Chapter 0027

Selene pressed her palm against Dorian's chest. "Yes, Sebastian, I accept your gift."

A thunderous cheer erupted from the Nightshade Pack, their pride swelling as their Alpha's offering was acknowledged by a Guardian.

Then came the guttural snarl that silenced them all.

I spun to see Adrian struggling against Donovan's grip, his canines fully extended and claws unsheathed. Theron was clearly battling for dominance while Nathaniel positioned himself as a human shield between Adrian and Sebastian.

I felt Dorian's protective shift as he tried to push me behind him. Instead, I nudged Selene aside, stepping forward to diffuse the tension before claws started flying.

When I turned back to Sebastian, his own fangs were bared. I placed both hands flat against his chest—not to stop him, but to redirect his focus.

"Sebastian," I said firmly, waiting until those stormy eyes locked onto mine. "What exactly am I supposed to do with this? It's rather... substantial. And I still have afternoon classes." I flashed him a teasing smile, keeping one eye on Donovan maneuvering a still-growling Adrian out of the cafeteria.

The tension in Sebastian's shoulders eased slightly, his claws retracting. But it was Dorian who answered. "The Alpha will have it processed. The meat will be ready by tomorrow, though the hide requires additional curing time."

His gaze flickered toward the exit where Adrian's muffled snarls still echoed. Desperate to maintain his attention, I suggested, "Perhaps you could bring the meat tomorrow after school? You could train with Father and me." His head snapped back toward me at the mention of training with two Guardians. "We could make..." I glanced at the massive bear carcass, "...bear steaks?" I phrased it as a question—because honestly, was that even edible? But Adrian's persistent growls left me scrambling for distractions.

Finally, Sebastian's eyes softened back to their usual sage green. "I'd like that," he said, lips twitching with suppressed amusement. "I'll prepare the... bear steaks for grilling."

"Perfect."

He leaned down, brushing his lips against mine in a featherlight kiss before hefting the bear onto his broad shoulders. As he turned to leave, I couldn't resist one final jab.

"Oh Alpha Sebastian?" He glanced back. "Do shower before tomorrow's visit," I added with deliberate sass. The corner of his mouth lifted in acknowledgment before he disappeared through the doors.

I exhaled sharply, turning to find Nathaniel and Genevieve staring at me with identical 'what the actual hell' expressions.

Lunch was officially over—not that I had any appetite left. Nathaniel handed me my gift basket and bag before dragging me into an empty hallway alcove. "Explain. Now."

"Which part?" I hissed. "The part where Sebastian hunted a bear bare-handed as a courting gift? Or when Adrian nearly started an interspack brawl?"

"Both," he deadpanned. We stared at each other for a beat before he snorted, tugging me toward class. "Ever tasted bear meat?"

"Nope."

"Neither have I," he said, popping the 'p'. "You'll have to tell me how it is. And Evelyn?" He paused. "Just because I'm not an Alpha doesn't mean you can exclude me from training sessions."

I stopped walking. "Nathaniel, you're my closest friend. Which is precisely why I won't let you spar with Guardians. Unless you have a death wish?"

He shook his head, chuckling.

I wasn't joking.