Claimed by the Alpha's Love (Tori and Lucas) novel Chapter 198

Chapter 198

His arms tightened around me. And I love you, Tori. Always.”

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A few days later, Lucas drove me to Howling Plaza himself.

The sprawling luxury shopping district gleamed in the afternoon sunlight, ts elegant storefronts catering to the city’s elite wolves.

“Remember, Lucas said as he pulled up to the curb outside Silver Moon Couture, “if you get tired at all, call me immediately. I can be here in

ten minutes.

“Lucas, I’m fine,” I assured him, though his concern warmed me. “It’s just shopping.”

His eyes narrowed slightly. “Shopping that involves standing for extended periods, trying on heavy formal gowns, and-”

“And Morgan will be with me the entire time,” I interrupted gently, spotting my friend already waiting by the boutique entrance. “I promise I’ll

be careful.”

He studied me for a moment longer before nodding.

Morgan approached cautiously, clearly sensing the Alpha authority radiating from him.

“Morgan, Lucas said, his voice dropping into that commanding tone.

“Tori is pregnant. She tires easily, though she won’t always admit it. You ll ensure she sits frequently, stays hydrated, and doesn’t overexert

herself. If she shows any signs of discomfort, you will contact me immediately. Understood?”

Morgan nodded rapidly. “Yes, Alpha Lucas. I’ll take care of her, I promise.

“Good.” His expression softened fractionally. “Thank you.”

As Lucas drove away, Morgan let out a breath and fanned herself dramatically.

“Girl, that man is intense. But also kind of sweet? In a terrifying Alpha way

I laughed, linking my arm through hers. “Come on. Let’s find me something appropriate for a Luna ceremony.”

The interior of Silver Moon Couture was breathtaking-all cream marble, soft lighting, and elegant displays.

A sales associate immediately guided us to a private fitting room where several gowns had already been prepared.

“Alpha Lucas called ahead,” the woman explained with a knowing smile. “I was very specific about what he wanted to see.”

Morgan wiggled her eyebrows at me as the associate left. Very specific, huh? I bet he was.”

“Stop,” I said, but I was smiling as I examined the first dress-a flowing gown in pale silver that seemed to shimmer like moonlight.

Over the next hour, I tried on dress after dress. Each one was more beautiful than the last, crafted from the finest materials and designed to

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Chapter 198

enhance rather than overwhelm

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Morgan provided enthusiastic commentary on each option, her excitement infectious.

That one makes you look like a moon goddess, she declared as I emerged in a gown with delicate beading across the bodice. “Lucas is going to lose his mind when he sees you

You think so? I turned to examine myself in the three-way mirror, my hand unconsciously resting on my small baby bump.

“Are you kidding? The mate bond between you two is so strong I can practically taste it in the air. It’s disgustingly sweet. Morgan grinned. “In the best way possible, of course.”

Heat crept up my neck. We’re not that bad.”

Tori. The man threatened to buy out an entire restaurant because someone looked at you wrong last week. You’re absolutely that bad.” She paused, her expression softening. “But it’s beautiful, you know? Seeing you this happy. After everything you’ve been through…”

I met her eyes in the mirror, feeling a surge of gratitude for this friendsh that had sustained me through so much. “Thank you, Morgan. For everything.”

“Oh, stop, you’ll make me cry and ruin my makeup.” She dabbed at her eyes dramatically. “Now try on that ivory one with the train. I want to see if it’s as gorgeous as I think it is.”

We were laughing over Morgan’s increasingly elaborate commentary when the boutique door chimed.

I glanced over and felt my breath catch.

Susan Shepherd had just entered, accompanied by an elegant woman I didn’t recognize.

For a moment, our eyes met across the boutique. Her gaze locked onto me with an intensity that made my pulse quicken.

I watched as her hand moved unconsciously to her chest, fingers touching a silver pendant that hung there. The gesture seemed automatic, instinctive, as though triggered by something she’d seen in my face.

“Tori?” Morgan’s voice seemed distant. “You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Susan was still staring, her eyes moving over my features with an express on I couldn’t quite name.

Did she already know?

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