Chapter 161
Chapter 155
Tori’s POV:
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Lucas’s fingers brushed a strand of hair from my face. “I want to take you somewhere tonight. To celebrate p>
I remembered his words from last night about celebrating my freedom, my name being cleared… us. “Where p>
“The Silverstone auction,” he said casually, as if suggesting a trip to the grocery store rather than Moonhaven’s most exclusive social event.
“The auction house?” I nearly choked on my tea. “Isn’t that where all the elite wolves gather p>
Lucas nodded, a slight smile playing at his lips.
“I saw something in their catalog I think you’d like p>
“Lucas, you don’t need to-
“I want to,” he interrupted, his voice gentle but firm. “Consider it a gift. For everything you’ve been through p>
I set my mug down, suddenly feeling out of my depth. “I wouldn’t even know how to act at a place like that. What to wear, what to say p>
His hand found mine, his thumb tracing patterns on my palm. “You’ll need to get used to these events eventually, Tori. As my…” He paused, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. “Just be yourself. That’s all I ask p>
I looked at his face-the genuine concern in his eyes, the patience in his expression-and realized he was right. If I was going to be with Lucas, events like this would be part of my life.
I couldn’t hide forever, especially now that my name had been cleared.
“Okay, I finally said, offering him a small smile. “I’ll go with you.” I squeezed his hand.
Eight hours later, I stood before the mirror barely recognizing myself.
The dress Lucas had chosen was a masterpiece of silver-blue silk that seemed to flow like water when I moved. The bodice hugged my frame before cascading into a full skirt, giving the illusion of curves
My hair had been styled into an elegant updo by a stylist Lucas had arranged, with a few strategic tendrils left loose to soften my face.
“You look stunning,” Lucas said from the doorway, his voice rougher than sual.
I turned to face him, my heart stuttering at the sight.
He wore a perfectly tailored black suit that emphasized his broad shoulders and powerful frame. His dark hair was swept back, and the intensity of his gaze made my skin tingle.
“I feel like I’m wearing someone else’s life,” I admitted.
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Chapter 155
He crossed the room and took my hands in his. “No. This is your life now, Tori. Get used to it p>
Tracy, my wolf, stirred within me, purring in approval at both his words and his scent. He’s right. This is ours now.
63%
The Silverstone auction house was even more intimidating than I had imagined.
Located in the heart of Moonhaven’s financial district, the building itself ns a marvel of glass and moonstone, illuminated from within to create an ethereal glow against the night sky.
Lucas helped me from the car, his hand warm and steady at the small of my back as we approached the entrance.
Two guards nodded deferentially as we passed, their eyes widening slightly as they caught our scents-an Alpha and his mate.
The realization hit me like a physical blow, making me stumble.
Mate. We had completed the bond that any wolf with a functioning nose would instantly recognize.
“Easy,” Lucas murmured, steadying me. “Just breathe p>
I felt their stares immediately-curious, judgmental, speculative. An Omega on the arm of the most powerful Alpha in the city was bound to cause a stir, especially one with my history.
“Ignore them,” Lucas said, his voice for my ears alone. “They’ll learn to respect you, or they’ll answer to me p>
His confidence steadied me as he led me to the front row, where plush velvet seats were reserved for the highest-ranking pack members.
“Tori, a melodic female voice called from behind us. “I thought that was you.
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I turned to see an elegant young woman approaching. Behind her, a silver haired woman in a wheelchair observed us with sharp eyes.
“Charlotte,” I nodded politely. “It’s good to see you p>
Charlotte nodded before stepping aside to allow the wheelchair-bound woman a closer look at me. “Mother, this is Tori Sullivan p>
Susan Shepherd was striking despite her apparent disability.
Dressed in deep purple silk, her silver-gray hair elegantly coiled atop her head, large dark sunglasses hiding her eyes.
“Ms shepherd,” I said politely, giving a small respectful nod as I would to hy elder wolf. It seemed appropriate to show deference to someone
of her standing.
She turned her face toward me, and though I couldn’t see her eyes behind the dark glasses, I felt the weight of her scrutiny as she took me in. I
maintained a polite smile, allowing her to assess me.
After a moment, she gave a slight nod in acknowledgment of my greeting
Lucas turned then, his expression calm as he addressed her. “Susan. It’s been a while p>
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Susan met his gaze and slowly removed her large sunglasses, revealing a lace of aristocratic beauty marked by years of dignity and pain.
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“Lucas,” she said, her voice carrying the refined accent of old werewolf nobility. “I’ve heard about your recent… romantic interests. So this is
your little mate-to-be? She’s quite lovely p>
As I looked at her face fully revealed, a strange sensation welled up inside me-an inexplicable feeling of sadness that lodged in my chest and made my nose tingle with the threat of tears.
Noticing my stare, Susan turned her gaze back to me while continuing her conversation with Lucas.
“Lucas, how old is your little mate?” she asked, her tone deceptively casual.
Before Lucas could answer, I spoke up: “Twenty-two p>
“Twenty-two, she repeated, her voice suddenly hollow.
Something shifted in her expression, and I realized she might be thinking of her daughter, just as Olivia had done when we met. There was that same flash of recognition and loss in her eyes, as though seeing a ghost from her past.
As the auction hall filled with attendees, Lucas sensed my discomfort.
He placed his hand gently on the back of my neck, his thumb soothingly stroking the skin along the side where he had marked me the night before. “What’s wrong?” he asked quietly. “You seem upset p>
I didn’t know how to explain the emotions churning inside me-that looking at Susan’s face had somehow triggered a profound sadness I couldn’t understand. It seemed absurd even to myself.
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