Chapter 0035

Friday should have been a relief, but my stomach twisted with dread. Another public showdown between Alphas was the last thing I needed. Maybe my offer to train with Sebastian and have dinner would keep him from storming the school again.

By lunch, my nerves were frayed. The entire school buzzed about yesterday's spectacle—even teachers asked if I favored one Alpha over the other. Unbelievable. Worse, what if my secret admirer got scared off? Or if he showed up and Sebastian returned?

The cafeteria doors swung open. No one waited at my usual spot. Relief and disappointment warred in my chest.

Selene's voice cut through my thoughts. If Sebastian frightened him away, he wasn't strong enough for us. Part of me agreed. My wolf spirit demanded a powerful mate, but Sebastian's dominance intimidated even seasoned warriors. Almost everyone, she corrected with a mental smirk.

Tray in hand, I joined Genevieve and Nathaniel. "Looks like Alpha Sebastian scared off your mystery guy," Genevieve said with a pointed glance at the empty chair.

I shrugged, poking at my salad. No gift today. Was that intentional? Maybe Friday deliveries came after classes. No way to know.

A sudden hush fell over the room. Then whispers erupted like wildfire. My head snapped up.

The most ethereal man I'd ever seen glided toward me. Seven feet tall at least, his movements fluid beneath gossamer robes that shimmered with each step. "Evelyn Sinclair?" His voice resonated like wind chimes in a summer breeze.

I managed a nod, mouth dry. Fae. Had to be. Their kind rarely interacted with werewolves, but his otherworldly beauty matched every legend.

He extended a parcel wrapped in plain brown paper, tied with hemp twine. "For you."

I accepted the package with trembling hands. "Thank you. Is there a—"

"None required," he interrupted, arching a haughty brow. With a swirl of fabric, he turned. At the exit, he announced loud enough for all to hear, "My debt is settled." Then vanished.

The weight in my hands felt ominous without a card. Fingers fumbling, I untied the twine. The paper fell away. A gasp tore from my throat.

My fingers traced the embossed leather cover. The History of the Guardian shimmered in gilded letters. Only one copy existed—and now it was mine. Father had searched decades for this. Tears welled as I cradled the priceless tome.

"Thank you," I whispered. In the dead silence, I knew he heard.

The bell rang. Students craned their necks, desperate to see what warranted such a reaction. Then my gaze locked with glacial blue eyes across the room. No surprise there. No curiosity. Just... satisfaction. Had my reaction pleased him? The thought sent shivers down my spine.

Clutching the book to my chest, I bolted for the exit. This treasure needed safekeeping—far from prying eyes and potential thieves. As I rushed past, icy fingers of awareness trailed down my back. Someone watched. Someone powerful. And they weren't done with me yet.