Chapter 158

The crisp morning air carried the scent of pine as Lillian stretched beneath the golden sunlight filtering through the trees. Her wolf stirred restlessly beneath her skin, sensing the tension in the air. Today was the day everything would change.

"Lillian!" Beatrice's voice cut through the forest stillness as she jogged up the path, her chestnut curls bouncing. "You're not seriously considering going through with this, are you?"

Lillian turned, her amber eyes flashing with determination. "I have to, Bea. Donovan's made his choice clear with Evelyn. And Sebastian..." Her voice caught on the Lycan chairman's name. "He deserves better than a broken mate bond."

Beatrice grabbed her wrist, her grip surprisingly strong. "Listen to me. That bastard Donovan doesn't get to dictate your life anymore. And Sebastian Blackwood? He's been waiting for you since the moment you walked into his office."

A twig snapped nearby. Both girls whirled to see Oliver peeking from behind an oak tree, his small face scrunched in concern. "Dad's looking for you," the seven-year-old whispered. "He's got that scary quiet voice."

Lillian's heart clenched. She'd been avoiding Sebastian since the disastrous confrontation with Donovan at the pack borders. The memory of his silver eyes darkening with hurt when she'd pushed him away still haunted her.

The forest suddenly went silent - no birdsong, no rustling leaves. Then came the unmistakable sound of heavy footsteps crushing fallen branches.

Sebastian emerged from the tree line, his broad shoulders blocking the sunlight. His usual impeccable suit was replaced by combat gear, the black fabric stretching across his muscular frame. "Lillian," he said, his deep voice vibrating through her bones. "We need to talk."

Beatrice squeezed her hand before stepping back. "I'll take Oliver for ice cream," she murmured, steering the curious boy away.

Sebastian closed the distance in three strides, his scent of sandalwood and winter enveloping her. "You've been avoiding me for five days," he stated, his jaw tight. "Is this about what happened with Donovan?"

Lillian swallowed hard. "It's about what didn't happen, Sebastian. I'm still tied to him through this stupid mate bond, and you—"

"I don't care about the bond," he growled, cupping her face. His thumb brushed her cheekbone, sending shivers down her spine. "I only care about you. Let me help you break it."

A sudden howl pierced the air, followed by several answering calls. Sebastian's head snapped up, his body tensing. "That's Marcus," he said grimly. "The Darkmoon pack is at our borders."

Lillian's wolf surged forward, her claws extending. "Donovan," she breathed.

Sebastian's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression turning thunderous. "Victoria's missing." His silver eyes met hers, blazing with barely contained fury. "And your mother just arrived at the Winslow estate."

The ground seemed to shift beneath Lillian's feet. Her mother, Vivienne, at Donovan's family home? While his sister Arabella was supposedly visiting friends overseas? The pieces clicked together with terrifying clarity.

"This isn't a coincidence," Lillian whispered. "They're planning something."

Sebastian's phone buzzed again. This time, when he looked at the message, his face went pale. "The Council just issued a warrant for your arrest," he said hoarsely. "They're claiming you conspired with Alpha Maximilian to kidnap Victoria."

Lillian staggered back. "That's impossible! I haven't even seen Victoria since—"

The distant sound of engines cut her off. Sebastian grabbed her hand. "We need to move. Now." His grip was iron, but his voice softened as he added, "Trust me, little wolf."

As they sprinted toward the pack garages, Lillian realized with startling clarity that she did trust him - completely. Whatever storm was coming, they'd face it together. Even if it meant going to war with the entire Lycan Council.

The morning sun cast golden rays through the sheer curtains of Lillian's bedroom, stirring her awake. She stretched lazily, her muscles still sore from yesterday's intense training session with Professor Montclair. The scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted up from the kitchen, signaling that Giselle had already begun her morning duties.

Lillian's phone buzzed on the nightstand. A message from Beatrice lit up the screen: "Meet me at the café in 20. Big news!"

Curious, Lillian dressed quickly, opting for a simple sweater and jeans before heading downstairs. The mansion was unusually quiet, save for the faint clinking of dishes in the dining room. Sebastian must have left early for another meeting with Alpha Maximilian.

The crisp autumn air greeted her as she stepped outside, the fallen leaves crunching beneath her boots. The campus café was bustling as usual, but Beatrice had secured their usual corner table, her expression alight with excitement.

"You look like you're about to burst," Lillian remarked, sliding into the seat opposite her.

Beatrice leaned forward, lowering her voice. "You won't believe what happened last night."

Lillian raised an eyebrow. "Try me."

"Tristan Whitlock—the guy from Darkmoon Pack—asked me out."

Lillian nearly choked on her coffee. "The same Tristan who nearly broke your ribs during combat training?"

Beatrice grinned. "Turns out he was just trying to impress me. He apologized and said he wanted to make it up to me over dinner."

Lillian studied her friend's flushed cheeks. "And you said yes?"

"Obviously." Beatrice twirled a strand of hair around her finger. "But that's not even the craziest part."

Before she could continue, the café door swung open, and Donovan strode in, his arm draped possessively around Evelyn's shoulders. The sight sent a sharp pang through Lillian's chest, though she refused to let it show.

Donovan's gaze locked onto hers, a smirk playing on his lips. "Fancy seeing you here, Lillian."

Evelyn's grip on him tightened, her eyes narrowing. "Don't bother, Donovan. She's not worth your time."

Lillian forced a smile. "Good to see you too, Evelyn. Still clinging to someone else's leftovers, I see."

Evelyn's face darkened, but Donovan merely chuckled. "Still as feisty as ever. Too bad you couldn't keep what was yours."

Beatrice bristled beside her, but Lillian placed a calming hand on her arm. "Let's go. The air suddenly got toxic."

As they stood to leave, Donovan called after her, "Running away again, Lillian? Some things never change."

Lillian paused at the door, turning just enough to meet his gaze. "Neither do second-rate alphas, apparently."

Outside, Beatrice exhaled sharply. "I hate him."

Lillian shrugged, though her fingers curled into fists at her sides. "He's not worth the energy."

Beatrice hesitated before blurting, "That wasn't even the news I wanted to tell you."

Lillian frowned. "What is it?"

"Sebastian is hosting a gala next week. And guess who's invited?"

Lillian's pulse quickened. "Us?"

Beatrice nodded. "Officially, it's for some business alliance, but rumor has it he's planning to announce something... personal."

Lillian's breath caught. "You don't think—"

"I don't know," Beatrice admitted. "But if he's finally making a move, you better be ready."

A slow smile spread across Lillian's face. "Oh, I've been ready."

The wind picked up, scattering leaves across the pavement. Somewhere in the distance, a howl echoed—a reminder that the game was far from over.

And this time, Lillian wasn't playing to lose.

The evening air was thick with tension as Lillian stood in the grand hall of the Blackwood estate. The chandeliers cast a golden glow over the gathered guests, their murmurs a low hum beneath the orchestral music. She adjusted the strap of her emerald-green gown, her fingers trembling slightly.

Sebastian Blackwood, the formidable Lycan chairman, stood at the center of the room, his presence commanding attention. His dark eyes flickered toward her, and for a moment, the world seemed to still. Lillian swallowed hard, her pulse quickening.

"Are you alright?" Beatrice whispered beside her, nudging her elbow.

Lillian forced a smile. "Just nerves."

Beatrice smirked. "You? Nervous? That’s new."

Before Lillian could retort, a sharp laugh cut through the air. Evelyn, Donovan’s new mate, sauntered toward them, her crimson dress clinging to her curves. "Well, well. If it isn’t the little runaway," she purred, her gaze raking over Lillian with disdain.

Lillian’s jaw tightened. "Evelyn. How… unexpected to see you here."

Evelyn’s lips curled. "Oh, darling, I go where Donovan goes. And tonight, he has business with your dear Sebastian."

A chill ran down Lillian’s spine. Business?

Before she could ask, Victoria—Sebastian’s daughter—appeared, her arm linked with Donovan’s. The sight made Lillian’s stomach twist. Victoria’s engagement to Donovan had been a political move, but seeing them together still stung.

"Lillian," Donovan greeted coolly, his eyes unreadable. "You look… well."

She clenched her fists. "Donovan."

Sebastian stepped forward, his voice smooth but edged with warning. "If you’ll excuse us, we have matters to discuss." He gestured toward the private study.

Donovan smirked. "Of course."

As the two men disappeared into the study, Lillian exhaled sharply. Something was off. Donovan wouldn’t show up unannounced unless he had an agenda.

Beatrice squeezed her hand. "You okay?"

Lillian shook her head. "No. And I think we’re about to find out why."

Just then, the doors burst open, and Marcus Grayson, Sebastian’s beta, rushed in, his face grim. "Lillian," he said urgently. "You need to come with me. Now."

Her heart pounded. "What’s wrong?"

Marcus hesitated, then lowered his voice. "It’s Oliver. He’s missing."

Lillian’s blood ran cold. Sebastian’s son.

Without another word, she followed Marcus, her mind racing. One thing was certain—Donovan’s arrival was no coincidence.

And whatever game he was playing, she wouldn’t let him win.

Sebastian's voice was sharp through the mindlink. "What do you mean you found the culprit?" His gaze flickered to Oliver, who sat lost in thought. Had his son lied to him? Oliver had never deceived him before... or had he?

"It was a maid," Marcus responded. "She was caught with the peanut butter in her quarters—the same one who fetched you after Oliver's allergic reaction. She confessed she wanted compensation for helping save him."

"Compensation?" Sebastian's growl reverberated through the link. "I want her exiled from the pack and stripped of her rank immediately."

"Understood, Alpha," Marcus agreed. "Would you like to confront her before her banishment?"

Sebastian considered it briefly before exhaling sharply. "No," he muttered. "Just get rid of her."

"As you command." The connection severed, and Sebastian turned back to Oliver, his eyes narrowed.

"Why did you lie to me?"

Oliver lifted his gaze, lips pressing into a frown. "I didn’t lie..." His voice wavered unconvincingly.

"Yes, you did," Sebastian countered, arms crossing over his chest. "Because it wasn’t you who put the peanut butter in that sandwich—it was a maid."

Oliver’s eyes widened in shock. "What? Why would a maid want to hurt me?"

"That’s not your concern," Sebastian said firmly. "Just know it won’t happen again. She’s being exiled, and every other servant will be investigated."

Oliver fidgeted with his fingers, processing his father’s words.

"You shouldn’t have lied, Oliver," Sebastian murmured, disappointment lacing his tone.

"I’m sorry, Dad..." Oliver’s voice cracked, tears welling in his eyes. "I just couldn’t let Lillian take the blame."

Sebastian fell silent, absorbing his son’s words. "So even if it had truly been Lillian’s mistake, you would’ve covered for her?"

Without hesitation, Oliver nodded. "Yes. She’s family now, right? Family protects each other."

Sebastian’s chest tightened. Oliver was right. Lillian had become family. She was always there, and yet he’d dismissed her without a second thought. He’d accused her blindly, and now regret gnawed at him.

He just hoped it wasn’t too late to make things right.

Meanwhile, neither Sebastian nor Victoria had any inkling of Donovan’s scheming. He’d thought having Lillian under his roof would give him the perfect opportunity to manipulate her, but his family’s constant surveillance made it impossible.

He knew Lillian would never harm Oliver—she adored the boy too much. Whoever had done this was twisted, targeting a seven-year-old. But Donovan had a plan. He bribed a maid, promising her a lifetime of luxury if she took the fall. The moment she saw the money, greed lit up her eyes.

An hour later, she was exiled, and Donovan discreetly transferred the funds into her account. He always kept his word—though he knew she wouldn’t live long enough to enjoy it. The money would return to him soon enough.

Now, he just needed to ensure Lillian got her position back. At least then, he’d have daily access to her—and more chances to lure her to his side.

Lillian’s POV

"You look dead on your feet," Beatrice remarked as she joined me in the student quad. I stared down at my failed exam and sighed. Between the Blackwoods’ demands and my studies, I hadn’t slept in days.

"Is living with the Blackwoods that terrible?"

I shot her a weary look. "Worse than terrible."

"I’m so sorry, Lillian," Beatrice murmured, resting her head on my shoulder. "I’ve been searching for a place for you, but no one has vacancies."

"It’s fine," I said softly. "I appreciate you trying."

"It’s not fair," Beatrice huffed, crossing her arms. "You have a life too—classes, exams. What does your mother think about all this?"

I swallowed hard. If only she knew the truth.