Chapter 0488

Evander is roaring inside my skull with such intensity that the voices around me sound muffled. The sole reason he hasn't forced the shift is Alpha Alistair's threat to remove us from the room. I refuse to leave Ivy, not after learning the full story and discovering Alpha Dominic laid hands on what belongs to me.

It stings that she didn't trust me enough to confide in me sooner. The only consolation is that she waited for my return and came straight to me, certain I'd protect her.

I turn to Alistair. "What's our next move? Ivy's in danger not just from Alpha Dominic, but from any Alpha who discovers she's a Guardian."

He addresses Ivy directly. "Do you believe your father can keep you safe? Do you trust him to consider your feelings regarding a mate?"

I watch Ivy's internal struggle. She wants to believe in her father's protection, but his recent betrayal has shattered that trust.

"No," she whispers. My fingers tighten around hers. She meets my gaze before looking back at Alistair. "I don't understand why, but he's fixated on making me accept Alpha Dominic as my chosen mate."

"Ivy, do you know Alpha Dominic's profession?" Seraphina asks.

She shakes her head. "When I asked, he said something about dealing in luck and dreams. It made no sense."

"He owns casinos and underground gambling rings," Seraphina clarifies.

Ivy's brow furrows. "Then what business does my father have with him?" My mate is sharp but sheltered.

Nathaniel frowns at his phone, having been texting throughout our discussion.

"Your father has amassed significant gambling debts with Alpha Dominic," Alistair reveals.

Ivy's eyes shut. "So he's selling me to settle his debts." It's not a question—just confirmation of her worst suspicion.

"Appears so," Alistair confirms.

A bitter laugh escapes her. "What's my price tag?"

"Our intel suggests over a hundred thousand." Her shock is palpable. She had no idea her father gambled, let alone to this extent.

"Actually," Nathaniel interjects. "I just verified with my contact." His eyes dart to me before landing on Ivy. "Your father's debt doubled this weekend. He now owes nearly a quarter million."

A single tear tracks down her cheek. "At least I'm worth a small fortune," she quavers.

I'm before her in a flash, Evander snarling at our mate's pain. "Hey." I brush away her tear, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "This is brutal, I know. But you're not facing it alone. I meant every word—you're stuck with me for life, Ivy. I'm not going anywhere, and I won't let your father sell you to Dominic or anyone else." Rising, I lock eyes with Alpha Alistair.

"I assume you concur, Alpha." I deliberately use his title, emphasizing my lethal seriousness. Ivy cannot remain in danger under her father's guardianship. The moment he learns she's a Guardian, he'll auction her off.

"As we've established," Alistair states, stressing the word, "I don't permit pack members to be sold or abused, Guardian." His tone warns me to stand down—to tread carefully and cease challenging his authority.