Chapter 0486

His gaze drifts momentarily before snapping back to focus. He checks his watch with a sharp movement. "We're expected in Alpha Alistair's office with Beta Nathaniel in fifty minutes."

His eyes drop to my untouched plate. "Ivy? You should eat something." That intense stare pins me in place until I reluctantly pick up my fork and push food around.

"What if Alpha Alistair can't help? He's still my father at the end of the day," I whisper, my voice barely carrying across the table.

"Pack law supersedes parental rights when a pup's safety is compromised. Let's hear what Alpha Alistair proposes before we panic." His tone leaves no room for argument.

"'We'?" The word slips out before I can stop it.

"Obviously. You're stuck with me, Guardian." A rough chuckle escapes him. "Only two of our kind exist. That's a lifetime commitment whether you like it or not."

My traitorous heart skips at his words. Stupid reaction - he only means our Guardian bond. Nothing more. So why does the idea of being bound to Gregory Sinclair forever suddenly seem... appealing?

"Ivy?" His voice pulls me from dangerous thoughts. I realize I've been staring blankly at my plate. "Eat. We'll handle this."

Doubtful, but I force down a few bites to quiet my protesting stomach. Gregory watches like a hawk until I push the plate away.

When he finishes, we head to Alpha Alistair's office. The knock echoes ominously. Inside, the air crackles with tension - Alpha Alistair, Beta Nathaniel, and Gamma Donovan all waiting.

"Gregory. Ivy." Alpha Alistair gestures to seats at the oval table. "My son shared both promising and concerning news. First, I need confirmation about Valeria."

I glance at Gregory before letting my wolf forward. Alpha Alistair nods solemnly. "Congratulations, Valeria, though celebrations must wait. You understand the danger of an unmated underage Guardian?"

"Yes, Alpha." My voice sounds steadier than I feel.

"We'll implement every protection possible. But there's another matter." His gaze darkens. "Alpha Dominic. I understand your father took you to visit him this weekend?"

"We left yesterday morning, returned today." My fingers twist in my lap.

"Walk us through everything that happened with Alpha Dominic."

I recount the events mechanically. Alpha Alistair interrupts twice - when my father left me alone with Dominic, and when the Alpha entered my room unannounced. Describing my father's disheveled state this morning makes my throat tighten.

"Did Alpha Dominic make any... physical advances?" Alpha Alistair's question drops like a stone.

Heat floods my face. I'd hoped to avoid this humiliation. Gregory's fists clench audibly beside me.

I stare at the table. "He asked if I wanted to 'take him for a test ride.'"

Gregory's snarl shakes the room. When I dare look up, murder burns in his eyes as he glares at Alpha Alistair.

"Control yourself, Gregory," Alpha Alistair warns sharply. "Or you'll wait outside."