Chapter 145

The crisp morning air carried the scent of pine as Lillian stepped onto the balcony of Sebastian Blackwood’s estate. The sun had barely risen, casting a golden hue over the sprawling gardens below. She tightened the silk robe around her, the fabric whispering against her skin.

Inside, the mansion was already stirring to life. The clatter of dishes from the kitchen signaled Lucien Dubois, the head chef, preparing breakfast. Giselle Beaumont, the head maid, moved with practiced efficiency, directing the staff with quiet authority.

Lillian’s thoughts drifted to the events of the previous night—the confrontation with Donovan, the way his new mate, Evelyn, had clung to his arm with possessive glee. The memory sent a sharp pang through her chest, but she refused to let it show.

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, turning as the door creaked open.

Beatrice Whitaker, her best friend, peeked inside, her dark curls bouncing. "You’re up early," she remarked, stepping into the room. "Couldn’t sleep?"

Lillian sighed, running a hand through her tousled hair. "Too much on my mind."

Beatrice crossed the room, her expression softening. "Donovan?"

Lillian nodded, her jaw tightening. "He’s making it impossible to move on. Every time I think I’m over him, he shows up with Evelyn, flaunting their bond like some twisted trophy."

Beatrice squeezed her shoulder. "You’re stronger than this, Lillian. And you have Sebastian now. He’s ten times the man Donovan could ever hope to be."

Lillian’s lips twitched into a faint smile. "I know. It’s just… hard."

Before Beatrice could respond, another knock sounded—this one firmer, more authoritative.

Sebastian stood in the doorway, his broad frame filling the space. His dark eyes flicked between the two women before settling on Lillian. "We need to talk," he said, his voice low and commanding.

Beatrice shot Lillian a knowing look before slipping out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Sebastian stepped closer, his presence overwhelming in the best way. "What’s wrong?" he asked, his gaze searching hers.

Lillian hesitated, then exhaled sharply. "Donovan was at the pack gathering last night. With Evelyn."

Sebastian’s expression darkened. "I heard."

She crossed her arms, suddenly feeling exposed. "I don’t know why it still bothers me. I thought I was past this."

Sebastian reached out, cupping her face in his hands. His touch was warm, grounding. "Because you loved him," he murmured. "And love doesn’t just disappear overnight."

Lillian leaned into his touch, closing her eyes. "I don’t want to love him anymore."

Sebastian’s thumb brushed her cheek. "Then don’t."

His words were simple, but they carried the weight of truth. Lillian opened her eyes, meeting his steady gaze. In that moment, she realized something—she didn’t have to let Donovan’s shadow linger over her. She had a choice.

And she chose Sebastian.

A sudden commotion downstairs shattered the quiet. Raised voices, the sound of something shattering.

Sebastian’s head snapped toward the door. "Stay here," he ordered, already moving.

But Lillian was right behind him. "Like hell I will."

Together, they raced downstairs, where chaos had erupted in the foyer.

Standing in the center of the room, surrounded by a group of unfamiliar wolves, was Donovan.

His eyes locked onto Lillian’s, burning with something she couldn’t name.

"Lillian," he said, his voice rough. "We need to talk."

Sebastian stepped in front of her, his growl reverberating through the room. "You’re not welcome here."

Donovan’s lips curled into a sneer. "This doesn’t concern you, Blackwood."

Lillian’s pulse pounded in her ears. Whatever Donovan wanted, it wasn’t good.

And she had a sinking feeling their fragile peace was about to shatter.

Lillian wrapped her legs around Sebastian's waist as he deepened the kiss, his teeth grazing her bottom lip in a way that sent shivers down her spine.

"Let's get out of here," he murmured against her lips, his voice rough with desire.

She nodded, breathless, and Sebastian summoned one of his subordinates to pick them up—he was far too intoxicated to drive. They returned to his estate, where passion consumed them until dawn.

Lillian's POV

Pain erupted through my body, radiating from the mark on my neck. My limbs trembled violently, tears streaming down my face. I had felt discomfort before—whenever Donovan kissed Victoria—but never like this.

This was agony.

My nerves burned as if electrified. My wolf howled in anguish, the sound echoing in my skull.

Sebastian rushed from the bathroom, a warm cloth in hand. My scream had startled him. The moment his warmth left me, the torment worsened, but when he returned, the pressure in my chest eased slightly.

"Shh," he soothed, pressing the cloth to my forehead. I clutched his shoulders, dragging him closer. His presence dulled the pain—why?

"It hurts..." My voice broke as my fingers clawed at my neck.

"Stop." He caught my wrist, replacing my nails with the damp cloth. "You'll make it worse."

"I don’t understand," I choked out. "This has never happened before—only when Donovan kisses Victoria, but never this bad."

Sebastian went still, his gaze distant.

"Do you think they’re doing more than kissing?" he finally asked.

My breath hitched. Was that it? Were Donovan and Victoria...? The thought made my wolf whimper. My body shook harder in Sebastian’s arms, and he tightened his hold.

"Breathe," he murmured. "I've got you."

His voice was a balm, and the pain lessened slightly. He dabbed at my mark before his lips found mine, his kiss slow and deliberate. Like magic, the agony vanished. I melted into him, craving more—because somehow, he was the cure.

His fingers tangled in my hair, massaging my scalp, warmth spreading through me. When he pulled away, the ache returned—but duller now. My face burned, my chest heaving. He smirked, pressing a kiss to my nose.

"Better?"

"A little," I admitted.

"Good." He kissed me again. "Hold this to your neck. I’ll mindlink Marcus to see if Victoria returned last night."

I obeyed, but the second his arms left me, the pain flared. A scream tore from my throat. Guilt flashed in his eyes before they glazed over—mindlinking his Beta.

His frown deepened. Just as I nearly passed out from the torment, his arms encircled me again, and relief washed over me.

"That’s strange..." he murmured.

I nodded weakly. "Very."

He blinked, looking down at me.

"What? No—I mean, Victoria returned hours ago. She’s been asleep in her room. No one saw Donovan with her."

My stomach dropped.

If Donovan wasn’t with Victoria... then who was he with?