Chapter 0054

"Do I know who Evelyn Sinclair is? Of course I do. Did I realize YOU were Evelyn Sinclair? Not until last week. Not until I saw you at school and felt this undeniable pull toward you."

I gaped at him, speechless.

"All this time," I whispered, shaking my head slightly. "All this time, I thought you had no clue who I was or what my family had sacrificed for yours. When you strutted up to me at school, all arrogance and swagger—" A small smile tugged at my lips. "—it just confirmed that you had no idea who I was. That you didn’t respect what my family had given up for yours."

His arm tightened around me, pressing us closer until only our clothes separated us. His warmth seeped into my skin, his words sinking deep into my heart. He leaned his forehead against mine.

"Nothing could be further from the truth. And I meant what I said. I want you to know me. I want us to learn each other. I want you to feel pride in being my Guardian, not like it’s some burden you and Selene have to bear."

We swayed together for a few more steps before I finally registered the song playing.

"Perfect? Seriously? How did you end up stuck dancing to this with me, Alpha?"

He lifted his head, one brow arched. "I picked it."

I jerked back. "You picked it?"

He grinned. "Yep. There were a few contenders, but this one won."

"What were the other options?" I asked, curious.

"All of Me was a close second. Lover, but that felt too soon." I scoffed.

A wicked smirk curved his lips. "Then there was that song from 50 Shades of Grey. If you're into that kind of thing, I’d be happy to oblige." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

A laugh burst out of me, my cheeks burning. I quickly steered the conversation elsewhere. "So why this one?"

"None of them fit perfectly, but this one came closest. Especially since you’re wearing the dress and jewelry I got for you."

I nearly stumbled. He caught me effortlessly, his hands steadying me until I found my footing again.

"You?" My voice was barely audible. "You’re my mystery man?"

"I am."

Selene surged forward, needing to see the man—the wolf—who had honored her. I watched as Theron emerged, and Adrian’s icy blue eyes darkened to deep sapphire.

"I... Thank you." Selene’s voice layered with mine, deepening my words.

He smiled—soft, tender, full of promise. "You’re welcome." His voice, too, was richer with Theron’s presence.

"Is it true about the jewelry? That you had it made because it matches my eyes when Selene shines through?"

"Yes." He shifted slightly, almost sheepish. "Would it sound creepy if I admitted I’ve dreamed about those eyes more than once this week?"

I smirked. "Depends on what I was doing in those dreams while you were staring at my... eyes." I licked my lips deliberately. If his dreams were anything like mine, they were far from innocent.

His gaze dropped to my mouth, then flicked back up, his expression boyishly guilty. "Hmm. Sounds like you’re finally warming up to the idea of getting to know me. Maybe we save the dream talk for our second date?"

"Second date? You’re counting this as a date, Alpha?" I teased.

"Adrian. Call me Adrian. And no. When I take you on a real date, you’ll know."

The song faded, and he sang the last line softly against my ear. "You look perfect tonight."

We stood there, lost in each other, the rest of the world forgotten.

He opened his mouth to speak—

Then chaos erupted.

And now Evelyn knows. Not only does Adrian recognize her, but he’s the one who’s been watching over her all along.