Chapter 0029

My eyes track Dorian's reaction to Theron's aggressive display. Evelyn swiftly takes command of Selene, which is exactly what we need right now. Selene might enjoy two Alphas battling for her attention, but that would be disastrous in our current situation.

Dorian moves to shield Evelyn behind him, his fangs bared and claws extended. But she surprises me by placing both hands firmly against his chest. Theron is barely holding back his fury, and I'm struggling to help Donovan get us outside before all hell breaks loose.

Donovan and several warriors finally manage to drag me through the doors. Theron continues snarling and thrashing against their hold.

Donovan gets right in my face. "ALPHA! Get a grip! You need to leave before this escalates into a full pack war with innocent students caught in the crossfire." He emphasizes the word 'students' like a punch to the gut. "We'll handle things here. Go run it off before you do something irreversible."

With tremendous effort, I wrestle enough control from Theron to turn and sprint toward the forest. The moment I cross the tree line, I shift. We run for hours, until my muscles burn and my lungs scream for mercy. Only then does Theron's rage begin to subside.

By the time I return to the packhouse, training has long ended. Donovan waits for me in the courtyard, tossing me a pair of shorts as I shift back.

"How's the head?"

"Clearer." I pull on the shorts. "Thanks for earlier. Any fallout?"

"Evelyn smoothed things over with Sebastian. He left with his bear, and things settled down." Donovan smirks. "Though the betting pool has skyrocketed in your favor. For some insane reason, mine too. Guess they think you're my personal enforcer now."

I scoff. "Like you'd ever need me to fight your battles." He claps my shoulder, then sobers. "That was too close today, Adrian."

"No argument here." I scrub my face with both hands. "Donovan... I think she might be my mate."

His eyebrows shoot up. "You're serious?"

"Dead serious. Theron has never acted like this before." I search for the right words. "This possessive... this territorial. I've watched females I've been with move on to other males without a second thought from Theron. But with Evelyn..."

I trail off, remembering how Theron reacted when Sebastian approached her. "Just seeing her talk to another male makes my wolf lose his damn mind. Theron started growling the moment Sebastian walked in with that bear. When she accepted his gift? I nearly shifted right there in the cafeteria."

Donovan studies me carefully. "Can I ask you something?"

"Shoot."

"I mean this with complete respect, as your friend and Beta."

I motion for him to continue when he hesitates.

"Could this be about her being a Guardian rather than your mate? She's the strongest she-wolf any of us have ever seen. Every unmated male in the territory wants her. Even Orion recognizes what an asset she'd be to any pack."

A deep growl rumbles through my chest before I can stop it. Donovan holds up his hands. "Not making a play here. Just pointing out our wolves are hardwired to respect power. As an Alpha, Theron would naturally be drawn to that strength."

I reach for Theron, but he offers no clarity. We likely won't know for certain until after my birthday, or possibly hers.

"Honestly? I don't know." I exhale sharply. "Guess we'll have to wait and see."

For the first time in years, I won't be visiting my mother at Ivy's memorial site tonight. I need to see Evelyn. Need to make sure today's disaster hasn't ruined everything between us.