Chapter 36
Lucas's POV:
I closed the door to Tori's hospital room quietly behind us, giving Morgan some time alone with her.
I kept my expression neutral as Matthew and I stepped into the hallway.
"How is she really?" I asked once we were out of earshot.
Matthew leaned against the wall, running a hand through his disheveled hair.
"Physically? The injuries aren't too serious. The leg fracture is clean, nothing serious."
"But?" I prompted, sensing he was holding something back.
"But during my examination, I noticed some concerning issues with her stomach lining." Matthew's professional demeanor took over as he continued. "It shows signs of prolonged malnutrition, Lucas. The kind you see when someone's gone hungry for years."
My jaw clenched involuntarily.
"Can it be treated?" I kept my voice level.
"With time and proper nutrition, yes. But I'm not a specialist in this area."
Matthew pulled out his phone, scrolling through his contacts.
"I've taken the liberty of contacting Dr. Elena Bennett. She's the best gastroenterologist in the city and has experience treating wolves who've been through... similar situations."
I nodded, taking the information he offered. "Thank you, Matthew."
He waved his hand dismissively.
"Please, we're way past formalities. After all these years and everything we've been through? I've lost count of how many times you've helped me out."
A mischievous grin spread across his face. "Though if you really want to show your gratitude, you could share some details about how things are progressing with your little Omega."
The memory of Tori's disbelieving face when I told her I liked her flashed in my mind.
The way she'd looked at me as if I'd grown a second head, the absolute certainty in her voice when she'd asked if I was messing with her.
My mood darkened instantly.
"You seem awfully interested in my personal life," I deflected, my voice dropping several degrees. "Do you not have enough patients to attend to, Dr. Howard?"
Matthew raised an eyebrow, undeterred by my tone.
He'd known me long enough to recognize when I was avoiding a topic.
"Just professional curiosity. The mighty Alpha Grayson spending the night in an uncomfortable hospital chair, holding the hand of an Omega? That's front-page news."
I fixed him with a cold stare.
"Speaking of personal lives, I ran into Cecilia Grayson yesterday. She mentioned she's been trying to reach you about dinner."
The effect was immediate.
Matthew's teasing smile vanished, replaced by an expression of pure horror.
"Cecilia?" he repeated, his voice rising an octave. "Ethan's sister Cecilia?"
I allowed myself a small, satisfied smile.
"The very same. She seems quite determined to see you. If you're not too busy with your 'professional curiosity,' I could give her a call right now and let her know you're available."
"This is how you repay me?" Matthew gasped, his eyes widening in horror. "After all I've done for you? This is betrayal of the highest order, Lucas."
I reached for my phone and began to pull it out of my pocket, my expression neutral.
Matthew immediately backed away, hands raised in surrender, shaking his head vigorously.
"Suddenly, I remember I have three surgeries scheduled back-to-back. Very complicated procedures. Can't possibly reschedule."
"I thought you might say that," I replied, enjoying his discomfort.
"Those patients need me," Matthew insisted, already backing down the hallway. "Life and death situations, Lucas. I should really get going."
"Of course," I said smoothly. "Far be it from me to keep you from your important work."
Matthew glanced nervously over his shoulder as if expecting Cecilia to materialize in the hallway.
"I'll send Dr. Bennett's information to your phone. She'll help you."
With that, he turned and practically sprinted down the corridor, his white coat flapping behind him like a surrender flag.
I couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped me.
Matthew had been avoiding Cecilia for years, ever since she developed an intense crush on him during a gathering.
My amusement faded as my phone vibrated in my pocket.
Jack's name flashed on the screen.
"What do you have?" I answered without preamble.
"We found the car, Alpha." Jack's voice was tight with controlled anger. "It was abandoned in the industrial district, about two miles from the accident site. Black sedan, matching the description from witnesses."
I stepped further away from Tori's room, lowering my voice.
"And the driver?"
"Gone, but careless. Left their distinctive scent all over the steering wheel. We're running it through the Pack registry now."
There was a pause before Jack continued. "There's something else, Alpha. The brake lines were intact. This wasn't a mechanical failure."
My grip on the phone tightened. "It was deliberate."
"Yes, Alpha. And based on the trajectory and witness accounts, the driver specifically targeted Ms. Sullivan and Ms. Baker. This wasn't random."
Cold fury settled in my chest. Someone had deliberately tried to harm Tori.
"Find them," I ordered, my voice deadly calm. "I want a name within the hour."
"And keep me updated," I said, ending the call.
I glanced back at Tori's door, where Morgan's animated voice could faintly be heard through the wood.
My mate was safe for now, but someone had tried to take her from me before I could even claim her properly. Before she even knew what she meant to me.
That was unacceptable.
Whoever was responsible would learn exactly why I was called the Frost King.
And this time, there would be no mercy.