Chapter 167
Chapter 161
Tori’s POV:
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I nodded, clutching my silver-wrapped gift for Olivia Sullivan.
‘Let’s head back. I’ve got everything I need anyway.” I said quietly, watching Hannah from the corner of my eye.
The last thing I needed was for her to spot us standing there. Given her current emotional state and our complicated history, an encounter
with her right now would be disastrous.
As we turned to leave, my phone buzzed. Lucas’s name flashed on the screen.
Ill be picking you up in ten minutes. Mother has requested our presence at the main house tonight.
“Everything okay?” Morgan asked, noticing my expression.
“Lucas is picking me up. I’m having dinner at the Grayson estate tonight,” said, trying to keep my voice steady.
Morgan’s eyes widened. “Wow. That’s such bad timing though-Mom and I are supposed to visit Grandma this evening.” She looked genuinely disappointed. “Otherwise I’d totally want to hear all about the Grayson mansion p>
“Text me every detail tomorrow,” she insisted, giving me a quick hug before we parted ways. “And good luck with the Alpha-Mother-in-Law p>
“It’s just dinner,” I mumbled.
Exactly ten minutes later, Lucas’s sleek black Bentley pulled up at the plaza entrance.
The Grayson estate sprawled across the hillside, ancient oaks framing the main house like silent guardians.
We hadn’t even parked when the front door opened.
Elizabeth stood there, regal in a silver-gray dress that complemented her Iver hair.
“You’ve finally brought her,” she called out, her voice carrying across the circular driveway.
Lucas placed a reassuring hand at the small of my back as we approached. Mother p>
“Thank you for having me, Elizabeth,” I replied, grateful that my voice didn’t betray my nerves.
“Come inside,” Elizabeth continued, leading us through the grand entrance hall. “I’ve prepared something special for both of you p>
The “something special” turned out to be an ancient-looking silver pitcher filled with a fragrant liquid that Elizabeth poured into ornate
glasses.
“Moon-essence tea,” she explained, setting a glass before me. “An old family recipe. It strengthens the mate bond and…” she paused, her eyes
twinkling, “enhances certain natural desires between mates p>
I nearly choked on air.
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Chapter 161
“Mother, Lucas warned, his voice low.
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Elizabeth waved dismissively. “Oh, don’t be prudish, Lucas. I was young one, and the moon is full tonight. It’s the perfect time for
strengthening your connection.” Her gaze shifted meaningfully to me. “And for creating new life p>
The scent of the tea was overwhelming-herbs and something primal. I hesitated, remembering my recent allergic reaction.
Lucas smoothly intervened. “I’ll drink Tori’s portion as well,” he said, taking both glasses. “She was allergic the other day and shouldn’t drink
this.
His mother’s eyes lit up with unmistakable delight as Lucas downed both glasses without hesitation.
I caught the barely perceptible tightening around his eyes.
A sense of inevitability washed over me. With twice the dosage in his system and the full moon tonight, I was definitely in trouble.
“Perfect, Elizabeth declared, looking thoroughly pleased with herself.
The gleam in her eyes spoke volumes-she was already imagining pups in the near future.
After dinner, I wandered around his room, studying the photographs and books that offered glimpses into his life.
The bookshelf held an eclectic collection-business texts, historical volumes, and several books on Pack leadership.
One unmarked light brown leather book caught my attention. Thinking it might be an ancient book, I pulled it out and opened it.
The Complete Guide to Alpha-Omega Bonding
My face instantly heated as I scanned the detailed descriptions and illustrations of mate bond stages and intimate acts. The book fell from my
hands, landing with a thud on the hardwood floor.
“Finding anything interesting?” Lucas’s voice came from the doorway.
I stammered, mortified. ‘I-I wasn’t… I thought it was p>
He set the tray down and calmly retrieved the book, placing it on the bedside table.
“It’s informative reading,” he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. “We could explore that book together, if you’re interested p>
My face burned hotter, and I looked away. “Maybe we should exercise some restraint,” I suggested, trying to sound mature despite my
embarrassment.
Lucas raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking into a half-smile. “Tori,” he said his voice dropping to a husky whisper, “have some compassion for a
man who’s been restraining himself for thirty-two years. My wolf has been practically hibernating until you came along p>
I couldn’t help the nervous laugh that escaped me, even as my cheeks flamed hotter.
“I think I need some fresh air,” I mumbled, backing toward the balcony doors. “It’s a bit… warm in here p>
1 wasn’t just referring to the room temperature, and from the knowing gleam in Lucas’s eyes, he understood exactly what I meant.
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Chapter 161
Through the balcony, I saw headlights sweeping across the lawn as a black Audi pulled up to the estate. Ethan emerged.
Lucas noticed my distraction and followed my gaze.
Without warning, he took my hand. The full moon bathed us in silver light as he pulled me against him, one hand cupping my face.
“Lucas, what are you-
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His kiss silenced me, deep and possessive.
Despite my surprise, I responded instinctively as Lucas lifted me, my arm wrapping around his neck.
Lucas scooped me up, guiding my legs around his waist as he carried me toward the house.
The sound of shattering glass echoed from downstairs, but Lucas prevented me from looking down, his grip firm and possessive.
“Don’t,” he murmured against my lips. “Focus on us, Tori. ”
His body burned with an intense heat against mine.
I realized the effects of Elizabeth’s tea were taking hold. The mate bond between us pulsed with intensity, drawing us closer together in the
silver moonlight.
“Lucas,” I whispered, feeling both vulnerable and safe in his arms.
He carried me back inside, closing the balcony doors behind us.
The night passed in a blur of emotion and connection, the full moon’s energy amplifying everything between us.
I found myself surrendering to Lucas’s fierce embrace. Tonight he was rougher than usual, more demanding, more primal.
Wave after wave of exhaustion crashed over me. I drifted in and out of consciousness-fainting from intensity, awakening to his touch, only to
succumb again.
Eventually, I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
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