chapter 107
Tori's POV:
After Lucas returned from washing up, he slid back into bed beside me.
His blue eyes caught mine in the dim light, something unspoken passing between us.
When he leaned down, my heart raced as his lips met mine in a deep, tender kiss that made my whole body warm with anticipation.
But instead of going further, he simply pulled back, brushed my hair from my face, and wrapped his arms around me.
"Sleep now, little wolf," he whispered, his voice a comforting rumble against my ear.
I couldn't name the feeling that washed over me—relief mingled with a strange disappointment.
With these conflicted emotions swirling, I nestled against his chest, his steady heartbeat eventually lulling me into the most peaceful sleep I'd had in years.
Warmth surrounded me as I slowly drifted back to consciousness the next morning.
Then I registered the steady heartbeat beneath my ear and the strong arm wrapped securely around my waist.
Lucas.
Carefully, I shifted to look at his face, peaceful in what I assumed was sleep.
Unable to resist, I reached out, my fingertips gently tracing the strong line of his jaw, the curve of his cheekbone, the bridge of his nose.
When my fingers hovered near his eyes, they suddenly flew open, blue irises capturing mine with startling clarity.
I jerked back with a gasp. "You're awake!"
"Have been for a while," he replied, amusement dancing in those eyes.
"Why were you pretending to sleep?" I asked, my heart still racing from the surprise.
His lips curved into a playful smirk. "I was curious to see what a certain ill-intentioned Omega planned to do while I was supposedly unconscious."
Heat rushed to my cheeks. "I wasn't—I didn't—"
"Do you like them?" he interrupted, his voice dropping lower.
"Like what?"
"My eyes. You were studying them quite intently."
The blush deepened as I found myself caught. "They're... beautiful," I admitted softly. "Like a lake."
Lucas's expression softened at my confession.
He leaned forward, pressing his lips gently against mine in a kiss that made my heart flutter. When he pulled back, his gaze was intense, determined.
"I want to take you to meet my mother," he said, his voice low and serious. "As my mate, Tori."
My eyes widened in shock. "Your... mate? You want to introduce me to Elizabeth Grayson as your mate?"
"Yes." The certainty in his voice was unwavering.
I shook my head, anxiety washing over me. "Lucas, they won't accept me. Especially not now, with my past just exposed at the ceremony. I'm an Omega with a prison record, at the center of a scandal. The timing couldn't be worse—"
"None of that matters," he interrupted, cupping my face in his hands.
"No opinion, no judgment, no pack politics will change what you are to me. My decision is made."
The intensity in his eyes made it clear this wasn't up for debate, but I still felt overwhelmed by the implications.
"I need to prepare," I said finally. "I should bring a gift. It's tradition."
"I can have something arranged," he offered, thumb gently stroking my cheek.
"No," I insisted, finding unexpected strength in my voice. "I want to choose it myself. It will mean more that way."
A smile played at the corner of his lips, pride and something else flickering in his expression. "As you wish, little wolf."
---
After Lucas left for a Pack meeting, I immediately called Morgan.
My anxiety about meeting the Graysons wouldn't let me sit still.
"Morgan, I need your help," I said as soon as she answered. "Lucas wants to introduce me to his mother—as his mate."
Her squeal was so loud I had to hold the phone away from my ear. "OH MY GOD! Are you serious? This is huge, Tori!"
Two hours later, Morgan and I stood in Howling Plaza, scrutinizing an array of traditional gift offerings suitable for a first meeting with an Alpha's family. Her excitement hadn't diminished in the slightest since we'd arrived.
"Oh my god, Tori! You actually did it! You won over Lucas Grayson! Do you realize what this means? I'm going to be best friends with the future Luna of the most powerful pack in Moonhaven!" Morgan grabbed my hands, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Lower your voice," I hissed. "Just tell me what to bring."
Morgan's enthusiasm dimmed slightly as she screwed up her face in concentration. "Um... I think Mr. Grayson likes fishing, and Mrs. Grayson... actually, I don't really know what she likes."
I sighed. For all Morgan's connections to the Graysons, her practical knowledge was surprisingly limited.
For the next hour, I meticulously selected gifts for each family member.
As I turned the corner into the jewelry section, looking for something special as my main offering, I nearly collided with a familiar figure.
Megan Howard stood before me, her golden eyes widening in recognition before narrowing with obvious displeasure.
"Well, well," she said, her voice carrying just enough for nearby shoppers to turn their heads. "If it isn't the Omega who's suddenly attached to Alpha Lucas."
She took deliberate steps toward me, her posture radiating challenge.
"What exactly is your relationship with Lucas? The whole town is talking after that stunt at the awards ceremony."
Morgan stepped between us, bristling with anger. "None of your business," she snapped, grabbing my arm to pull me away.
"Tori." Megan's voice stopped us, her eyes gleaming with disdain and mockery.
"I don't care what relationship you claim to have with Lucas, but as a convicted wolf-killer and Ethan's ex-girlfriend, I suggest you crawl back to Silver Fang where you belong."
"The Grayson bloodline is far beyond what a disgraced Omega like you could ever hope to reach."
"Hey, who do you think—" Morgan began, rolling up her sleeves ready for a confrontation.
I placed a restraining hand on her arm, meeting Megan's gaze with calm steadiness.
"Whether I'm worthy of the Alpha Lucas remains to be seen, but I do know one thing: continuing to pursue an Alpha who has clearly rejected you shows a remarkable lack of breeding."
"A Howard from a respected bloodline surely wouldn't display such... undignified behavior, would she?"
"You—" Megan's face contorted with rage. "How dare you speak to me like that!"
I could see the shock in her eyes.
From her privileged position, she was used to deference and flattery, not being put in her place—especially not by an Omega.
But I wasn't that person anymore. No more would I be the docile Omega who accepted mistreatment as her due. No more would I let others push me around or manipulate me with their words.
And I certainly wouldn't let someone like Megan Howard drive a wedge between Lucas and me with a few spiteful comments. What we had was worth fighting for.
"Let's go, Morgan," I said quietly, turning away.
Megan stood frozen, glaring daggers at my retreating back.