Chapter 180

The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves as Lillian stepped onto the university quad. Her combat boots crunched against the gravel path, the sound echoing in the quiet morning. She adjusted the strap of her backpack, her fingers brushing against the hidden dagger she always carried now - a gift from Sebastian after the last attack.

Across the courtyard, Cassandra's laughter rang out like shattered glass. The blonde was surrounded by her usual entourage, all casting venomous glances in Lillian's direction. But today, something was different. Cassandra clutched a glossy magazine, her manicured finger stabbing at a photo spread.

Lillian's breath caught when she recognized the image - Sebastian at some high-society gala, his arm draped around the waist of Celeste Devereaux. The actress's crimson lips were curved in a triumphant smile that made Lillian's stomach twist.

"Looks like your sugar daddy found a new toy," Cassandra called, her voice dripping with false sympathy. The magazine fluttered to the ground at Lillian's feet, the pages splayed open to reveal more intimate-looking shots.

Beatrice appeared at her side like a silent shadow. "Don't," she murmured, placing a restraining hand on Lillian's arm. "That's exactly what she wants."

But the damage was done. The whispers followed Lillian all the way to her first class, where Professor Sinclair's knowing smirk suggested he'd already seen the photos. She barely registered the lecture, her mind replaying Sebastian's promise just last night: "No more secrets between us."

The vibration of her phone startled her. A text from an unknown number showed a blurry photo of Sebastian entering a hotel room, the time stamp from two hours ago - when he'd claimed to be in a board meeting. Beneath it, a single line: "He's lying to you again."

Lillian's fingers trembled as she typed out a reply to Sebastian: "We need to talk." The three dots appeared, then disappeared. No response came.

By afternoon, the campus buzzed with fresh gossip. Someone had leaked security footage of Lillian's drunken night with Alpha Harrison last semester - edited to look far more compromising than it had been. The video played on loop in the student union, drawing gasps and lewd comments.

Oliver's small hand slipped into hers unexpectedly. "Dad's not answering his phone either," the boy whispered, his wide eyes too knowing for a seven-year-old. "But Uncle Theodore says not to worry."

The pieces clicked together with terrifying clarity. This wasn't just petty bullying - it was coordinated. Someone was systematically destroying her reputation and relationship. And judging by the new text now lighting up her screen - a photo of Evelyn and Donovan cozy in a café - they weren't done yet.

The message read: "Meet me alone at the old boathouse at sunset if you want the truth. Tell no one."

Lillian stared at the words, her wolf stirring uneasily. This reeked of a trap. But if there was even a chance to uncover who was behind this...

She hit reply: "I'll be there."

The sun dipped below the horizon as Lillian approached the dilapidated boathouse, her hand resting on the dagger's hilt. The door creaked open before she could knock. In the shadows, a familiar silhouette waited.

"Hello, Lillian," said the voice she least expected. "Did you really think he'd choose you forever?"

The door slammed shut behind her with finality.

The morning sun cast golden rays through the curtains, painting delicate patterns across the silk sheets. Lillian stirred, her body still humming from the intensity of last night. Beside her, Sebastian Blackwood lay in peaceful slumber, his sculpted features softened by sleep.

She traced the curve of his jaw with her fingertips, marveling at how fate had woven their paths together. Once, she had been just a college student, tangled in the mess of a broken mate bond with Donovan. Now, she was the chosen Luna of the most powerful Lycan pack in the country.

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," she murmured, pulling the sheets higher.

The door creaked open, revealing Giselle Beaumont, the head maid. "Good morning, Luna. Breakfast is ready whenever you and Alpha Blackwood wish to dine."

Lillian smiled. "Thank you, Giselle. We’ll be down shortly."

As the maid retreated, Sebastian’s deep voice rumbled beside her. "Morning, love." His arm snaked around her waist, pulling her closer.

She turned to face him, her heart fluttering at the warmth in his gaze. "Good morning."

His lips brushed against hers in a slow, possessive kiss that left her breathless. When he pulled away, his eyes darkened with something primal. "Last night was…"

"Perfect," she finished for him, cheeks heating.

A smirk tugged at his lips. "I was going to say inadequate."

She gasped, swatting his chest. "Sebastian!"

He chuckled, the sound rich and intoxicating. "Relax, darling. I’m teasing." His expression sobered. "But we do need to talk about Donovan."

The mention of her ex-fated mate sent a chill down her spine. "What about him?"

Sebastian sat up, the sheets pooling around his waist. "He’s been spotted near the pack borders. With Evelyn."

Lillian stiffened. "What does he want?"

"That’s what we need to find out." His jaw tightened. "I won’t let him near you again."

She reached for his hand, intertwining their fingers. "I’m not afraid of him."

Sebastian’s grip tightened. "You should be."

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

Marcus Grayson’s voice carried through the door. "Alpha, we have a situation."

Sebastian sighed, pressing a kiss to her forehead before rising. "Duty calls."

As he dressed swiftly, Lillian watched, her mind racing. Donovan’s sudden reappearance couldn’t be a coincidence. And if he was with Evelyn…

She swallowed hard.

Whatever game he was playing, she wouldn’t let him win. Not this time.

Rage simmered beneath Victoria's skin, but she clenched her fists, forcing herself to remain composed in front of her father.

"So, Lillian did nothing wrong. Therefore, she stays. I appreciate your concern, and I'm glad you care for your brother, but leave Lillian alone, understood?" Sebastian's voice was firm, his brows lifting in quiet warning.

Heat flooded her cheeks, but she nodded. "Understood," she murmured. "I'm sorry." A small, forgiving smile curved Sebastian's lips before he pulled her into a tight embrace. She exhaled, returning the hug briefly before he released her.

"Are you seeing Donovan tonight?" She nodded, biting her lower lip. The thought of Donovan discovering Lillian was back made her stomach twist. He had been entirely devoted to her this past week—lavishing her with attention, his gaze never straying. But now that Lillian had returned, she feared he would slip back into his old habits, trailing after her like some lovesick fool.

"Yes," she said. "I might stay over at his place." Sebastian gave a slow nod.

"Be careful," he cautioned. Then, as an afterthought, he added, "Oh, and the film crew arrives tomorrow. They'll be staying at the villa, so I expect you to be on your best behavior."

At that, Victoria perked up instantly—she had nearly forgotten about the movie being filmed in their territory.

"Celeste Devereaux will be here, right?" she asked, barely containing her excitement. The famous actress and model had been her idol for years, and the anticipation had been gnawing at her ever since the project was announced.

Sebastian nodded.

"Yes," he confirmed. "Try not to scare her off."

Victoria smirked. "No promises."

Her father shook his head, amusement flickering in his eyes before he turned and strode back toward the parlor. Victoria watched him go, then crept forward, cracking the door open just enough to peer inside.

Her gaze immediately landed on Lillian, who brightened the moment Sebastian re-entered the room. Even her father wore a faint smile as he spoke to her, murmuring something Victoria couldn't quite catch—but whatever it was, it made both Lillian and Oliver laugh.

They looked like a perfect little family.

The sight made her blood boil.

She hated how effortlessly they fit together, how comfortable and happy they seemed. It was painfully obvious that Lillian had feelings for her father—and worse, that he returned them.

As Victoria continued to watch their interactions, a plan began to form in her mind.

Celeste Devereaux would be arriving soon.

And Victoria intended to use that to her advantage.

A wicked smile curled Victoria's lips as she shut the Parlor door behind her.

Lillian's POV

The last time I'd tried seducing Sebastian Blackwood in his office, it had been a disaster. He'd rejected me outright, sending me away with a stern reminder that I deserved better. The humiliation had burned, and I'd sworn never to put myself in that position again.

But things were different now.

We'd slept together. I was living in his mansion. The tension between us had shifted into something hotter, something unpredictable.

And tonight, Celeste Devereaux—gorgeous, famous, and dangerously alluring—was visiting the pack.

I needed to remind Sebastian exactly who could satisfy him.

I slipped into a scandalous red lace set, the fabric sheer enough to tease but not reveal. A sleek trench coat covered me, though the way it clung left little to the imagination. My makeup was smoky, my hair cascading in loose waves. I looked good—no, I looked irresistible.

Standing outside Blackwood Enterprises, my pulse raced like a trapped bird.

Deep breath, Lillian.

I pushed through the glass doors.

The same frosty receptionist from last time sat behind the desk. The moment she spotted me, her lips curled in disdain.

"You again?" she sneered, crossing her arms.

"I'm here to see Alpha Blackwood," I said, keeping my voice steady despite the nerves clawing at me.

Her laugh was sharp. "Not happening."

I blinked. "Is he in a meeting?"

"No. He just doesn’t want you here." She leaned back, smirking. "His exact words? 'Do not let Lillian Montague step foot in this office.' Any other questions?"