Chapter 0478

"But," Theron places his hands on my shoulders, "that doesn't mean I can't keep a closer watch on both her and Magnus. And I can make sure you still train with her daily."

It's the best I can hope for right now. Unless Ivy's father does something reckless, I'll have to wait until she turns eighteen.

I take several deep breaths, finally pulling Evander back. Restlessness keeps me awake all night. I just need this over with so I can get back to Ivy.

At dawn, I text her. She replies that she's still sore but improving. That's all I manage before we leave.

We catch up to the rogues by late afternoon. Evander and I are itching for a fight, needing to burn off our fury. The battle lasts less than an hour. Unfortunately, several are injured, and exhaustion weighs on everyone after running all day before the fight. They decide to camp in the forest again.

The moment I can, I check my phone. One text from Ivy, sent hours ago.

Mate: Hey Grant. Just checking in.

Me: Hey Ivy. How are you? What are you doing while your father finishes his business with Alpha Dominic?

I wait. And wait. And wait longer. No reply.

Alistair brings food, but I barely touch it. I need to know she's okay.

Hours pass before I finally get a response. Not what I hoped for, but at least she answered.

Mate: Hey Grant, sorry it's late. This whole trip has been weird. We'll talk more when you're back. Will you be back tomorrow for our date?

Me: Ivy, call or text me anytime. I'll always answer. Yes, we'll be back tomorrow, but late. Don't tell your dad. Are you still leaving early to go home?

Mate: Yes, that's the plan. I'm exhausted. Going to bed. See you tomorrow.

Me: Okay, Ivy. I'll check in first thing in the morning and let you know when I'm back.

Mate: Goodnight, Grant.

Me: Goodnight, Ivy.

Sleep evades me again. All I want is to get back to her. In the morning, I text her, but there's no reply before we head home.

I push the group to move faster, ignoring Theron and Alistair telling me to slow down. I don't care. I need to see her.

When we reach the packhouse, I don't shift back until I'm at my bedroom door. I storm in, dumping my bag on the bed, grabbing my phone before heading to the bathroom to turn on the shower.

Me: Hey Ivy. Just got back. Are you home?

No reply. I turn up my phone's volume in case she texts while I shower. I wash quickly, scrubbing off the dirt, then check my phone again—just in case. Nothing.

Towel around my waist, I step into my room when frantic knocking echoes at my door. Before I open it, her scent—orange and ginger—hits me. I smile as I pull the door open.

The smile dies instantly.

Despair paints her face.

I yank her inside, shutting the door. "Ivy? What's wrong? Did that Alpha hurt you?" My voice drops to a growl. Evander snarls, ready to tear Alpha Dominic apart if he touched her.

She keeps her back to me, head bowed.

"Grant." Her whisper cracks. "I need your help."

She turns.

My breath catches.