Chapter 53
Tori's POV:
I woke to the sound of hushed voices near my hospital bed.
My eyelids felt heavy, still clinging to the remnants of the deepest sleep.
As consciousness returned, I recognized my grandmother's soft, weathered voice asking a question.
"So, young man, what exactly is your relationship with my granddaughter?"
My eyes snapped open. Grandmother was here? And who was she talking to? I turned my head slightly and froze at the sight before me.
Alpha Lucas Grayson sat on the edge of the visitor's cot, his dark hair tousled from sleep, looking directly at my grandmother.
The morning sunlight streaming through the half-drawn curtains cast a golden glow around him, adding a softness that diminished his usually overwhelming Alpha presence.
He hadn't yet noticed I was awake.
"Grandmother?" My voice came out as a croak.
Both heads turned toward me immediately. My grandmother's face lit up with a warm smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes.
"Tori, dear!" Grandmother moved to my bedside.
"I didn't mean to wake you," she continued, patting my hand.
"I was just having a little chat with this gentleman who was keeping watch over you." Her eyes twinkled with curiosity as she glanced back at Lucas.
I struggled to sit up, wincing as pain shot through my injured leg.
My mind was spinning with questions. How long had my grandmother been here? What had Lucas told her? Why was he still here?
"This is Alpha Lucas Grayson," I explained quickly, afraid that Grandma would misunderstand something. "He's Ethan's uncle. Ethan was the one who... who shielded me from the steam yesterday."
"Oh! Hello, I'm Tori's grandma. You can call me Grandma Eileen." Grandmother's expression changed to one of deep gratitude.
"I must thank you, Alpha. Your nephew saved my granddaughter from much worse injuries."
Lucas nodded curtly. "Ethan did what any decent wolf would do."
I caught his eye and tried to communicate silently that he should leave.
This situation was already awkward enough without having to explain to my grandmother why an Alpha had spent the night in my hospital room.
Lucas raised an eyebrow, clearly catching my meaning. For a brief moment, something like amusement flickered across his face.
"I should check on Ethan," he said, rising to his feet in one fluid motion. "Grandma Eileen, it was a pleasure to meet you."
The ease with which he addressed my grandmother so familiarly caught me off guard. Even more surprising was my grandmother's delighted response.
"Oh, you too, Alpha Lucas. Do stop by again if you have time," she replied, her eyes twinkling with warmth.
I stared at their exchange, feeling strangely like I was the outsider.
The moment the door closed behind him, my grandmother turned to me with bright, inquisitive eyes.
"How old is he?" she asked without preamble.
I blinked in surprise. "What?"
"That Alpha. He seems quite young. "
"Thirty-one, I think," I mumbled. "Why does it matter?"
"Does he have a mate? A Luna?" She continued as if I hadn't spoken.
"Grandmother!" I protested, heat flooding my cheeks. "Please don't try to play matchmaker. It's embarrassing."
"What?" She blinked innocently. "I'm just making conversation. Why are you getting so flustered?"
I lowered my voice, even though Lucas had already left.
"He's an Alpha of one of the four founding packs. We're not even in the same social universe. Besides, I spent four years in Silver Fang. No Alpha would ever consider someone with my background."
My grandmother's smile dimmed slightly. Her expression softened with understanding and compassion.
She smoothly changed the subject, "Didn't you say you were craving my homemade strawberry jam and toast? I brought some this morning."
She reached for the small container on the bedside table and opened it, releasing the sweet scent of fresh berries.
"Try it and tell me if it's sweet enough."
I remembered how I'd practically forced her to leave last night. I'd been worried about her spending the night in that uncomfortable chair with her arthritis. I'd insisted she go home, using the excuse that I was craving her homemade jam for breakfast.
I took a bite of the toast she offered, closing my eyes at the familiar taste that brought back memories of safer, simpler times.
"It's perfect. Just like always."
"I'm glad you still enjoy it," she said, smiling. She gestured to a glass jar on the windowsill. "I made extra. That whole bottle is for you to keep."
"Thank you," I said, genuinely touched by her thoughtfulness.
"I'll be heading back today," she continued, her expression turning regretful. "Janet is alone with Anna, and you know how that child needs constant supervision."
I nodded, feeling the familiar tug of sadness at her impending departure, but also relief. Having her stay in Moonhaven, especially around people like Fiona and Mia, would only put her at risk.
The Price family had already proven how far they were willing to go.
"It's better that way," I said quietly. "I wouldn't want you caught up in... everything here."
"You should come visit when you can," she said, patting my hand. "Janet doesn't blame you, you know. For what happened. She just..." Her voice trailed off.
"I know," I replied quickly, sparing her from having to explain.
We never spoke directly about it, but I understood. Every time Aunt Janet looked at me, she would think of Ryan. We were once the source of laughter in this family, but now it was a constant reminder of her loss.
I'd been avoiding that house, those memories, just as much as Janet might have been avoiding me.
"I'll visit during the next school break," I promised, surprising myself with how much I meant it. "I should see Anna too. She must have grown so much."
"Oh, that would be wonderful!" Grandmother's face lit up.
"And you know, Mrs. White's grandson—Andrew—will be home then too. Such a nice young male. I could introduce you two while you're visiting."
I pressed my hand to my forehead, unable to hide my exasperation.
"Grandmother, please. I'm still in school,"
She patted my hand. "Of course, dear. But it's good to keep your options open. You need some time to test the waters, find someone suitable."
I knew what she meant. In our world, age was a significant factor for Omegas. The older we got, the less desirable we became as potential mates.
My four years in Silver Fang had already reduced my "value" in the eyes of many.
After seeing Grandmother off, I had an unexpected visitor—the manager from Moonlight Restaurant.
He apologized profusely for the "unfortunate incident," offering compensation and car service during my recovery.
When he not-so-subtly asked me to mention their "excellent response" to Alpha Grayson, I immediately understood this was Lucas's doing.
After he left, I sat staring at my phone for several minutes before finally gathering the courage to dial Lucas's number.
He picked up on the second ring.
"Tori?" His voice carried surprise but also immediate concern. "Is everything alright?"