Chapter 0466

Finally! Ivy said yes! She agreed to go out with me, but now I need to convince Alistair to let me spar with her. And I have to explain why Seraphina keeps rejecting him. My reputation has never felt like such a burden until now.

I wait until Ivy disappears into her house with her clothes before jogging back to the packhouse. Dinner is in full swing, but I duck upstairs for a quick shower first. By the time I reach the dining hall, most of the pack has gathered—warriors fresh from training, families sharing meals, the usual chaos.

Alistair sits with his parents and Benedict’s family. Benedict’s son, Nathaniel, has been training as Alistair’s future Beta since I received my Guardian spirit at ten. He’ll do well in the role.

I grab a plate and slide into the seat across from Alistair, nodding at everyone.

“So?” He raises a brow. “How’d escaping Jules go?”

“Better than expected.” I smirk. “Valeria was out running, which gave me the perfect chance to finally get Ivy to agree to a date.”

“About damn time.” Alistair grins. “Better make it good, or she’ll never give you a second chance.”

He’s right. This has to be unforgettable.

“I need a favor,” I say, already knowing what I’ll trade for it.

His eyes narrow. “What kind of favor?”

“Your dad scheduled you to spar with Ivy tomorrow. I want to take your place.”

Predictably, he smirks. “And what do I get?”

I lean in, and he mirrors me, Benedict’s son eavesdropping shamelessly. “I know why Seraphina won’t go out with you.”

“Deal.” He doesn’t hesitate. “Talk.”

“She and Ivy think we made a bet—who can get them into bed first.” I lean back, watching his face fall.

“Shit.” He exhales. “How’d you get Ivy to say yes, then?”

“I gave her my word as a Guardian.”

He blinks. “You’ve only done that for me and your dad.”

“And Ivy.” My tone leaves no room for questions. No one else knows she’s my mate, and I intend to keep it that way.

After dinner, I head straight to my room—uncharacteristically early. Normally, I’d be out with the pack or deciding whose company I’d keep tonight. But now? The only person I want in my bed is Ivy.

I pull up brunch spots on my laptop, scrolling through reviews before settling on a cozy mountain diner an hour away. Nearby hiking trails for humans, dense forests where Evander and Valeria can run freely. Perfect.

Then, for the first time in my life, I crack open our literature assignment and start from page one. If impressing my mate begins in the classroom, so be it.

The next morning, I meet Alistair for training, gritting my teeth as Silas pairs off with Ivy. At least I’ll spar with her this afternoon. Maybe I can convince her to run with me afterward.

After warm-ups, we demonstrate the moves we want them to practice. I circulate, correcting stances, ensuring everyone alternates offense and defense. Just as I’m about to head to Ivy and Silas, a loud thud cuts through the noise.

Ivy stands over Silas, who’s wheezing on the ground, clutching his chest.

“What happened?” I stride over.

Ivy offers him a hand, hauling him up. “She wiped the floor with me,” Silas gasps. “Since when are you this strong, Ivy?”

“Maybe you let her win to dodge paying for dinner Friday,” I mutter. Petty? Absolutely. But the thought of him taking my mate out still burns.

Silas glares, still catching his breath. “No. She’s just that good.” He straightens. “And I told you—I’m buying regardless of who wins.”

“I’ve been practicing, Silas. Keep up,” Ivy says, dusting off her hands.

“Practicing for what?” This isn’t the first time she’s mentioned extra training.

“The warrior trials at the end of the year. I plan to win.”

Silas scoffs. “You gunning for my spot as Lead Warrior?”

“It’s not yours until you earn it,” I say flatly. If he’s going to lead, he shouldn’t be losing to her.

Ivy shrugs. “Besides, once I find my mate, I’ll leave the pack. So relax.”

My chest tightens. “What makes you think your mate isn’t here already?”

She gives a half-smile. “I’d have felt something by now. My birthday’s in two months.”

Oh, Ivy. If only you knew.

Alistair claps, ending the session. Ivy heads home, and I fall into step beside her. “Need a ride to school? No ulterior motives—just offering.”

“We’re good, Grant. See you in class.” She jogs off, leaving me staring after her. Again.

“Grant?” A voice purrs behind me. Beatrice leans in, her whisper hot against my ear. “I was hoping we could… talk over breakfast.”

I open my mouth to deflect politely—then spot Ivy glancing back. She sees Beatrice’s proximity, the suggestive smirk, and shakes her head before walking away.

Dammit.