Claimed by the Alpha's Love (Tori and Lucas) novel Chapter 168

Chapter 168

By the time I returned with the washed fruit, Janet had already come back with trays of food.

As I approached the door, I caught fragments of an urgent, whispered conversation.

…could have recognized her… silver eyes just like…”

“…Alpha William was right there in the elevator…”

…after all these years…”

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Their voices fell silent the moment I pushed the door open.

Both women looked up sharply, their expressions freezing into forced neutrality that didn’t match their accelerated heartbeats I could detect.

“Is everything okay?” I asked, setting the fruit bowl on the side table.

Eileen cleared her throat, her hands fidgeting with the edge of Anna’s blanket. “Tori, dear, perhaps you shouldn’t come to the hospital so often. Janet and I can handle things here.”

Her tone was casual but her scent betrayed anxiety.

Tracy stirred within me, sensing the deception.

“What were you two discussing just now?” I pressed gently, looking between them.

“Nothing important,” Janet answered too quickly. “Just some old pack business.”

Eileen nodded, her eyes not quite meeting mine. “It’s getting late, and you have work tomorrow. Lucas will be waiting.”

I sensed they were hiding something from me, but their protective postures and the subtle hint of fear in their scents made me hesitate to push further. Whatever they were concealing, it clearly troubled them deeply.

Around eight, I gathered my things to leave, promising Anna I’d return soon.

As I stepped into the hallway, I nearly collided with a group entering the elevator.

“I’m sorry,” I apologized, stepping back.

“Tori?” An elegant older woman with silver-streaked hair exclaimed. “What are you doing here, dear?”

I recognized her as Diana Shepherd, mother to Susan and grandmother to Charlotte.

“I’m visiting my cousin Anna,” I explained, glancing between them. “She’s been admitted for treatment. I assume you’re here for Charlotte?

“Yes, just a follow-up check on Charlotte’s burns from Olivia’s birthday celebration,” Diana confirmed. “Would you like to join us in the

elevator?”

The three of us stepped into the elevator together, the small space suddenly feeling even smaller with the mixture of our scents.

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Chapter 168

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“William has been talking about making Charlotte his heir,” Diana remarked casually to Susan as the elevator began its descent. ‘It’s quite obvious he’s finally making this decision because she saved you at the party. He’s always had a soft spot for loyalty.”

Susan’s shoulders stiffened. Mother, please. Not now.”

“Twenty years is long enough to hold a grudge, dear,” Diana continued, undeterred. ‘Perhaps it’s time you two reconciled.”

I’ve been perfectly fine on my own all these years, Susan replied coldly. I don’t need William or anyone else.”

Diana sighed, lightly tapping her daughter’s arm in frustration. “Stubborn as always. I just hate seeing you both miserable when you could at least be civil.”

The elevator doors opened to the ground floor, and I left after saying goodbye to them.

Outside, I spotted Jack leaning against a black SUV, his attentive eyes scanning the hospital entrance. He straightened when he saw me.

The drive back to Lucas’s territory was quiet.

Lucas hadn’t returned yet. I checked my phone-no messages.

I showered and changed into sleep clothes, then settled on the couch with a book, determined to wait up for him.

The hours ticked by slowly. Ten o’clock. Then ten-thirty. Eleven.

Just as I was considering giving up and going to bed, I heard the soft pur of Lucas’s car pulling into the driveway. I marked my place in the book and set it aside, relief washing through me.

I waited, listening to the familiar sounds of the front door opening and closing, followed by his steady footsteps through the house.

But when I expected him to enter the bedroom, there was only silence. I looked up to see Lucas’s silhouette in the doorway, standing perfectly still, watching me.

“Lucas?” I called softly, setting my book aside. “Is everything okay?”

He didn’t answer, remaining motionless in the threshold as if some invisille barrier prevented him from entering. His face was partially shadowed, making his expression difficult to read.

Confused by his hesitation, I slipped out of bed and walked toward him. What’s wrong?”

As I drew closer, the scent hit me-sharp and unmistakable. Alcohol.

“You’ve been drinking,” I said quietly, my voice reflecting my surprise more than judgment.

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