Chapter 0494

"I need you to understand how deeply Theron regrets his actions." His voice carried the weight of authority. "I never intended to issue an Alpha command to keep him away from you, but since he refused to listen, I had no choice. If he ever approaches you again, I expect you to inform me immediately, Ivy."

"Yes, Alpha. Thank you."

"Given the circumstances, I'm sending someone to collect your belongings from your parents' house today. Everything will be waiting in your room when you return from school." He paused. "Did you receive the clothing and essentials we left for you yesterday?"

"I did. Thank you." Relief washed over me at the thought of avoiding another confrontation with my father. My mother's silence spoke volumes—if she hadn't reached out by now, she likely never would.

"If you require anything at all, don't hesitate to ask me or Luna Seraphina."

We entered the dining hall for breakfast before preparing for school. Grant checked his watch. "Meet us back here in forty-five minutes?"

I blinked in confusion. Why would I need to meet him?

He arched a brow. "You're riding to school with me and Alistair. We'll pick up Seraphina on the way."

My stomach lurched. "Oh goddess. Sera. She doesn't know anything about what's happened." The thought of explaining everything to my best friend made my breakfast churn dangerously.

Grant's hands settled on my shoulders, steadying me. "She's your closest friend. She'll stand by you no matter what."

I nodded, then surprised us both by hugging him tightly. Even if his kindness stemmed from my new Guardian status, he'd been my anchor through this nightmare. "Thank you, Grant. I never expected you to become such an important person in my life."

His chuckle rumbled against me. "Told you, you're stuck with me now, little bud. Whatever you need, I'm here."

"Right now, I need a shower." The mischievous glint in his eyes made me roll mine. "Alone, Grant. Very much alone."

"Your loss," he teased as I turned toward my room. His laughter followed me up the stairs.

Forty-three minutes later (because I refused to be late), I joined Grant and Alistair in the foyer. When we pulled up to Seraphina's house, Grant actually opened the car door for her—a first.

"Sit with Ivy today," he suggested, proving he understood I needed my best friend's comfort more than ever.

Seraphina's gaze darted between the three of us. "What's going on? Why are you already in the car?"

I swallowed hard, praying for her support. "I moved into the pack house yesterday."

Her fingers tightened around mine. "What? Why?"

I glanced at Alistair watching us in the rearview mirror, acutely aware of Grant listening. "I'm about to tell you something almost no one knows, Sera. This stays between us."

"You know I'd never betray your trust." Hurt laced her words—she couldn't understand why the others knew before her.

"Remember when I left with my father this weekend?"

"You were supposed to be home yesterday. I guess this explains why I didn't see you."

"Not exactly." My throat constricted. "My father's trying to force a mating bond between me and Alpha Dominic. He's drowning in gambling debts and sees me as his payment method."

Seraphina crushed me against her in a protective embrace before I finished speaking. "Goddess, Ivy. What can I do?"

I clung to her. "This. Just this."