Chapter 148

The crisp morning air carried the scent of pine as Lillian stepped onto the balcony of Sebastian’s mansion. Below, the sprawling estate was alive with activity—warriors training, maids bustling about, and the distant laughter of Oliver playing in the gardens.

She tightened the silk robe around her, the fabric cool against her skin. Last night’s events still lingered in her mind—Donovan’s unexpected appearance at the gala, the way his eyes had darkened when he saw her with Sebastian. The tension had been palpable, thick enough to slice through with a knife.

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

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

Giselle, the head maid, entered with a silver tray bearing a steaming cup of coffee and a plate of freshly baked croissants. "Good morning, Miss Lillian," she greeted with a warm smile. "Alpha Blackwood thought you might appreciate breakfast before the meeting."

Lillian’s lips curved slightly. "Thank you, Giselle."

The maid set the tray on the small table by the window before hesitating. "If I may say, you look radiant this morning."

Lillian chuckled, shaking her head. "You’re too kind."

Giselle’s expression turned serious. "Alpha Blackwood also asked me to remind you that the council will convene in an hour. He said it’s… important."

Lillian’s stomach twisted. The council meeting. She had almost forgotten.

"Of course," she murmured, picking up the coffee. The rich aroma filled her senses, momentarily grounding her. "Tell him I’ll be ready."

Giselle nodded and slipped out, leaving Lillian alone with her thoughts once more.

She took a sip of the coffee, the bitterness sharp on her tongue. The council meeting wasn’t just about pack business—it was about her. About the rumors swirling through the pack, about Donovan’s sudden reappearance, and about the fragile alliance between Sebastian’s pack and the neighboring territories.

A shadow crossed her face. She had spent months building her life here, proving herself as more than just a runaway werewolf. But now, everything felt precarious, as if one wrong move could send it all crumbling down.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A message from Beatrice:

"Heard about the meeting. Stay strong. You’ve got this."

Lillian exhaled, her grip tightening around the phone. Beatrice always knew when she needed reassurance.

Setting the cup down, she strode toward the wardrobe. If she was going to face the council, she’d do it with her head held high.

She pulled out a tailored navy-blue dress—one she had bought specifically for occasions like this. Sophisticated, commanding, but undeniably her.

As she dressed, her mind raced with possibilities. What would Donovan say? What would the council demand? And most importantly—what would Sebastian do?

The thought of him sent a shiver down her spine. He had been her anchor in the storm, but even anchors could be tested.

She fastened the last button and glanced at the mirror. The woman staring back was different from the scared girl who had fled her old pack. Stronger. Wiser.

But was she strong enough for what was coming?

A knock sounded again, this time sharper.

"Lillian?" Sebastian’s deep voice resonated through the door.

She took a steadying breath.

"Coming."

The game was about to begin.

My hand hovered in the air for a second before I finally knocked. This was absurd—I shouldn’t be this tense. But Lillian’s words kept echoing in my mind. Why would I want this for my own daughter? It was painfully clear Donovan wasn’t serious about his bond with her, so why was I even entertaining this farce?

I was Sebastian Blackwood, the Lycan Chairman and one of the most feared Alphas in the territory. If I wanted something, it was mine without question. But the thought of losing Victoria over this made my chest tighten in a way I couldn’t ignore.

I rapped my knuckles against the door again, firmer this time. A few heartbeats later, the door creaked open, revealing Victoria. Her eyes were swollen, her face pale—she’d been crying. The sight twisted something inside me. This is Donovan’s fault. He was the one hurting her, and I’d make sure he regretted it.

"We need to talk," I said before I could second-guess myself.

She exhaled sharply but stepped aside, letting me into her dimly lit room. Clothes were strewn across the floor, dishes piled on the desk—she hadn’t bothered cleaning in days.

"I’m exhausted," she muttered, sinking onto her bed. "Make it quick."

I shut the door behind me and crossed my arms. "It’s about Donovan."

Her entire body stiffened. She lifted her gaze, eyes sharp. "What about him?"

I dragged a hand through my hair. "Are you sure this is what you want, Victoria? He’s making you miserable—"

"He doesn’t make me miserable," she snapped, jumping to her feet. "He’s the only one who makes me happy."

I arched a brow. "Then why are you hiding in your room like a prisoner?"

She rolled her eyes. "I’m just dealing with something. It has nothing to do with him."

Liar. I could see right through her.

"Victoria, whatever it is, you can tell me. I’m your father—"

"Oh, now you want to play the caring dad?" she spat, catching me off guard. "You were never there for me or Oliver. The only reason you’re around now is because you’re obsessed with his tutor. But guess what? I’m an adult now. I don’t need you interfering in my life. I wanted you when I was younger, but you were always too busy. Do you have any idea what it’s like living in your shadow? It’s exhausting."

Her words hit like a blade to the chest.

And for the first time, I had no rebuttal.

Her words struck me like a physical blow, leaving me speechless. I hadn’t realized the depth of her resentment—hadn’t even considered that she might direct it all at me. But there it was, raw and unfiltered, burning in her gaze.

"You’ve never been a real father to me," she choked out, tears spilling down her cheeks. "And now you want to rip away the only happiness I’ve ever had? Do you want me to break completely? Because I swear, if you push me any further, I’ll—"

"Victoria!" I snapped, my voice sharp with warning. "Don’t you dare finish that sentence. You know I don’t want to take anything from you. I’m only trying to protect you. I want what’s best—"

"Donovan is what’s best," she shot back, angrily swiping at her tears. "He’s all I’ve ever wanted, and I won’t let you—or anyone—ruin this for me. He’s mine, and I won’t let you tear us apart!"

The conviction in her voice was absolute, her defiance unwavering. For a long moment, I could only stare at her, the weight of her words pressing down on me. There was nothing left to say.

So I simply nodded.