Chapter 85
Chapter 85
Lucas’s POV:
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Tori slid out of my car, created an aureole of light around her face.
I watched her walk toward the school entrance, noticing how she’d begun to hold herself differently in recent days-less hunched, more assured. The change pleased me a lot.
She’d taken only a few steps when she abruptly turned and hurried back to my car.
I lowered the window, curious.
“Lucas,” she said, her silver eyes meeting mine with unusual directness. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.” She paused, a hint of color touching her cheeks. “I’ll… I’ll repay you someday. I promise p>
Before I could respond, she spun around and hurried toward the school gates, her backpack bouncing against her slim frame.
I watched her disappear into the building, a smile tugging at the corner of my mouth.
My wolf, Duke, rumbled with satisfaction inside me.
She’s starting to trust us, Duke observed.
Slowly, I agreed, putting the car in drive. But it’s progress.
The promise in her words lingered in my mind as I navigated through traffic.
Repay me? The very thought was amusing. What could she possibly think he owed me that would equal what I’d gained just by having her in my life?
By the time I reached GoldMoon Club, I was thirty minutes late for the Alha meeting.
Jack had messaged that the others had already arrived, which meant I’d have to weather their questioning looks. Being punctual was typically a point of pride for me, but today, I couldn’t bring myself to regret the delay
Seeing the spark of determination in Tori’s eyes had been worth it.
The private room at the back of the club exuded old money and power-dk wood paneling, leather chairs, and the subtle scent of expensive
cigars.
Three pairs of eyes turned to me as I entered.
“The great Alpha Lucas finally graces us with his presence, Dylan said, his silver eyes twinkling with amusement. ‘Did you forget how to operate that fancy car of yours p>
I nodded a greeting to each of them-William Sullivan, Dylan Freeman, and a new face.
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“Some matters required my personal attention,” I replied smoothly, taking my seat at the head of the table.
Dylan Freeman’s nostrils flared slightly, and a knowing smile crossed his face.
“Some Omega matters, I’d guess, judging by the scent you brought in with you p>
I kept my expression neutral despite the sudden tension in my shoulders. ad I underestimated how much of Tori’s scent clung to me after our
brief interaction?
“My private affairs aren’t on today’s agenda,” I said coolly, effectively ending that line of conversation. “What have I missed p>
William cleared his throat. “I was just about to present the main item for discussion. A project I’ve been developing for some time p>
He slid a leather portfolio across the table toward me.
“The Lunar Phase Research Institute p>
As William outlined his vision, I studied the materials before me with growing interest.
The institute would focus on researching how lunar phases affected werewolf abilities and developing technologies to enhance our natural powers. It was ambitious-possibly revolutionary.
“We know that the full moon strengthens us all, but we’ve never truly understood why certain bloodlines respond differently to lunar influences, William explained. “Some, like your Arctic lineage, seem almost immune to the moon’s pull, while others are completely at its
mercy p>
My thoughts immediately went to Tori and her remarkable ability with lunar calculations.
This was precisely the kind of environment where she might thrive.
*How will you recruit talent?” I asked, careful to keep my tone merely professionally interested.
William’s eyes brightened. “We’ll scout from universities, of course, but our primary pipeline will be the Moonhaven Werewolf Competition. Young wolves with mathematical and scientific aptitude-particularly those with sensitivity to lunar energies p>
I nodded slowly, thinking of how Tori’s silver eyes.
“And the investment required p>
William gestured to the young woman beside him. “Charlotte will explain he financial requirements. She’s been instrumental in developing the funding model.
I studied Charlotte more carefully as she leaned forward.
This was William and Susan’s adoptive daughter, strategically positioned tween two powerful packs. A controversial existence that had been the subject of much speculation in our circles.
“The initial investment would be ten million moonstones,” she stated conflently, with an additional fifteen million phased over three years. Hei posture reflected the polish of someone groomed for leadership. “The returns, both financial and strategic, are projected to be substantial p>
Dylan Freeman leaned back in his chair. “Our Pack must respectfully decline. Our resources are committed to the urban fringe development p>
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Three sets of eyes turned to me expectantly.
I closed the portfolio, my mind already made up.
“The Grayson Pack will cover the initial investment,” I stated. “Ten million moonstones. I believe in this project’s potential p>
William looked momentarily stunned. “That’s… extremely generous, Lucas But I’d advise you to take some time to consider-
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“I’ve considered,” I interrupted. “The research aligns with interests I’ve been exploring myself. Sometimes one must trust instinct in business as
much as in hunting p>
What I didn’t say was that I was already calculating how this might benefi Tori-creating a place where her gifts might be recognized and
developed.
“Well then,” William smiled, clearly pleased. “I promise I’m not just selling moonlight in bottles here p>
“I trust your vision,” I replied simply.
Charlotte rose gracefully from her chair. “This calls for a proper celebration, don’t you think?” Her voice was honey-smooth as she moved
toward the bar cabinet in the corner.
She returned moments later with crystal glasses and an aged bottle of whiskey, pouring a measure into each glass with practiced elegance.
“To productive partnerships,” she said, raising her glass and leaning in closer.
The crystal clinked lightly as we brought our glasses together.
You’re providing for her, Duke rumbled approvingly. Building her a path.
She’ll earn her way there, I corrected him silently. We’re just removing the barriers.
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