chapter 141
Tori's POV:
The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, warming my face as I stirred awake.
Lucas's side of the bed was already empty, the sheets still carrying his woodsy scent.
Memories of last night's passionate intimacy rushed back, making my cheeks flush hot. Tracy, my wolf, stretched contentedly within me, despite our shared exhaustion.
The sun's already high. We should get up, Tracy urged.
I slipped into the clothes Lucas had left for me and padded quietly down the stairs. As I reached the bottom, I noticed Lucas and Ethan in the living room, seemingly engaged in conversation.
The last step creaked beneath my foot, and Lucas immediately looked up, his expression softening as he spotted me.
Ethan stood nearby, his bandaged hand clenched at his side, blood seeping through the wrappings.
I faltered for a moment at the sight of his injury, but I quickly reminded myself that his well-being wasn't my responsibility anymore.
"Good morning," Lucas said warmly, already moving toward me. "Sleep well?" he asked, his hand finding its natural place at my waist.
"Yes, thank you," I answered softly, deliberately avoiding Ethan's pained gaze. "I could use some coffee."
"Of course." Lucas guided me toward the dining room, his fingers pressing gently against my lower back. "Butler has breakfast waiting."
In the dining room, Elizabeth Grayson was excitedly arranging something on the table.
When she spotted us, her face brightened with almost childlike enthusiasm.
"Good morning, dear!" She rushed over, enveloping me in a quick hug before proudly holding up an intricately carved silver vial etched with lunar phases. "This is last night's special supplement! Perfect for newly bonded mates."
I froze, remembering the effects of last night's tea and the uncontrollable passion that followed. My face burned as I instinctively took a step back.
"Mother..." Lucas's tone carried a helpless.
"This is an ancient Grayson family recipe," Elizabeth continued, completely ignoring her son's cautionary glance. "It significantly improves your...life. "
She gave me a meaningful look. "You should take some home!"
I froze, not reaching for the vial, my entire posture radiating reluctance.
Elizabeth, noticing my discomfort but misinterpreting it as shyness, turned to a nearby servant. "Take this to Lucas's car. Put it on the passenger seat so they don't forget."
I stood there speechless, mortification creeping up my neck as the servant accepted the ornate wooden box with a respectful nod.
After breakfast, Lucas drove me back to his private territory.
When he opened the passenger door for me, my eyes immediately fell on the elaborately carved wooden box sitting prominently on the seat.
Elizabeth had clearly worried we might "forget" her special gift.
My cheeks burning, I grabbed the box and thrust it into Lucas's arms. "Please return this to your mother," I mumbled, unable to meet his eyes.
"Actually, you really don't... need this," I added awkwardly.
Lucas glanced at me, a hint of amusement playing at his lips. He picked up the vial and placed it in a compartment in the trunk.
"Don't worry," his deep voice carried a teasing undertone, "I won't force anything on you." His fingers brushed my cheek. "Though my Luna is so enchanting, it's difficult to... control myself."
My face flamed instantly, and I turned to look out the window, refusing to engage with his flirtation.
Arriving at Lucas's private territory, a surprise awaited me.
When he led me to the master bedroom, I stopped in the doorway, stunned. The entire room had been transformed – walls changed from deep gray to my favorite pale blue, bedding and curtains replaced with soft silver-gray fabrics, crystal lamps I'd once admired placed on both nightstands, and my favorite inspirational books arranged in the corner.
"When did you...?" I breathed, taking it all in.
Lucas stood behind me, arms encircling my waist. "You mentioned liking these colors and styles. This is our room now – it should reflect your tastes too."
Somehow, this thoughtful gesture moved me more than any expensive gift could have. I turned and impulsively embraced him, rising on tiptoes to kiss him. "Thank you."
Lucas pulled me closer, deepening the kiss, but just as the moment grew heated, my phone rang.
Seeing "Grandma" on the screen, I answered immediately.
"Grandma? What's wrong?"
"Tori," Eileen's voice sounded perfectly normal, "Anna's had a bit of a cold for a few days now. We've seen the local doctor twice, but she's still not feeling better. Janet and I thought we'd bring her to Moontouch Medical Center in Moonhaven for a second opinion. We're not very familiar with the city though... do you have some time today?"
"Of course, Grandma. I'd be happy to meet you there," I replied without hesitation. "Just let me know when you arrive."
I explained the situation to Lucas.
"Would you like me to come with you?" he offered, concern evident in his eyes.
"No," I shook my head, "I can handle this."
Hours later, I greeted Eileen and my young cousin Anna at Moontouch Medical Center.
Anna looked paler than usual, and her mother Janet clutched her daughter's hand, eyes brimming with worry.
The examination revealed Anna suffered from severe seasonal allergies combined with mild anemia, requiring a two-day observation.
Janet visibly sagged with relief when the doctor explained the diagnosis wasn't serious
"Thank goodness," she breathed, the tension finally leaving her shoulders as she squeezed my hand. "I've been so worried these past few days."
"Just be relaxed," I soothed her. "We know what it is now, and she'll recover quickly."
That evening, Lucas suggested Eileen stay at his territory, but my grandmother politely declined: "Thank you for your kindness, Lucas, but I wouldn't want to impose."
I arranged accommodations for Eileen at a hotel near the medical center and decided to stay with her. Later, Lucas called, his voice gentle with understanding:
"I'm okay. You made the right choice, staying with your family."
"Thank you for understanding," I replied softly, warmth spreading through me. "I'll be back soon."
"Don't worry," he responded. "I've sent Jack with some essentials for you. Family comes first."
Anna moved to a regular room. To my surprise, Elizabeth and several Grayson elders came to visit.
As the days passed, I noticed Grandma Eileen's attitude toward Lucas softening considerably. Her initial wariness was gradually being replaced by cautious approval.
Before long, it was time for Olivia Sullivan's birthday celebration.
Lucas had commissioned a moon-white dress for me, trimmed with rare silver fur, so exquisite it took my breath away.
When we entered the Sullivan estate's grand hall that evening, all eyes turned toward us.
As the companion of the Grayson Pack Alpha, I became the center of attention. Members of the hall cast curious and admiring glances our way, and I straightened my shoulders, trying my best to appear dignified.
Lucas kept one arm securely around my waist while gracefully shaking hands with the various pack members who approached us.
"The Alpha and his future Luna look remarkably well-matched," I overheard someone whisper.
"No wonder Alpha Grayson introduced her so publicly. With those looks and that poise, even I'm impressed," another female voice added.
"I heard she won the moon phase calculation championship. Beautiful and brilliant. Apart from her Omega status and background, she seems worthy of the Alpha."
The murmurs continued around us. Whether their comments were sincere or merely performative, at least they were all giving him the proper deference an Alpha of his standing deserved.