Chapter 156

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

Inside, the mansion was already buzzing with activity. The clatter of silverware echoed from the dining room, where Oliver was no doubt piling his plate high with pancakes. The sound of Victoria's laughter drifted down the hallway, mingling with the low murmur of Donovan's voice.

Lillian's fingers curled around the railing. Just weeks ago, she had been a college student struggling to make ends meet. Now, she was the center of a storm she hadn't seen coming—one that involved power, betrayal, and a bond she never asked for.

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

"Lillian?" Beatrice's voice was hesitant. "You okay?"

Lillian turned, forcing a smile. "Yeah. Just needed some air."

Beatrice stepped onto the balcony, her brow furrowed. "You’ve been avoiding everyone since last night."

Lillian exhaled sharply. "It's just... a lot."

The memory of Donovan's cold gaze at dinner still burned. He had barely looked at her, his attention fixed on Evelyn, his new mate. And then there was Sebastian—his presence alone sent her pulse racing, even when he wasn’t in the room.

Beatrice nudged her shoulder. "You know, for someone who’s supposed to be the Lycan Chairman’s fated mate, you’re doing a terrible job at acting happy about it."

Lillian groaned. "It’s not that simple."

"Then explain it to me."

She hesitated. How could she put into words the tangled mess of emotions inside her? The way her wolf stirred whenever Sebastian was near, the way Donovan’s betrayal still ached like an open wound?

Before she could answer, the door swung open again.

Sebastian stood in the doorway, his broad frame filling the space. His dark eyes locked onto hers, unreadable as ever. "We need to talk."

Lillian’s stomach twisted.

Beatrice shot her a knowing look before slipping past Sebastian. "Good luck," she whispered.

The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Lillian alone with the man who had turned her world upside down.

Sebastian crossed the balcony in three strides, stopping just inches from her. His scent—cedar and something distinctly wild—wrapped around her.

"You’ve been avoiding me," he said, his voice low.

Lillian swallowed. "I’ve been busy."

A muscle in his jaw twitched. "Don’t lie to me."

She opened her mouth to protest, but the intensity in his gaze silenced her.

Then, without warning, he reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek. The contact sent a jolt through her, her wolf surging forward in response.

Lillian’s breath hitched.

Sebastian’s lips curved into a smirk. "See? That’s the problem. You can’t even hide from me."

Her pulse pounded in her ears. "What do you want from me?"

His thumb traced her bottom lip, sending heat spiraling through her. "Everything."

And just like that, the world narrowed to the space between them.

But before she could respond, a sharp knock shattered the moment.

"Sir?" Marcus Grayson’s voice was urgent. "We have a situation."

Sebastian’s expression darkened. He stepped back, his hand falling away. "This isn’t over."

Lillian watched him go, her heart racing.

No, she thought. It was only just beginning.

Without sparing me a single glance, Arabella lifted her chin haughtily and strode toward the staircase. We wound through the dim, twisting hallway until we reached the door at the very end. When she shoved it open, the stench hit me like a physical blow—so putrid I nearly retched. The room was pitch-black until she flicked on the light, revealing a space that made my stomach churn. A suspicious puddle glistened in the center of the floor, and the only furnishings were a narrow cot shoved into the corner, a rickety dresser, and a chipped bedside table.

“This is a dungeon,” I muttered under my breath.

Arabella crossed her arms, smirking. “Actually, it’s one of the better maid’s quarters,” she chirped, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “No need to thank me.”

I barely resisted the urge to roll my eyes. At this point, I’d expected nothing less.

“Oh, and one more thing,” she added, narrowing her eyes like a predator sizing up prey. “You’ll be working to earn your keep. Chores must be completed promptly. The other maids will show you the ropes.”

“You expect me to serve you?” I gaped at her, incredulous. Was this how they planned to treat my mother too?

Arabella’s smirk widened. “You’re living here rent-free as a courtesy to your family. If you want your precious mother to continue enjoying her lavish lifestyle at Winslow Manor, then yes—you’ll scrub floors and polish silver like the rest of the staff.” She tilted her head mockingly. “Consider it the least you can do.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I demanded, my pulse spiking.

She scoffed, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “You single-handedly destroyed this family. Donovan was too good for you—I always knew it, and now everyone else sees it too.”

My hands clenched into fists. “He was the one who cheated on me,” I bit out.

Arabella rolled her eyes. “From where I’m standing? He upgraded.” With that, she turned on her heel. “Get comfortable in your new home,” she tossed over her shoulder. “Because starting tomorrow, you belong to the Winslows.”

Sebastian’s POV

“Alpha Blackwood, Oliver is recovering well. He should be cleared to leave tomorrow morning, but I’d like to keep him overnight for one final observation,” Dr. Langford said, flipping through Oliver’s medical charts.

My son had been hospitalized for a week following minor surgery, and though his physical wounds were healing, something was off. He’d been unusually withdrawn since waking up—barely speaking, even to me. Victoria, too, had been conspicuously absent, brushing off my concerns with excuses about wedding preparations.

I made a mental note to confront her later. Something wasn’t right.

“Thank you, Doctor,” I said. Dr. Langford was one of the finest physicians in the country, and I was grateful to have her in my pack. She was also Marcus Grayson’s fated mate, though her frequent travels kept them apart more often than not. When she was here, their sickeningly sweet devotion was almost unbearable to witness.

“Of course,” she replied with a knowing smile.

Returning to Oliver’s room, I found him scrolling listlessly through the tablet I’d brought to entertain him. He glanced up briefly before turning away again. Frustration gnawed at me.

“Alright, that’s it.” I dragged a hand through my hair. “What’s going on with you? Why the silent treatment?”

Oliver’s frown deepened as he met my gaze. “You really don’t know?”