? Your thoughts on the proposed downtown development policy?" Dylan Freeman's voice pulled me back to the present.
"No objections from me," I replied, straightening in my chair. "The Grayson Pack supports the proposal as it stands."
I forced myself to appear engaged, but my thoughts kept drifting to Tori.
When I'd escorted her home last time, I'd given her my contact information—made it clear she could reach out if she needed anything.
Yet she hadn't called or messaged once. Not that I should care. But Duke certainly did, and my wolf's restlessness was becoming harder to ignore with each passing day.
I forced myself to concentrate on the documents before me, but my enhanced senses picked up movement outside.
That's when I saw her.
Tori Sullivan was leaning against the brick wall of a boutique across the street, her silver-gray eyes closed as she took deep breaths.
Even from this distance, I could see the slight tremor in her shoulders, the tension in her jaw.
Something had happened.
Duke, my wolf, instantly perked up with excitement, no longer showing the fatigue from the meeting.
Look! It's our mate.
"Excuse me," I said, rising from my chair. "I need to make a call."
William and Dylan exchanged a look but nodded.
I grabbed my jacket and strode from the conference room, ignoring the questioning glances from my security detail in the hallway.
The crisp autumn air hit my face as I stepped outside, my eyes never leaving Tori's slender form.
She must have sensed my approach—she lifted her head, our eyes locking immediately. For a moment, surprised recognition flashed across her face before we simply stared at each other, the rest of the street fading into background noise..
"What are you doing here alone?" I asked, scanning her face.
"Just... taking a walk. Clearing my head." Her voice was steady, but her scent betrayed her emotion.
I glanced around, not noticing anything unusual except for a few pedestrians who seemed to recognize me.
"Have you eaten lunch?" I asked abruptly.
"Yes, I already ate," she replied, looking slightly confused by my question.
"Then perhaps you'd like something to drink?" I continued smoothly. "The restaurant in this hotel makes an excellent raspberry tea. Perfect for clearing one's head."
Tori opened her mouth, clearly about to refuse, when I added, "Actually, I have something to discuss with you after my meeting. Would you mind waiting for me there? It won't take long."
She hesitated, her silver eyes searching my face with that careful wariness I'd come to recognize.
Finally, she nodded. "Alright."
I guided her to a quiet corner table, well away from the windows and prying eyes.
After signaling a waiter, I ordered the raspberry tea and a plate of lemon cookies—comfort foods that might help put her at ease.
"I'll be back shortly," I promised, then returned to the conference room where my meeting awaited.
I returned to the conference room to find Dylan and William deep in conversation.
Both looked up when I entered.
"That was quick," Dylan remarked with a smirk. "Though I noticed you brought back a pretty little Omega—who is she?"
I kept my expression neutral as I took my seat. "Just a student who needed some assistance."
"A student?" Dylan's eyebrows shot up.
Dylan leaned back in his chair, his smirk widening.
"So... huh? Then you wouldn't mind if I went over and introduced myself? Maybe get her number?"
Something dark and possessive flashed through me. Duke snarled violently in my mind.
She's OURS. This womanizer isn't getting anywhere near our mate.
"She's still in school," I said flatly.
Dylan waved dismissively. "So? We could get to know each other. By the time she graduates—"
"Like you got to know that shewolf from the north district?" I cut in, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "I wonder what your mother would think if she knew you got that poor girl pregnant."
"Damn, Lucas." Dylan shook his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "You weren't this protective when I mentioned wanting to ask out Chloe last month."
"That's because Chloe has the sense to see right through you," I said dryly.
Dylan's eyes lit with sudden understanding.
"Wait... you're afraid the Omega might actually like me, aren't you?"
I felt my jaw tighten.
The truth was, I had no idea what type of men Tori was attracted to. If she actually did prefer smooth-talking players like Dylan, that would be... problematic.
Better to prevent any possibility of them meeting in the first place.
William cleared his throat, effectively ending our standoff.
"Perhaps we should return to the boundary discussion," he suggested mildly, though his eyes held a knowing gleam.
"Dylan, I'd advise you to value your continued health and leave the girl alone."
Dylan raised his hands in surrender, but the amused look didn't leave his face.
"Fine, fine. Message received. "
"If we've covered everything," I said, gathering my papers, "I'll take my leave. William, I trust you'll email me the final draft of the proposal?"
William nodded, his expression neutral but his eyes knowing. "Of course."
I strode out of the conference room, loosening my tie slightly as I made my way back to the restaurant.
Through the glass divider, I spotted Tori sitting at the table, her fingers drumming nervously on her purse as she glanced toward the exit.
She was clearly contemplating whether to leave before I returned.
I couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing yet frustrating. Even when I'd been nothing but restrained around her, she still seemed determined to avoid me at every opportunity.
I quickened my pace, reaching the table.
"Want to run?"