Chapter 0080

My father shoots me a sideways glance. "If it were my decision, I'd extend your recovery period. But you're back on your feet now, so it's your call."

I smile at him as we pull into the driveway. He turns to face me fully. "And...you might forgive them faster than I would."

"Why do you say that?"

"Sebastian left you a gift on Sunday when he visited. I suppose it's the finished version of what Dorian gave Selene."

I frown as we step inside. "What are you talking about, Dad?"

He wheels over to the largest gift bag I've ever seen.

"What is it?"

"Open it and see for yourself," he says.

I do—and there it is. The bear. Or rather, the bearskin rug that needed processing. It's thick, impossibly soft, and will look perfect against the hardwood floors of my bedroom. "Whoa." I stare at my father. "This is incredible!"

"I'm taking it upstairs. Then I'm calling him to thank him." I haul the rug up to my room and spread it across the floor. Stepping onto it barefoot, I close my eyes and let the fur brush against my skin. Even Selene purrs in my mind. Nice, right? I ask her.

I can't wait to shift and roll around on it, she replies. The mental image makes me grimace. Ew.

She snickers before settling down in my thoughts.

I call Sebastian, but it goes to voicemail. I leave a message telling him I've been discharged and that the bearskin is now a rug in my room—and that Selene is already fantasizing about rolling on it. Maybe Dorian will appreciate that detail.

I study my phone. Every pack member has both Alphas' numbers. The clock reads past 6 PM. Adrian should be done with warrior training by now. I take a chance and text him.

Me: Hey, Alpha Adrian. Heard I owe you a massive thank-you for saving me.

Adrian: Evelyn. I was surprised to see you leaving the hospital. How are you feeling?

Me: Much better, thanks—partly because of you.

Adrian: What kind of Alpha would I be if I left you with that murderer?

Me: Why do I feel like there's more to that story than I know?

Adrian: Maybe a conversation for another time.

Adrian: Focus on getting strong. I hear you keep wiping the floor with my warriors. Think it's time we sparred.

Me: Alpha Adrian, are you sure you want your pack watching me hand you your ass?

Adrian: It'll take more than a little Guardian to bring me down.

Me: Challenge accepted. But if you want a fair fight, give me a few more days. Selene's still healing.

Adrian: I'll wait. In the meantime, your father's training us in the mornings. We’ll both be stronger by the time we face off.

Me: Don’t say I didn’t warn you when you’re crying like a pup in front of your pack.

Adrian: Rest well, Little Guardian. Hope to see you soon.

Me: Thanks again, Alpha. For everything—including all those gifts before.

Adrian: Call me Adrian. Anytime.

I set my phone down. My chest feels lighter.