Chapter 0039

Friday finally arrived, and anticipation thrummed through my veins. Today's gift had cost me more than just favors - it required calling in a life debt.

The hallway whispers followed me like shadows after yesterday's confrontation. Both Blackthorn and Nightshade pack members eyed me with suspicion. Maintaining pack peace meant keeping my mouth shut, so I schooled my features into Alpha indifference and kept moving.

At my locker, I barely registered the hands sliding around my waist until rosewater assaulted my senses. Bianca. That cloying scent always made my nose twitch.

"Alpha Adrian," she purred, fingers dipping below my beltline. "I've been waiting all week for you. There's a party tonight..."

Two weeks ago, I would've taken what she offered without hesitation. Today? Nothing. Not even a flicker of interest. The last thing I needed was Evelyn catching me in this compromising position.

I removed her wandering hands with deliberate slowness. "Not tonight, Bianca. Birthday tomorrow, remember?"

Her pout followed me down the hallway. "I'll see you at your party then, Alpha?"

"Sure," I tossed over my shoulder, already dismissing her. Theron's chuckle echoed in my mind.

She'll love it, my wolf assured me.

Better be worth Oberon's displeasure, I shot back.

It's perfect. Shows we see her - really see her. The warrior and the woman.

Finnian's father nearly bit my head off.

He'd be mourning his heir if we hadn't pulled that boy from the fire, Theron reminded me sharply.

The clock mocked me all morning. By lunch, I was vibrating with restless energy. Then she walked in - my little Guardian, shoulders slumped like she expected disappointment.

The cafeteria fell silent when Oberon entered. Most wolves had never seen a Fae royal. Their kind considered us brutish, preferring human company where they passed as eccentric artists or environmentalists.

I watched as the Fae king approached Evelyn, verified her identity, and placed the ancient tome in her hands.

That book had been in the royal family for centuries. I only knew of its existence because of Finnian. Three years ago, hunters had turned their bunker into an inferno, trapping supernaturals inside.

My father and I had been searching for missing pack members when the explosions started. The screams... gods, the screams still haunted me. We saved who we could, including the Fae prince.

I'd been the one to return the terrified boy to his father. Oberon's gratitude had limits, but today, he honored his debt.

Evelyn's fingers trembled as she traced the embossed cover. When her gaze lifted to mine, wide with disbelief, Theron preened.

Told you.