chapter 82
Lucas's POV:
I leaned against the doorframe, watching Tori's startled expression with amusement.
"You're acting strange tonight, Tori. Running away when you see me in the hallway isn't like you."
She stiffened, her fingers tightening on the door handle.
"I wasn't running away. I was getting water for Morgan."
"Of course." I stepped into the room, uninvited but unconcerned.
Duke, my wolf, purred with knowing amusement.
She's jealous, he insisted. "And I'm sure avoiding eye contact with us all the time."
In two strides, I closed the distance between us and pulled her into my arms, enveloping her in a gentle embrace.
She tensed immediately, trying to push against my chest. "What are you doing? Let me go—"
"Don't," I whispered against her hair. "Just... let me hold you for a moment."
Tori stopped struggling, her body gradually relaxing against mine. I felt a small smile form on my lips at how quickly she yielded.
She's so cute, easily pacified, I thought, both pleased and concerned.
Such softness of heart wasn't always beneficial in our world. Someone as trusting as her could be easily hurt.
I sighed, my breath stirring the fine strands of her hair.
"You've been listening to Morgan again, haven't you?" I pulled back slightly to look into her eyes, but kept my arms firmly around her. "Don't believe everything she tells you about Vivienne or anyone else. Trust what I've said to you. Only that."
She bit her lower lip, her silver eyes clouding with vulnerability I rarely witnessed.
She admitted quietly. "I was just feeling... insecure. " She shook her head slightly. "Can I really trust you completely, Lucas? "
Something in her tone made me pause.
This wasn't merely jealousy—there was a deeper current beneath her words.
Just as I was about to say more, Morgan suddenly rolled over in bed with a loud mumble, "No... chocolate bunnies can't swim..."
Tori jumped out of my arms like she'd been shocked, her eyes wide with panic.
"You need to leave," she whispered urgently, glancing nervously at Morgan then back at the door. "Mrs. Baker might come check on Morgan any minute. If she finds you here—"
"What?" I raised an eyebrow, amused by her flustered state. "Am I someone to hide? Something shameful?"
Her cheeks flushed beautifully. "That's not what I meant."
"Come back to my private residence tonight," I said, the words escaping before I could reconsider.
She shook her head firmly. "I can't. I told you, I have the competition. I need to study and get back to campus." Her voice grew softer. "I really need to focus right now."
I nodded, impressed despite my disappointment. "Don't overwork yourself. Even the most brilliant minds need rest."
She nodded, relief and disappointment warring in her expression as I closed the door between us.
Back at the ballroom, the celebration continued in full swing.
I scanned the room, seeking the quickest exit, when Mother appeared at my side.
I was engaged in obligatory social pleasantries with several Pack elders, nodding at appropriate intervals while my mind remained elsewhere, when Mother appeared at my side.
"Lucas," Elizabeth's elegant voice carried a note of concern. "Have you seen Tori Sullivan?"
"Just now," I replied carefully. "Why do you ask?"
Mother's face tightened with barely contained anger.
"That poor child was harassed at our gathering. Hannah Sullivan deliberately introduced her to Garrett Woods, knowing his reputation with Omegas."
My body went rigid as she recounted the evening's events—Garrett's inappropriate advances, Tori defending herself, and Hannah's transparent manipulation of the situation.
"Tori handled herself admirably," Mother concluded. "I sent Garrett away with a warning, but the girl was clearly shaken."
Ice crystallized in my veins.
"Excuse me," I managed through clenched teeth, stepping away to a quiet corner.
Jack answered on the first ring. "Alpha?"
"Garrett Woods," I said, my voice deadly calm. "The hand he used to touch Tori—make sure he won't be using it again."
"Understood. Anything else?"
I thought of Hannah, who had conveniently escaped with Alexander after her scheme was exposed.
"I hear Hannah Sullivan has developed a fondness for horse racing," I said casually. "Perhaps she needs a more... immersive experience with the sport."
"Alpha?"
"Gambling is such a peculiar pastime, Jack," I continued, my tone conversational despite the rage pulsing beneath. "Small stakes provide entertainment. But when the stakes grow too high..." I paused. "Fortunes disappear. Families crumble. Sometimes, lives are ruined."
"I'll make the necessary arrangements," Jack replied, understanding perfectly.
"Good." I ended the call, my expression once again composed as I rejoined the party.
No one touched what was mine without consequences.
As I moved to find Tori, the distinct scent of expensive whiskey and a familiar scent caught my attention.
Ethan was leaning against a marble column, his normally immaculate appearance slightly disheveled.
"Uncle," he straightened upon seeing me, attempting dignity despite his inebriated state.
I studied him carefully. "You've had enough to drink, Ethan."
He laughed, too loudly. "Perhaps. But sometimes clarity comes with intoxication." He glanced around before stepping closer. "I need to speak with you. About something important."
I could smell the anxiety rolling off him beneath the alcohol. "Go on."
"Fiona and I," he hesitated, then squared his shoulders. "It's not working. Our mating was a mistake."
I kept my expression neutral. "You're drunk."
"I'm serious," he insisted. "I want to break the engagement. Find someone I actually care about."
"Listen carefully," I said, my voice dropping to a dangerous register. "Fiona is pregnant. The matter is settled. You need to take responsibility."
His eyes narrowed in defiance. "I can't forget—"
"Have you forgotten what I told you?" I cut him off, my tone hardening with Alpha authority. The air between us grew heavy with my displeasure.
The effect was immediate. Like cold water dousing flames, the alcohol-induced bravado drained from Ethan's face.
His pupils contracted sharply, momentary sobriety cutting through the haze of whiskey.
Without another word, he lowered his gaze in submission and turned away, his previously confident stride reduced to the defeated shuffle of a chastised pup.
The scent of disappointment and resignation trailed behind him as he disappeared into the crowd.
Still a child playing at being a male, I thought, watching him go. Given enough time, he'll learn to prioritize duty over fleeting emotions.
I turned my attention back to finding Tori, making my way toward the room where I'd left her earlier.
When I reached the room, however, I found only lingering traces of Tori's scent. She had departed some time ago.
I stood in the empty doorway, an unfamiliar sensation settling in my chest. Frustration. It had been years since I'd allowed myself to feel such a mundane emotion over something as simple as a missed encounter.
Running a hand through my hair, I exhaled slowly.