chapter 158
Tori's POV:
Heat flooded my face as I realized what they'd been discussing.
Lucas appeared at my bedside immediately, his hand finding mine with practiced ease.
"How are you feeling?" His thumb traced gentle circles over my knuckles, and despite my embarrassment, I couldn't help but lean into his touch.
"Better," I managed, my voice still rough with sleep. "The cramping's gone."
Elizabeth moved closer, settling into the chair on my other side with the grace of someone who'd spent decades commanding rooms.
Her silver-white hair was perfectly coiffed despite the early hour, and her ice-blue eyes—so like Lucas's—studied me with an intensity that made Tracy stir nervously.
"I've arranged for Martha to prepare the guest suite in the main house," Elizabeth announced, as if the matter was already decided. "You'll need proper care during your pregnancy, and Lucas's private residence, while lovely, lacks the support staff necessary for—"
"Mother." Lucas's voice held a warning edge. "I will take good care of Tori."
Elizabeth's lips curved into a knowing smile.
"Of course, dear. But do consider it. "
She reached into her designer handbag, producing an ornate silver box. "This is yuèhuá mìlù—moon-essence dew. It's a rare supplement, harvested only during the full moon from silver birch trees in the Northern Territories. "
She opened the box, revealing crystalline vials filled with luminescent liquid that seemed to pulse with its own inner light.
The scent that wafted out was intoxicating—like moonlight distilled into physical form, with undertones of wild honey and something indefinably other.
"It strengthens the wolf bond between mother and pup," Elizabeth continued, her voice softening. "My own mother gave it to me when I carried Lucas. "
I accepted the box carefully, overwhelmed by the gesture. "Thank you, Elizabeth. I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll take care of yourself." Her hand covered mine, surprisingly warm. "And that you'll let us help you. You're family now, Tori. Truly."
"I will," I whispered. "Thank you."
Elizabeth's expression grew more serious. "Now, about the Luna ceremony. The next full moon falls on December eighth—just three weeks away. We'll need to begin preparations immediately. The formal recognition, the bonding ritual before the Elder Council, the presentation to the four packs—"
"Mother," Lucas interrupted again, but this time his tone held exasperation rather than warning. "Perhaps we could let Tori recover from one medical emergency before planning the next major life event?"
"Nonsense. Planning is precisely what she needs—something joyful to focus on." Elizabeth turned back to me, her eyes twinkling. "Besides, the sooner we formalize your position, the sooner certain... ambitious individuals will understand that Lucas is permanently off the market."
I thought of Megan's defeated expression at Olivia's party, of Vivienne's calculating smiles. "I appreciate that."
"Good. Then it's settled." Elizabeth rose, smoothing her skirt. "Jack will coordinate with Roman Pierce for the legal documentation. Nothing too heavy—your stomach will be sensitive for a few days."
She paused at the door, glancing back with an expression that was part stern, part affectionate. "And Lucas? Do try to exercise some restraint in the future. Your father and I would like our grandchild to arrive healthy and on schedule."
The door clicked shut behind her, leaving us in mortified silence.
"I'm never going to live that down," Lucas muttered, but his lips twitched with suppressed amusement.
I buried my face in my hands.
He laughed then, the sound rumbling through his chest as he pulled me into his arms.
---
In the afternoon, Grace came to visit.
Elizabeth had entrusted her with the preparations for the Luna coronation ceremony, and she came to ask me some detailed questions.
After finishing the discussion about the ceremony arrangements, Grace didn't leave immediately. Instead, she remained seated, watching me as I leaned against the headboard.
I could feel her gaze, the complex emotions transmitting through the mate bond to Lucas, causing his arm around me to tighten unconsciously.
"Tori," Grace finally spoke, her voice carrying a hint of hesitation, "I know this request might not be appropriate, but... Ethan hasn't been doing well emotionally lately. Could you possibly give him a call and talk to him?"
The air in the room instantly froze.
I felt Lucas's body tense, his Alpha aura beginning to seep out. Tracy issued a warning growl deep within me.
"Grace," I said calmly, though my heart was racing, "since you know Lucas and I are together, you should understand that it's not appropriate for me to have any private contact with Ethan. Besides, if he would truly listen to me, he wouldn't be in this state now."
I'd told Ethan many times to let go of the past. He'd never truly listened.
"I know, I know this is difficult for you," Grace's voice carried a mother's desperation, "but I really have no other options. He's locked himself in his apartment, won't answer calls, won't see anyone."
"Grace." Lucas's voice was cold and firm. "Enough."
"Lucas, he's your nephew—"
"He's also a grown male who needs to take responsibility for his own choices." Lucas cut her off. "Tori doesn't owe him anything. "
Grace's eyes reddened, but she didn't give up, turning to me instead. "Just one phone call, Tori. Please."
I looked at this woman who had once been a proud Grayson matriarch, now setting aside all her pride for her son. As someone about to become a mother myself, I could understand that desperation.
But I also knew that some wounds could only be healed by time.
"Grace," I said softly, "I understand your concern. But if I call Ethan, it will only make things worse. What he needs isn't my comfort—it's accepting reality."
My hand covered Lucas's, feeling him relax at my words.
I continued. "It's part of his growth. Someday, he'll understand that we were never fated mates, just a youthful misunderstanding."
Grace closed her eyes, tears sliding down her cheeks. "I understand. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked."
She rose to leave, pausing at the door. "Tori, regardless of everything, welcome to this family. You're a good girl—better than my son deserves."