chapter 109
Tori's POV:
Lucas remained silent behind me, his breath warm against my neck.
I turned to face him, my heart racing.
"But I'm worried about the implications," I continued. "Fiona is pregnant with Ethan's pup now. Exposing her would throw the Grayson family into chaos. I don't want to cause problems for you."
The silver moonlight cast shadows across Lucas's features, making his expression difficult to read. His blue eyes seemed to glow in the darkness as he studied me.
"There's something you should know, little wolf," Lucas finally said, his voice deceptively calm. "I've been aware of Fiona's involvement for some time now."
I blinked, not sure I'd heard him correctly. "What?"
"I had my team investigate what happened five years ago." His expression remained neutral, but I sensed a tightly controlled anger beneath. "Roman Pierce, my chief legal counsel, has already been working on your case for days."
I studied his face carefully, noting how unsurprised he seemed about Fiona's involvement. "You even know why she set me up, don't you? "
He didn't deny it, his silence confirming my suspicion.
"I will clear your name, Tori," he promised, his voice resolute. "No matter what it takes."
Without thinking, I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his cheek in gratitude. "Thank you," I whispered against his skin.
Lucas stilled for a moment before one hand came up to cup my face.
Slowly, he turned my head until our lips met. Unlike our previous kisses, this one was gentle, almost reverent. I melted into him, my hands finding their way to his shoulders as the kiss deepened.
A distant howl echoed through the night, followed by another, reminding us we weren't alone in the world. Lucas pulled back slightly, resting his forehead against mine.
"The night patrol," he murmured, a small smile playing at his lips.
I nodded, suddenly self-conscious. "Lucas, I'm still worried about how this will affect your family. What they will think when—"
"Don't," he interrupted, his voice gentle but firm. "They can judge for themselves. They won't blindly believe rumors or allegations, especially not after they meet you."
His confidence was reassuring, but I couldn't help wondering if he was being overly optimistic. "Are you sure?"
Lucas smiled, squeezing my hands. "Trust me. Except for Ethan, perhaps, you'll find nothing but smiles waiting for you at the estate."
"The estate?" I asked, surprised. "We're going there now?"
"Soon," he nodded, helping me to my feet. "My mother has been waiting long enough to meet you."
Luna. The word hung between us, weighted with meaning.
Not just a girlfriend or companion, but a true mate—the other half of an Alpha.
The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying.
---
As Lucas drove us toward the Grayson estate, my anxiety grew with each passing mile.
My palms dampened with sweat, and Tracy, my wolf, paced nervously within me.
"You're tense," Lucas observed, reaching over to place a reassuring hand on my knee. "There's nothing to worry about. Just be yourself."
"Easy for you to say," I mumbled. "You're not the Omega with a Silver Fang record about to meet the Alpha family of Moonhaven."
Lucas's lips twitched with amusement. "You faced down Garrett Woods without flinching, but my family terrifies you?"
Before I could retort, we pulled up to an intersection.
"Finally!" Arabella called out. "We thought you might have gotten lost."
"Miss Tori!" Leo waved frantically. "Are you coming to our house?"
I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "I am. How are you, Leo?"
"Great! Will you play chess with me tonight? I've been practicing!"
"Of course," I promised, surprised by how the simple interaction calmed my nerves.
Arabella's eyes shifted between her brother and me, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Follow us, then. Mother's been rearranging flowers for hours."
The staff appeared immediately to take the gifts we'd brought. Arabella pulled Lucas aside while Leo grabbed my hand, tugging me toward a fountain.
"Have you seen our water wolves?" he asked, pointing to the stone carvings of wolves that formed part of the fountain design.
I knelt beside him, grateful for the distraction, though I could still hear snippets of the siblings' conversation behind us.
"—so she's really going to be your mate?" Arabella was asking, her tone playful but pointed. "Aren't you worried about the gossip? People will say you stole your nephew's girlfriend."
"Enough," Lucas's voice was low but carried a clear warning. "Watch what you say around her."
Arabella glanced my way, and I quickly turned back to Leo, pretending I hadn't heard.
A warm voice called from the main entrance.
"So this is the young wolf who's captured my son's heart."
I turned to see Elizabeth Grayson descending the steps, elegant and poised in a silver-blue dress that matched her eyes—Lucas's eyes.
Despite her welcoming smile, I felt myself tense.
"Mother," Lucas greeted her, coming to stand beside me. His arm slid around my waist in a gesture that was both protective and possessive.
"Mrs. Grayson," I managed, extending my hand. "Thank you for having me in your home."
"Oh, none of that 'Mrs. Grayson' formality," she said, bypassing my hand entirely to pull me into a warm embrace. "Elizabeth, please. Come, come inside! I've had the chef prepare some special dishes I think you'll enjoy."
One by one, other family members emerged from the house.
I looked around at what appeared to be the entire Grayson family gathered to greet us.
The tension and embarrassment in the air were palpable.
"Everyone," Lucas announced, his voice carrying easily across the gathering, "I'd like you to meet Tori Sullivan. My future Luna."
The simple declaration sent a wave of whispers through the assembled family members, and I felt the weight of their stares intensify.
Almost immediately, Richard stepped forward, his expression tense. "Lucas, a word," he said, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder and drawing him away from me.
Left suddenly alone in the center of curious and judgmental gazes, I fought the urge to shrink back.
A woman stepped toward me—Cecilia Grayson, whom Morgan had once described as Ethan's sister and someone who had an interest in Matthew Howard.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she recognized me.
"So you're the famous Tori Sullivan," she said, her voice carrying just enough for nearby family members to hear. "I can certainly see why my brother Ethan can't forget you. You're quite beautiful."
The comment landed like a stone in still water.
Conversations halted abruptly, and the atmosphere around us instantly froze. Several family members exchanged uncomfortable glances, and Elizabeth's smile became somewhat fixed.