Chapter 170

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the Blackwood estate as Lillian stirred beneath silk sheets. Her body ached pleasantly from last night's passionate encounter with Sebastian. The memory sent heat rushing to her cheeks.

"Morning, little wolf." Sebastian's deep voice rumbled against her ear as his arms tightened around her waist.

Lillian turned to face him, her breath catching at the sight of his tousled dark hair and sleep-heavy eyes. "Someone's awake early," she teased, tracing the hard planes of his chest.

Before Sebastian could respond, frantic knocking shattered the moment. "Alpha! Urgent message from Marcus!" Theodore's voice carried through the heavy oak door.

Sebastian growled low in his throat but disentangled himself from Lillian. "This had better be life or death," he muttered, pulling on a robe.

Lillian watched him stride to the door, admiring the way his muscles moved beneath the thin fabric. The moment the door cracked open, Marcus's panicked voice filled the room.

"Donovan's back. He's at the gates with Evelyn and... he's demanding to see Lillian."

Ice flooded Lillian's veins. She hadn't seen her former mate since the disastrous rejection ceremony. The sheets tangled around her legs as she scrambled upright.

Sebastian's entire body tensed. "How dare he show his face here after what he did?" His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Tell the guards to—"

"No." Lillian stood, wrapping a robe around her trembling frame. "I'll see him. This ends today."

Sebastian's golden eyes burned with protective fury. "Not alone."

Downstairs in the grand foyer, Donovan stood flanked by Evelyn and several unfamiliar warriors. The sight of him—his once-familiar features now twisted with bitterness—made Lillian's stomach churn.

"Lillian." Donovan's voice held none of its former warmth. "You look... different."

Sebastian's hand found the small of Lillian's back, his touch grounding her. "State your business quickly, Donovan. You're not welcome here."

Evelyn sneered, her manicured fingers clutching Donovan's arm possessively. "We came to deliver a message. The Winslow family won't stand for this insult. You stole what belonged to Donovan."

Laughter bubbled up in Lillian's throat, sharp and humorless. "Stole? You mean after he publicly rejected me for you? After you both tried to ruin my life?"

Donovan's jaw tightened. "Things have changed. The alliance between our packs—"

"Is over," Sebastian finished. "Unless you've come to formally apologize to my mate, you can leave."

A tense silence fell. Then Donovan's eyes darkened. "You'll regret this, Lillian. When the war comes—"

"War?" Lillian stepped forward, her wolf rising to the surface. "You don't scare me anymore, Donovan. I'm not the weak girl you rejected. I'm the future Luna of the Blackwood pack."

The declaration hung in the air like a challenge. Evelyn's face twisted with jealousy, but Donovan... Donovan looked at Lillian as if seeing her for the first time.

Before he could respond, Oliver came barreling down the stairs. "Papa! The bad man is here again!" The child positioned himself defiantly in front of Lillian, tiny fists clenched.

Sebastian placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Go back upstairs with Theodore, Oliver. The adults are talking."

As Oliver reluctantly retreated, Donovan's gaze followed him with unsettling intensity. "Interesting... very interesting." He turned abruptly. "We're done here. But this isn't over, Lillian. Not by a long shot."

As Donovan and his entourage disappeared through the grand doors, Lillian exhaled shakily. Sebastian pulled her close. "You were magnificent," he murmured against her hair.

But Lillian couldn't shake the ominous feeling settling in her bones. Donovan's final words hadn't been an empty threat—they'd been a promise.

And the way he'd looked at Oliver... that had been something far more dangerous than anger.

"She's truly a miracle worker," Marcus said with a proud smile.

I arched a brow at him before shifting my gaze to the doctor.

"I don't believe we've met," I told her, my voice steadier now as I took another long sip of water.

A faint blush tinted her cheeks as she offered a small, warm smile.

"I'm Doctor Amelia Langford. But you can call me Amy, since I know you're close to Marcus and the Alpha."

I shot Marcus a questioning look.

"She knows you're working for Sebastian," he admitted. "And that you're moving into his estate."

"And why does she know that?" I asked, though I already suspected the answer.

"Because Amy is my mate," he explained.

I studied her—she looked young, perhaps late twenties, with intelligent eyes and an air of quiet confidence.

"She's also the best physician in the country," Marcus continued, pride lacing his words. "Head of the medical center and frequently travels for research. She just returned after being away for two weeks."

"I'll be staying for a while," she assured him. "No immediate trips unless there's an emergency, which isn't likely."

I smiled at their easy affection. They were sweet together. Maybe she could be a friend—God knew I needed more of those, especially now that I'd be living in the Silver Crescent pack.

Beatrice was going to lose it when I told her. Not that I planned to hide it—she was my best friend, and she deserved to know what was happening in my life. Besides, keeping my living arrangement with Sebastian Blackwood a secret was impossible. She’d find out eventually, and I’d rather she heard it from me.

"You're free to leave whenever you're ready," Amy said kindly. "Marcus will take you to your new home."

My new home.

The thought sent an odd flutter through my chest. I nodded and glanced at Marcus.

"Your belongings have already been moved, including what was in storage," he explained.

My surprise must have been obvious because he chuckled.

"Alpha Sebastian is thorough," he said. "Shall we go?"

"Alright," I agreed.

After a few more minutes of hydrating and Amy removing the IV and heart monitor, I was ready. They insisted on wheeling me out in a chair, though I could walk just fine. My legs felt slightly unsteady, but I knew the weakness would pass soon.

As I settled into the back seat of the car, Amy leaned in before Marcus shut the door.

"I hope we can meet again soon, Lillian. It was lovely getting to know you."

I smiled. "You too."

She closed the door, then pressed a quick kiss to Marcus’s lips. After their murmured goodbyes, he slid into the driver’s seat, and we pulled away from the hospital.

Sebastian’s POV

"She's on her way to the estate now," Marcus mindlinked me as I sat in my office.

I glanced at the clock—just past noon.

"I'll be there shortly," I replied, severing the connection.

I tried to finish my paperwork quickly, but a new email notification chimed. Opening it, I frowned at the sender’s name.

Damien Laurent.

A renowned film director. We’d been in talks for months about shooting a movie in my territory. The contract had been signed weeks ago, but I hadn’t heard from him since.

Until now.

Alpha Blackwood,

Apologies for the short notice, but one of our lead actresses has an urgent conflict and can no longer commit to the original schedule. To accommodate her, we’ve moved filming up—we’ll arrive next week. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reply. Otherwise, we look forward to meeting you soon.

Best,

Damien Laurent

I exhaled sharply.

Next week.

Perfect timing—just as Lillian was settling in.

This was going to be interesting.