chapter 70
Tori's POV:
I hurried across the parking lot, my heart hammering against my ribs as I approached Lucas.
His tall figure leaned casually against his sleek black car, blue eyes tracking my movement with predatory focus.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Lucas's gaze flicked toward the cafeteria window where Daniel still sat, his jaw tightening slightly before returning to me.
"Did I interrupt your little lunch date?" The question carried an unmistakable edge.
"It wasn't a date," I replied, fighting the urge to roll my eyes.
God, he's such a jealous Alpha. As if I can't have a simple meal with someone without it meaning something.
"He helped me last night," I explained. "Sharing lunch seemed like an appropriate thank you."
"I don't like seeing you so comfortable with other males," Lucas said flatly, his eyes narrowing. "Especially not when you run from me at every opportunity."
"Lucas—"
"Don't worry about owing him anything," he continued, gaze drifting back toward the cafeteria. "I'll handle whatever debt of gratitude you think you owe. Consider it paid."
I glanced around nervously, noticing several students starting to stare in our direction.
"Can we talk somewhere else?" I asked quietly. "You're drawing a lot of attention, and I've already had enough of being the center of gossip."
Something in his expression softened marginally. "Get in the car, Tori."
I climbed into the passenger seat, expecting him to drive somewhere nearby. Instead, we left the school grounds entirely, heading toward the outskirts of town.
"Where are we going?" I asked as unfamiliar surroundings passed by my window.
"My place," he replied simply, not taking his eyes off the road.
"Your place?" I echoed in disbelief. "I can't just leave school—I have afternoon classes!"
"I've already spoken with administration. You're excused for the day." He opened the passenger door, waiting. "We need to talk about Trent."
The mention of Trent's name sent an involuntary shiver down my spine.
"You may become a target for retaliation. You're coming with me to my private residence until this blows over."
"What?" I stared at him in disbelief. "I can't just—"
He started the engine. "Your safety isn't negotiable, Tori."
---
Lucas's private residence was located on the northeastern edge of Grayson territory, nestled against the foothills where dense forest began its climb toward the mountains.
The modern glass and stone structure seemed to emerge organically from the landscape, simultaneously imposing and perfectly at home among the surrounding pines.
As we stepped inside, his scent enveloped me again.
"I can't believe I'm back here so quickly," I muttered, glancing around at the minimalist decor I recognized from this morning.
"The arrangement for tonight," I began hesitantly, turning to face him. "Where exactly will I be staying?"
Lucas gestured toward the hallway, pointing to the bedroom where I had awakened just this morning. "You'll stay there tonight."
I frowned in confusion, looking from the hallway back to him. "But isn't that your bedroom? Where will you sleep?"
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, his eyes glinting with something that made my pulse quicken.
"This is my private space, Tori. Where do you think I'll sleep?"
Heat rushed to my cheeks as implications crashed through my mind.
"I should go back to my dorm," I said quickly, moving toward the door.
Lucas was faster. His hand closed gently but firmly around my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. The contact sent a jolt of electricity up my arm.
"Running again?" His voice lowered to a rumble. "I noticed you haven't used the card I gave you. Why is that?"
I stared at his fingers encircling my wrist, unable to meet his gaze. "I don't need your money."
"Your pride is admirable, but foolish." His grip tightened slightly. "If you had proper resources, you wouldn't need to work in dangerous places."
My eyes snapped up to his. "I can take care of myself."
The air between us seemed to shift, growing heavier with each heartbeat.
Lucas stepped closer, his body nearly pressing against mine as I found myself backed against the wall.
"L-Lucas..." My voice trembled, the words barely making it past my lips.
His blue eyes lowered to mine, cold and calculating as his lips curved into the faintest of smiles.
"If you don't start behaving," he murmured, voice dropping to a dangerous rumble, "I can't promise my wolf won't do something impulsive tonight."
Understanding the meaning behind his words, I felt my spine stiffen with fear, all resistance draining from my body as I stopped struggling against his grip.
"Why must you be so distant with me?" Lucas asked, his eyes boring into mine from above, clearly frustrated by my stubbornness.
I didn't dare challenge him now, swallowing hard before conceding, "I-I'll try to be..."
"You'll try?" His face lowered until our breaths mingled, his lips hovering just inches from mine.
Heat flooded my face, spreading down my neck as my heart hammered wildly against my ribs.
"What I mean is..." I adopted a more placating tone, desperate to defuse the tension between us. "If it's necessary, I will use your money to take care of myself. Is that acceptable?"
The answer seemed barely sufficient.
Lucas said nothing more, but he didn't immediately release my wrist either. He simply stared at me, his gaze dark and unfathomable.
I felt a chill run down my spine under the intensity of his scrutiny.
After what felt like an eternity, he finally released my wrist. "Go take a shower and get some sleep."
I hurried to what appeared to be a bathroom adjacent to the living area and locked the door behind me.
Leaning against the cool surface, I tried to steady my breathing as Tracy paced anxiously within me.
Outside, I heard Lucas's low chuckle. "Little wolf isn't very obedient, is she?" he murmured, seemingly to himself.
Then came the sound of his phone ringing, followed by his clipped voice answering what must have been an urgent pack matter.
I remained frozen until I heard the front door close, signaling his departure.
Only then did I allow myself to look around the bathroom—and froze.
On the counter sat an array of high-end female toiletries, still in their packaging.
A silky pale blue nightgown hung from a hook on the wall, next to a fluffy robe in the same shade. In the shower, I found women's shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Everything was new. Everything was exactly my size.
This hadn't been a spontaneous decision to bring me here. Lucas had planned for this.
I sank down onto the edge of the bathtub, my mind racing.