Chapter 120

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the lavish bedroom as Lillian stirred beneath the silk sheets. Her body ached from the previous night’s events—Donovan’s betrayal still fresh in her mind, the sting of his rejection lingering like a phantom wound.

She rolled onto her side, her gaze landing on the empty space beside her. The scent of Sebastian Blackwood still clung faintly to the pillows, a reminder of the unexpected comfort he had offered.

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, her voice hoarse from exhaustion.

The door creaked open, revealing Beatrice, her best friend, balancing a tray of steaming coffee and pastries. "Rise and shine, sleeping beauty," she teased, setting the tray on the bedside table. "You look like you wrestled a bear."

Lillian groaned, rubbing her temples. "Feels like it, too."

Beatrice smirked, perching on the edge of the bed. "Well, you’re the talk of the pack. Everyone’s buzzing about how you stood up to Donovan last night."

Lillian scoffed, reaching for the coffee. "Yeah, real heroic. Standing there like a fool while he flaunted Evelyn in front of me."

Beatrice’s expression softened. "You’re not a fool. He’s the idiot for not seeing what he lost."

Lillian took a slow sip, the bitter warmth grounding her. "Doesn’t matter now. I just need to focus on finishing school and getting out of here."

A mischievous glint sparked in Beatrice’s eyes. "Or… you could focus on a certain Lycan chairman who seems very interested in you."

Lillian nearly choked on her coffee. "Sebastian? Don’t be ridiculous. He’s just being… polite."

Beatrice arched a brow. "Since when do Lycan alphas play nursemaid to heartbroken werewolves?"

Before Lillian could retort, her phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number flashed on the screen:

"Meet me at the old oak tree at noon. We need to talk. – D."

Her stomach twisted. Donovan.

Beatrice snatched the phone, her lips curling in disgust. "Oh hell no. Delete it."

Lillian hesitated, her fingers hovering over the screen.

A second message followed:

"It’s about your mother."

Her breath hitched.

Beatrice’s grip on the phone tightened. "Lil, don’t. It’s a trap."

Lillian met her friend’s worried gaze, conflict warring in her chest.

She had sworn she was done with Donovan.

But if this was about her mother…

She grabbed the phone.

"I have to go."

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the marble floors of Blackwood Manor as Lillian tiptoed past Sebastian's study. Her bare feet made no sound against the cold stone, her breath shallow with anticipation. Today was the day she'd finally confront Donovan about his betrayal.

A sudden crash from the kitchen made her jump. "Merde!" Lucien's accented curse carried through the hallway, followed by the clatter of pans. Lillian pressed herself against the wall, her heart pounding like a trapped bird. The last thing she needed was the flirtatious chef discovering her secret mission.

"Miss Lillian?" Giselle's crisp voice cut through the tension. The head maid rounded the corner, her uniform immaculate as always. "You're up early." Her sharp eyes took in Lillian's rumpled pajamas and the envelope clutched in her trembling hands.

"Just... getting some water," Lillian lied, tucking the damning photographs behind her back. The images of Donovan and Evelyn at that seedy motel burned against her fingertips.

Giselle's lips pursed. "Monsieur Blackwood requested your presence in the east garden. Immediately." She emphasized the last word with a pointed look at Lillian's disheveled state.

Lillian's stomach dropped. Sebastian never summoned her this early unless something was wrong. Had he discovered her plans? Or worse - had Donovan gotten to him first?

The east garden smelled of jasmine and impending rain. Sebastian stood by the koi pond, his broad shoulders tense beneath his tailored suit. When he turned, his storm-gray eyes held none of their usual warmth. "We need to talk about your little investigation," he said without preamble.

Lillian's throat went dry. "How did you—"

"Marcus saw you following Donovan last night." Sebastian closed the distance between them in three strides. "Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?"

The photographs slipped from Lillian's grasp, scattering across the cobblestones. Sebastian's gaze flicked to the incriminating images, his expression darkening. "This changes everything," he murmured, scooping up one that showed Evelyn handing Donovan a familiar silver pendant - the same one Victoria always wore.

A thunderclap split the sky as the first raindrops fell. Lillian barely noticed the cold water soaking through her clothes. Because in that moment, she realized the terrifying truth: Donovan wasn't just cheating. He was stealing from his own fiancée. And if he'd go that far for money...

"What else is he capable of?" she whispered.

Sebastian's hand found hers, his grip firm. "That's what we're going to find out. Together." His phone buzzed with an incoming call from Marcus. The beta's frantic voice carried even through the rain: "Boss, we've got a problem. Victoria's missing."

The pendant glinted mockingly in the grass as the storm broke overhead.

The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves as Lillian stepped onto the campus quad. Her fingers tightened around the strap of her backpack, her thoughts still tangled from last night’s confrontation with Donovan. The memory of his cold dismissal burned in her chest, but she refused to let it show.

Beatrice, ever perceptive, nudged her shoulder. "You’re brooding again," she teased, though her dark eyes held concern.

Lillian forced a smile. "Just thinking about Professor Sinclair’s assignment."

Beatrice snorted. "Liar. But fine, keep your secrets."

Their banter was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Cassandra, flanked by her usual entourage. The blonde smirked, her gaze raking over Lillian with deliberate disdain. "Look who’s still pretending she belongs here."

Lillian’s jaw clenched, but before she could retort, a deep voice cut through the tension.

"Is there a problem?"

Sebastian Blackwood stood a few feet away, his presence commanding immediate silence. His piercing gaze flickered between them, lingering on Lillian just long enough to make her pulse stutter.

Cassandra paled. "N-no, Alpha Blackwood. Just chatting."

Sebastian’s expression remained unreadable. "Good. Then move along."

As Cassandra scurried away, Beatrice whistled low under her breath. "Damn. That never gets old."

Lillian exhaled, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thanks," she murmured, meeting Sebastian’s eyes.

He inclined his head, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Meet me at the pack house tonight. We need to talk."

Before she could respond, he turned and strode off, leaving her heart racing.

Beatrice arched a brow. "What was that about?"

Lillian swallowed hard. "I have no idea."

But the weight in his tone told her it wasn’t good.

That evening, Lillian stood outside the Blackwood estate, her nerves frayed. The grand double doors swung open before she could knock, revealing Theodore Whitmore, Sebastian’s ever-composed butler.

"Miss Lillian," he greeted warmly. "Alpha Blackwood is expecting you in his study."

She followed him through the opulent halls, her mind racing with possibilities. Had Donovan caused more trouble? Or worse—had Sebastian discovered the truth about her past?

The study door creaked open, and Sebastian turned from the window, his expression grim. "Sit."

She obeyed, her fingers knotting in her lap.

He didn’t mince words. "Donovan’s been making moves against my pack. And he’s using Evelyn to do it."

Lillian’s breath hitched. "What?"

Sebastian’s eyes darkened. "He’s planning something. And I need to know if you’re still loyal to him—or if you’re ready to stand with me."

The challenge hung in the air, heavy and unyielding.

Lillian met his gaze, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. "I’m not his anymore."

Sebastian studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Good. Because war is coming."

And just like that, the fragile peace shattered.

When I remained silent, Nathaniel took the hint and walked away to rejoin Lillian and the others. I stood rooted to the spot, my jaw clenched in quiet fury. Then, a delicate hand landed on my shoulder. I turned to find Penelope standing behind me, her lips curved in a knowing smile. She wore a shimmering gold dress that clung to her every curve, the neckline daringly low, leaving little to the imagination. A golden mask adorned with silver filigree framed her face, but I recognized her instantly.

"I'm so glad you came," she murmured, her smile widening. "Buy me a drink." It wasn’t a request—it was a command. I arched a brow, and she merely fluttered her lashes at me in response.

With a resigned sigh, I asked, "And what would you like?"

"Champagne," she replied without hesitation.

I strode to the bar and ordered two glasses, handing one to Penelope.

"You look absolutely dashing tonight, Sebastian," she remarked, her gaze lingering. "I see you didn’t bring a date."

"You know I don’t usually bring dates to these events," I reminded her coolly.

She nodded thoughtfully, taking a sip of her wine. "What about that girl you were seeing? Lillian, wasn’t it?"

"That’s none of your concern," I ground out.

Penelope let out a light, airy laugh. "This probably isn’t her scene anyway. I can’t imagine someone so… ordinary fitting in here."

"Enough," I snapped, downing the rest of my champagne and turning to leave. She caught my arm, halting me.

"I didn’t mean to offend," she said, her brows knitting together in feigned concern. "But you deserve someone of your own standing. As an heiress, I’d be perfect for you." When I didn’t respond, she seized the opportunity to step closer, her body nearly pressed against mine.

"Dance with me," she purred.

I was about to refuse when my gaze snagged on Lillian across the room, wrapped in Nathaniel’s arms on the dance floor. She looked entirely at ease, her body molded against his. My lips pressed into a thin line as I turned back to Penelope and gave a curt nod.

Taking her hand, I led her onto the dance floor, where she immediately wound her arms around my neck, pressing herself against me. As we moved, my eyes kept drifting toward Lillian. How could she let another man touch her like this after what had happened between us? Did she truly have no shame?

Penelope chattered away about something I couldn’t be bothered to listen to. I offered vague responses, pretending to be engaged, though my mind was miles away.

I stole another glance at Lillian and my blood boiled when I saw Nathaniel pressing his lips to her cheek before claiming her mouth. She allowed it—eyes closed, body pliant—but her lips remained still. It was a dutiful kiss, devoid of passion. Nothing like the way she had kissed me that night, with a hunger that seared through my veins, as if my touch was the very air she needed to breathe. The memory alone made my cock twitch, and I had to remind myself harshly: She isn’t yours.

Not tonight.

Nathaniel murmured something against her ear, and she nodded stiffly. He kissed her once more—brief, possessive—before releasing her and striding toward the restroom. Left alone, Lillian looked uncomfortable, returning to the now-empty table. Victoria had dragged Donovan onto the dance floor, leaving her isolated.

"Sebastian?" Penelope’s voice cut through my thoughts, her fingers brushing my arm.

I turned, offering her a stiff nod. "Excuse me."

No explanation. No courtesy.

Her mouth fell open as I walked away, her protests fading into the music. I didn’t look back. My focus was singular—her.

Lillian startled when I reached the table, her doe eyes widening. "I thought you were going to the—?"

She thought I was Nathaniel.

Good.

I didn’t speak. Instead, I seized her wrist, pulling her to her feet in one swift motion. The moment our skin connected, electricity crackled between us, sharp enough to make my wolf snarl in anticipation. A gasp escaped her lips—she felt it too.

I didn’t give her time to resist.

The dance floor swallowed us, my arms locking around her waist, dragging her flush against me. Her scent—jasmine and something uniquely her—wrapped around me like a drug, soothing the beast beneath my skin. For the first time all night, the tension in my shoulders eased.

We moved slowly, her body molding to mine as if we were made for this. Her breath hitched when my fingers traced the delicate seams of her dress, skating up her spine. She was breathtaking tonight—lips pink and parted, begging to be claimed properly. Not the chaste, half-hearted kiss Nathaniel had given her.

No. She deserved fire.

Her tongue darted out, wetting her bottom lip. "Nathaniel, I—"

I didn’t let her finish.

My mouth crashed onto hers in a kiss that burned through every pretense, every lie. This wasn’t duty. This was need.

And gods help me, she kissed me back.

The scent of pine and damp earth filled Lillian's senses as she stepped onto the moonlit path. Her fingers trembled against the rough bark of the ancient oak she leaned against, the night air carrying whispers of danger. Somewhere in the shadows, Donovan was watching - she could feel his predatory gaze like physical fingers tracing her spine.

"Show yourself," she demanded, her voice steadier than she felt. The forest held its breath.

A twig snapped to her left. Lillian spun, her claws extending instinctively as Donovan emerged from the darkness. Moonlight caught the cruel twist of his lips, the predatory gleam in his eyes that once made her heart race for entirely different reasons.

"Still playing hard to get, little wolf?" His voice dripped with false amusement. "You know how this ends."

Behind her, another presence materialized - Evelyn, her perfect blonde curls bouncing as she stepped into the clearing with a smirk. The two moved with synchronized precision, flanking Lillian like hunters cornering prey.

Lillian's pulse hammered against her ribs. She'd been foolish to come alone, but after what they'd done to Beatrice... Her claws dug deeper into the tree bark. "You won't get away with this."

Donovan's laugh was a dark, ugly sound. "Who's going to stop us? Your precious Sebastian?" He feigned a look of mock sympathy. "He's too busy cleaning up your messes to save you this time."

The snap of branches underfoot had all three turning toward the new disturbance. Lillian's breath caught as a familiar broad-shouldered silhouette emerged from the trees, moonlight glinting off silver-streaked hair.

"Actually," Sebastian Blackwood's deep voice cut through the tension like a blade, "I always make time for what's mine." His golden eyes burned with barely restrained fury as he stepped protectively in front of Lillian. "Shall we discuss how you've been threatening my mate?"

The forest seemed to hold its breath as Marcus Grayson and several warriors materialized from the shadows, surrounding Donovan and Evelyn. The smug confidence drained from their faces, replaced by dawning realization of their miscalculation.

Lillian felt Sebastian's hand find hers, his grip warm and reassuring. The silent message was clear - this wasn't just her fight anymore. It never had been.

Evelyn's shrill voice broke the silence. "This isn't over!"

Sebastian's smile was all sharp edges. "Oh, but it is." His gaze locked onto Donovan's. "Run."

As their enemies scrambled into the darkness, Lillian turned to Sebastian, questions burning on her tongue. But the look in his eyes promised answers - and so much more. The real game was just beginning.