Chapter 16

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the lavish bedroom, rousing Lillian from her restless sleep. She blinked against the light, her mind still tangled in the remnants of a dream—one where Donovan’s cold laughter echoed in her ears.

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Miss Lillian?" Harper’s gentle voice filtered through. "Breakfast is ready. Mr. Blackwood is waiting."

Lillian groaned, rubbing her temples. The events of last night still weighed heavily on her—Sebastian’s unexpected protectiveness, the way his fingers had lingered against her wrist when he pulled her away from Donovan.

She dressed quickly, opting for a simple blouse and jeans, then made her way downstairs.

The dining room was bathed in sunlight, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filling the air. Sebastian sat at the head of the table, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, his sharp gaze flicking up as she entered.

"You’re late," he remarked, though there was no real irritation in his tone.

Lillian resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "I didn’t realize I had a curfew."

A smirk tugged at his lips. "You don’t. But punctuality is a virtue."

She took her seat beside Oliver, who grinned at her around a mouthful of pancakes. "Morning, Lillian!"

"Morning, kiddo," she replied, ruffling his hair.

Sebastian’s phone buzzed, and his expression darkened as he read the message. "We have a problem."

Lillian tensed. "What is it?"

"Donovan’s pack is making moves against us," he said, setting the phone down. "He’s rallying allies, spreading rumors."

Her stomach twisted. "Because of me."

Sebastian’s gaze locked onto hers, intense and unreadable. "Because he’s a fool who doesn’t know when to let go."

Oliver frowned. "Is Uncle Donovan being mean again?"

Lillian forced a smile. "It’s grown-up stuff, sweetheart. Don’t worry about it."

But Sebastian wasn’t finished. "We need to act first. I won’t let him threaten what’s mine."

The possessiveness in his voice sent a shiver down her spine.

Before she could respond, Marcus entered, his expression grim. "Alpha, we’ve got company. The Winslows are here."

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. "Of course they are."

Lillian’s pulse spiked. The Winslows—Donovan’s family.

Sebastian stood, his presence commanding. "Stay here," he ordered, though his eyes softened slightly when they met hers. "I’ll handle this."

But as he strode out, Lillian knew one thing for certain—this wasn’t just his fight anymore.

It was hers too.

My breath hitched as Donovan stood before me, his arm linked with Victoria's. My wolf recoiled instantly, retreating to the deepest corners of my mind, shutting me out completely.

"Donovan?" Victoria repeated, her fingers brushing his sleeve. He was too busy glaring at me with those stormy eyes to notice. But the moment she touched him, he blinked, as if snapping back to reality. His gaze flickered to her, softening at the concern etched on her face.

"Do you know her?" she asked again.

His jaw tightened before he forced a dismissive shake of his head. "No. Must’ve been mistaken." His voice was cold, detached. "Never seen her before."

The words sliced through me like a blade. Two years together—and now, we were nothing but strangers?

Victoria still looked uncertain, her blue eyes flickering between us. I was too numb to speak, my heart bleeding as Donovan pulled her closer, murmuring something reassuring.

"Donovan was probably just surprised I brought a woman home," Sebastian interjected smoothly, his deep voice cutting through the tension.

The sound snapped me back to the present. I tore my gaze from Donovan and looked up at Sebastian. His expression was calm, but his eyes—sharp, assessing—locked onto Donovan like a silent warning.

Understanding dawned in Victoria’s eyes, and she turned to me with unexpected warmth. "Father never brings anyone here," she admitted with a light laugh. "You must be special. I’m sorry for the awkward introduction. I’m Victoria Blackwood, and this is my fiancé, Donovan Winslow."

I forced a smile, refusing to let my pain show. None of this was her fault. She seemed kind—genuine. The least I could do was play along, especially since I’d be tutoring Oliver here.

"Nice to meet you," I said carefully. "I’m Lillian Dumont."

"Dumont?" Her brows knitted together. "That name sounds familiar. Where have I heard it?"

"My father is Reginald Dumont," I answered. "The Delta of the Silvercrest Pack."

Recognition flashed in her eyes, followed by sympathy. "Oh… I heard about what happened with his company. I’m so sorry."

I nodded stiffly. The last thing I wanted was to discuss my family’s downfall with the woman my mate had chosen over me.

Victoria, perceptive, cleared her throat and turned to Sebastian with playful accusation. "Father, where did you find this stunning woman? You never told me you were seeing someone!"

Sebastian’s jaw twitched. "I’m not seeing Miss Dumont," he corrected sharply. "She’s Oliver’s new tutor."

Victoria’s eyes widened.

"Another tutor?" Victoria arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. "What number is that? Forty?"

"Forty-nine," Sebastian murmured, his deep voice carrying an edge of finality. "But this one is different. Oliver seems to have taken a liking to Lillian. I'm hoping she'll stay."

"A tutor, huh?" Donovan's gaze locked onto mine, something unsettling flickering in his dark eyes. He looked almost... relieved. Excited, even. As if the revelation that I wasn't here as Sebastian's lover but merely as Oliver's tutor had sparked something in him.

Sebastian cleared his throat, his expression darkening as he leveled Donovan with a glare that could freeze fire.

"You should start considering your wedding date," Sebastian said, his voice dangerously smooth. "Make sure neither of you has any... lingering attachments. Devotion is key in a mating bond, after all."

Donovan paled, his fingers twitching at his sides. The unspoken threat hung heavy in the air—Sebastian knew. He knew about my past with Donovan, about the bond that had once tied us together. And this was his warning.

Victoria, oblivious to the tension, merely giggled and looped her arm through Donovan's, pressing herself against him. "Oh, we are devoted," she purred, flashing me a triumphant smile. "Donovan is the best mate I've ever had."

She pulled away just enough to reach into the neckline of her dress, withdrawing a stunning golden necklace—a delicate V pendant encrusted with tiny diamonds. My breath caught.

It was the same necklace I had admired in the boutique window last year. The one I had begged Donovan for, only for him to dismiss it with a laugh and buy me something cheaper instead.

And now, it hung around her neck.

Victoria beamed, twirling the pendant between her fingers. "Did I show you what he got me?"

The words were a knife to the chest.

And Donovan?

He couldn't even meet my eyes.