Chapter 141

The morning sun cast golden rays through the sheer curtains of Lillian's bedroom, stirring her awake. She stretched languidly, her muscles still sore from yesterday’s intense training session. The scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted up from the kitchen, signaling that Sebastian was already awake.

Lillian padded downstairs, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet. The mansion was unusually quiet, save for the faint clinking of silverware. When she entered the dining room, she found Sebastian seated at the head of the table, his sharp features softened by the morning light. Across from him, Oliver was enthusiastically devouring a stack of pancakes, syrup dripping down his chin.

"Good morning," Lillian murmured, sliding into her usual seat.

Sebastian glanced up, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "Sleep well?"

She nodded, though the truth was, her dreams had been restless—filled with shadows of Donovan and the lingering threat of Evelyn.

Before she could dwell on it further, Beatrice burst into the room, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "You won’t believe what just happened!" she exclaimed, waving her phone in the air.

Lillian arched a brow. "What?"

Beatrice grinned. "Isabella just texted me. She’s coming back from Paris today!"

Lillian’s heart skipped a beat. Isabella Fontaine, Beatrice’s glamorous older sister, was a renowned fashion model who had been traveling Europe for months. Her return meant more than just a reunion—it meant potential trouble. Isabella had always been fiercely protective of Beatrice, and she had never approved of Lillian’s involvement with Sebastian.

Sebastian’s expression remained unreadable, but Lillian caught the subtle tightening of his jaw. "When does her flight arrive?" he asked, his voice deceptively calm.

"Tonight at seven," Beatrice replied, oblivious to the tension. "She wants us to meet her at the airport."

Lillian exhaled slowly. This was going to be interesting.

Just then, Marcus Grayson, Sebastian’s Beta, strode into the room, his expression grim. "Alpha, we have a problem."

Sebastian set down his coffee cup. "What is it?"

Marcus hesitated, his gaze flickering to Lillian before he spoke. "Donovan was spotted near the eastern border last night. He wasn’t alone."

A chill ran down Lillian’s spine. "Who was with him?"

Marcus’s lips thinned. "Evelyn. And from the reports, they weren’t just passing through."

Sebastian’s eyes darkened with barely restrained fury. "Gather the warriors. We’re not taking any chances."

Lillian’s fingers curled into fists. Donovan had made his move—and this time, she wouldn’t let him get away.

As the room erupted into action, one thought echoed in her mind: The game has just begun.

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the lavish bedroom as Lillian stirred beneath silk sheets. Her fingers brushed against the empty space beside her—Sebastian had already left for his early meeting. A faint trace of his sandalwood scent lingered on the pillow, making her heart flutter.

Downstairs, the mansion buzzed with activity. Giselle, the head maid, directed staff with quiet efficiency while Lucien, the flirtatious head chef, winked at the new kitchen assistant. The aroma of freshly baked croissants and espresso filled the air.

Lillian dressed quickly, opting for a simple ivory blouse and tailored slacks. As she descended the grand staircase, Oliver came barreling toward her, his schoolbag swinging wildly. "Lillian! You promised to walk me to school today!" His silver eyes—so like his father's—sparkled with excitement.

"Of course I did," she laughed, ruffling his dark curls. "But first, breakfast. I heard Lucien made your favorite chocolate pancakes."

The dining room was already occupied. Beatrice sat at the table, scrolling through her phone while nibbling toast. "Morning, sleepyhead," she teased. "Sebastian left you a note." She slid an embossed envelope across the table.

Lillian's pulse quickened as she broke the wax seal. The message was brief: "Meeting Alpha Harrison at noon. Stay vigilant. —S" Her grip tightened on the paper. Harrison had been circling their territory like a vulture since the failed alliance with the Winslows.

"Everything okay?" Beatrice asked, noticing her friend's tension.

"Just pack business," Lillian deflected, tucking the note into her pocket. She forced a smile. "Ready, Oliver?"

Outside, autumn leaves crunched underfoot as they walked toward the elite Lycan Academy. Oliver chattered about his science project while Lillian scanned their surroundings—a habit since Donovan's betrayal. Every shadow seemed to conceal threats.

At the school gates, Oliver hugged her tightly. "Will you pick me up too?"

"Wouldn't miss it," she promised, kissing his forehead. As he disappeared inside, her phone vibrated. An unknown number flashed on the screen: "He knows about the moonstone. Watch your back."

Ice flooded her veins. Only three people knew about the ancient artifact hidden in Sebastian's vault—herself, Sebastian, and... Donovan.

A black sedan pulled up abruptly. The window rolled down to reveal Marcus, Sebastian's beta. His expression was grim. "We have a situation. Harrison just challenged Sebastian to a blood duel."

Lillian's claws unsheathed instinctively. "When?"

"Tonight. At midnight." Marcus lowered his voice. "There's more. Victoria was seen entering Harrison's territory this morning."

The world tilted. Sebastian's daughter—Donovan's fiancée—consorting with their enemy? Lillian's phone buzzed again. This time, it was Sebastian: "Meet me at the old chapel. Now. Come alone."

The message didn't sound like him. Too abrupt. No endearment. Her wolf snarled a warning.

Beatrice grabbed her arm. "Lil, your eyes are glowing. What's wrong?"

"Someone's setting a trap," Lillian whispered. "And I think Sebastian just walked into it."

I didn’t wait around to hear another word from them—I was done for the night, and if I had to carry Lillian out of there kicking and screaming, I would. Thankfully, it didn’t come to that. Lillian muttered quick goodbyes, though most were met with silence, before hurrying after me, her head bowed until we were far enough away.

"Thank the Moon Goddess that’s over," she exhaled, tension visibly leaving her shoulders.

"Hmm," I responded, my tone clipped.

We reached the front of the Winslow manor, where Marcus stood beside the car, the back door already open.

"How did it go?" he asked as we approached.

"One more misstep, and I’m withdrawing every cent from his company," I said without hesitation, making Lillian gasp. She likely had no idea I was the silent backer behind Archibald’s empire—that with a single word, I could leave them bankrupt.

"That bad, huh?" Marcus chuckled, amusement lacing his voice. "Where to?"

"The Blackwood Estate," I ordered. "I need to wash this night off my skin."

He nodded, smirking as he waited for us to climb in. I was pleased to see the privacy partition already raised. Marcus shut the door behind us and slid into the driver’s seat.

Soon, the Winslow manor faded into the distance.

Lillian sighed, gazing out the window. The skirt she wore clung to her curves, stopping just above her knees, and the sight of her sent heat coiling low in my gut. I’d wanted her from the moment I saw her tonight, but I’d restrained myself—until now.

Without warning, I unclipped her seatbelt—and mine—then hauled her onto my lap in one swift motion.

"Sebastian!" she yelped as my fingers traced up her inner thigh, goosebumps rising in their wake. "What are you—?"

"What does it look like?" I murmured, my touch teasing higher. Her breath hitched, her body arching into me.

I claimed her lips, swallowing her gasp as my tongue delved deep, tasting her. She moaned, her fingers tangling in my hair, when my hand slipped beneath the lace of her panties.

A part of me was disappointed she’d worn them—but another was relieved. It meant she hadn’t dressed for him.

I nipped at her bottom lip, drunk on her sweetness, her scent wrapping around me like a spell. She was already wet, her arousal soaking through the thin fabric as I circled her clit.

"Sebastian..." she whimpered against my mouth, her hips rocking into my touch.

I tugged her panties aside, sliding two fingers inside her, curling them just right. She cried out, her back arching as pleasure coiled tight within her.

"Oh, Goddess—!" Her voice broke as I added a third finger, her walls fluttering around me.

I could feel her climax building, her thighs trembling, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "Yes—right there—don’t stop—!"

I had no intention of stopping. Not until she shattered.

But then my wolf surged forward with a snarl, "MINE!"

My canines lengthened, my gaze locking onto the delicate curve of her neck—the perfect place to mark her. A growl tore from my throat before I wrestled control back, forcing my wolf down.

I released her abruptly, and she nearly tumbled off my lap, her chest heaving, confusion flashing in her wide eyes.

After a stunned moment, she scrambled back to her seat, putting distance between us.

And I—

I clenched my fists, fighting the beast within.

Because if I didn’t, I’d claim her right here.

And there’d be no going back.