chapter 67
Tori's POV:
I felt my entire body go rigid, my heart suddenly pounding against my ribcage.
"Is everything okay?" Morgan asked, noticing my sudden change in demeanor.
"Yeah, I just... I don't think it's safe to stay out too late. Maybe we should wrap up the celebration soon and head back," I said, glancing nervously toward the curtained alcove.
Morgan waved her hand dismissively, her cheeks already flushed from the two glasses of wine she'd consumed.
"Don't worry so much, Tori. Moonlight Restaurant has excellent security. Nothing bad happens here—it's where all the high-ranking families come to dine."
I nodded, trying to seem reassured while silently praying I wouldn't cross paths with Trent.
But as the night wore on, my concern shifted from Trent to Morgan, who kept accepting drinks from well-wishers until she could barely keep her head up.
By the time the party started to disperse, Morgan was slumped in her chair, completely intoxicated.
The other guests said their goodbyes, leaving just the two of us in the private room.
I sighed, looking at Morgan's unconscious form.
Taking her phone from her purse, I texted her brother: Morgan's had too much to drink. Can you come pick her up at Moonlight Restaurant?
Jason replied immediately: On my way. Give me 20 minutes.
I exhaled with relief, setting the phone down.
When I looked up, my blood froze in my veins.
Trent stood in the doorway, his lips curled in that familiar predatory smile.
Glancing at Morgan's helpless form, I quickly stood and moved toward the exit. I couldn't let him near her. I stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind me, putting myself between Trent and my friend.
"Well, well," Trent said, his gaze sliding over me with uncomfortable familiarity.
"I caught a glimpse of you earlier and could hardly believe my eyes. Had to come back and see for myself." He moved closer, invading my personal space. "Tori Sullivan, out and about. You got released awfully fast, didn't you?"
His fingers reached out to touch my hair, and I jerked away.
His other hand caught my wrist, holding me in place.
"I'll scream," I warned, my voice steadier than I felt. "There are people everywhere."
Trent laughed, his breath hot against my face.
"Go ahead. Scream all you want," Trent sneered, leaning closer. "Let's see if there's another Ryan willing to die for you tonight."
At the mention of my brother's name, something dark and primal stirred inside me. My hands clenched into fists, and I could feel Tracy, my wolf, snarling with rage beneath my skin.
Trent noticed my reaction and his smile widened.
"Everyone knows what really happened four years ago. You were the one who invited Noah out that night, weren't you? Playing the sweet, innocent Omega."
He ran a finger down my arm, making my skin crawl. "And now you're here acting all pure and untouchable. We both know that's not who you really are."
I looked around desperately.
A few patrons glanced our way, but quickly averted their eyes when they recognized Trent. Of course they would. His family had money and influence, while I was nothing.
No one would risk themselves to help me.
I quickly calculated my options. Jason would be here in about twenty minutes to pick up Morgan. If I could just stall until then, I might be able to escape this situation. Maybe I could—
My thoughts were cut short as Trent suddenly tightened his grip on my wrist.
"Enough talking," he growled, yanking me toward an empty private booth. "Let's go somewhere more comfortable. I've always wondered what you taste like."
I dug my heels in, but he was stronger, practically dragging me across the floor.
Panic flooded my system as I realized his intentions.
"Hey!" a voice called out. "Leave her alone!"
I turned toward the voice, shocked to see Daniel Cole standing just a few feet away. What was he doing here? And why would he risk himself for me?
Daniel quickly moved to my side, gently pulling me away from Trent and positioning himself protectively in front of me.
"You okay?" he asked over his shoulder, not taking his eyes off Trent.
Trent looked Daniel up and down, then laughed coldly.
"Well, well, Sullivan. Your seduction skills must be improving." His eyes flickered between us with cruel amusement. "There's always some man willing to play hero for you, isn't there?"
Daniel's shoulders tensed as Trent took a step forward.
"Playing hero isn't as fun as it looks," Trent warned, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "The last guy who tried is already in the ground."
Something inside Daniel snapped. He lunged forward, his fist connecting with Trent's jaw in a solid punch that sent the larger man stumbling backward.
Trent recovered quickly, his face contorting with rage.
"Everyone out!" Daniel commanded, his voice carrying unexpected authority as he turned to the few remaining patrons. "Clear the area now!"
People scrambled to leave, sensing the imminent danger.
I watched in growing horror, knowing what was about to happen. When the last civilian had hurried out, Trent's body began to tremble, the first signs of shifting into wolf form.
Daniel responded in kind, his shoulders broadening as he prepared to meet the challenge.
But as they faced off, I noticed Trent's right hand sliding toward his jacket pocket, emerging with something that glinted in the light—silver.
My blood ran cold. Silver was lethal to our kind—a direct hit could mean death, especially in a vulnerable moment during transformation.
"Daniel, watch out!" I shouted, but he was too focused on Trent's partial transformation to notice the weapon.
Without thinking, I lunged forward, placing myself between them.
I couldn't let someone else get hurt because of me—not again. I braced myself for the pain, but it never came.
Instead, I heard Trent let out a strangled gasp.
"You dare to threaten someone under my protection?" Lucas's familiar voice cut through the tension like ice, deadly calm and absolutely terrifying.