Chapter 0119

I checked my watch for the tenth time. Still too early to pick up Evelyn. My fingers tapped impatiently against the steering wheel. Every instinct screamed at me to go now, but I forced myself to wait. She had her own life, her own schedule. The last thing I wanted was to smother her.

When I couldn't stand it anymore, I drove to the florist. The bouquet of violets waited for me, just as I'd ordered. Seraphina had suggested adding more color to Ivy's memorial. The scent of vanilla and honey hit me the moment I stepped inside. My pulse quickened.

'She's here.' Theron's voice rumbled through my mind, eager as a pup. He'd been dying to properly chase our mate. But Selene hadn't fully emerged yet, leaving him frustrated.

I followed my nose through the aisles. There - a flash of movement behind a display of orchids. She'd hidden on purpose, this clever little guardian of mine. As if she could ever escape my notice.

My arms wrapped around her waist before she could react. That startled squeak sent warmth flooding through my chest. Breathing in her scent, the tension melted from my shoulders. Just being near her soothed the chaos in my mind better than any meditation.

A sudden thought of Sebastian hit me. Years without his mate, yet he still led Nightshade Pack with steady hands. Most Alphas went feral without their other half. I respected his control, but if he so much as looked at Evelyn wrong, I'd rip his throat out.

Convincing Evelyn to ride with me took some doing. At the memorial, her nervous energy was palpable. Having never lost my parents, I couldn't fathom her pain. But I'd stand by her through it all.

"You and your mother did all this?" Evelyn's voice wavered as she took in the sea of flowers.

I pointed to a cluster near the base. "Those are from your father. The ones in back are from pack members paying respects. The side arrangements are from Mother and me."

Taking her hand, I led her forward. So many lives Ivy Sinclair had touched. According to Seraphina, she'd been the kind of woman who lit up every room she entered.

Releasing Evelyn's hand, I approached the stone angel. My fingers brushed the folded hands, just as Mother always did. "Thank you, Mrs. Sinclair, for your sacrifice. My mother promised we'd never forget, and we haven't." I added softly, "I'm keeping my word to you. She'll always be safe."

Evelyn moved beside me. "What promise?"

I made space for our flowers at the angel's feet before answering. The memory played vividly behind my eyes.

"The day your mother died, we were under attack. My mother tried getting us to safety, but we were cut off. Then your mother appeared like an avenging angel." My throat tightened. "I'd never seen anyone fight like that. Until you."

The scene unfolded in my mind - the snarls, the blood, Ivy's wolf going down under too many attackers. My mother fighting desperately to protect me. Then those piercing eyes locking onto mine.

"I'm trusting you to watch out for her. Keep her safe for me. Promise me, Adrian. Promise you'll always look after my little girl."

Evelyn's sharp inhale pulled me back. "Those were her last words. I don't think even my mother heard. I never told anyone." My laugh held no humor. "Guess she didn't know her daughter would be a guardian too."

Taking Evelyn's hands, I met her shimmering eyes. "So you see, this isn't just about being Alpha, or how I feel about you. This is a sacred vow to your mother."

My palm cradled her cheek. When she leaned into my touch, something primal in me purred. The kiss was soft, tasting the salt of her unshed tears. My thumbs brushed them away before they could fall.

"Don't cry, love."

She composed herself, placing her flowers beside mine. "Can I have a moment alone with her?"

"Of course." I kissed her forehead. "I'll be at the car."

Leaning against the hood, I replayed that day. There'd been something in Ivy's eyes when she made me promise. Almost like she knew. Knew Evelyn and I were destined. Impossible, yet... I think she did.