Chapter 0474

I probably shouldn't have found it so hilarious, but watching Grant Sinclair turn the shade of a ripe tomato was priceless. The mighty Guardian of Alphas, blushing like a schoolboy. His apology had been sincere, though. Too sincere. It was getting harder to ignore the way my pulse quickened around him.

Yesterday's training session had been a mess. I expected to spar with Grant again, but my father intervened, dragging me away as his partner instead. Grant didn't protest. Then Dad dropped another bomb—no more training with Valeria.

This morning, though, he couldn't stop me from riding with Grant and Alistair without making it obvious he was keeping us apart. Something was off. Dad had never been this overprotective before, not even when other warriors had asked me out.

And now this weekend trip. He insisted I accompany him to the Sapphire Moon Pack, leaving Saturday and returning early Sunday. I'd already made plans for Friday night, so we compromised.

Grant was nowhere to be seen for the rest of the day. Probably went home to shower. When I arrived at training, there he was—still flushed, deep in conversation with Alpha Nathaniel, who looked like he was fighting a smirk.

"Evelyn," Dad called sharply, just as Nathaniel spotted me. "You're with Grant today."

I glanced at my father. His jaw was clenched, but he couldn't argue. Nothing inappropriate would happen on the training grounds.

Grant's fists were tight, his gaze locked on my father with narrowed eyes.

"Grant." I touched his arm, waiting until he looked at me. "Ready to get your ass handed to you?"

He barked a laugh. "Bring it, little wolf."

We moved away from the others, and he took a defensive stance. "Show me what you remember."

I smirked. "Hard to take you seriously when you look like a lobster who forgot its sunscreen."

"You won't be laughing when you're eating dirt," he shot back, crooking his fingers in challenge.

Today's session was brutal. His strikes were sharper, his pushes harder. But I held my own. Two hours later, we were both drenched. He was careful now—no accidental knee-to-groin incidents.

Dad waited for me afterward, his expression stormy. I braced for another argument about Valeria, but Grant grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the forest.

"What are you doing?"

"Valeria needs her training." His tone left no room for argument.

I knew what this was—making sure Dad couldn't interfere. It was bizarre. Any parent would kill for a Guardian to personally train their child. Any parent except mine.

Mom wasn't a warrior, and she never crossed Dad. No help there.

In the woods, we stripped and shifted. Valeria practically vibrated with excitement when she saw Evander. He pushed her hard—speed, agility, navigating the rocky terrain. An hour later, we shifted back, dressing quickly before Grant walked me home.

"Still going out with Silas tomorrow?" he asked casually.

"Uh, yeah." I hadn't spoken to Silas since Tuesday.

"Where's he taking you?"

"No clue." I wasn't exactly thrilled about the date. I'd have to text him tomorrow for details.

"And Seraphina on Saturday?"

"Actually, no. Dad's dragging me to Sapphire Moon Pack. We leave Saturday, back in time for our Sunday date—since Dad promised Alpha Alistair he'd allow it."

Grant went still. "Sapphire Moon? Why?"

"No idea. But he's insisting."

The silence stretched too long. I stopped walking. "What?"

"Alpha Dominic is looking for a mate." His voice was tight.

I laughed. "I'm not even of age yet. My birthday's in two months."

"Right." But his jaw stayed tense. "You'll be back for our date?"

"That's the plan."

"Is your mother going?"

"Dad said it's just business with the Alpha."