Chapter 0499

"Keep in mind, she hasn't bonded with your parents like we have. I just hope Seraphina and Ivy don't scare Evelyn away tomorrow. I think she'd enjoy joining us for dinner more often now that she's staying here."

I placed the guitar down. "Are you seriously planning to serenade her with that thing?" Alistair raised an eyebrow.

"Absolutely. Found the perfect song—just need more practice and the right moment."

"How do we convince them to go to Prom with us?"

"That, my friend, is the million-dollar question."

After Alistair retreated to his room, I showered and climbed into bed, making sure my phone volume was maxed out. The notification came at 12:30 sharp.

Mate: You up?

Perfect. I grabbed a thick blanket, tossed it onto the roof, and slipped through her window. She was already waiting, perched beside the open frame.

"Expecting me?" I whispered, settling on the windowsill.

A shy smile curled her lips. "Maybe."

"Come on." I took her hand, helping her close the window before leading her to the roof.

The extra blankets were already spread out. "Thought you might want to stargaze again. Made it cozier." I gestured for her to join me, draping another blanket over us as she nestled against my chest.

"Why'd you start coming up here? The view's incredible, but you mentioned it was an escape." Her fingers absently traced circles over my heart.

She glanced up. "You don’t have to answer if it’s too personal."

I kissed her forehead. "Ask me anything, Ivy." My gaze drifted to the stars. "Found this spot after my parents died. Struggled hard—lost my whole family. Alistair and his parents are family, but..."

"It’s not the same," she finished softly.

"Yeah." I studied her, savoring her touch. "How’d you cope? I might never fix things with my parents, and I’m an only child."

My hand moved in slow circles on her back. "Time. It’s the brutal, simple answer. Time to grieve, to adjust. But having people who care? That helps."

Silence settled between us, broken only by Evander’s purring. Her sigh signaled she’d drifted off.

She loves my purr, Evander preened.

It soothes her.

Andra’s responding too.

"Hope we’ll be up here often. Purr away," I murmured, lacing my fingers through hers before sleep took me.

Wake up! Evander’s shout jolted me.

Dawn light streaked the sky. Damn, even on a roof, I slept better with her beside me.

"Ivy, time to go." I kissed her knuckles, rousing her.

She blinked up. "We did it again?"

"Yep. Let’s get you back before anyone notices."

We folded the blankets and crept to her window. After scanning her room, I helped her inside.

"Ivy." She turned, and I stole a quick kiss. The second our lips met, hunger roared—but not now. Pulling back, I grinned at her dazed expression. "See you downstairs in fifteen."

A wink, and I left her staring as I vanished into the morning shadows.