Chapter 0490

Beta Gregory leads me to a guest room on his floor.

The space is elegant but impersonal. I perch on the edge of the bed, feeling utterly displaced. Nothing here belongs to me—no clothes, no belongings, not even a toothbrush. The weight of my situation crashes over me. My own father tried to sell me to an Alpha to settle his debts. The betrayal leaves me hollow, adrift in fear.

What will Father do when Alpha Sebastian confronts him? Rage, certainly. He’ll twist this into my fault, accuse me of ingratitude. And Mother? She obeys him without question. She’s always been kind, but never defiant. Now, torn between protecting me and submitting to her mate, I know which bond will win. Will she resent me for whatever punishment Father faces?

My chest tightens as panic spirals. Tears threaten when a knock interrupts.

The door swings open, and the scent of cinnamon and cedar floods in—Grant.

He doesn’t speak, just opens his arms. I crash into him. His embrace is steady, his lips brushing my hair before he murmurs, "Come here." He guides me inside.

"Door stays open, Grant," Beta Gregory warns from the hall.

A low growl rumbles in Grant’s chest, pulling a shaky laugh from me.

His fingers tuck a loose strand behind my ear. His gaze sweeps the barren room, understanding flickering—there’s nothing to distract me here except my thoughts.

"Want to run?" he asks.

"Yes." Desperately.

We slip out the back stairs, avoiding any chance encounters. Outside, we strip and shift. Valeria surges forward, elated to reunite with Evander. They race through the trees, not training but reveling in freedom. Evander lets Valeria lead, eventually steering us to a cliff overlooking the gorge.

The distant glow of human towns and the Nightshade Pack’s lights shimmer below. The full moon bathes everything in silver.

How are you holding up, Ivy? Grant’s voice filters through our link. Valeria curls against Evander, who rests his muzzle protectively over her, scanning the woods.

I don’t know, I admit. Terrified. Lost. If not for you and Evander, I’d be completely alone.

His response is firm. You’re not. And you never will be again.

Silence lingers before he adds, Since Sebastian put me in charge of your training, I’m moving us away from the warriors. No distractions. No… him.

I exhale. I’d love that. Will Alpha Sebastian agree?

I’ll talk to him tonight. He knows I don’t slack off. Might require progress checks, but that’s fine.

Thank the Moon for my wolf form hiding my blush. The gossip will explode—me in the packhouse, training alone with Grant. Let them whisper. They don’t know the truth.

It’s late, Grant says, standing. Time to head back.

We race home, shift, and dress.

Then—

"You treacherous little whore!"

I freeze. Father steps from the shadows like a specter. "After all I’ve done for you—"

Grant shields me instantly. "Back off, Aaron."

"Like hell!" Father spits Grant’s title like venom. "She’s my blood."

"You forfeited that right when you auctioned her off," Grant snarls.

"A misunderstanding," Father insists. "Once it’s cleared, she’s coming home."

My stomach churns. Lies.

"By then," Grant mocks, "she’ll be an adult. Until that day, Alpha Sebastian is her guardian. Take your complaints to him."

He hooks an arm around me, steering us inside while blocking Father’s path.

The parting strike comes as we cross the threshold: "Your mother wept because of you, Ivy."

The blow lands perfectly. I never wanted to hurt her.

Grant shoves the door shut and whirls on him. "You did this. Not her. Own it."

He escorts me to my room. "I’m sorry. I’ll talk to Sebastian."

I shake my head, tears brimming. "Don’t apologize. I just… need to be alone."

"Text me anytime." His thumb grazes my cheek. "I’ll check on you later."

The door closes.

Then I shatter.