Chapter 153
Chapter 147
Lucas’s POV:
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I pinched the bridge of my nose, fighting off the beginnings of a headache as I stood at the hospital administration desk.
The staff at Moontouch Medical Center scrambled to process Elizabeth Grayson’s paperwork with extra efficiency.
“Just a few more signatures, Alpha Lucas,” the receptionist said, sliding andther form across the counter.
“Is there anything else?” I asked, signing the final form.
“No, sir. Dr. Howard has personally taken charge of your mother’s case p>
I nodded my thanks and turned to head back to my mother’s VIP suite.
The hallway seemed unnecessarily long as my thoughts drifted to Tori. I hadn’t told her about my mother’s condition, not wanting to burden
her while she was dealing with her own family issues.
As I approached my mother’s room, Duke grew more agitated.
I quickened my pace, my senses suddenly alert. Even before I opened the door, I caught the subtle scent of anxiety-sharp and acrid-coming
from inside.
My eyes narrowed as I stepped into the room.
Vivienne Blackwood stood beside my mother’s bed, but it wasn’t her presence that triggered my suspicion. It was the quick movement of her
hand as she placed something on the bedside table-my phone.
“Lucas,” she said, her voice honey-smooth as she straightened. “That was fast p>
I let the door close behind me, my expression neutral even as fury began to simmer beneath my skin. “What were you doing with my phone,
Vivienne p>
She laughed lightly, the sound brittle. “Just checking if you had any important pack business coming through. I didn’t want you to miss
anything while you were busy with the paperwork p>
The lie hung in the air between us, almost tangible.
“Is that so?” I moved closer, watching how her shoulders tensed despite her practiced smile.
I picked up my phone, unlocking it with my thumbprint,
I checked the screen, and my suspicions hardened into certainty.
A missed call notification from Tori showed it had been answered forty minutes ago-while I was still dealing with hospital administrators.
“You answered my phone.” My voice dropped several degrees, the Alpha timbre threading through it involuntarily. “You answered Tori’s call p>
Vivienne’s smile faltered. “I thought it might be important. I simply told her you were busy with your mother-
O
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Chapter 147
“What else did you tell her?” I cut her off.
63%
“Nothing inappropriate,” Vivienne insisted, though her scent betrayed her. Just that you were occupied p>
I scrolled through the call log, noting the duration of the conversation-nearly four minutes. Far too long for a simple ‘he’s busy message.
I stepped closer, towering over Vivienne. “This is the last time, Vivienne. Say out of my personal life p>
Her chin lifted defiantly. “I’ve known you for years, Lucas. This Omega girl she’s beneath you. The daughter of a disgraced woman, with a criminal record… what could she possibly offer the Alpha of Grayson Pack
Duke’s rage matched my own, but I kept my voice controlled, deadly quiet
“Tori is my fated mate. Any attempt to interfere with that relationship is an act against me personally. Do I make myself clear p>
Her face paled, finally understanding the gravity of her actions.
Still, she couldn’t resist one last dig. “An Omega mate for a Prime Alpha? The council will never-
“The council’s opinion is irrelevant,” I said coldly. “And your advice on myhoice of mate is neither needed nor welcome p>
Vivienne stared at me, her expression wavering between hurt and anger. “You’re making a mistake, Lucas. Someone of your position needs p>
“Given that you’ve kept my mother in good spirits these past few days, I’ll overlook this incident,” I cut her off, my gaze distant and cold, my
voice carrying a clear warning. “Remember, there won’t be a second time.
Vivienne’s face paled instantly.
Without sparing her another glance, I strode toward the balcony, sliding the glass door closed behind me as I dialed Tori’s number.
I dialed Tori’s number, tension coiling in my shoulders until she answered on the third ring.
“Lucas?” Her voice was guarded, uncertain.
The sound of it immediately softened something in me.
My brow softening, gentle warmth replacing the coldness that had been diffected at Vivienne, a subtle smile playing at the corners of my eyes.
“Tori. I’m sorry about earlier. Vivienne shouldn’t have answered my phone!
“It’s fine,” she said, though her tone suggested otherwise. “But why didn’t you tell me Elizabeth was in the hospital p>
‘It’s nothing serious, Matthew says she’ll make a full recovery with rest. assured her. “Besides, you’re already dealing with your grandmother.
I imagine she’s quite upset about the photos situation p>
A pause. “You… know about that? About Hannah sending those photos?
I smiled despite myself.
“I know about that, and about how you arranged a little payback for Hannah too p>
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Chapter 147
“Oh,” she said, her voice suddenly small. I could almost picture her cheeks lushing with embarrassment.
‘Don’t worry,” I said softly. “I’m actually glad you’re starting to fight back, o protect yourself. It’s about time p>
“You’re not angry p>
3.63%
“Why would I be? Hannah deserved it. I watched a hawk circle lazily over the hospital grounds. “I’ll come to your grandmother’s as soon as I’m
finished here p>
“There’s no need to rush,” Tori replied.
“Don’t you want to see me? I teased, my voice dropping lower.
Another pause, shorter this time. “You know I do. I just worry about you going back and forth so much. It seems exhausting p>
“Seeing you makes it all worthwhile,” I said softly, meaning every word.
“I’ll be there as soon as I can. Just wait for me, alright p>
“I will,” she promised, her voice warm with an undertone of something that sounded like longing.
After we hung up, I stood watching the city lights flicker on one by one. Duke had settled, content with the knowledge we would see our mate
soon.
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