chapter 65
Tori's POV
Heat rushed to my face.
I wanted to deny it, to say something cutting that would wipe that knowing look from his face, but words failed me.
Because the truth was undeniable now, even to myself.
I was jealous. And that meant I cared far more than I'd been willing to admit.
Lucas extinguished his cigarette and turned to face me fully, those penetrating silver-blue eyes holding mine captive.
"The Council's arranged Luna candidates mean nothing to me," he said, his voice low and certain. "I'm interested in only one."
His words hung in the air between us, their meaning unmistakable.
My heart pounded wildly against my ribs. For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine what it might be like—to be with someone like Lucas, to be chosen by him, to feel safe and wanted.
But then the shadows crept in.
Blood on my hands. Noah's lifeless body. The Council's judgment. "Dangerous Omega." My mother's disgusted face. Ethan's betrayal. Four years of isolation and fear.
"You don't know what I've done," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I'm not worth it."
Lucas's eyes hardened slightly, though his voice remained calm.
"Whether you're worth it or not is for me to decide," he replied, his tone gentler now but no less intense. "Not you."
I bit my lip, gathering courage before meeting his gaze again.
"What if... what if you discover I'm hiding something from you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"What kind of something?" Lucas's expression remained carefully neutral, but I could sense his tension.
"The reason for my leaving during these four years," I managed, my fingers twisting nervously in my lap.
Something flickered across Lucas's face—understanding, perhaps, or relief.
"Is that what's been troubling you?" he asked softly.
"Tori, whatever happened there, as long as your heart hasn't already belonged to someone else, everything else we can work through."
His voice dropped lower. "I'll wait until you're ready to tell me. "
I looked away, unable to bear the intensity in his eyes. My throat tightened painfully as tears threatened to form.
No one had ever chosen me like this—so completely, so unhesitatingly.
Lucas Grayson, Alpha of the most powerful pack in Moonhaven. If he wanted to, he could have every minute of my time at Silver Fang investigated and documented by morning.
Yet somehow, I believed him. I believed that Lucas would respect my privacy, that he would wait as he promised. It was irrational, perhaps even foolish, but the certainty settled in my chest alongside the warmth of his words.
The car suddenly felt too small, the air too thick.
Tracy was pushing against my consciousness, urging me to move closer to him, to accept him.
"I can't give you an answer right now," I said finally.
"I don't need your answer right this moment," he said. "But I do need you to stop running from me." His eyes softened slightly. "No more distance, Tori. "
It wasn't a command, despite his Alpha status. It was a request—maybe even a plea. And that, more than anything, reached something deep inside me.
Lucas reached between us for the thermos cup, offering it to me. "Take your medicine," he said softly.
This time, I didn't argue.
I took the cup from his hand, our fingers brushing briefly, and drank the amber liquid in one swallow. The earthy, bitter taste of Elena's herbs coated my tongue, but I didn't flinch.
When I finished, Lucas took the cup back, his eyes never leaving mine.
He reached out, his thumb gently brushing the corner of my mouth where a drop of medicine had lingered. The simple touch sent warmth spreading through me.
"If you have questions or concerns about anything," he said, his voice low and serious, "come to me directly. Don't listen to rumors or secondhand information."
I nodded, understanding the importance of what he was saying.
After all, it was campus gossip about Luna candidates that had nearly driven me away.
"I will," I promised quietly.
"Fine, you should go," he said, checking his watch with a smile. "Class starts in five minutes. Any longer and you really will be late."
I nodded, suddenly finding it difficult to speak. Gathering my backpack, I opened the car door and stepped out.
Before closing it, I turned back, meeting his gaze one more time.
Something unspoken passed between us—an acknowledgment that whatever this was, it had irrevocably changed today.
"Goodbye," I said softly.
"For now," he corrected with the hint of a smile.
The walk to class passed in a blur.
By the time I slipped into my seat beside Morgan, my mind was still reeling from everything that had happened in Lucas's car.
"Tori?" Morgan's concerned voice broke through my thoughts. She leaned closer, studying my face. "Are you okay? Your face is all flushed."
She pressed her palm against my forehead, her brow furrowing.
"Are you running a fever? You feel warm."
"I'm fine," I mumbled, gently moving her hand away. "Just... rushed to get to class on time."
Morgan looked unconvinced, but thankfully, Mrs. Blake chose that moment to start the lesson, sparing me from further explanation.
---
As the final bell rang, I gathered my books, eager to return to my dorm.
"Tori, wait up!" Morgan called, rushing to block my path before I could reach the door.
Her eyes were bright with excitement, practically bouncing on her toes as she faced me. "Where are you running off to?"
"Just heading back to the dorm," I said, shifting my weight. "Did you need something?"
"Actually, yes!" Morgan grinned widely.
"Today's my birthday, and I'm having a celebration tonight at Moonlight restaurant. You have to come!"
I blinked in surprise.
"Your birthday? Today? Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Morgan shrugged, slinging her backpack over her shoulder.
"I figured you had enough on your mind with exams and everything. Besides, it's nothing formal—just pizza, cake, and a few friends hanging out." She grinned. "All that matters is that you come. You will, right?"
After everything Morgan had done for me since my return, the least I could do was celebrate her birthday.
"Of course I'll be there," I promised, managing a genuine smile.
"At eight." With a final wave, she pulled back, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Don't be late, okay? "
I glanced at my watch—just past five o'clock. The party wasn't until eight, which gave me plenty of time.
I headed to Howling Plaza, where the shops catered to various tastes and budgets. Morgan was always complimenting my silver wolf pendant, so I thought perhaps a similar piece of jewelry might be perfect.
As I browsed through a display of charm bracelets in a small boutique, trying to find something that matched Morgan's outgoing personality, a familiar scent hit me—forest pine mixed with expensive cologne.
My fingers froze on a moon charm as my whole body tensed.
I didn't need to turn around to know who had entered the store. After years of having his scent imprinted in my memory, I would recognize it anywhere.
Ethan Grayson.
"Tori?"