chapter 69
Tori's POV：
"Yes, surprisingly well," I admitted. "And... thank you for last night."
A slight smirk curved his lips.
"And how exactly do you plan to thank me?"
Heat rushed to my cheeks. "I—I didn't mean—"
He chuckled, the sound deep and rich, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine.
Lucas took a deliberate step closer, invading my personal space just enough to make my pulse quicken. The subtle cedar and mint scent of him intensified, making Tracy practically purr with interest.
"No?" His voice dropped lower, a dangerous glint in his silver eyes as he tilted his head to study my reaction. "That's a shame. I was looking forward to seeing what you had in mind."
His fingers brushed mine as he reached for my empty mug, the brief contact electric against my skin.
I swallowed hard, suddenly finding it difficult to maintain eye contact.
"Relax, Tori," he finally said, pulling back with that infuriating smirk still playing on his lips. "Just seeing you safe is thanks enough."
His expression grew serious. "Though I'd prefer if you didn't try to throw yourself in front of silver weapons in the future."
I stared into my tea, remembering how I'd instinctively moved to shield Daniel.
"It was just... reaction. I couldn't let someone else get hurt because of me."
Lucas set his mug down with a decisive click.
"Your safety matters too, Tori. Don't ever forget that." His tone left no room for argument.
"Next time you find yourself in a situation like that, call me immediately. Don't try to handle it alone." His silver eyes held mine, the intensity in them making it clear this wasn't a suggestion. "Promise me."
I nodded, unable to refuse when he looked at me that way.
"Good," he said, seemingly satisfied. "Jack will drive you to school. I have meetings this morning."
---
An hour later, I walked through Moonridge High's main entrance, my mind still replaying Lucas's parting words.
I'd barely made it to my locker when a familiar voice called my name.
"Tori!" Daniel Cole hurried toward me, concern etched across his features.
"Are you okay? When I came to after passing out, you were gone. I looked everywhere for you."
His eyes searched my face anxiously. "I was worried sick when no one knew where you'd disappeared to."
"I'm fine," I assured him, suddenly aware of how abruptly I'd left. "Just a little shaken up. Thank you for what you did."
His eyes softened. "I couldn't just stand by. When I saw him cornering you..." Daniel ran a hand through his sandy hair.
He looked around, lowering his voice. "What happened after? Everything's a blur. I remember feeling this overwhelming pressure, like a massive wave of power hit me, and I think I saw Trent get thrown across the room before I passed out completely."
I considered my response carefully, not wanting to explain the complexity of my relationship with Lucas.
"A friend showed up and intervened," I said simply. "He made sure we were safe.
Daniel nodded, shifting his backpack. "I was wondering... would you like to have lunch together today?"
I hesitated briefly, considering his invitation. He did save me from Trent last night, or at least tried to. The least I can do is have lunch with him. The thought made my decision simple.
"Sure," I replied with a small smile.
That counted for something. Morgan's not here today anyway with that terrible hangover she texted me about this morning. Poor thing couldn't even look at her phone screen without wincing. At least I won't be abandoning her to eat alone.
---
When lunchtime came, Daniel led me to a quiet corner of the school's café.
Unlike the boisterous groups around us, he seemed focused entirely on my wellbeing.
"You look tired," he observed, pushing a bottle of water toward me. "Are you sure you should be in school today?"
"I've managed through worse," I said with a slight smile. "Besides, I can't afford to miss classes."
Daniel leaned closer and lowered his voice.
"The Enforcement Division sent out a notice this morning. Trent apparently went feral and attacked the guards last night. When they subdued him..."
He paused, his voice dropping even lower, "They shattered all four limbs. It's severe—compound fractures. The healers say he'll likely never run as a wolf again. Fitting punishment for someone who's terrorized Omegas for years."
I stared at him, stunned. "Went feral and attacked guards? That doesn't sound like Trent.
Despite being awful, Trent had always been calculating, not someone who'd lose control so completely.
Daniel shrugged.
"Details are murky. His family stormed the Division headquarters this morning demanding answers, but there's apparently an issue with the monitors. The footage only shows Trent going berserk, not how the guards responded."
"His family thinks the Enforcement Division used excessive force, so they're at a standstill," Daniel continued. "I hear his family has close ties with the Morris pack. I wonder if the Morris family will step in to help them. That could complicate things further."
Something about this story felt off.
The timing was too convenient—Trent attacks me, then hours later suffers career-ending injuries in custody? A face flashed in my mind unbidden: Lucas's cold, calculating expression when he promised to "deal with" Trent.
Would he go that far? The thought was both terrifying and... something else I didn't want to examine too closely.
As if my thoughts had summoned him, I glanced out the window and froze.
There, standing beside a sleek black car in the school parking lot, was Lucas Grayson himself.
His eyes fixed directly on our table. Even from this distance, I could feel the intensity of his stare.
"I—I should go," I stammered, gathering my things. "Thank you for lunch, Daniel."
He looked confused. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes, I just remembered something I need to take care of." I offered an apologetic smile. "See you tomorrow?"
He nodded, offering a small smile despite his obvious curiosity. "Sure. Thanks for having lunch with me. Take care, Tori."
"You too," I replied, already halfway out of my seat. "And thanks again... for last night."
I hurried out of the café, my heart beating faster with each step toward Lucas.