Chapter 129

The crisp morning air carried the scent of pine as Lillian stepped onto the balcony of Sebastian Blackwood's mountain retreat. Below her, the training grounds buzzed with activity as warriors prepared for the upcoming trials. Her fingers tightened around the railing when Donovan's familiar scent drifted up from the courtyard.

"Still watching him?" Beatrice appeared beside her, handing over a steaming mug of chamomile tea. "You'd think after everything, your wolf would stop reacting to that scent."

Lillian accepted the cup, letting the warmth seep into her palms. "It's not attraction, Bee. It's... caution." Her gaze tracked Donovan as he demonstrated a defensive maneuver to a group of younger pack members. Evelyn stood nearby, her proud smile visible even from this distance.

The sliding glass door opened behind them. "Ladies." Sebastian's deep voice sent an involuntary shiver down Lillian's spine. He joined them at the railing, his imposing frame casting a shadow across the balcony. "We leave for the summit in two hours. Are you prepared?"

"As I'll ever be," Lillian murmured, watching Oliver dart between the training warriors with his wooden practice sword. The boy's laughter floated up to them, mingling with the clang of steel.

Sebastian's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression hardening. "Victoria's flight was delayed. She won't arrive until after the opening ceremonies."

Beatrice snorted. "Convenient timing, given who's presiding over them."

Lillian's teacup clattered against the saucer. "Donovan's giving the welcome address?"

Sebastian's jaw tightened. "A last-minute change by the council. Apparently, his recent... contributions to inter-pack relations warranted the honor."

The three fell silent as Donovan's voice carried up from below, correcting a young warrior's stance with surprising patience. Lillian's wolf stirred uneasily. This new version of Donovan - composed, respected, mated to Evelyn - was far more dangerous than the volatile man she'd once known.

Beatrice's phone chimed. "Oh goddess," she breathed, showing them the screen. A gossip site displayed a photo of Victoria and Julian Mercer at an upscale restaurant, their heads close together. The caption speculated about wedding plans.

Sebastian's grip on the railing made the metal groan. "That boy is playing with fire."

Lillian touched his arm. "She's an adult, Sebastian. And Julian's a good man."

The sliding door opened again, revealing Theodore Whitmore. "Sir, Alpha Harrison's party has arrived early. They're demanding to inspect the training facilities before the other delegations."

Sebastian's eyes flashed gold. "Of course they are." He turned to Lillian. "You should stay out of sight. Harrison still hasn't forgiven you for that incident at the gala."

As Sebastian strode inside, Beatrice squeezed Lillian's hand. "You okay?"

Lillian watched Donovan help Evelyn adjust her sparring pads, their movements synchronized. "I will be," she said softly. "Once this summit is over and we're back home."

But even as she said it, the wind shifted, carrying the faintest trace of a familiar, expensive perfume. Lillian's head snapped toward the main gates just as a sleek black limousine pulled through them.

"Is that—" Beatrice began.

"Celeste Devereaux," Lillian finished, her stomach dropping. The famous actress stepped out of the car, her silver-blonde hair catching the sunlight. She stretched, then turned expectantly toward the house.

Right toward their balcony.

Right toward where Sebastian had just disappeared inside.

Beatrice whistled low. "Well. This summit just got a whole lot more interesting."

Lillian set down her untouched tea. "Or dangerous."

Below them, Donovan looked up, his gaze locking with Lillian's for one charged moment before Celeste's laughter rang out across the courtyard, drawing all attention her way.

And just like that, the game began anew.

"Hey, Dad! Are you coming to watch us train again today?" Oliver asked excitedly as Sebastian joined us in the parlor.

It had been weeks since our arrangement, and things were going far better than I'd ever imagined. A few close calls with Donovan had taught us to be more cautious—keeping our affection discreet, especially during daylight hours. Still, Sebastian continued to pick me up from college and bring me to his estate. At least twice a week, I slept in his bed, though he always made sure I left before dawn to avoid suspicion.

The only noticeable change in front of others was Sebastian’s newfound involvement in Oliver’s training—both outside and during our academic sessions. Oliver adored it, and seeing the joy on his face made my heart swell. Since Sebastian started paying more attention to him, Oliver hadn’t gotten into trouble at school. His confidence had soared.

"Would that be all right?" Sebastian asked, settling into a nearby chair.

"Yes!" Oliver beamed, his excitement contagious.

Sebastian smiled at him before his gaze flicked to mine, sending my pulse racing.

"And you?" he asked, arching a playful brow. He loved teasing me, watching the flush rise to my cheeks. "Would I be intruding?"

"I don’t mind, Mr. Blackwood," I said, winking as I stood. "But I might put you to work." Turning to Oliver, who was grinning ear to ear, I asked, "Want to show your dad what we practiced?"

He leapt up with a laugh. "Yes!" Grabbing my hand, then Sebastian’s, he tugged us both to our feet. "Let’s go!"

We let him lead us outside, his small hands pulling us along. I glanced at Sebastian, catching the rare, relaxed smile on his lips. It did something warm and fluttery to my insides.

Once we reached the training grounds, Oliver released us and dashed to the weapon chest.

"So, what exactly did you teach him?" Sebastian murmured beside me.

I smirked, crossing my arms. "You’ll see."

Oliver snatched up a handful of daggers and faced a towering oak. Sebastian and I both looked up as, one by one, Oliver hurled the blades—each strike sending pinecones and acorns raining down around us. Sebastian sidestepped, baffled, just as Oliver suddenly lunged. A swift punch to the stomach sent Sebastian stumbling back—then Oliver’s foot pressed against his throat, pinning him to the ground.

Sebastian's eyes widened in shock as the arrow tip came dangerously close to his nose. A burst of laughter escaped my lips before I could stop it.

"I taught him the art of surprise attacks," I explained with a smirk. "And the perfect pressure point to bring down even the strongest opponents. Works like a charm every time."

Sebastian arched an eyebrow, glancing between Oliver and me before breaking into a wolfish grin. In one swift motion, he grabbed Oliver's ankle and yanked him off balance. The boy yelped as Sebastian expertly flipped him onto the grass, careful to cushion the fall but making sure his dominance was clear.

Oliver gasped when Sebastian effortlessly twisted the practice bow from his grip, but instead of frustration, the boy erupted into giggles as Sebastian pinned him playfully. The sight of them wrestling like cubs in the meadow sent warmth flooding through my chest - this was the father-son bond I'd always dreamed of witnessing.

So absorbed was I in their playful sparring that I didn't notice Donovan's approach until his fingers clamped around my wrist like a steel trap, jerking me backward with enough force to make my teeth rattle.