Claimed by the Alpha's Love (Tori and Lucas) novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Tori’s POV:

I stood there staring at William Sullivan’s distant figure, feeling a strange emptiness wash over me.

“Earth to Tori!” Morgan waved her hand in front of my face, breaking my trance.

“You okay? You’ve been staring into space for like five minutes.”

I blinked, trying to push away the heaviness in my chest. ‘Sorry, just thinking.”

Morgan’s expression softened.

“Well, stop thinking and start walking. I know this amazing place that makes the best moonberry tarts in all of Moonhaven.”

She grabbed my arm, tugging me away from the plaza.

“Trust me, one bite and you’ll forget all your problems.”

The small café Morgan led me to was tucked away on a side street, its warm yellow lights glowing invitingly against the late afternoon

shadows.

Inside, the scent of fresh pastries and spiced tea filled the air.

We found a quiet corner table, and Morgan immediately launched into an enthusiastic description of every item on the menu.

“We’ll take the moonberry tart and the cinnamon moon roll,” Morgan told the waitress with confidence. They re absolutely the best-sellers

here.”

When the waitress brought our order, Morgan leaned forward eagerly, her eyes fixed on my face.

“Try it! Try it!” she urged, practically bouncing in her seat as she waited for my reaction.

I took a small bite of the tart, the sweet-tart flavor exploding on my tongue. The buttery crust melted in my mouth, and I couldn’t help but close my eyes for a moment.

“Well?” Morgan demanded.

I nodded, taking another bite. “You weren’t exaggerating for once.”

“Hey! I never exaggerate, she protested, then immediately giggled. ‘Okay maybe sometimes.

For a brief moment, I allowed myself to enjoy this-just being a normal tenager with a friend, eating sweets and laughing

No pack politics, no painful past, no uncertain future.

But then I glanced up and my blood froze.

Across the café, a pair of eyes burned into mine with pure, undiluted hatre

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18:32 Fri, Feb 6 BBR.

Chapter 30

Lisa Morris.

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Noah’s mother sat three tables away, her coffee forgotten as she stared at me with such venom I could almost feel it like a physical blow.

The same face that had screamed at me in the courtroom, demanding my execution rather than detention.

I forced myself to look away, my appetite vanishing instantly.

Maybe I shouldn’t have left the dorm today after all, I thought grimly. The universe seemed determined to parade every ghost from my past in front of me.

I needed to get Morgan away from here-now.

Lisa Morris made Hannah look like a model of stability and restraint. The woman was practically unhinged with hatred, and I had no idea what she might do if she approached our table with Morgan present.

“Morgan,” I said quietly, keeping my voice steady through sheer force of will. “I just remembered I have to pick up some supplies for class. Would you mind heading back first?”

Morgan frowned, clearly confused by my sudden change in mood.

“We could go together after we finish-”

“They’re about to close soon. Plus, I might be a while choosing the right materials.” I interrupted, the lie rolling off my tongue with surprising

ease.

“And you mentioned you have that assignment due tomorrow, right? You should get back and finish it.”

I hated lying to her, but keeping her safe from Lisa’s unpredictable rage was worth it.

“Are you sure? I don’t mind-

“I’m sure.” I managed a smile that felt brittle on my face. “Really, go ahead I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Morgan looked uncertain but eventually nodded.

“Okay, if you’re sure.” She gathered her things and stood. “Text me when you get back to the dorm, okay?”

I promised I would, watching her leave with a mixture of relief and guilt.

The moment the door closed behind her, I felt Lisa’s presence before I head her. The chair across from me scraped against the floor as she sat down uninvited.

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