Claimed by the Alpha's Love (Tori and Lucas) novel Chapter 6

Lucas’s POV:

"She's not just any Omega," I replied without taking my eyes off Tori. There was something about her movements—purposeful yet unobtrusive—that commanded my attention more than any flashy display ever could.

Matthew leaned forward, squinting down at the café. After a moment of careful observation, he leaned back with a shrug.

"I don't see anything special. Just a silver-eyed Omega working a service job." He took a sip of his drink. "Though I'll give you that—she is quite beautiful. "

I didn't respond, my focus sharpening as I noticed two wolves approach Tori's table. Their postures screamed trouble.

Matthew let out an exasperated sigh. "Unbelievable. You drag me out for drinks, which happens maybe once a decade, and then completely ignore me to stare at some waitress."

I abruptly stood, my chair scraping against the wooden floor with a harsh sound.

"Lucas?" Matthew's voice registered dimly as he stared at me, confusion evident in his expression.

"She's in trouble," I said tersely, already moving toward the stairs.

"What's happening?" Matthew's irritation instantly shifted to concern as he followed my gaze. "Oh. Trouble brewing, those guys don't look friendly.

"I'm going down there," I stated, already heading for the exit.

"Wait, I'm coming too," Matthew called after me, hurrying to catch up as I took the stairs two at a time.

By the time we reached the café's entrance, the situation had escalated. Tori stood before the two, her stance firm despite being physically outmatched. I remained in the shadows just outside, assessing the situation.

"I'll say it one last time," Tori's voice was controlled but firm. "You need to pay your bill."

The taller of the two sneered. "And what exactly will you do if we don't, little Omega?"

His companion laughed, the sound grating on my nerves. "Maybe she plans to call the Warrior patrol. As if they'd bother with an Omega's complaints."

Tori didn't flinch. "There are security cameras and guards stationed throughout Howling Plaza. If you refuse to pay, I will be forced to request assistance."

The taller one's face contorted with rage. "You dare threaten me, Omega?" he snarled, raising his hand. "I'll teach you your proper place!"

His arm swung toward Tori, but before it could make contact, I caught his wrist in an iron grip.

"Who the hell dares interfere?" he snarled, turning around with aggression still burning in his eyes. "Playing hero for an Omega bit—"

His words died in his throat the moment our eyes locked. Recognition hit him like a physical blow, and I watched with cold satisfaction as all color drained from his face. His knees visibly buckled, and the stench of fear poured off him in waves.

"A-Alpha L-Lucas," he choked out, his earlier bravado evaporating instantly.

"Is there any problem?" I asked, my voice deceptively cold.

"No, Alpha," the taller one stammered, fumbling for his wallet. "Just a misunderstanding. We were about to pay."

I didn't answer immediately, my mind still on the silver-eyed Omega below.

"You're acting strange today," Matthew continued, studying my face intently.

He glanced back toward the café, then at me again, realization dawning on his face. "Wait a minute... is this about her? Are you finally ready to find a mate?"

His voice grew increasingly excited. "It is! You've finally found someone you're interested in! Thank the Moon Goddess! I was starting to think you might be gay and secretly pining for me all these years."

I shot him a withering glance that would have sent most wolves cowering.

Matthew immediately raised his hands in surrender. "Kidding! Obviously kidding." He cleared his throat. "But seriously, what's so special about this one?"

I hesitated only briefly before deciding to be direct. "She's my fated mate."

Matthew, who had just taken a sip of his drink after we returned to our table, choked violently. After recovering from his coughing fit, he stared at me with widened eyes.

"Your WHAT? Your FATED MATE? As in, chosen-by-the-Moon-Goddess, once-in-a-lifetime, magical-bond fated mate?" His voice had risen to a pitch that made several nearby patrons turn to look.

I fixed him with a deadpan stare. "Would you like to announce it to the entire pack? I don't think everyone in the Northern Territories heard you clearly."

Matthew's eyes widened in horror as he realized how loudly he'd spoken. He slapped his hand over his mouth and hunched lower in his seat, looking around frantically to see who might have overheard.

"Sorry," he whispered through his fingers, his expression a mixture of embarrassment and lingering shock. "But you can't just drop bombshells like that and expect me to keep my composure. This is... this is huge!"