Chapter 0472

If Gregory Sinclair thinks he can keep me from my mate, he's dead wrong. He might not realize Ivy is my destined partner, but any other father in this pack would be overjoyed to have me courting their daughter.

I wait until the shower starts running before grabbing a pair of shorts I stashed in the trees for after shifts. Then I march straight to her front door and knock.

The door swings open—her father.

"Mr. Sinclair." He steps outside, shutting the door behind him.

"Grant Sinclair. What do you want?"

"I'd like your permission to take Ivy out."

"Stay away from my daughter." He turns and slams the door in my face.

What the hell?

Fuming, I head straight to Adrian's room. No pleasantries. "I need your help."

He stands immediately, taking in my agitation as I pace.

"Whatever you need, Grant." He grips my shoulder, steadying me.

"Gregory Sinclair won't let me near Ivy." His lips twitch, but I'm in no mood for humor. She's my damn mate. No one keeps me from her.

"Forget it. I'll handle this myself." I snarl, turning to leave.

He yanks me back. "I didn't say no. You're my brother. I'll fix this."

That's why Adrian will be a great Alpha. While I act first, he strategizes.

"Thanks."

He claps my shoulder. "That's what we do."

Over dinner, I explain everything. Adrian whistles. "I'll deal with her dad, but you need to handle Ivy. Sure you want me involved?"

"Do it."

"Fine. But if she kicks your ass, that's on you."

Back in his room, he calls Gregory.

"Gregory, it's Alpha Adrian. How are you?"

After the greeting, Adrian continues smoothly, "Need a favor. Heard you're blocking my Guardian from seeing Ivy?"

I scoff when Gregory claims no disrespect.

"So you won't interfere with Grant taking her out Sunday?"

Relief hits when he agrees—not that he'd defy his Alpha, but fathers have rights.

"If you have concerns about my Guardian, bring them to me."

After hanging up, Adrian eyes me. "Tell him she's your mate. Might change his mind."

I shake my head. "Not before she knows. Her parents would act differently, and Ivy's too sharp to miss that."

That night, I order a guitar online. I've got a plan for Ivy—even if I've never played a note in my life.

The next morning, we pick up Ivy and Seraphina outside her house. When I open the car door for Ivy, I spot her father watching from the window. I nod. He turns away.

Whatever. His daughter's the one who matters.

But Adrian was right—Ivy's furious. She barely speaks during the ride. At her locker, she drags me into an empty hallway.

"How dare you! Using Adrian to pressure my father!"

I cross my arms. "I told you I wouldn't sneak around, Ivy."