Claimed by the Alpha's Love (Tori and Lucas) novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Tori’s POV:

22%2

Morgan rolled her eyes dramatically.

“Megan Howard? Only Lucas’s most devoted stalker. She’s the doctor’s sist-you know, Matthew Howard? He’s Lucas’s best friend, so she thinks that gives her special privileges,”

Morgan launched into a detailed account of Megan’s years-long pursuit of Lucas.

“She’s been in love with Alpha Lucas forever, but he barely notices she exis-romantically, at least. I mean, he’s polite because of Matthew, but that’s it.”

As Morgan continued her explanation, her mother knocked and entered with a tray of cookies.

“Morgan, dear,” she said gently, “I think Tori has had quite enough excitement for one night. The poor girl is exhausted.”

As if on cue, a yawn escaped me before I could stifle it.

“But Mom,” Morgan protested, “I was just-”

“Whatever it is can wait until tomorrow,” Mrs. Baker said firmly. “Tori needs rest, and you have chores you’ve been avoiding all day.”

Morgan sighed dramatically but stood up. “Fine. Sleep well, Tori. I’ll see you in the morning.”

She gave me a small wave before following her mother out, still arguing in hushed tones about the unfairness of chores.

The door closed behind them, and silence settled over the room.

I couldn’t help but envy their relationship-the easy affection, the casualckering that clearly masked deep love.

My own mother had never spoken to me that way, not since I was born.

I lay back on the bed, sinking into comfort that seemed almost unreal after so many years of hard surfaces.

It was worlds away from my accommodation at the Price house-a tiny room in the most remote corner of the mansion, one even the servants considered undesirable.

My “bedroom there contained nothing but a bed with a worn mattress and a rickety desk that Mia had discarded years ago.

Hannah had made it clear that I should be grateful for even that much.

The comfort of this bed, coupled with the physical and emotional exhaust n of the day, quickly made my eyelids grow heavier with each blink, my thoughts becoming fuzzy around the edges.

Mrs. Baker had been right-1 need test, mentally and physically

Just before I drifted off completely, I thought I felt a presence in the roaga gentle touch on my cheek where Hannah had slapped me. Someone’s fingers tenderly tracing the mark, soothing the lingering slig

O

1/2

22%.

11:35 Tue, Feb 3 GGG.

Chapter 21

The touch felt cool yet somehow warm at the same time, and strangely familiar.

I wanted to open my eyes, but my body refused to respond.

It’s okay now. Rest.

I couldn’t tell if the words were spoken aloud or simply echoed in my mind, but they carried a deep resonance that settled into my bones.

That night, I slept better than I had in four years.

“Everyone’s staring at us,” I whispered to Morgan as we walked through Moonridge High’s main entrance the next morning.

Morgan shrugged, seemingly unfazed by the attention.

“Let them stare. Maybe they’re just jealous of my amazing fashion sense. She gestured to her standard school uniform, which looked identical to everyone else’s.

I couldn’t help but smile at her attempt to lighten the mood, but the weight of dozens of eyes followed us down the hallway.

“Seriously though,” Morgan said in a lower voice, “just ignore them. They have nothing better to do than gossip.”

When we reached our classroom, Mrs. Blake was already at her desk, sorting through papers.

She looked up as we entered, her face brightening.

“Ah, Tori! Morgan! Perfect timing,” Mrs. Blake exclaimed as we walked in,er face lighting up with excitement.

The rest of the class was already seated, their conversations dying down as they turned to look at us.

Comments

61

Write Comments

< SHARE

2/2

11:35 Tue, Feb 3 GGG.

Claimed by the Alpha’s Love