chapter 129
Lucas's POV:
I pulled up to Eileen Sullivan's modest house with Roman beside me, the leather portfolio containing our documents secure in his hands.
I stepped out of my car. I could smell the tension in the air, mingled with Tori's distinct vanilla and moonstone scent that called to my wolf even through closed doors.
"Wait here until I call for you," I instructed Roman, my voice low but clear.
Roman nodded, his professionalism unwavering. "Of course, Alpha."
I approached the door and knocked.
Within seconds, I heard hurried footsteps, and then the door swung open.
Tori stood there, her silver-gray eyes meeting mine, relief and anxiety battling across her features. Tear tracks marked her cheeks, and exhaustion shadowed her face.
My chest tightened at the sight.
Without thinking, I reached out, gently brushing my thumb across her cheekbone.
"You've been crying," I said softly, the realization making something protective and fierce rise within me.
"It's nothing," she whispered, leaning slightly into my touch despite herself. "I'm just glad you're here."
The vulnerability in her voice made my wolf stir. I wanted nothing more than to pull her into my arms and shield her from whatever had caused those tears, but I knew we had more important matters to handle first.
"Is your grandmother ready to see me?" I asked, dropping my hand reluctantly.
Tori nodded, her expression turning serious. "She's in the living room. Lucas, she's... not happy about this."
"I expected as much." I offered her a reassuring half-smile. "But I didn't come unprepared."
She stepped aside to let me enter, and I immediately sensed the tension filling the small house.
The living room was modestly furnished but clean, with family photos adorning the walls. In the center, sitting rigidly in an armchair, was Eileen.
Her silver hair was neatly pinned back, and despite her age, her posture was straight and proud. Her eyes were cold as they assessed me.
I approached and inclined my head respectfully. "Mrs. Eileen. Thank you for seeing me."
"I didn't have much choice, did I?" Her voice was brittle but controlled. "When an Alpha of your standing comes calling, refusal isn't really an option."
From the corner of my eye, I saw Tori flinch. I kept my expression neutral, refusing to rise to the bait.
"I understand your concerns," I said evenly. "And I respect that your priority is Tori's wellbeing."
"If you truly understand, then perhaps you should keep your distance from Tori," she challenged immediately.
"My granddaughter may be young and inexperienced, unable to fully comprehend what she's getting into. But you—shouldn't a Chief Alpha of your standing know better than this? Or is the mighty Alpha Lucasalso incapable of making responsible decisions?"
Tori stepped forward. "Grandma, please—"
I raised my hand gently, stopping her. "It's alright, Tori. Would you mind giving your grandmother and me a few minutes to speak privately?"
Uncertainty flickered across her face, her eyes darting between Eileen and me. "Lucas, I don't think—"
"Trust me," I said softly, meeting her gaze with reassurance.
She hesitated, biting her lower lip, clearly torn between staying to defend our relationship and respecting my request. Finally, she nodded reluctantly.
"I'll be in my room if you need me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
She cast one last concerned glance at her grandmother before leaving the living room, her footsteps fading down the hallway.
After Tori left. I met the older woman's gaze directly.
"I'm not here to take Tori from you. I'm here because I love her, and I want to do this properly, with your blessing if possible."
"Love?" Eileen's laugh was sharp. "Alphas like you don't love, Alpha. You possess. You control."
Rather than argue further, I nodded toward the door.
"I know exactly what you're afraid of, Mrs. Eileen. I'd like to show you something, if I may. Roman?"
At my call, Roman entered, his steps measured and professional.
He handed me the leather portfolio with a slight bow before retreating to stand by the wall. I opened it and extracted a document bound with silver thread.
"This is a Moon Oath," I explained, placing it on the coffee table between us. "A blood contract, written in my own blood and signed with my Alpha signature."
Eileen looked at it skeptically, making no move to touch it.
"In this document," I continued, "I pledge myself to Tori completely. I swear on my Alpha bloodline and the honor of the Grayson pack to love, protect, and cherish her for all my days."
I met Eileen's eyes unflinchingly. "And should I ever break this oath, should I ever cause her harm or heartbreak, the magic of the Moon Oath will trigger immediate consequences. I will suffer a physical backlash that will strip me of my Alpha status and abilities, rendering me essentially powerless. "
" Additionally, everything I own—my properties, my businesses, my personal fortune—will transfer to Tori immediately and irrevocably. I would become nothing while she would gain everything."
Eileen's hands trembled slightly as she finally reached for the document. She read through it carefully, her expression shifting from skepticism to disbelief.
"This is... unprecedented," she murmured.
After a long pause, she looked up at me, eyes narrowing. "But why her? Why my Tori specifically? I understand fated mates are rare, but after centuries of evolution, our kind has moved beyond such biological imperatives. Especially Alphas like you—you have options, choices that others don't have."
I held her gaze steadily, appreciating her directness.
"With all respect, Mrs. Eileen, who I love and choose as my mate is my decision alone. Fated mate or not, Tori is who I want. "
I leaned forward slightly. "If you'll accept this oath as proof of my intentions, I ask that you stop making Tori feel torn between us. You are extremely important to her, and watching her struggle with your disapproval is painful for both of us. I don't want her forced to choose between the two people she cares about most."
Eileen studied me for what felt like minutes, her face a complex mixture of wariness, resignation, and perhaps the faintest hint of respect.
Finally, her shoulders relaxed slightly.
"You're persistent, I'll give you that," she said, folding the document. "And this..." she tapped the oath, "is not something I expected. I won't pretend I'm completely convinced, but I won't stand in your way either."
"Thank you," I said, genuine gratitude in my voice. "In that case, would you mind if I went upstairs to speak with Tori?"
Eileen closed her eyes and turned her face away, offering neither permission nor refusal.
I recognized the silent acquiescence for what it was and stood, making my way toward the stairs. I'd only taken two steps when her voice stopped me.
"Don't stay too long," she said, eyes still closed. "It's getting late."
"I won't," I promised, continuing on my path.
I climbed the stairs quietly, following Tori's scent to a door at the end of the hall.
As I approached, I noticed it was cracked open, and through the narrow gap I could see Tori crouched down, her silver eyes peering anxiously through the stair railing toward the living room below.
She was so focused on trying to overhear our conversation that she didn't notice my presence until I was right in front of her door.
When she finally looked up and saw me, relief washed over her face. She quickly straightened, a blush coloring her cheeks at being caught eavesdropping.
"Were you that worried about me?" I asked, unable to keep the amusement from my voice despite the seriousness of the situation.
"Afraid your grandmother might have me for dinner instead of just conversation?"