chapter 88
Tori's POV:
I found myself trapped between Lucas's strong arms and the door, my heart thundering like a stampede in my chest.
The warmth of his body radiated against mine, and his silver-blue eyes seemed to glow in the dim light of the entryway. The scent of pine and winter frost enveloped me, distinctly his and impossibly intoxicating.
"This time," he repeated, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine, "you won't be running away from me, little wolf."
I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. "Alpha, I—"
Before I could finish, Lucas leaned forward, his lips brushing softly against my forehead. My breath caught in my throat as he trailed gentle kisses down my temple, then my cheek, his movements deliberately slow and tender.
"Stop calling me that," he whispered against my skin. His thumb traced the outline of my jaw, tilting my face upward. "Say my name, Tori."
His request hung between us, weighted with meaning I couldn't ignore.
Though he'd asked me to use his first name before, I'd deliberately reverted to formal titles since the gala. Using "Alpha" had become my small defense, a way to maintain distance and protect myself from the intimacy that still terrified me.
Calling him by his first name in this situation meant crossing a line, stepping into a territory of intimacy that terrified me.
"I don't think that's appropriate," I managed to reply, my voice barely audible.
Lucas's lips curved into a small smile. "Say it. Just once," he coaxed, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper.
His fingers traced patterns on my skin, igniting tiny fires wherever they touched, making it increasingly difficult to maintain my resolve.
My wolf, Tracy, stirred within me, pushing me toward him, yearning for his touch.
Say it, Tracy urged. You want this too.
I closed my eyes, gathering what little courage I had left. "Lucas," I whispered, the name unfamiliar yet somehow right on my lips.
His response was immediate.
Lucas captured my lips with his, no longer gentle but hungry, as if my saying his name had broken some final barrier between us.
His hand slid to the small of my back, pulling me closer, while the other cradled the back of my neck. Against my will, my arms found their way around his shoulders, my body melting into his embrace.
When we finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Lucas rested his forehead against mine. "That wasn't so difficult, was it?" he asked, a hint of smug satisfaction in his voice.
I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped me. "You're impossible."
Lucas reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
My stomach dropped as he opened it, revealing an exquisite ring that caught the moonlight and scattered it like stars.
The central stone was a perfectly cut gemstone that seemed to glow with an inner light, surrounded by tiny diamonds set in intricate silver that resembled flowing water.
"This is..." I trailed off, unable to find words.
"I realize," Lucas said softly, "that I've never properly asked you to be with me."
His eyes held mine, vulnerability mixing with determination. "This ring has been in the Grayson family for generations, passed down to the Alpha who finds someone truly special."
I stared at the ring, my heart hammering against my ribs.
The significance wasn't lost on me—family heirlooms were sacred in wolf culture, especially ones belonging to Alpha bloodlines.
"I believe you can understand my feelings," Lucas explained, his voice taking on a formal tone. "It represents my intention and commitment. I want you in my life, Tori. Not just temporarily, but for always."
He took the ring from the box. "And I hope you will." He took my left hand in his. "May I?"
I found myself nodding, unable to refuse the earnestness in his eyes. The ring slid perfectly onto my finger, surprisingly warm against my skin, almost pulsing with energy.
"Perfect," he murmured, bringing my hand to his lips for a gentle kiss.
"Where is everyone?" I asked, looking around the empty hallway of his private residence. "I don't see Margaret or any of the security staff."
"I gave them all the night off," Lucas replied casually, as if dismissing his entire household staff was nothing unusual. "Tonight, it's just us."
The implication made my cheeks burn. Lucas had planned this, all of it, down to the last detail.
The privacy, the ring, even the traditional pine-scented candles burning in strategic locations throughout the house — these were all elements of traditional wolf courtship.
As we entered the living room, I noticed more touches that spoke of careful preparation: fresh winter blossoms in crystal vases, soft music playing from hidden speakers, and a table set for two near the large windows overlooking the forest.
He's serious about this, Tracy whispered in my mind. He wants us.
I touched the ring, feeling its gentle warmth against my fingertips. The weight of it seemed to ground me, connecting me to Lucas in ways I couldn't fully comprehend.
Lucas came up behind me, his arms encircling my waist as he pressed against my back. His lips found my neck again, just below my ear, and I couldn't help leaning into him, tilting my head to give him better access.
"Do you like it?" he asked, his breath warm against my skin.
"It's beautiful," I admitted, fingers still tracing the outline of the ring.
"Not the ring," he clarified. "This. Us. Here."
Before I could answer, a sharp car horn sliced through the silence, startling both of us. Lucas stiffened, his hold on me tightening for a brief moment before he relaxed, an annoyed expression crossing his face.
"Wait here," he said, reluctantly releasing me.
I moved to the large window, curious about our unexpected visitor. In the moonlight, I could make out Ethan's car pulling up to the entrance.
My stomach clenched at the sight of him getting out, his face set in lines of determination as he strode toward the front door.