chapter 101
Tori's POV:
I lowered my phone and met Lucas's concerned gaze.
"The Institute," I explained with a small sigh. "They want me to give the keynote speech at the Moon Phase Awards ceremony next Friday."
His silver-blue eyes studied my expression carefully. "Is that all?"
I shook my head, feeling a rush of pride cutting through my annoyance.
"No, actually. I... I won the championship. First place in the Moon Phase Calculation Competition."
Lucas's lips curved into a rare, genuine smile that made my heart flutter. He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering against my skin.
"My clever little wolf," he murmured, his deep voice carrying a note of pride that warmed me from within. "I knew you would."
I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.
The night air had grown cooler, and I wrapped my arms around myself. Lucas noticed immediately and shrugged off his jacket, draping it over my shoulders. It was still warm from his body, carrying his scent—pine, winter frost, and something distinctly him.
"Will you come back to Moonhaven center with me tomorrow?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes intent.
I hesitated. Even though Grandmother's surgery had gone well and she was recovering nicely, I still worried about leaving her.
Lucas studied me, seeing straight through to my concerns as he always did. "I can arrange for someone to stay with her. A nurse with medical training."
I blinked at him, surprised by his thoughtfulness.
"How do you know what I'm thinking?" I looked up at him, a mix of gratitude and wonder in my voice.
"Tori," he said my name with such tenderness it made my chest ache.
"Because you're here," he said quietly, tapping his chest lightly over his heart.
Heat rushed to my cheeks at his words, and I lowered my eyes, suddenly unable to meet his intense gaze. My heart pounded so loudly I was certain he could hear it.
No one had ever spoken to me like this before—like I mattered, like I was precious.
"I'll go with you," I whispered, finally looking back up at him. "Back to Moonhaven. I need to be there for the ceremony anyway."
The smile that spread across his face made my decision worth it instantly.
A rustling sound from nearby bushes made me jump.
Lucas chuckled, his arm tightening around me.
"Just a stray cat," he said, amusement coloring his voice. "For a wolf, you're remarkably skittish."
I shot him a glare. "I'm not skittish. I'm... cautious."
"Mmm-hmm." His smile was teasing, and I felt a lightness I hadn't experienced in years.
"You should go," I said reluctantly, glancing back at the house. "If Grandmother wakes up and finds me gone..."
"She'd discover her granddaughter sneaking around with an Alpha in the middle of the night?" Lucas finished, raising an eyebrow. "Scandalous."
"Exactly," I pushed against his chest half-heartedly. "Go back to your fancy hotel."
Instead of letting me push him away, Lucas pulled me closer.
One hand cupped my face, thumb tracing my cheekbone with exquisite gentleness. Then he lowered his mouth to mine, and the world fell away.
The kiss was different from our previous ones—deeper, more intimate, filled with unspoken promises.
When we finally parted, I was breathless, my wolf Tracy purring with contentment.
"Sweet dreams, little wolf," he whispered against my lips before reluctantly releasing me.
I watched him walk back to his car, my fingers touching my lips where I could still feel the pressure of his kiss.
---
The journey back to Moonhaven with Lucas had been surprisingly comfortable, almost as if we'd traveled together countless times before.
But I barely had time to settle in before the day of the ceremony arrived.
Lucas had sent a professional stylist to help me prepare for the ceremony.
When my car pulled up to the Moonhaven Conference Center, I took a deep breath before stepping out.
Immediately, dozens of eyes turned in my direction, and I heard the unmistakable clicks of cameras.
The silver-gray dress Lucas had chosen complemented my eyes perfectly, though I still felt exposed under so many stares.
Morgan was already waiting at the entrance, practically bouncing on her toes with excitement. "Tori! You look amazing!" she squealed, rushing over to hug me.
"Thanks for coming," I whispered, genuinely grateful for her familiar presence among the crowd.
The grand hall was packed with Moonhaven's elite, and media representatives eager to cover both the inauguration of the Lunar Phase Research Institute and the awards ceremony.
The competition had apparently become quite prestigious, with my unexpected victory creating significant buzz.
"Are you nervous?" Morgan asked, noting how tightly I was clutching my purse.
"I'm fine," I assured her, my voice steadier than I expected.
My eyes scanned the arriving guests, looking for his tall figure and those unmistakable silver-blue eyes.
Lucas sat in the front row, his presence a steady anchor in the turbulent ocean of my anxiety.
You can do this, I told myself, taking a deep breath.
Just as I was about to begin my speech, the lights dimmed unexpectedly.
Confused murmurs rippled through the audience. I glanced at the event organizers standing offstage, but they looked equally bewildered.
Then the massive screen behind me flickered to life.
The words "Silver Fang Detention Center - Four Years Ago" appeared in stark white letters against a black background.
My blood turned to ice.