Chapter 113
Chapter 113
Tori’s POV:
“Why not?” I pressed, suddenly desperate. “I have a right to know who he
She looked at me with sadness in her eyes.
“Because your mother did something terrible. She cost him and his wife their child.” Janet’s voice dropped to a whisper. “He hates her for it.
And by extension… he would hate you too p>
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The words hit me like a physical blow.
“What did she do?” I asked, my voice barely audible.
Janet shook her head. “I’ve already said too much. Please, Tori, let the past stay in the past. Nothing good can come from digging up those old
wounds p>
She turned away, effectively ending the conversation, but my mind was rading.
All these years, I’d watched other kids with their fathers-the proud smile the protective embraces, the simple joy of having someone who would always be there.
I’d created countless daydreams about my own father returning someday, magining the moment he’d find me and I’d finally experience that special kind of love. Maybe he’d swing me around like I’d seen in movies, or just stay with me.
But Janet’s words had shattered every beautiful fantasy I’d ever constructe
There would be no tearful reunion, no explanations that would make everything right. The truth was ugly and simple: between my father and me, there could only be hatred.
Whatever happened between him and my mother had poisoned any chance of the relationship I’d spent my childhood longing for.
The evening.
I stared at the dark window, the night pressing against the glass like my oughts pressed against my mind.
The house had fallen silent except for the occasional creak of the old wooden floors.
My phone vibrated on the nightstand, startling me from my spiral of depressing thoughts. The screen lit up with Lucas’s name
My heart quickened as I opened his message.
I’m outside. Come down If you can.
I moved to the window and peered out.
Sure enough, his sleek black car was parked across the street, its outline rely visible in the darkness. The Alpha himself leaned against it, his
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Chapter 113
tall figure unmistakable even in the shadows.
Grandmother had been asleep for hours, and Janet had retired to her room with Anna.
I slipped on a sweater over my thin sleep shirt and quietly made my way downstairs, avoiding the third step that always creaked. The cool night air brushed against my face as I stepped outside, closing the door gently behind me.
Lucas straightened as I approached, his silver-blue eyes reflecting the moonlight.
The corners of his mouth lifted slightly in what passed for a smile on his usually stoic face.
Before I could say a word, he closed the distance between us and pulled me into his embrace. The sudden warmth of his body against mine made my breath catch.
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His arms tightened around me, and I found myself melting against him, my head resting naturally against his chest where I could hear the steady rhythm of his heart.
“I missed you,” he murmured against my hair, his voice a deep rumble I could feel through his chest.
I closed my eyes, allowing myself this moment of comfort. “It’s only been a few hours,” I whispered back, though I couldn’t deny I’d missed him
too.
His hand came up to cradle the back of my head, fingers gently threading through my hair. The tenderness of the gesture made my wolf purr
with contentment.
Just as I tilted my face up toward his, my phone rang loudly in my pocket, vibrating against my hip.
The jarring sound shattered our moment of connection.
I fished it from my pocket, recognizing the number displayed on the screen.
“I should take this,” I murmured apologetically. Lucas nodded, stepping back to give me space.
“Hello?” I answered, turning slightly away.
“Ms. Sullivan, Amelia’s voice came through immediately, all business and alse cheer.
‘I’m calling about the Moon Phase Awards ceremony. We’d like you, as our champion, to deliver the keynote address. I’ve emailed you the specific requirements for your speech p>
I blinked. She hadn’t even paused to ask if I was willing or available.
‘Oh, and by the way,” she added with calculated casualness, ‘we’ve used your photos in our promotional video for the ceremony. You don’t
mind, do you p>
My grip tightened around the phone until my knuckles turned white.
‘You’ve already been using my photos for days,” I said, my voice low with rely contained anger.
“And it’s been marvelously effective!” Amelia s voice brightened, completely missing-or ignoring-my tone.
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Chapter 113
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“Your silver eyes are quite captivating on camera. We’ve branded you as “The Silver-Eyed Oracle. Catchy, isn’t it? The views are through the
roof p>
“I never agreed to p>
“Oh come now,” Amelia laughed lightly, the sound grating against my nerves. “This is a tremendous opportunity for you. Not many Omegas receive this kind of positive attention. You should be thanking us, really.
Her self-important attitude made my blood boil. She hadn’t bothered to respect my opinion or seek my permission. She didn’t care about the consequences her publicity stunt might have on my life.
All that mattered was the attention she could generate.
“The Institute has invested heavily in promoting you,” she continued, her one shifting to something harder. “Several sponsors have specifically requested your presence. Backing out now would be… problematic p>
The threat wasn’t even veiled anymore.
Since I had gone viral in wolf academic circles, I’d been bombarded with calls-media outlets wanting interviews, livestream invitations, even someone claiming to be a talent agent who wanted me to appear on a documentary about exceptional Omegas.
I’d refused them all. But this was different-they were the organizing committee. If I refused to participate in their ceremony, I’d have to forfeit the award entirely. I couldn’t afford to do that.
“The ceremony is next Friday at the Grand Moon Hall, 7 PM sharp. We’ll see you there,” Amelia said with a self-satisfied tone, and hung up before I could respond.
I lowered the phone slowly, the screen going dark in my hand.
Lucas studied my face, concern evident in his eyes.
“What was that about?” he asked, his deep voice gentle in the night air.
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