Chapter 0484

Ivy is a Guardian. The realization hits me like a freight train. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it. The moment I pull her into my arms, she shatters. Something happened while I was gone—something bad. And I’m going to find out exactly what.

She sobs against my chest, her body trembling. I hold her tight, letting her cry until she’s exhausted. Then I scoop her up and carry her to the chair by the window. Settling her in my lap, I stroke her hair, waiting for the storm to pass.

That’s when she notices.

Her breath hitches. Her muscles lock. I’m only wearing a towel, and she’s sitting right on top of me.

I loosen my grip, letting her pull back. Gently, I wipe her tears away with my thumbs. "Better?"

She nods, sniffling. "I waited all day for you to come home. I didn’t know what else to do—"

"Shh." I press a kiss to her forehead. "I’m here now. We’ll figure this out together."

For the past day and a half, she’s been all I could think about. Now that she’s in my arms, I can’t stop touching her. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, I let my fingers trail down her cheek. She leans into my touch.

"Start from the beginning," I murmur.

Then she tells me.

About Alpha Dominic. About her father leaving her alone with him. About the expectation that she would become his.

Evander roars in my head, claws scraping against my skull, demanding blood.

We protect our mate first, I snap at him. Then we deal with that bastard Alpha.

"I’m scared, Grant," Ivy whispers. "If my father or Dominic finds out I’m a Guardian… they’ll try to take me."

"That won’t happen." My voice is steel. "But we need to talk to Alistair."

She stiffens. "What if he tries to force a mate bond?"

Evander snarls.

"He won’t," I say firmly. "First, he’s not that kind of Alpha. Second, he already has me as a Guardian. He doesn’t need another." I try to lighten the mood, but her fear is a living thing between us.

"You’re right about one thing—other Alphas will come for you. We need to confirm the previous Guardian’s death. Then we make a plan to keep you safe." I tilt her chin up, forcing her to meet my eyes. "Do you trust me?"

She nods.

"Then trust that Alistair will help."

I mind-link him immediately. Since we’re on the same floor, it takes less than a minute before the knock comes.

Ivy scrambles off my lap just as the door swings open. The towel does nothing to hide what her closeness did to me.

Alistair freezes. "Apologies. I should’ve waited for you to answer." He starts to retreat.

"Wait."

Ivy has turned away, her embarrassment a tangible thing. But beneath it, I feel her fear vibrating through our bond. Alistair must sense it too.

His gaze flicks between us. "Everything alright?"

"Close the door," I say, giving Ivy a moment. I move to her side, rubbing her arms. "You need to show him."

She looks at Alistair, then back at me. I nod.

When she turns again, Valeria surges forward.

Alistair’s sharp inhale mirrors my own reaction the first time I saw those golden eyes.

"You’re a Guardian," he breathes. Then his gaze snaps to me.

A beat of silence. Then—

"Shit."

"Yeah," I agree. "Shit."

He paces, raking a hand through his hair. "I need to confirm the previous Guardian’s death. Their pack is across the country, but we heard rumors of border disputes. I didn’t think it had escalated this far."

He stops abruptly, pointing at Ivy. "And we need to figure out what to do with you."

She flinches.

I growl.

Alistair meets my glare head-on. "One Guardian in this pack already made us a target. Two? They’ll hunt her down. They won’t care that she’s underage—they’ll want her power." He turns to Ivy. "You were always strong. Now, with Valeria? You’ll be unstoppable."

His voice softens. "What do you want, Ivy?"

She looks at me.

"There’s more," I tell Alistair. "That situation we discussed? It’s happening."

His eyes narrow. "Alpha Dominic wants to claim you as his chosen mate?"

Ivy’s startled nod is all the confirmation he needs.

"And how do you feel about that?" Alistair asks.

Evander bristles, but I keep my reaction in check.

"I don’t want him," Ivy says, her voice breaking. "But my father is forcing it."

I pull her against me, letting her borrow my strength.

Alistair exhales. "I’ll verify the Guardian’s status. But Grant—" He gives me a meaningful look. "We need my father involved. Tonight."

I nod. The second Ivy mentioned her father’s demands, I knew we’d need Patrick. With her being a Guardian and targeted by Dominic? There’s no other way.

"I’ll send food up. Then I’ll contact the other pack and arrange a meeting with my father." He turns to Ivy. "Where’s your father now?"

"Home, I think. I ran into the woods after we got back this morning. I couldn’t face him."

Alistair nods. As he turns to leave, he pauses. "Oh, and Grant?"

"Yeah?"

"Put some damn clothes on."

The door clicks shut behind him.