Chapter 173

The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves as Lillian stepped onto the balcony of Sebastian Blackwood’s mansion. The golden hues of twilight painted the sky, casting long shadows across the sprawling estate. She exhaled slowly, her breath forming a faint mist in the cool evening.

Inside, the grand hall buzzed with activity. The pack was preparing for the upcoming alliance meeting with Alpha Maximilian Voss, a rival Lycan chairman whose intentions remained shrouded in mystery. Lillian could hear the low murmurs of warriors discussing strategy, the clinking of silverware as the staff set the banquet table, and the occasional laughter of Oliver, Sebastian’s seven-year-old son, as he darted between the adults.

A familiar presence approached from behind. She didn’t need to turn to know it was Sebastian—his scent, a mix of cedar and something uniquely his, wrapped around her like a comforting embrace.

“You’re thinking too hard,” he murmured, his deep voice laced with amusement.

Lillian smirked. “Someone has to, since you’re too busy being charming.”

Sebastian chuckled, leaning against the railing beside her. His piercing silver eyes gleamed under the fading sunlight. “Charm is a necessary skill when dealing with wolves like Voss. But don’t worry, I’ve got everything under control.”

She arched a brow. “Do you? Because last I checked, he’s the one who sent an assassin after you last month.”

Sebastian’s expression darkened. “And he failed. Miserably.”

Lillian sighed, rubbing her temple. “I just don’t trust him. There’s something off about this sudden alliance proposal.”

Before Sebastian could respond, the doors to the balcony swung open, and Beatrice rushed out, her cheeks flushed. “Lillian! You have to see this.”

Lillian frowned. “What’s wrong?”

Beatrice grabbed her wrist, dragging her inside. “Victoria just arrived—with Donovan.”

Lillian’s stomach twisted. Donovan, her ex-fated mate, had been engaged to Victoria, Sebastian’s daughter, before everything fell apart. His sudden appearance was anything but coincidental.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. “Why wasn’t I informed?”

Beatrice bit her lip. “They just showed up at the gates. No warning.”

Lillian exchanged a glance with Sebastian. Whatever game Donovan was playing, it was about to begin.

And she had a feeling it wouldn’t end well.

Sebastian leaned against the doorframe with that infuriating smirk of his, and I rolled my eyes at his teasing. There was no way in hell I would ever switch packs—not that easily, at least. Even though Donovan was about to become the Alpha of the Redmoon Pack, it was still my home. My family was there. My friends. My entire life.

Sebastian knew this, of course. The amusement dancing in his eyes told me he was just messing with me, barely holding back laughter at my indignant expression.

"Alpha, it's good to see you," Giselle said, dipping her head respectfully. "I was just helping Lillian settle in before attending to my other duties. Did you need anything while I'm here?"

"No, I'm fine. Thank you, Giselle," he replied, his tone polite.

I exhaled in quiet relief. Unlike the Winslows, who treated their staff like disposable pawns, Sebastian spoke to his people with respect. My chest tightened at the thought of my mother still trapped in that gilded cage. But Marcus had assured me—no harm would come to her. If the Winslows broke their word, Sebastian would make sure they regretted it. I had to hold onto that.

Giselle excused herself, leaving us alone. The moment the door clicked shut behind her, the air between us shifted. Sebastian stepped further into the room, his presence filling the space effortlessly.

"Is everything to your liking?" he asked, scanning the room.

"Yes, it's perfect," I admitted, running my fingers over the familiar books on the shelf. "I can't believe you managed to get all my things."

He shrugged, as if it were nothing. "Wasn't hard. I just wanted you to feel at home."

My cheeks warmed, and I knew I was blushing furiously. "Thank you," I murmured. "For everything."

His gaze lingered on me, assessing. "I’m glad you’re recovering well. Dr. Langford truly is the best."

Embarrassment prickled at the memory of him seeing me so vulnerable. "She was kind. Marcus is lucky to have her as a mate."

Sebastian nodded in agreement. "By the way, you’re expected back on duty Monday evening after classes. You’ll be tutoring Oliver at the villa. Frederick will be staying here with you in the meantime."

"Marcus already told me," I said.

A beat of silence stretched between us. The unspoken tension was thick enough to choke on. We needed to talk—about us, about where we stood now. Things had been so good before everything spiraled, and now? I wasn’t sure what we were anymore.

I kept my eyes fixed on the floor, but I could feel Sebastian studying me, his expression unreadable.

I bit my lower lip, my gaze lifting to meet his. Sebastian's dark, intense eyes roamed over my face before trailing slowly down my body, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

"We should talk about us..." I finally managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "I know things got complicated after the Oliver situation, but—"

Before I could finish, Sebastian closed the distance between us in one swift motion, his lips crashing against mine. The kiss was desperate, hungry—nothing like the controlled, composed man I knew him to be. Electricity sparked through me, every nerve ending alight as his mouth moved against mine. My arms wound around his neck instinctively, pulling him closer as he lifted me effortlessly off the ground. My legs wrapped around his waist as he carried me toward the bed, his tongue tracing my bottom lip in a silent demand.

I parted for him without hesitation, a soft moan escaping me as his tongue delved into my mouth, tasting, claiming. Heat pooled low in my stomach, my fingers tangling in his hair as I arched against him. I needed more—needed to feel his skin against mine, needed to rid us of the barriers between us.

Sebastian didn’t keep me waiting. The moment my back hit the mattress, he pulled away just long enough to yank his shirt over his head, tossing it aside. My breath hitched as my hands roamed over the sculpted planes of his chest, my fingertips tracing the hard ridges of his abs. How was it possible for someone to be this perfect? And yet here he was, letting me touch him, letting me have him.

I wasted no time in shedding my own shirt, and Sebastian made quick work of my bra, his dark gaze burning as he took in the sight of my bare skin. The moment his mouth closed over my nipple, teasing and sucking, a sharp gasp tore from my lips. Pleasure shot through me, my back arching off the bed as his hands worked to undo my pants, leaving me in nothing but my panties—already damp with desire.

I could feel the evidence of my need, the ache between my thighs growing unbearable. Every touch, every kiss, only stoked the fire higher. I had missed this—missed him. The past few weeks had been agony, and now that he was here, I wasn’t letting go.

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the marble floors of Sebastian Blackwood's penthouse as Lillian stirred awake. Her limbs tangled with Sebastian's beneath the silk sheets, his muscular arm draped possessively over her waist. The scent of bergamot and cedarwood clung to his skin, making her wolf purr contentedly.

"Morning, little wolf," Sebastian murmured against her hair, his voice rough with sleep.

Lillian turned to face him, tracing the scar above his eyebrow. "You're up early for someone who kept me awake half the night."

A wicked grin curved his lips. "You weren't complaining then."

Before she could retort, the door burst open. Oliver stood there, his pajamas rumpled, clutching a tablet. "Dad! The board meeting starts in twenty minutes!"

Sebastian groaned, rolling onto his back. "Cancel it."

"But Alpha Harrison is—"

"Cancel. It." Sebastian's voice dropped to that dangerous tone that made even seasoned warriors flinch.

Oliver's eyes darted to Lillian, silently pleading for help. She sighed, sitting up and letting the sheet pool around her waist. "Sebastian, you can't keep postponing meetings because of me."

He caught her wrist, pressing a kiss to her pulse point. "Watch me."

The tablet pinged with an incoming message. Oliver's face paled. "It's from Victoria. She's at the airport with Donovan."

Sebastian was out of bed in an instant, his entire demeanor shifting. "What the hell is my daughter doing with that bastard?"

Lillian scrambled after him, grabbing his robe. "Maybe it's not what you think."

He whirled on her, eyes flashing gold. "You're defending him now?"

"Of course not!" She shoved the robe at him. "But you won't know anything until you talk to her calmly."

Marcus Grayson appeared in the doorway, already dressed in his usual tailored suit. "Alpha, the car's ready. Theodore has eyes on them at Terminal 3."

Sebastian stalked toward the walk-in closet, barking orders. "Tell Julian to intercept but don't engage. I want to know every word exchanged."

Lillian exchanged a worried glance with Oliver. The boy chewed his lip. "Do you think Aunt Victoria is running away again?"

She smoothed his hair. "Let's not jump to conclusions."

When Sebastian emerged minutes later in a charcoal suit that made him look every inch the ruthless Lycan chairman, Lillian blocked his path. "I'm coming with you."

His jaw clenched. "Not this time."

"Either I come with you," she said, lifting her chin, "or I'll follow in my own car. Your choice."

The tension between them crackled until Sebastian exhaled sharply. "Fine. But you stay in the car until I say otherwise."

As they sped toward the airport, Lillian's phone buzzed. A text from Beatrice: Donovan was seen buying two tickets to Paris last night. Evelyn wasn't with him.

Her stomach dropped. This wasn't just a casual meeting—Donovan was trying to leave the country with Sebastian's daughter.

The car screeched to a halt outside Departures. Through the tinted windows, Lillian spotted Victoria arguing with Donovan near the check-in counters. Julian Mercer and three other gammas formed a loose perimeter around them.

Sebastian was out of the car before it fully stopped. Lillian followed, ignoring his earlier order. The moment Donovan saw them, his face twisted into a sneer.

"Well, well," he drawled, pulling Victoria closer. "The happy couple arrives."

Victoria struggled against his grip. "Dad, it's not what it—"

"Let her go," Sebastian growled, his canines elongating. The air thickened with the weight of his alpha aura, making nearby humans stumble away instinctively.

Donovan's eyes flicked to Lillian, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Missing me already, sweetheart?"

Before she could respond, Sebastian lunged.