Chapter 160

The crisp morning air carried the faint 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 cool against her skin.

Last night’s events replayed in her mind—Donovan’s sudden reappearance, the venom in his words, the way Evelyn had clung to his arm like a trophy. A bitter taste lingered in Lillian’s mouth. She had thought she was over him, but seeing him again had stirred emotions she’d buried deep.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Lillian?" Beatrice’s voice was muffled through the door. "Are you awake?"

Lillian sighed, rubbing her temples. "Come in."

The door creaked open, revealing Beatrice in her usual oversized sweater and leggings, her dark curls piled messily atop her head. She held two steaming mugs, the rich aroma of coffee filling the room.

"You look like you didn’t sleep at all," Beatrice observed, handing her a mug.

Lillian accepted it gratefully, the warmth seeping into her fingers. "I didn’t."

Beatrice perched on the edge of the bed, studying her. "Donovan?"

Lillian nodded, taking a slow sip. The coffee was strong, just how she liked it. "He showed up at the gala last night. With Evelyn."

Beatrice’s nose wrinkled. "Ugh. That woman is insufferable."

Lillian smirked. "Tell me about it."

Silence settled between them, comfortable yet heavy. Beatrice finally broke it. "Sebastian didn’t seem too happy about it either."

Lillian’s grip on the mug tightened. Sebastian had been… intense. The way his jaw had clenched when Donovan approached, the possessive grip on her waist—it had sent shivers down her spine.

"I don’t know what’s going on with him," Lillian admitted. "One minute he’s distant, the next he’s acting like—"

"Like he owns you?" Beatrice supplied, raising a brow.

Lillian shot her a glare. "I was going to say protective."

Beatrice snorted. "Same difference with that man."

Lillian opened her mouth to argue when another knock sounded—this one sharper, more authoritative.

"Enter," she called.

The door swung open, revealing Sebastian himself, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, his dark hair slightly tousled as if he’d been running his hands through it. His golden eyes locked onto hers, unreadable.

"Lillian," he said, voice low. "We need to talk."

Beatrice stood, shooting Lillian a knowing look. "I’ll leave you to it."

As the door clicked shut behind her, Lillian squared her shoulders. Whatever this was about, she was ready.

Or so she thought.

Sebastian stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "Donovan is planning something," he said without preamble. "And I won’t let him hurt you again."

Lillian’s breath hitched. There was something dangerous in his tone, something that made her pulse race.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

Sebastian’s lips curled into a smirk, but there was no humor in it. "Let’s just say… he won’t be a problem for much longer."

The promise in his words sent a thrill down her spine.

And just like that, the game had changed.

The morning sun cast golden rays through the curtains, painting delicate patterns across the silk sheets. Lillian stretched lazily, her muscles still humming with the remnants of last night’s passion. Beside her, Sebastian lay sprawled, his chiseled torso exposed, the sheets barely covering his hips.

A soft knock at the door interrupted the quiet.

"Alpha Blackwood, your presence is required in the council chamber," Marcus Grayson’s voice filtered through the wood.

Sebastian groaned, rubbing his face. "Tell them I’ll be there in ten."

Lillian propped herself up on one elbow, her dark curls tumbling over her shoulder. "Trouble?"

"Always," he muttered, pressing a quick kiss to her lips before rolling out of bed.

She watched him dress with practiced ease, the muscles in his back flexing as he pulled on his shirt. Even now, after everything, the sight of him still made her pulse quicken.

"You should come with me," he said suddenly, buttoning his cuffs.

Lillian blinked. "To the council meeting?"

Sebastian smirked. "You’re my mate. They need to get used to seeing you there."

Her stomach fluttered. The idea of standing beside him in front of the pack elders was both thrilling and terrifying.

Before she could respond, another knock sounded—this time more urgent.

"Alpha, it’s about the Darkmoon pack," Marcus called.

Sebastian’s expression darkened. "Damn it." He strode to the door, yanking it open. "What now?"

Marcus hesitated, his gaze flicking to Lillian before lowering his voice. "Alpha Maximilian has challenged the treaty. He’s demanding a renegotiation—with conditions."

Lillian sat up straighter, her instincts prickling.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. "Tell them I’m coming."

As Marcus retreated, Sebastian turned back to her. "Get dressed. We’re leaving in five."

Lillian didn’t argue. Something in his tone told her this wasn’t just politics—it was personal.

And when it came to Alpha Maximilian Voss, nothing was ever simple.

The council chamber was already packed when they arrived. Elders murmured in hushed tones, their expressions grim. At the head of the table, Alpha Maximilian lounged with deceptive ease, his icy blue eyes glinting with amusement.

"Ah, Sebastian," he drawled. "So nice of you to finally join us."

Sebastian ignored the jab, taking his seat. Lillian stood beside him, acutely aware of the stares boring into her.

Maximilian’s gaze slid to her, lingering. "And you brought your little mate. How… quaint."

Sebastian’s knuckles whitened on the armrests. "State your business, Voss."

Maximilian smirked. "Very well. I propose a new alliance—one that benefits us both." He leaned forward. "But it comes with a price."

Lillian’s breath hitched. She didn’t like the way he was looking at her.

Sebastian’s voice was dangerously calm. "What price?"

Maximilian’s smile widened. "A challenge. Your best warrior against mine. If I win, I get territory. If you win…" His gaze flicked to Lillian again. "Well, let’s just say I’ll reconsider my stance."

The room erupted in protests.

Lillian’s heart pounded. This wasn’t just about land—it was a power play. And she was the pawn.

Sebastian stood abruptly, his chair scraping back. "You’ll have your challenge. But if your warrior so much as breathes wrong near my mate, I’ll tear your pack apart."

Maximilian merely chuckled. "I’d expect nothing less."

As the meeting dissolved into chaos, Lillian gripped Sebastian’s arm. "What are you thinking?"

His eyes burned with fury. "I’m thinking I should’ve killed him years ago."

And just like that, the fragile peace shattered.

The morning sun cast golden streaks through the towering windows of Sebastian Blackwood’s mansion, illuminating the grand foyer where Lillian stood, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her sweater. The air was thick with tension, the kind that made her pulse race and her wolf stir restlessly beneath her skin.

Donovan’s sudden reappearance had thrown everything into chaos.

She could still hear his voice, smooth as poisoned honey, whispering promises she no longer wanted to hear. "You’ll always be mine, Lillian. No matter what."

A shiver ran down her spine.

"Lillian?"

Sebastian’s deep voice cut through her spiraling thoughts, grounding her. She turned to find him standing in the doorway of his study, his piercing blue eyes locked onto hers. The intensity of his gaze sent warmth flooding through her, a stark contrast to the cold dread Donovan had left in his wake.

"Come here," he murmured, extending a hand.

She didn’t hesitate.

The moment her fingers touched his, the world seemed to steady. His grip was firm, reassuring—an anchor in the storm.

"We need to talk about Donovan," Sebastian said, his voice low.

Lillian swallowed hard. "I know."

Sebastian led her into the study, where the scent of aged leather and cedar enveloped her. He didn’t release her hand as they settled onto the plush sofa, his thumb tracing slow circles over her knuckles.

"He won’t stop," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "He’s obsessed."

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, a flicker of something dark crossing his features. "He won’t lay a hand on you again. I’ll make sure of it."

The conviction in his voice sent a thrill through her, but beneath it, fear lingered. Donovan wasn’t just any rogue—he was cunning, ruthless, and he had allies.

"What if he—"

Sebastian cut her off with a sharp shake of his head. "No what-ifs. We handle this together."

Lillian exhaled slowly, leaning into his side. For the first time since Donovan had reappeared, she felt a flicker of hope.

Then the door burst open.

Marcus Grayson, Sebastian’s beta, strode in, his expression grim. "Alpha, we have a problem."

Sebastian’s grip on Lillian tightened. "What is it?"

Marcus hesitated, his gaze flicking to Lillian before returning to his Alpha. "Donovan’s been spotted near the eastern border. He’s not alone."

Lillian’s blood ran cold.

Sebastian stood abruptly, his entire demeanor shifting into that of a predator ready to strike. "Gather the warriors. Now."

As Marcus hurried out, Sebastian turned back to Lillian, cupping her face in his hands. "Stay here. Lock the doors. Don’t let anyone in unless it’s me or Marcus."

She nodded, her heart hammering.

Sebastian pressed a fierce kiss to her forehead before striding out, leaving her standing in the middle of the study, the weight of his absence already pressing down on her.

Outside, the wind howled like a warning.

Donovan was coming.

And this time, he wasn’t leaving without a fight.

"Every single maid was thoroughly questioned, sir," one of my gammas reported, standing stiffly before my desk. "None of them had any knowledge about the incident. They were all shocked that she would do such a thing. But none are willing to defend her—they fear exile."

I gave a curt nod, drumming my fingers against the polished wood.

"And the maid responsible—she's gone?"

"Yes, Alpha. As per your orders. We escorted her off pack territory hours ago."

"Good," I said, reclining in my chair. "I've already sent word to the other Alphas, informing them of her crimes. She won’t find refuge in any pack."

"Understood, Alpha," the gamma replied. "Is there anything else you require?"

Before I could respond, the door swung open, and Marcus strode in. He halted mid-step when he noticed the gamma still present.

"That will be all," I dismissed the gamma with a wave. "You're free to go."

The gamma bowed slightly before exiting, casting a wary glance at Marcus as he passed. Marcus shut the door firmly behind him and turned to face me, his expression unreadable.

"Any updates?" he asked.

"Nothing useful," I muttered. "The maids know nothing. And the one who did this is long gone—banned from every pack."

"Perfect," Marcus said, a smirk curling his lips. "She’ll be lucky if she survives the night."

"If we’re fortunate," I agreed darkly. Then, shifting the subject, I asked, "Did you speak with Lillian?"

Marcus stiffened, his smirk vanishing. His gaze dropped to the floor, his fingers flexing at his sides. The unease radiating off him set my instincts on edge.

"Marcus," I said slowly, my voice low and deliberate. "Answer me. Did you speak to her or not?"

He finally lifted his eyes to meet mine, exhaling sharply before nodding.

"Yes. I spoke with her."

A breath I hadn’t realized I was holding escaped me. I leaned back, crossing my arms.

"And? Will she return to the villa? Will she continue tutoring Oliver?"

Marcus hesitated, his jaw tightening.

"I didn’t get the chance to ask. But from the way she sounded... no." His gaze flickered away again.

My blood ran cold before fury ignited in my veins.

"What the hell do you mean, no?" I demanded, my voice dangerously quiet. "Her name has been cleared. Why wouldn’t she come back?"

Marcus swallowed hard, bracing himself before meeting my glare.

"Because she doesn’t trust us anymore, Sebastian. And frankly, I don’t blame her."

Marcus sighed and moved closer to my desk, his expression unreadable.

"Look, she's hurt, and she has every reason to be," Marcus said, his voice low. "She wants you to apologize—face to face. I shouldn’t have been the one to go to her in the first place."

I slumped back in my chair, the weight of his words pressing down on me. He was right. I should never have sent him as my messenger. I was the one who had pushed Lillian out that night—made her feel like an intruder in what should have been her home. I’d invited her in, only to treat her like a threat. I’d ignored her calls, marked her texts as spam, and vanished for days. And then, like a coward, I’d sent Marcus to clean up my mess.

"You're right," I admitted, standing abruptly. "I'll go to her place now and fix this."

Marcus hesitated, his fingers tightening around his phone.

"What aren’t you telling me?" I demanded, irritation flaring.

"She’s not at her house anymore," he said, swiping through his screen before turning it toward me. "I looked into it on my way back. Her mother really did sell the house. It closed last week. They moved out days ago."

"What?!" My voice came out as a growl. So that phone call I’d overheard—it hadn’t been a misunderstanding. Lillian’s mother had actually sold their home, forcing her and her daughter out. Why? Were they in financial trouble? Was this because of me?