Chapter 0082

The moment Mr. Sinclair leaves, I snag breakfast and bolt upstairs to prep for school. A whole week missed means I’m drowning in make-up work. But that sparks an idea.

At school, I march straight to the office. Being Alpha at an all-werewolf academy has perks—I can get whatever I want without much fuss. I rarely flex my status, but today’s an exception.

"Mrs. Hawthorne." I nod at the elderly she-wolf who might be the oldest living werewolf I’ve ever seen. My dad claims she worked here when he was a student. "I’m here for Evelyn Sinclair. She missed last week. Need her assignments so she can catch up while recovering."

"Certainly, Alpha." Her fingers fly over the keyboard, pulling up Evelyn’s schedule. "I’ll gather everything from her teachers by dismissal. Swing by before you leave, and I’ll have it ready."

I flash her a grateful smile and head to class.

The entire day drag, my mind stuck on the chance of seeing Evelyn later. Mr. Sinclair banned me from visiting until he gives the green light, but he can’t argue against delivering her homework. At least, that’s my gamble.

After school, as Donovan and I near the pack house, Genevieve’s mind link hits me—Evelyn’s being discharged tonight. Great news, but it means no visit. She’ll need rest, probably crash early.

Then it clicks. I can see her today—just not talk. I grab Donovan before he vanishes.

"Start training without me. Evelyn’s getting out. I need to see her."

"Go ahead. We’ll be in the ring when you’re done."

I sprint upstairs, dump my stuff, and change in record time. Nathaniel’s mind link pings—he’s heading to training since Evelyn’s release is happening.

Outside, I plant myself where their van will pass. Sunlight at my back, I’m impossible to miss.

The van rolls into view. Through the windshield, Evelyn’s gaze locks onto mine. She waves, and suddenly, the world tilts back into place. The weight crushing me for days evaporates. I wave back, grinning like an idiot.

Once they pass, I jog to training, lighter than I’ve felt in weeks.

Dinner’s a solo affair in my room. Piles of missed schoolwork demand attention if I want any shot at seeing Evelyn this weekend. I’ll take just sitting beside her while she studies—closeness is enough.

Midway through brutal calculus, my phone buzzes. Any distraction is a gift.

My pulse spikes when I see Evelyn’s name. She’s texting me first—even if it’s just a thank-you for rescuing her. I ask about her surprise early discharge and how she’s feeling.

Of course she picks up on the unspoken—there’s more about Victor. But I won’t ruin our first chat with that. Instead, I flirt, challenging her to spar. It’s also my sneaky way of saying I’m watching over my Little Guardian.

Her sassy reply about kicking my ass? Thrilling. Oh, Evelyn, you’ve no idea how badly I want that. But only when she’s healed—our first match needs to be fair so I can witness her full brilliance.

As much as I crave talking all night, she needs rest. I sign off with a heart emoji—my tiny love confession. The mate bond’s still dormant for her, but Theron and I? All in.