chapter 132
Tori's POV:
The corridors of the Elder Council Hall seemed brighter as I walked beside Lucas, my steps lighter than they had been in years.
"You're quiet," Lucas observed, his voice low enough that only I could hear.
His hand rested at the small of my back, a gentle pressure that somehow kept me grounded when everything else felt surreal.
I managed a small smile. "Just processing."
Roman Pierce caught up to us as we reached the outer courtyard, his formal demeanor softened by what appeared to be genuine satisfaction with the outcome. "Ms. Sullivan, a moment of your time?"
I nodded.
"The compensation package has been approved," Roman explained, handing me a document folder. "Three million five hundred thousand moonstone, to be transferred to your account within three business days."
I stared at the folder in my hands. Four years of my life reduced to a mathematical formula. My brother's life given a monetary value.
The nights I'd spent curled into myself on a cold concrete floor, trying to muffle my sobs so the guards wouldn't have an excuse to drug me again—all of it distilled into a tidy sum.
"Is that what justice costs these days?" The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Roman's expression flickered with something that might have been compassion. "The monetary compensation is merely symbolic, Ms. Sullivan. No amount could adequately address what was taken from you."
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
"Of course, if you have any additional requests, please feel free to make them known," he continued. "We'll do our best to accommodate your needs. "
"That won't be necessary," I managed to say, my voice steadier now. "I'll handle the rest of my journey on my own."
The words came out with more resolve than I expected. Four years in Silver Fang had taught me self-reliance if nothing else.
As Roman departed, Lucas returned to my side, his expression carefully neutral. "Ready to go home?"
Home. The word suddenly felt warm and comforting again on my tongue.
I nodded, a small but genuine smile forming on my lips.
---
My phone had been buzzing constantly since we left the Council Hall—notifications from various social media platforms where my case had apparently become the trending topic.
My phone rang. Aunt Janet's name flashed on the screen.
I hesitated before answering.
"Tori?" Her voice sounded different—warmer than I remembered from our last strained conversation. "I just wanted to say... congratulations. I'm so glad the truth finally came out."
I swallowed past the lump in my throat. "Thank you."
"The neighbors—" she paused, her voice catching. "They're not talking anymore about you. And they're actually saying Ryan was a hero, protecting his sister. The way it should have been all along."
The mention of Ryan's name sent a familiar pang through my chest, but for once, it wasn't accompanied by the crushing guilt that had been my constant companion for four years.
"He was," I whispered.
After a brief conversation, I hung up and noticed Lucas watching me with an unreadable expression.
"My little wolf, you've suffered so much these years," he said softly, his fingers gently brushing against mine. "If only I had found you sooner."
I shook my head, looking up to meet his gaze. "I'm happy enough now," I replied, surprised by how true the words felt. "This moment... it's worth everything that came before."
---
Back at Lucas's private residence.
After taking a shower, I found myself in his immaculate bedroom, folding clothes while he took a business call in his study.
His closet was precisely what I would have expected—rows of tailored suits and dress shirts in black, white, and various shades of gray. Everything meticulously organized by color and type.
So different from my own haphazard approach to clothing storage.
My phone vibrated with a call from Morgan.
"You did it!" she practically squealed when I answered. "I can't believe that bitch finally got what was coming to her. The entire pack is talking about nothing else!"
"Really?" I couldn't hide my surprise.
"Oh my god, yes. You're like, the ultimate revenge story. Wrongfully accused Omega returns and takes down her former BFF who's literally pregnant with her ex's baby. It's like something out of a drama series."
I winced at her characterization. "It wasn't about revenge, Morgan."
"I know, I know. But still, it's pretty satisfying, right?" She didn't wait for my answer. "So, what are you doing tonight? A bunch of us are going to Howling Moon to celebrate. You have to come!"
"I can't," I said, continuing to fold Lucas's shirts. "I'm at the Lucas's residence."
There was a meaningful pause. "Ohhh, I see. With Alpha Lucas?"
Heat crept up my neck. "Yes, but it's not—"
"Don't even try to deny it," Morgan interrupted with a laugh. "Everyone can smell his scent all over you. Have you two...you know...completed the bonding yet?"
"Morgan!" I hissed, nearly dropping the silk shirt I was folding.
"What? I'm just asking! You know Alphas get really intense when they've found their mate but haven't completed the bond. They become super possessive and clingy. And the sexual frustration makes them almost unbearable to be around—all that pent-up desire with nowhere to go."
Her casual comment made me pause.
I'd never considered that the temporary mark Lucas had left might be affecting him.
After Morgan's call ended with promises to meet tomorrow, I found myself opening my laptop and typing: "Alpha long-term effects of incomplete bonding"
The search results made my stomach tighten.
Increased sexual desire. Heightened possessiveness. Difficulty maintaining distance from their mate. Physical discomfort when separated for long periods. Some reports even described Alphas becoming almost childishly clingy, needing constant reassurance of their mate's affection.
I was still lost in my research when I heard the bedroom door open.
Lucas stood there, his tall frame filling the doorway, dressed in a crisp dark suit that accentuated his broad shoulders.
"Find anything interesting?" he asked, nodding toward my laptop.
I slammed it shut, my face burning. "Just checking emails."