Chapter 0465

My wolf has no issue bowing to Evander, but I won't submit to Gregory. Before my shameless wolf decides she wants to mate with Evander, I seize control and force the shift.

'I wouldn't have let him claim us, not yet anyway.' She practically vibrates with excitement, and I roll my eyes.

'What? He caught us. We were sprinting full speed, and he still outpaced us. That’s strength.'

'Yes, you’ve made that abundantly clear. Stop fawning. He’s a Guardian—literally crafted by the Moon Goddess. Remember?'

'Exactly.' Her voice drips with satisfaction.

Shifting back hadn’t crossed my mind as a spectacle for Gregory, but it’s not like he hasn’t seen a naked woman before. Rumor claims he cycles through them nightly.

I wait for Evander to shift back into Gregory, but he doesn’t. He just sits there, golden eyes locked on me.

'Evander? I assumed Gregory wanted to talk?'

A headshake.

'He wanted to play with Valeria.' Gregory’s voice cuts through the mind link.

Of course, Valeria flips onto her back in my mind, belly exposed. 'Have some dignity,' I snap.

'Just because Gregory sleeps around doesn’t mean Evander does. I’ve never seen him with another she-wolf.'

Huh. My infatuated wolf has a point. Unlike some, whose wolves mirror their humans’ recklessness, Evander has never indulged, despite the attention he gets. That realization softens something in me.

'You wanted to play with Valeria?' I murmur, stepping closer to stroke his fur.

He leans into my touch with a soft chuff, and I can’t help but smile.

'See? Perfect.' Valeria sighs.

'Did her speed surprise you?'

Evander pulls back, studying me.

'We’ve been training. She’ll outrun you one day.'

The wolf equivalent of a scoff.

'We’d train with you,' Gregory offers through the link. 'Push Valeria to her limits.'

'Hard pass. The last thing I need is the pack thinking we’re just another conquest. We’re fine alone.'

'Thanks for the chase, Evander.' I kiss his head—only for him to swipe his tongue up my face.

'Ugh! Disgusting!' I scrub at my chin.

Turning toward home, I hear a growl. Evander vanishes into the trees and reemerges as Gregory, shirtless, holding out a tee. 'Put this on. No need to parade around naked.'

'We’re the only ones here, and even if we weren’t, shifters aren’t shy.'

Another growl. I ignore it, but Gregory falls into step beside me.

'Packhouse is that way.' I jerk my thumb behind us.

'Making sure you get home safe.'

I snort. 'On pack lands? Really?'

'So. Lucas. Friday.'

I don’t want the date, but if it keeps Gregory away, I’ll go. 'Yep.'

'Saturday?'

'Seraphina and I have plans.'

'Sunday?'

I whirl on him. 'What’s your deal? Why the sudden interest?'

No more games. 'Is this some bet between you and Alistair? See who can bag the last holdouts? Because if so, you’ll both lose. We’re onto you, and I’m not becoming another notch.'

I jab his chest for emphasis. He catches my finger.

'Is that what you believe?'

'Seraphina’s theory, and it fits. You and Alistair ignored us for years. Now you’re relentless. Why else?'

'I want to know you, Ivy. Not just the basics.' His gaze doesn’t waver. 'My word as a Guardian—this isn’t about sex.'

That—that throws me. Gregory only gives his Guardian’s oath to Alistair and Alpha Sebastian.

Valeria hums. 'He’s sincere.'

'Brunch. Sunday. Take it or leave it.'

'Done. I’ll pick you—'

'I’ll walk.'

A growl. 'I’m picking you up. And paying. But I still want to spar tomorrow.'

'Alpha Sebastian already assigned me to Alistair.'

'I’ll handle that. And Valeria needs a challenge if she wants to improve.'

It echoes Alpha Sebastian’s advice.

'Tell Evander if he tries anything with Valeria, I’ll neuter him.'

Gregory smirks. 'He just cringed. Message received.'

I stride off. 'Same goes for you, Gregory. One wrong move, and you’re getting snipped.'

'Deal, Ivy bud.'

I flip him off over my shoulder.