Chapter 0044

I know I shouldn't be lurking like this, but I can't bring myself to leave as I watch Sebastian and Evelyn disappear inside the house. I retreat further into the shadows, needing to see how far he'll push and how much she'll allow.

Their conversation about the bear meat makes my jaw clench. When Mr. Sinclair tells Sebastian to call him Gregory, it stings. Somehow, he's already closer to Evelyn's father than I am.

Outside, they grill the steaks while discussing training techniques. Sebastian thanks Gregory for today's session, praising the facility he built. The casual ease between them burns like acid in my veins.

Then comes the interrogation. Gregory demands to know Sebastian's intentions. To my irritation, his answer is flawless. He claims genuine feelings for Evelyn. Even suggests they might be fated mates.

Theron snarls in my mind. I don't blame him. If Evelyn is our mate, she can't possibly be his. But doubt creeps in—what if this pull we feel is just the Guardian bond? What if neither of us is truly her mate?

Relief floods me when Evelyn confirms she's waiting for her true mate. That means whatever's between her and Sebastian has limits. I nearly cheer when Gregory refuses Sebastian's request to train his warriors—until he adds that he'll reconsider if they're mates. Another reason to claim her first.

When they head for the car, I circle the house to eavesdrop. Theron nearly rips free when Sebastian kisses her. The scent of her arousal hits me as he whispers filthy promises, and my control shatters. Fur erupts across my skin.

Her scream of his name sends Theron lunging forward. It takes everything I have to drag him back behind the house. He rages at another male touching what should be ours.

"She's not ours yet," I remind him. "Even if we're certain, she doesn't know. She may not even realize we've recognized her."

The metallic tang of blood sends me rushing back. They're parting ways now, both having admitted she's waiting for her mate. While I hate that he touched her, their honesty gives me hope. When she accepts our bond, I'll be the only one who's tasted her.

My triumph evaporates when Sebastian asks about today's gift. So she hadn't told him. His reaction is priceless—that arrogant bastard realizing he can't compete with what I offer. My chest swells when Evelyn acknowledges my serious intentions.

Her confusion about his "interesting tomorrow" comment makes me grin. Tomorrow, he'll be on my territory.

As Sebastian drives away, his eyes lock onto my hiding spot. The challenge is clear. This isn't a game anymore—we're both fighting to keep her.

I circle back, hoping for one last glimpse of Evelyn before leaving her final gift. She sits by the window with The History of the Guardians, absently tucking hair behind her ear as she reads. I could watch her forever.

When she undresses, I turn away. Shifters may be comfortable with nudity, but she doesn't know I'm here. I won't violate her privacy further.

Back at the packhouse, I don't bother shifting until I reach my door. The faint rosewater scent makes me wonder what Bianca wanted on my floor. I grab clothes—shorts and a tee are enough despite the winter chill.

The gift box waits, perfectly wrapped with an extravagant bow. I attach my card and return to Evelyn's house on foot to avoid suspicion. Her lights are off now. I leave the package on her porch, spraying it with lavender to mask my scent.

Walking home, I whistle, already imagining how perfect tomorrow's birthday will be.