Chapter 0476

My heart nearly stopped when I spotted Valeria pinned beneath a rogue wolf, with another lunging toward her. My Guardian instincts to protect Alistair were instantly overridden by the primal urge to protect my mate. At least I didn’t have to choose—Alistair was safe, but Ivy needed me.

Inside the packhouse, Gregory briefed us on the plan. We were hunting down the remaining rogues. Trackers were already on their trail, but he wanted them eliminated. The attack had been coordinated, and Beta Nathaniel would stay behind to interrogate the captured rogues.

Gregory warned we’d be gone all weekend. I wasn’t thrilled.

Something about this trip to Sapphire Moon Pack didn’t sit right with me. Alpha Dominic was actively seeking a chosen mate, and Ivy was more than worthy. But she was still underage—she wouldn’t recognize a mate bond yet. I should know, considering I was her mate.

Last night, I’d asked Alistair to dig into it. Why was Gregory so against me dating Ivy but perfectly fine parading her in front of another Alpha? Being mated to a Guardian carried just as much prestige as being mated to an Alpha. And while I doubted Dominic would force a mark, the thought of Ivy being alone there made my skin crawl.

If he so much as looks at her wrong, I’ll tear him apart, Evander growled in my mind. Most mates might make empty threats—but we could actually back ours up.

I packed my bag and shot Ivy a quick text.

Me: Let me know what the doctor says. Heading out with the team to track the rogues. I won’t have my phone on me the whole time, but I’ll check when I can. Stay safe.

Mate: I will. And thanks again for today. Doctor says I just need a couple days’ rest. Should be fine by our date.

Me: Good. But I might not be back in time. Don’t tell your dad—just in case we wrap this up early.

At least Silas was coming with us. That meant Ivy wouldn’t be going on any dates with him this weekend—or ever, if I had my way.

We ran for hours, closing in on the rogues’ trail. By nightfall, we set up camp. I stepped away from the group to check on Ivy.

Me: How are you feeling?

Mate: Sore, but healing. Any luck with the rogues?

Me: Getting closer. Where are you guys staying tomorrow?

Mate: Leaving at 6 AM. Dad wants a full day with Alpha Dominic. It’s a three-hour drive—we’ll be there by breakfast.

Me: Ivy, listen to me. If anything feels off, you call me. I don’t care if I’m in the middle of a fight.

Mate: Is that you or Evander talking?

Me: Both. We worry. Get some sleep. I’ll text you before you leave.

Mate: Goodnight, Grant. Goodnight, Evander.

How much longer until she turns eighteen and realizes she’s ours? Evander grumbled.

Not long enough.