Chapter 0500

His lips met mine.

I stood frozen as Evander retreated from my window. My fingertips rose to brush against my tingling lips. That single electrifying contact had sent shockwaves through my entire body. Even now, the sensation lingered like static dancing across my skin.

Shaking myself from the daze, I hurriedly changed for training. My pulse raced at the thought of facing Gregory again. Yet when we crossed paths on the staircase, he acted as if nothing had happened between us - no rooftop intimacy, no stolen kiss.

I'd debated texting him last night but ultimately sent the message. Alone in bed, my mind had spiraled with thoughts of my father, my absent mother, and what might have happened if Alpha Dominic had discovered my Guardian secret. Evander's comforting purrs had eventually lulled me to sleep, leaving me surprisingly refreshed.

"Today we're training in wolf form," Gregory announced as we entered the forest. "Your human strength enhances your wolf, but Valeria hasn't properly tested her limits since bonding with the Guardian spirit. Evander will push her today." He turned to my wolf. "Ready?"

Valeria stepped forward eagerly. "I'm prepared."

Evander moved beside her. "You're stronger than you know. Trust me - I'll never ask more than you can give. Let the Guardian power flow through you."

For ninety intense minutes, Evander challenged Valeria beyond anything she'd attempted before. Leaps and maneuvers that once felt impossible now came effortlessly. When we finished, Evander nuzzled against Valeria before affectionately licking her muzzle.

After shifting back and dressing, Gregory nodded approvingly. "Excellent work. Valeria, how did that feel?"

"Liberating," she admitted. "You were right - I'm capable of far more than I imagined."

"We'll continue these sessions," Gregory decided. "Ivy, you used to train Valeria each evening?"

"Yes, after regular training."

"Then we'll extend our afternoon sessions for wolf-form practice instead of sparring," Gregory said as we entered the dining hall.

Whispers and hostile glares followed us inside. Normally I'd ignore the petty drama, but with everything else weighing on me, I couldn't muster the energy to deal with jealous pack females.

Grabbing a plate, I told Gregory, "I'll eat in my room and get ready for school."

His frown deepened. "Because of them?"

My gaze darted across the room. "No, I just need extra time this morning." The lie tasted bitter on my tongue.

Gregory scanned the hall and growled low in his throat. The sound instantly silenced the room. "Stay. Ignore them." When I hesitated, he leaned closer. "You'll have to face this eventually. From now on, we're training and eating together twice daily."

He was right, and I knew it. With a resigned sigh, I nodded.

"And if anyone bothers you-"

"I can handle myself," I interrupted.

"But you don't have to," he countered softly. "Not anymore."

The school day passed uneventfully. When we dropped Seraphina off, she caught my arm. "I've got an idea - we'll talk at dinner."

"Sounds good," I agreed.

As Gregory and I headed toward the training grounds, Beta Calvin blocked our path. "Today's show and tell day, Ivy."