Chapter 520

We end of talking of nothing and everything. Something Inside me let go after our discussion. Clint wants me, and if I’m honest, |

want him too. | hope | am his mate. | can see how loving, kind and generous he would be as a mate. | don’t know what it would mean for two Guardians to be mated. To my knowledge, it’s never happened before. But, | know, deep down, that he and | could be great together.

When we both start to get tired, we go back to the car and head back to the packhouse. When we arrive, Clint runs around again to help me out of the car. We're laughing when | catch the scent of cigarette smoke.

1 teel Clint tense up before we both turn and see him standing at the corner of the packhouse. My father.

He tosses the cigarette to the ground and begins walking over to us. Clint steps in front of me and snarls. “You shouldn't be here Aaron.”

He ignores Clint and looks directly at me. “So, you’re a Guardian. How long have you known?”

“Long enough.” | say. Clint has wrapped his arm behind him, pulling me into his back, blocking my father from me.

“You should have told me.”

“Why?” | spit out at him. “So you could have sold me for a higher price.”

He shakes his head, having the audacity to look appalled. “I’m your father, Lily. It's my job to look after you, protect you.”

“Not anymore.” Clint snarls, and his voice is deeper. | know Donovan has pushed. forward.

My father finally looks at Clint. “I told you this was all a big misunderstanding. Once it’s cleared up, Lily will come home.”

| grab hold of the back of Clint’s shirt. | don’t want to go home. | don’t trust my father.

“There is no misunderstanding. And even if there was, you won't be able to clear it up before Lily turns 18.”

“We'll see about that. Guardian.” My father says derisively.

“Gideon told me not to trust you. Your own wolf said that | shouldn't trust you.

+15 BONOS He wouldn't lie to me.”

“Gideon and | are at odds. That has nothing to do with you, Lily. You could tell Alpha Patrick that you want to come home. He would listen to you.”

“| have no intention of going home. | don’t trust you.

He shakes his head at me, looking at me like I’m a silly child that has misunderstood the entire situation. But, before he can say anything else, Anders walks out the front of the packhouse. Based on his posture, he isn’t surprised at what he walked into. Clint must have mind linked him.

“Aaron. | thought my father was clear that you were not allowed to speak to your daughter unless you had his permission. You have not been granted that permission. You need to leave. Now.” Anders says to him.

“Your father has overstepped his authority. He should be careful that it doesn’t cause an uprising in the pack.” My father says, basically threatening our Alpha.

In an instant, Anders is in his face. “Did you just threaten my father?”

My father steps back, his hands up in a placating gesture. “I would never threaten my Alpha. I’m just giving a warning.”

He turns and looks at me. “Think about what | said Lily.” And he turns and walks away toward my old home.

No one moves until he’s out of sight. Once he is, | release a breath | didn’t know | was holding and lean my head against Clint’s back. Instantly, he turns and takes me in his arms. “I’ve got you.”

“Thanks Anders.” Clint says to him.

| hear Anders walk over. “I'll tell my father about this. Are you okay Lily?”

| nod, not moving away from Clint. “You're safe, Lily. You don’t have to worry about your father getting to you here. I'll also let Calvin know he was waiting for you when you got back.”

“I'll stop and tell Calvin when | drop Lily in her room.” Clint says.

Finally, | pull away, and the three of us begin to walk inside. “How was your date with Cali?” | ask, trying to take my mind off what just happened.

Anders‘ smile is brilliant. He turns to me. “It was amazing!” And I can tell that’s all I'll get from him. “See you tomorrow for school, Lily. Clint, Dad wants the two of you in training tomorrow morning now that the warriors know about Lily being a Guardian.*/

me “We'll be there.” Clint says before walking me to my room.