Chapter 0467

Just when I start believing Grant might actually be sincere, he proves me wrong all over again. Why on earth did I agree to that Sunday brunch? Worst decision ever. I need to find a way out of this mess.

I get dressed for school and head outside to meet Seraphina. "Morning, Sera."

"Okay, don't kill me." That's how she greets me. Not exactly the best way to start the day.

"What did you do?"

She gives me that guilty puppy look. "I kind of agreed to let Alistair drive us to school."

"You WHAT?!" My voice cracks. "Why would you do that?"

"I didn’t have a choice! He showed up at my house last night unannounced. My parents practically tripped over themselves when they saw him. Then he asked if he could take me to school today, and before I could say no, my mom said yes!"

I groan, throwing my hands up. "That explains why Grant mentioned giving us a ride. Ugh, Sera! I do NOT want to be seen arriving with them. He was already hooking up with someone right after training this morning. If we show up together, everyone will assume I'm next on his list."

I glance down the street. "Let’s walk fast. Maybe if he’s running late, we’ll already be at school before they catch up."

"I can’t." She nods toward her house. "My parents are watching." Sure enough, I spot them peeking through the blinds like overexcited spies.

"Please don’t make me ride with them alone," she begs. How am I supposed to say no to my best friend?

"You owe me big time."

"You’re the best!" she squeals just as a car pulls up behind us.

Before I can react, Grant and Alistair are already out, holding the doors open like chauffeurs.

"Seraphina, you’re up front with me," Alistair says smoothly. "Grant can sit in the back with Ivy."

I grit my teeth and move toward the door Grant is holding open. As I try to slip past him, he blocks my path. "It wasn’t what you think."

"What you do—or who you do—is none of my business, Grant." I duck under his arm and slide into the car, crossing my arms defensively.

He sighs before shutting the door and climbing in beside me. Alistair immediately starts chatting with Seraphina, while Grant leans closer to me, his voice low.

"Nothing happened. I’m serious about our date. No expectations—just spending time together."

"Like I said, not my concern. But out of curiosity, why bother with me when half the pack is already throwing themselves at you?"

"I want to get to know you. Is that so hard to believe?"

"I already agreed, so we’ll go." I turn to stare out the window.

"Where are you going?" Seraphina asks, clearly trying to escape Alistair’s conversation.

"Brunch with Grant on Sunday," I mutter.

She whips around in her seat. "You agreed?"

"Well, Friday I’m going out with Silas, and Saturday is our girls' night." I shoot her a pointed look, hoping she catches my silent plea for backup. "Then he swore on his Guardian oath that he wouldn’t try anything. So, brunch it is."

"Where are you going?" she asks, and I can practically feel Alistair’s irritation at losing her attention.

"There’s this place in town—" I start, but Grant cuts me off.

"Not there. I found somewhere special."

"Where?" I demand.

"Surprise. But it’s off pack lands."

The second we reach school, I bolt out of the car. "Thanks for the ride, Alpha, Grant." I give them a stiff nod before dragging Seraphina toward our lockers.

"Please tell me this isn’t happening all week," I hiss as we grab our books.

She winces. "Might be."

I groan. "Seriously, Sera?"

"Not my fault!" she protests before we split for class.

The day is a repeat of yesterday—except in Literature. Out of nowhere, Grant has actually read the book. Not only does he answer questions correctly (shocking everyone, including the teacher), but he even challenges some of my interpretations. Who is this guy?

In History, the boring movie drags on, and Grant scoots his desk closer. "Talked to Alistair. You’re sparring with me today."

"Thrilling," I deadpan, not tearing my eyes from the screen. Sparring with Grant sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

"You want to win the warrior battles at the end of the year, right?"

Now I look at him. "Yes."

"Then you’ll want me training you. Let Evander work with Donovan. Makes sense, doesn’t it?"

He’s not wrong—but I’m pretty sure this is just his way of forcing me to spend time with him.

After school, I’m at my locker when Seraphina joins me. "We’re walking home, right?"

Just then, Alistair appears behind her. "Everyone ready?"

I glare at Sera. She never mentioned this.

"Pleeeeease," she mouths.

I force a smile. "Ready."

Then Grant steps up behind me. "Actually, Ivy and I are walking. Good warm-up before training. See you there."

I spin around. "We are?"

He slings my bag over his shoulder and steers me toward the exit. "Yes, we are." I glance back at Seraphina, eyes wide. She looks just as stunned, but Alistair smirks like he’s won the lottery.

"You two planned this," I accuse.

"No idea what you mean," Grant says innocently.

As we leave, I feel dozens of female eyes burning into me.

Perfect.