Chapter 0026

The dream left me restless all morning. Or maybe it was the constant whispers and not-so-subtle speculation about my mystery admirer.

By lunchtime, my nerves were frayed—but excitement hummed beneath the surface. I won't lie, the attention was thrilling.

Selene, my wolf spirit, was practically preening. "You can deny it all you want, Evelyn, but I know you're enjoying this as much as I am."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever."

She refused to be dismissed. She wanted another gift, and she was ready for it.

The cafeteria was packed when I walked in. I hadn’t realized so many students had this lunch period.

A man stood near the entrance, holding an extravagant gift basket. "Evelyn Sinclair?"

"That's me."

"This is for you."

"Is there a card?"

He handed me an envelope. I thanked him and headed to my table, where Genevieve and Nathaniel had already grabbed me lunch.

Good thing, because the moment I sat down, curious onlookers crowded around.

Nathaniel shot them a warning look. "Give her some space, unless you want to deal with me."

They backed off—but not by much.

I opened the card first.

Dearest Evelyn,

As a Guardian, you fight for your pack without hesitation.

But who tends to the Guardian when the battle is done?

Who soothes your wounds and eases your pain?

I will.

You will never be alone. Your needs will always come before mine.

Accept this gift. Let it remind you that you are cherished.

That your sacrifices are seen.

That your body, soul, and mind deserve rest.

From my heart,

Your Secret Admirer

My breath caught. Each note grew bolder. Today, he wasn’t just flirting—he was declaring his intent to claim me.

If Sebastian hadn’t stormed off the other night, I’d swear it was him.

Inside the basket: lavender candles, eucalyptus-scented bath salts, vanilla bubble bath, body lotion, and a bottle of my favorite wine.

Perfect. Exactly what I needed after brutal training sessions.

"And thoughtful," Selene purred.

Once the crowd dispersed, I examined the gifts—until the room fell silent.

A familiar scent hit me—pine, blood, and raw power.

Selene surged forward, instincts sharpening.

From the corner of my eye, Donovan and Nathaniel stood, their wolves alert.

I turned toward the entrance—and froze.

Sebastian strode toward me, Dorian gleaming in his eyes. His clothes were torn, bloodied. A vicious slash marred his chest.

But that wasn’t what stunned me.

Slung over his shoulders was a massive black bear—twice his size, lifeless.

He stopped before me. I stood. "Sebastian, what—?"

Dorian’s voice cut me off. "An offering for Selene."

He dropped the bear at my feet.

Selene nearly shoved me aside in her excitement. "Dorian," she crooned, admiring the kill. "You hunted a bear for me?"

Sebastian cupped my cheek. Selene leaned into his touch.

"I wanted to prove I can provide for you. Protect you." His thumb brushed my skin. "You don’t need my protection, Selene. But you’ll always have it."