Chapter 0041

Sebastian's fingers remain entwined with mine as we approach the house. My father, Gregory, is outside lighting the grill. I slip my hand free and hurry inside to finish dinner preparations. Moments later, Sebastian and Dad join me in the kitchen.

"Alpha Sebastian," Dad begins, "I hope you don't mind—I peeked in the cooler and selected some steaks for the grill."

"Just Sebastian, please. And the steaks are perfect." He retrieves a bottle of wine from the cooler. "Brought this to pair with them. The rest includes ribs, bear sausage, and ground beef. Never hunted bear myself, but I had an expert process it. Evelyn, you'll have to tell me what you think."

I accept the wine with a smile, uncorking it to let it breathe.

As I transfer meats to the freezer—keeping out ground beef for weekend meals—Dad chuckles. "Sebastian, you're welcome back anytime to help us finish those ribs."

"I'd enjoy that, sir."

"Gregory. If I'm calling you Sebastian, you call me Gregory."

"Thank you, Gregory."

Dad takes the steaks outside to season them. Sebastian follows—typical male bonding over open flames. I sauté garlic and onions for the spinach, pour wine into three glasses, then pull roasted potatoes from the oven.

They return as I'm setting the table. Sebastian carries the wine and potatoes while I dish up the spinach.

Seated beside him, I take my first bite of bear meat. Gamey like venison, but heartier—surprisingly good.

Once we've all approved the exotic dish, Dad begins his interrogation.

"Sebastian." My palms dampen against my napkin until Sebastian's hand covers mine.

"Straight to it—are you only pursuing my daughter because she's a Guardian?"

"No, sir." His gaze locks onto me. "I pursue Evelyn because she's consistently the most remarkable woman in any room." Turning back to Dad: "We've spoken openly. She knows her Guardian strength, while impressive, isn't why I want her as my Luna. She'd be my equal in every way."

"Son, you understand she's waiting for her fated mate? Her mother and I raised her to value that bond."

"Absolutely. Evelyn has been clear about waiting, and I respect that." His fingers tighten around mine. "But Gregory... I believe with everything in me that we are fated. My wolf Dorian feels it too—his pull toward Selene is undeniable."

Dad studies us both. "Well... my daughter could certainly do worse than you, Sebastian." He pauses. "I was sorry to hear about Cassian's passing. He was a good man. By all accounts, you've honored his legacy as Alpha."

Sebastian's throat works before he murmurs, "Thank you. That means everything coming from you."

"Gregory," Dad corrects with a smile, raising his glass.

Sebastian clinks his against it. "Thank you, Gregory."