Chapter 0473

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 post-shift. 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 brings you here?"

"I want 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, reading 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, fighting a smirk. I don't find it funny. 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 first. I'll fix this." His calm is infuriating—and exactly why he'll be a great Alpha. "Dinner first. Then I'll call him."

I nod. "Thanks."

He slings an arm around me. "That's what we do."

Over dinner, I lay it all out. Adrian whistles. "I can deal with her dad, but you need to handle Ivy. Sure you want me stepping in?"

"Do it."

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

Back in his room, he dials. Gregory answers.

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

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

I scoff when Gregory backpedals.

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

Relief hits when he agrees—not that he'd defy Adrian, 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. It might help."

I shake my head. "No one knows before she does. Her parents would act differently, and she'd figure it out."

That night, I order a guitar online. I’ve got a plan for Ivy—if I can learn to play the damn thing.

Next morning, we pick up Ivy and Seraphina. When I open the car door for Ivy, I spot Gregory watching from the window. I nod. He turns away.

Whatever. His daughter's approval matters. Her parents can come later.

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!" she hisses. "Going to Adrian behind my back?"

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