Chapter 133

The morning sun filtered through the heavy velvet curtains of Lillian's bedroom at Blackwood Manor. She stretched beneath the silk sheets, her werewolf senses immediately picking up the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants. The digital clock on her nightstand read 8:17 AM - she had slept in later than usual after last night's intense training session with Sebastian.

A soft knock at her door interrupted her thoughts. "Miss Lillian? Mr. Blackwood requests your presence in the study when you're ready," came Harper's polite voice through the door.

Lillian's heart skipped a beat. Sebastian rarely summoned her like this unless it was important. "Thank you, Harper. I'll be down shortly," she called back, already throwing off the covers.

Twenty minutes later, freshly showered and dressed in a simple but elegant navy blue dress, Lillian stood outside Sebastian's study. She could hear muffled voices inside - Sebastian's deep baritone and another voice she recognized as Marcus Grayson, his Beta. Taking a deep breath, she knocked.

"Come in," Sebastian's voice commanded.

The study was bathed in golden morning light, highlighting the rich mahogany furniture and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Sebastian stood by the window, his imposing frame silhouetted against the sunlight. Marcus sat in one of the leather armchairs, looking up as she entered.

"Good morning," Lillian said, her voice steady despite the sudden dryness in her throat.

Sebastian turned, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. "Lillian. We have a situation."

Marcus stood, handing her a tablet. On the screen was a news article from The Lycan Times with the headline: "Winslow Heir Announces Engagement to Blackwood Daughter Amid Controversy."

Lillian's fingers tightened around the device as she scanned the article. Donovan Winslow and Victoria Blackwood had officially announced their engagement, with the wedding set for next month. What caught her attention was the accompanying photo - Donovan standing beside Victoria, but his eyes were fixed on someone just outside the frame with an intensity that made her stomach clench.

"The Winslows are using this to gain political advantage," Marcus explained. "They're positioning this as a union between two powerful families while subtly undermining Sebastian's authority."

Sebastian moved closer, his presence radiating controlled anger. "More concerning is this." He swiped the screen to show another article - an exclusive interview with Donovan where he hinted at "unfinished business" with his former fated mate.

Lillian's breath hitched. "He's baiting me."

"Precisely," Sebastian growled. "And we can't ignore it. The Council meeting is in three days, and this will affect our standing."

Marcus cleared his throat. "There's more. Our sources say Evelyn has been making inquiries about your class schedule at the university."

A cold shiver ran down Lillian's spine. Donovan's new mate was scouting her movements. This wasn't just political - it was personal.

Sebastian's hand came to rest on her shoulder, warm and reassuring. "We need to be prepared. From now on, you'll have security detail at all times, especially on campus."

Lillian nodded, her mind racing. She met Sebastian's gaze. "What do you need me to do?"

A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "For now, act normal. But be ready. The game has changed, and Donovan just made his opening move."

As she left the study, Lillian's phone buzzed with a text from Beatrice: "URGENT. Meet me at the coffee shop. You won't believe what I just heard about Donovan."

"I don't trust them, Mom," I said firmly, my fingers tightening around the edge of the kitchen counter. "They aren’t good people."

Beatrice sighed, shaking her head as she stirred the salad. "Lillian, darling, I just don’t believe that."

I bit back a frustrated groan. Arguing with her was pointless—once she made up her mind, there was no changing it. After a tense silence, I gave up and focused on finishing lunch. Once we ate, I slipped into a designer skirt and blouse, hoping the Winslows wouldn’t find another reason to sneer at me.

I braided my hair into an elegant twist and dusted my face with light makeup, just enough to accentuate my features. By the time we were ready to leave, my stomach was in knots. Beatrice drove us in her sleek sedan, and within minutes, the towering gates of the Winslow estate loomed ahead.

The manor was massive, flanked by guest houses that looked like miniature palaces. If they wanted to, they could wipe away my father’s debts with a flick of their wrist. But the Winslows didn’t do anything without an ulterior motive. I just prayed my mother wouldn’t agree to something she’d regret.

Beatrice strode through the grand halls like she owned them, her chin high, her designer dress swaying with every confident step. No one would guess she’d spent weeks bedridden—she looked every bit the poised socialite, her hair in a flawless ponytail, her heels clicking against the marble.

We reached the sprawling backyard where the barbecue was in full swing. The Winslows had everything—a manicured garden, a glistening pool, and enough space to flaunt their wealth to the entire pack. Of course, they’d also invited the elite from neighboring packs, including Sebastian Blackwood.

Part of me hoped he’d show up. The other part dreaded it.

This was Victoria’s first official meeting with Donovan’s family, and I wanted it to go well for her. She didn’t deserve the same treatment I’d endured.

"Lillian! You’re here!" Victoria’s voice rang out as she rushed toward me, her golden hair catching the sunlight. She threw her arms around me, her smile radiant. "You look gorgeous."

I forced a smile. "So do you."

And she did. Her black backless dress hugged her curves, her cleavage tastefully on display, her hair cascading in effortless waves. She barely needed makeup—her natural glow was enough to turn heads.

A sharp pang twisted in my chest, and in my mind’s eye, my wolf lowered her head in defeat. This was the woman our mate had chosen.

I’d almost forgotten, tangled up in whatever was happening with Sebastian. But the reminder was brutal. Every time they kissed, every whispered word between them, the mark on my neck burned like a brand. I couldn’t imagine how much worse it would be once they—

"I’ve been here for hours," Victoria chirped, looping her arm through mine. "Donovan’s family is amazing."

I swallowed hard as she pulled me toward the crowd. Beatrice had already vanished, leaving me alone with the woman who’d taken everything from me.

From across the crowded hall, I spotted Donovan deep in conversation with a group of men—among them, his father, Archibald Winslow. The sight made my stomach twist.

Victoria, standing beside me, sighed dreamily. "What do you think of them?" I asked, already bracing for her gushing response.

"Oh, they're absolutely perfect," she breathed, her eyes sparkling. "I can’t imagine them ever being cruel to anyone. Especially Arabella."

I barely suppressed a scoff. Arabella, Donovan’s eighteen-year-old sister, was worse than all of them combined. Still, I was relieved they treated Victoria well—likely because she was a Blackwood. But the bitter truth stung: she fit in effortlessly, while I never had.

I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing myself to stay silent.

Then, a sharp, mocking voice cut through the air. "Well, look what the cat dragged in." A sneer curled the speaker’s lips as they stepped closer. "You’ve got some nerve showing your face here."

The words hung in the air like a challenge. My fingers twitched at my sides, but I kept my expression blank.

This was going to be a long night.