Chapter 0034

I obey without hesitation. Locating spare clothes hidden in a hollow tree trunk, I quickly pull on shorts before facing my father again.

"You're going to explain why an exceptionally gifted Guardian from our own pack would doubt my son—the future Alpha—would stake such a public claim on her?"

Turning toward the packhouse, I gather my thoughts before responding. "You and Mom made sure I understood Evelyn Sinclair's legacy. I've known since childhood what her family sacrificed for ours." I meet his gaze squarely. "What you never taught me was who Evelyn is as a person."

His silence urges me to continue. "Last week, I saw her at school. There was... something." My fingers rake through my hair. "I didn't recognize her. But I felt drawn to her, so I approached her. Introduced myself. Asked her name and pack affiliation."

When I glance up, my father's stare burns into me. I let the silence stretch between us.

"Let me guess—that didn't go well?" he finally asks.

"About as disastrously as you'd imagine," I admit.

"So this week of gifts is... what? Damage control?"

"Partly." My shoulders tense. "At first, yes. I needed her to know I recognize her worth—her family's sacrifices. But then Theron demanded more. With each note I wrote, I made my intentions clearer. This isn't just about claiming her. I want her to choose us."

"And Theron's certain about her?"

"Absolutely. I've checked with him daily to ensure I wasn't making empty promises."

I hesitate before voicing Donovan's concern from earlier. "Could Theron be drawn to her Guardian nature rather than their mate bond?"

Father gazes into the darkness, considering. "Doubtful. You've shared schools for years yet only noticed her now—weeks before your eighteenth birthday. I suspect Theron..."

The breath I'd been holding escapes in a rush.

Before I can speak, he continues, "What's your plan? Two days until your birthday—that's when you'll reveal yourself?"

"Yes. One final gift tomorrow. Then a dress delivered Saturday for the party."

His eyebrows shoot up when I describe tomorrow's surprise. "Adrian, how in the moon's name did you arrange that?"

"Calling in an old debt." My lips curve smugly.

"That's one hell of a favor."

"She's worth it." My voice drops. "At the party, I've coordinated with Mom to reveal this week's secret. She thinks I'm just finally taking interest in my own celebration." We share a laugh, resuming our walk.

"Sebastian will be there Saturday," he reminds me.

"I know." My jaw tightens. "I'm aware of their history, though not its depth. She's still months from eighteen—that gives me time to prove my intentions."

The thought of Sebastian getting private time with her tomorrow burns, but my final gift will eclipse that. I've saved the most impactful for last. There's no way she won't be moved.

What could Adrian's final surprise be? Share your theories!