Chapter 18

The morning sun cast golden rays through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Sebastian Blackwood’s penthouse, painting the polished marble floors in warm hues. Lillian stretched beneath the silk sheets, the events of last night replaying in her mind like a forbidden dream.

She had expected to wake up alone, but the weight of an arm draped possessively over her waist told her otherwise. Sebastian was still there, his breathing deep and even, his scent—rich cedar and something distinctly his—wrapped around her like an invisible embrace.

A shiver ran down her spine.

This shouldn’t feel so right.

Carefully, she shifted, trying to slip out of bed without waking him. But the moment she moved, his grip tightened, pulling her back against his chest.

"Running away already?" His voice was rough with sleep, sending a thrill through her.

Lillian swallowed. "I have class."

Sebastian chuckled, the sound vibrating against her back. "Skip it."

She turned to face him, her breath hitching at the intensity in his dark eyes. "You can’t just tell me to skip my responsibilities."

His thumb traced her lower lip, sending sparks through her. "I can when I’m your mate."

Her heart stuttered. Mate. The word still felt surreal.

Before she could respond, a sharp knock echoed through the room.

"Alpha Blackwood," Marcus Grayson’s voice came through the door, tense. "We have a situation."

Sebastian’s expression darkened. "What now?"

"It’s Donovan."

Lillian stiffened.

Sebastian sat up, the sheets pooling around his waist. "What about him?"

"He’s at the university gates. Demanding to see Lillian."

Her stomach twisted. Why now?

Sebastian’s jaw clenched. "Tell him to leave before I make him."

Lillian grabbed his arm. "No. I’ll handle this."

His gaze burned into hers. "Like hell you will."

She met his glare without flinching. "He was my problem before he was yours. Let me deal with it."

For a long moment, they stared each other down—two alphas in their own right. Finally, Sebastian exhaled sharply. "Fine. But I’m coming with you."

Lillian didn’t argue.

As they dressed, her mind raced. Donovan had no right to show up like this, not after everything. Not after he’d chosen Evelyn.

But something told her this wasn’t about reconciliation.

This was a challenge.

And she was ready to meet it.

The university gates loomed ahead, the iron bars gleaming under the midday sun. Donovan stood just beyond them, his posture rigid, his golden eyes burning with something Lillian couldn’t quite place.

Evelyn hovered at his side, her expression smug.

Lillian squared her shoulders. "What do you want?"

Donovan’s gaze flickered to Sebastian before settling on her. "We need to talk."

"About what?"

"About you throwing your life away for him."

Sebastian growled low in his throat, but Lillian held up a hand.

"My life is my choice," she said coldly. "You lost the right to have an opinion when you walked away."

Donovan’s jaw tightened. "You don’t know what you’re getting into, Lillian. The Blackwood pack isn’t what it seems."

Sebastian stepped forward, his voice lethal. "Careful, Cash. You’re treading on dangerous ground."

Evelyn smirked. "Or what? You’ll have your betas silence him like you did with the others?"

Lillian’s blood ran cold. What others?

Before she could ask, Donovan’s phone buzzed. He glanced at it, his face paling.

"Dad’s been arrested."

Evelyn gasped. "What? Why?"

Donovan’s eyes locked onto Sebastian. "For embezzlement. From the Blackwood accounts."

Lillian turned to Sebastian, searching his face for answers. But his expression was unreadable.

"Coincidence?" Donovan spat. "I don’t think so."

Sebastian’s voice was ice. "Get off my property before I have you removed."

Donovan didn’t move. "This isn’t over."

Lillian’s heart pounded.

No. It was only beginning.

"I should probably leave now," I said abruptly, tearing my gaze away from Donovan. My fingers twisted nervously around the strap of my bag. "Thank you for the opportunity, Alpha. Maybe we can exchange numbers to finalize my schedule? I can sign the contract when I return."

Sebastian Blackwood studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. The intensity of his golden eyes made my pulse stutter.

"Theodore has your number. I'll contact you," he replied, his voice smooth but firm.

I nodded and moved to step around him, but Victoria's voice stopped me mid-motion.

"Father, why don't you take Lillian home? I didn’t see her car here," Victoria suggested, glancing between us with a knowing smile.

"That’s not necessary," I said quickly, already pulling out my phone. "I can just call a ride—"

"I'll have my driver take you," Sebastian interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. His gaze locked onto mine, challenging. "I’ll accompany you. We can discuss your role further on the way."

I swallowed hard, my protest dying on my lips. His presence was overwhelming, and the way he looked at me—like he could see right through me—left me flustered. Reluctantly, I nodded. "Thank you."

"Perfect!" Victoria clasped her hands together, beaming. "It was lovely meeting you, Lillian. I hope we can get to know each other better soon. I could use more female friends around here."

I forced a polite smile, though the idea of befriending her twisted my stomach. Still, I couldn’t afford to be rude—especially not in front of my new employer.

Turning away, I followed Sebastian through the grand villa. As we passed the sweeping spiral staircase, Theodore descended, his face tight with frustration. No doubt Oliver’s tantrum had something to do with it.

Theodore paused when he spotted us.

"Is the car still out front?" Sebastian asked without sparing him a glance.

"Yes, Alpha," Theodore answered.

"I’ll be escorting Lillian home. I’ll return later tonight," Sebastian informed him.

Just as we reached the front door, another voice cut in.

"Alpha."

Marcus Grayson, the pack’s Beta, rounded the corner, a stack of papers in hand. His sharp eyes flicked to me briefly before he addressed Sebastian.

"The contract you requested," he said, handing over the documents. Then, with a polite nod in my direction, he added, "Good evening, Miss. I’m Beta Marcus."

Recognition dawned on me—his commanding presence and the way he carried himself screamed Beta. I dipped my head respectfully. "It’s an honor to meet you, Beta Marcus."

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. "We’re leaving."

I barely suppressed a glare. There was no need for his rudeness.

But I kept my mouth shut as we stepped outside, the weight of his presence beside me making my skin prickle with awareness.

The car ride was going to be very long.

The thought lingered in my mind, but I kept silent, not wanting to stir any trouble. I didn’t say another word to Marcus, and he didn’t press further. He simply stood there, watching as Sebastian pulled away from his villa and toward the sleek black car waiting at the curb.

The driver—Leroy—immediately jumped out, bowing his head respectfully before opening the rear door. Sebastian gestured for me to enter first. I flashed Leroy a grateful smile before sliding into the plush leather seat. Sebastian followed, settling beside me as the door shut with a soft click.

"Where to, Alpha?" Leroy asked, adjusting the rearview mirror.

"The Blackwood Resort," Sebastian replied smoothly.

My eyes widened. "I thought you were taking me home," I said, my brows knitting together in confusion.

"I need to speak with you privately," he murmured, his gaze steady. "And I heard your stomach growling earlier. I assumed you might be hungry."

The drive was short, the city lights blurring past the tinted windows. When we arrived, I followed Sebastian into the grand restaurant, its opulent chandeliers casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors. The hostess—a woman I recognized from my brief stint working here—greeted us with a dazzling smile.

"Good evening, Mr. Blackwood," she cooed, her voice dripping with admiration. "A table for two? Your usual booth is available."

Sebastian nodded. "Thank you."

We were led to a secluded booth near the back, nestled beside a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked the glittering harbor. The view was breathtaking—the city’s skyline shimmered against the dark water, dotted with yachts and distant ferry lights.

The hostess handed us menus before gliding away. I expected Sebastian to dive straight into whatever urgent matter had brought us here, but instead, he remained silent, his eyes scanning the menu with deliberate focus.

A few minutes later, a waitress appeared—a slender blonde who barely spared me a glance. Her attention was entirely fixed on Sebastian, her lashes fluttering as she leaned in just a little too close.

"And what would you like, sir?" she purred, ignoring me completely.

Sebastian’s gaze flicked to me. "Lillian?"

The waitress finally turned, her lips tightening when she realized I existed.

"I’ll have the grilled salmon salad," I said, handing her the menu.

Sebastian added, "And bring us a bottle of your best red."

"Of course," she murmured, though her tone had lost its earlier sweetness. She stalked off, her heels clicking against the floor.

Sebastian exhaled, leaning back in his seat as his piercing gaze settled on me.

"Now," he said, his voice low and measured, "we should discuss what happened earlier."

I swallowed. "You mean the incident with Donovan."