chapter 63
Lucas's POV:
The amber whiskey swirled in my glass, catching the silver moonlight as I stood on my balcony overlooking the Grayson territory.
The Winter Moon celebration had left me restless, my thoughts circling back to her.
I knew Tori had returned to Moonhaven center days ago, yet not a word from her.
My wolf, Duke, paced anxiously within my mind.
Don't wait any longer. If she won't come to us, we'll go to her, he growled.
He was right. I'd been waiting for her to reach out first, but my patience had worn thin.
I pulled out my phone, scrolling to her name. My thumb hovered over her contact before finally pressing call.
One ring. Two rings. Three.
Voicemail.
She's avoiding you. Duke's growl matched my own frustration.
I tried again, unwilling to accept defeat. This time, an automated voice informed me her phone was off or outside service range.
My jaw tightened as I set the glass down with more force than necessary.
"Get the car," I told Jack, already striding toward the door. "I'm going to Golden Moon."
Thirty minutes later, I spotted Dylan in our usual VIP booth, a petite brunette practically draped across his lap. He was whispering something in her ear that made her giggle, his hand resting comfortably on her waist.
His surprise was evident when he looked up and saw me approaching.
"Lucas seeking me out on a night? The moon must be falling," he quipped.
The brunette at his side glanced between us, immediately sensing the shift in atmosphere. With practiced grace, she slid from Dylan's side.
"I'll give you two some privacy," she murmured, nodding respectfully to me before disappearing into the crowd.
I slid into the booth, maintaining my composed expression. "I need to discuss something with you."
Dylan straightened, his demeanor shifting to match my serious tone.
"Pack business? Territory disputes? Please tell me we're not going to war."
I took a slow breath, weighing my words carefully. "It's about... a personal matter."
"Oh," he visibly relaxed, shoulders dropping. "As long as it's not political, I'm all ears."
After the server delivered our drinks and left, I stared into my glass, uncharacteristically hesitant.
Duke urged me forward, Dylan's conquered more hearts than you've won territories. For your Luna's sake, swallow your pride and ask.
"What would you do," I finally asked, my voice low, "if a female you're interested in keeps avoiding you?"
There was a beat of silence before Dylan erupted into laughter so intense he had to grab the table for support.
Tears formed at the corners of his eyes as he struggled to compose himself.
My face darkened, jaw clenching as I internally addressed my wolf. This is what you wanted to see? I challenged Duke.
My wolf, who had been so insistent moments ago, went conspicuously silent, retreating deeper into our shared consciousness.
"I'm sorry," he gasped between fits of laughter. "The mighty Alpha Lucas Grayson, terror of four territories, is having girl troubles? This is... this is priceless!"
I glared at him, regretting my decision immediately. "Forget I asked."
"No, no," Dylan wiped his eyes, still chuckling. "I'm genuinely honored you'd come to me with this." He leaned forward, curiosity replacing his amusement. "Give me the short version. Who is she, and what's the problem?"
I hesitated before answering, keeping details minimal. "An Omega. She's been back in Moonhaven center for days but won't return my calls or messages. Every time I get closer, she puts up another wall."
I ran a hand through my hair, frustration evident in every movement.
Dylan's eyebrows shot up in disbelief.
"Someone actually turned down the great Lucas?" He leaned forward with a smirk. "Now I'm dying to know who this miracle woman is—"
One sharp glare from me was enough to cut his teasing short.
He cleared his throat and shifted to a more serious tone.
"Two possibilities here: either she's intimidated by the gap between you—Alpha and Omega, that's quite the chasm—or she thinks you're just looking for a temporary diversion."
I slammed my glass down harder than intended.
"I've already told her exactly how serious I am." My frustration was building with each word. "What else am I supposed to do? I've never had to convince someone to give me a chance before.
Dylan chuckled, shaking his head.
"Females rarely believe what they're told, especially from males in your position. They judge by actions, not words."
He took a sip of his drink. "You need to be persistent. Show up where she is. "
Dylan paused, swirling the amber liquid in his glass thoughtfully.
"And the most mprotant is to make sure there aren't any misunderstandings between you two. Those are relationship killers. Nothing destroys trust and feelings faster than unaddressed misconceptions."
I didn't respond, just lifted my glass and drained it in one swallow.
---
The next morning, I leaned against my car outside Tori's dormitory building.
A paper bag from Moonlight Bakery sat on the hood beside me, still warm with freshly baked goods.
The scent of cinnamon rolls and coffee mingled with the crisp morning air.
Duke paced restlessly within me. She'll be out soon. Her scent is stronger.
I straightened just as the glass doors slid open.
Tori emerged, head down as she adjusted the strap of her backpack. Her silver-gray eyes widened when she looked up and spotted me, her steps faltering.
For a moment, she seemed frozen, clearly contemplating whether to retreat back inside.
I picked up the paper bag and coffee, closing the distance between us.
"Breakfast ?"
Her lips pressed into a thin line as she shook her head. "Thanks, but—"
"Oh, how thoughtful!" An older woman in a gray uniform approached from the side, keys jangling at her hip—the dorm supervisor. "Your uncle brought you breakfast, dear. Don't turn down such kindness!"
I froze mid-motion, the paper bag suspended between us. Uncle?
The word struck a nerve, reminding me how Tori had introduced me the same way at her home days ago.
Tori's eyes darted between me and the supervisor, and I caught the subtle twitch at the corner of her mouth—a suppressed smile despite her obvious desire to remain aloof.
"Young people these days," the supervisor continued, patting my arm as she walked past. "So nice to see family looking after the students. Have a good day, sir!"
As the woman disappeared around the corner, I narrowed my eyes at Tori.
"Uncle?" I questioned, a dangerous edge to my voice.
"Is that what you're concerned about? The age difference?"