Chapter 0498

Ivy takes a deep breath, glancing between Seraphina and me. "So this is the reason. This explains all the time you've been spending together."

"Exactly." Ivy confirms with a nod.

I step closer to Ivy, positioning myself protectively beside her. "I'll be training Ivy and ensuring her safety. But you understand what this means, Seraphina, especially considering what we know about her father."

Her gaze shifts from me to Ivy, concern flashing in her eyes. "You must have been absolutely petrified this entire weekend."

Ivy moves toward Seraphina just as the door bursts open. Instinctively, I shield her—Valeria's glow still visible in her eyes.

"I thought I made it clear that doors stay open." Alpha Alistair's voice cuts through the room as he enters.

"My apologies, Alpha. It's my fault." Ivy says without turning around. "I needed to show Seraphina something private." She finally faces him, revealing Valeria's presence.

Alistair swiftly closes the door behind him. "Seraphina, this is highly sensitive information. If it gets out, Ivy could be in grave danger. What you've witnessed here stays within these walls." His Alpha tone leaves no room for argument.

"Seraphina knows how to keep secrets, Dad. She's loyal—she'd never betray Ivy." Adrian jumps in immediately, defending her.

Alistair scans the room, his expression unreadable. "I strongly advise keeping this conversation confined to those present. At least until I've established proper safeguards for Ivy once this becomes public knowledge."

"Can't we just keep it hidden until she turns eighteen? It's only a couple of months away." Seraphina suggests.

"It's not that simple." I interject. "When we train, Valeria surfaces. It's not something we can suppress easily. Our wolves are fighters—their strength manifests through us, often visible in our eyes."

"Well, count me in. Whatever you need, I've got your back." Seraphina pulls Ivy into a tight embrace. "You're my best friend. I love you. Just say the word."

"Thanks, Sera. Love you too." Ivy murmurs, returning the hug.

"I'm walking Seraphina home, Dad. I'll come find you when I get back." Adrian grabs her bag, slinging it over his shoulder.

I gather Ivy's books, stacking them with mine before guiding her out. I nod at Alistair as we pass. "See you tomorrow, Sera." Ivy calls over her shoulder as we head upstairs.

At her door, I hand her the books and wait while she unlocks it. I scan her room quickly, ensuring everything's secure. "Text me if you can't sleep tonight."

She sets her books down and returns to the doorway. "Thanks, Grant. Really—I appreciate everything."

I'm just leaning in when a deliberate throat-clearing interrupts us. "It's past curfew, Grant." Calvin's voice rings out from behind me.

I glance over my shoulder. He's leaning against his doorframe, arms crossed—same as last night. "Just escorting Ivy back from our study session, Calvin." I roll my eyes at Ivy, earning a quiet giggle.

"Goodnight, Ivy." I say before retreating to my room.

Guitar in hand, I'm still practicing when Adrian strolls in and collapses onto the chair. "That sounds like a cat being strangled."

"How would you know what that sounds like?" I ask, continuing to play.

"Because I've been subjected to this torture nightly for weeks!"

I strum another chord. "How was the walk?" I already know he's been itching for alone time with Seraphina.

A slow grin spreads across his face. "Perfect."

Another chord. "Did she finally agree to go out with you?"

"Not yet. But she did admit she enjoys studying with me more than she expected."

I snort. "So she thought you were just another muscle-headed Alpha until she discovered you actually have a brain?"

"Her exact words were, 'It's refreshing to see you use the head above your shoulders almost as much as the one below.'"

I burst out laughing. "I like her more every day."

"What about you? You walked Ivy to her room."

"Yeah, and got cockblocked by Calvin again. That bastard knows exactly what he's doing. Starting to think he's got the hallway under surveillance."

"At least Mom didn't scare Seraphina off with that painfully obvious dinner invitation."

"Ugh, could she have been any less subtle?" Adrian groans. "Honestly, I'm shocked Ivy didn't pick up on it."