Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Tori’s POV:
༨ ཱ 22 _
Catherine White let out a small, dismissive huff as she looked down at me.
‘Don’t get too full of yourself, Sullivan,” she said, her voice lacking its usual venom but still cold. “One test score doesn’t erase what you are p>
I stood my ground, surprised by her relatively restrained reaction.
“Thank you for the reminder, Mrs. White,” I replied evenly, keeping my expression neutral.
She made a small noise of disapproval before brushing past me, her shoulders stiff with wounded pride.
I watched her retreat down the hallway, somewhat stunned that she hadn’t tried to humiliate me further.
The test results must have really thrown her off balance.
“Well, that’s a first, came Mrs. Blake’s voice from behind me.
I turned to see her leaning against her classroom doorway, arms crossed and a satisfied smile playing on her lips. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Catherine White walk away without getting in the last word p>
“She seemed… restrained,” I offered.
Mrs. Blake chuckled softly. “That’s one way to put it. Between us?” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “She’s absolutely fuming that one of my students outperformed her entire class. We’ve been colleagues for seven years, and this is the first time I’ve had the top scorer p>
I glanced at my watch and felt a jolt of panic. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Blake, but I need to run. My shift at the café starts in fifteen minutes p>
“Of course, don’t let me keep you,” she said, waving me off with an understanding smile. “Go on, and congratulations again on your exceptional performance p>
I gave her a quick nod of thanks before hurrying down the hallway.
Morgan had said earlier she couldn’t join me at the café today-something about her mother needing her help with an urgent family matter. With a quick adjustment to my backpack, I headed for the exit.
The café was quieter than usual when I arrived for my shift.
Greg looked up from the counter with his usual easy-going smile.
“Hey, Tori,” he called as I stashed my backpack and reached for my apron. Oh, before you get started, almost forgot to mention something p>
“Someone came by yesterday after you took leave,” he said. “A woman asking questions about you p>
My fingers froze in the act of tying my apron strings. “What kind of questions p>
Just basic stuff-your schedule, how long you’ve worked here, what time u get off at night.
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Chapter 23
22 p>
He shrugged, but I caught the slight furrow in his brow. “Probably nothing, but I figured you should know. She seemed pretty determined to get
answers p>
I felt a cold prickle at the back of my neck. “What did she look like p>
Greg rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
“Middle-aged, precisely dressed-the kind who never has a hair out of place. Very serious looking. And honestly? Something about her gave me the creeps p>
A chill ran down my spine as the description clicked into place.
Lisa Morris. Noah’s mother. The woman whose son had died by my hand four years ago.
Tracy, my wolf, stirred anxiously within me, sensing my sudden spike of fear.
My fingers trembled slightly as memories flooded back-the trial, Lisa Moris’s cold, hate-filled eyes boring into me as she testified, her voice steady even as she called for the harshest punishment possible.
Even after I’d served my sentence, she had made it abundantly clear that justice, in her eyes, hadn’t been served.
She’d screamed it at my release hearing-that her innocent” son had done nothing wrong, that my four years in Silver Fang was a mockery of justice, that I deserved to pay with my life for taking his.
“What did you tell her?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Nothing specific,” Greg assured me. “Just that you were a new hire, and I couldn’t share employee information p>
He paused, studying my face. “Tori, is everything alright? You’ve gone pale
I forced myself to take a deep breath. “I’m fine. Just… surprised someone would be asking about me p>
That was a lie, and from his expression, Greg knew it too. But he didn’t push.
I glanced at the clock on the wall, thinking through my options.
The idea of walking home alone late at night suddenly felt more dangerous than before. After a moment’s hesitation, I turned back to Greg.
Actually, do you think I could adjust my schedule a bit? Maybe not stay until closing time like I’ve been doing?” I asked, trying to keep my voice casual. “Just for a while p>
Greg’s face immediately brightened with relief. “Of course! Honestly, I never expected you to work those late shifts in the first place.
He waved his hand dismissively. “That was all your idea, remember? Practically had to convince me to let you stay that late.
“I know, I just wanted to earn the extra moonstones, I admitted.
“And I appreciate your dedication, he said, nodding. But your safety com first. We’ll work with whatever hours you can manage p>
The evening passed in a blur of coffee orders and calculations. I tried to us on the work rather than the knot of anxiety in my stomach.
III
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Chapter 23
Dusk had settled over Moonhaven by the time I stepped outside.
The street lamps cast pools of light that seemed to emphasize rather than dispel the shadows between them.
I pulled my jacket tighter around myself and started walking, my senses of high alert.
I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Every few steps, I glanced over my shoulder, but the sidewalk behind me revealed nothing
suspicious.
Still, the prickling sensation at the back of my neck persisted.
Just nerves, I tried to tell myself. Greg’s warning has you spooked.
But Tracy wasn’t convinced. She paced restlessly within me, hackles raised sensing something or someone-I couldn’t see.
22%
I quickened my pace, taking the most direct route back to the dormitories. My fingers curled around my phone in my pocket, ready to call for help if needed.
As I passed a small pub, a now-familiar scent caught my attention-crisp winter air and cedar, with an underlying note of raw power.
My eyes found him immediately.
Lucas Grayson stood outside the establishment, his tall frame unmistakable even in the dim evening light.
He wasn’t looking in my direction, seemingly engaged in conversation with someone just inside the doorway. But his mere presence sent a wave of inexplicable calm washing over me.
I slowed my steps slightly, my rapid heartbeat steadying.
Even Tracy settled within me, her anxious pacing transformed into attentive watchfulness.
I couldn’t explain why the sight of him affected me this way. We barely knew each other, had no real connection beyond a few brief encounters. Yet somehow, seeing him standing there made me feel safe in a way I hadn’t experienced in years.
What is wrong with you? I chided myself as I continued walking. He’s just another Alpha. Your safety is your own responsibility.
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Sooo glad her boss is so kind and understanding
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