Chapter 194

The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves as Lillian stepped onto the campus grounds, her boots crunching against the gravel path. The morning sun cast golden streaks through the trees, illuminating the bustling quad where students hurried to their classes.

She adjusted the strap of her backpack, her thoughts still tangled from last night’s encounter with Donovan. His cold dismissal had stung more than she cared to admit, but she refused to let it drag her down. Not today.

"Lillian!" Beatrice’s voice cut through the chatter, and Lillian turned to see her best friend jogging toward her, her dark curls bouncing with each step.

"You look like you’ve been wrestling with a ghost," Beatrice teased, falling into step beside her.

Lillian rolled her eyes. "More like wrestling with my own stupidity."

Beatrice arched a brow. "Donovan again?"

Lillian exhaled sharply. "He was at the bar last night. With Evelyn."

Beatrice winced. "Ouch."

"Yeah." Lillian clenched her fists, then forced herself to relax. "But I’m done letting him dictate my mood. I have bigger things to worry about."

Like the upcoming combat trials. Professor Montclair had announced a surprise evaluation, and Lillian wasn’t about to let her personal drama ruin her chances.

As they rounded the corner toward the lecture hall, a familiar figure leaned against the brick wall, his arms crossed. Sebastian Blackwood.

Lillian’s pulse spiked.

He pushed off the wall, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "We need to talk."

Beatrice shot Lillian a knowing smirk before nudging her forward. "Good luck with that."

Lillian swallowed hard as Sebastian closed the distance between them. His presence was overwhelming—tall, commanding, with an aura that made the air around him hum with tension.

"What is it?" she asked, keeping her voice steady.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. "You’ve been avoiding me."

She had. After their last heated argument, she’d thrown herself into training, desperate for distance.

"I’ve been busy," she deflected.

His gaze bore into hers, unrelenting. "Busy or not, we have unfinished business."

Lillian’s breath hitched. "What kind of business?"

A slow, dangerous smile curved his lips. "The kind that starts with you admitting you’re mine."

Her heart hammered. This wasn’t just about rivalry or pack politics anymore. This was something deeper, something primal.

And she wasn’t sure she was ready to face it.

But Sebastian wasn’t giving her a choice.

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a growl. "Run all you want, Lillian. But I always catch what’s mine."

The challenge in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine.

Game on.

In the span of a single heartbeat, my world shattered. Sebastian Blackwood had lied to me. He had taken Celeste Devereaux out on a date—kissed her—and the proof was splashed across the latest gossip column. The realization burned through me, leaving me feeling like the biggest fool alive.

Hadn’t Donovan taught me anything? Trust was a luxury I couldn’t afford. Everyone betrayed me eventually. Even Ellian, my supposed fated mate, had turned his back on me. And now Sebastian? The shower shut off, and I bolted upright, scrambling for my jeans and a T-shirt. I needed to get out before he emerged from the bathroom. If I had to face him now, I’d explode.

My wolf howled in despair, her fury matching mine. What was wrong with me? Why did I keep falling for the same traps? Just as my fingers brushed the doorknob, the bathroom door swung open.

Sebastian stepped out, a towel slung low around his hips. Water glistened on his sculpted chest, trailing down in rivulets that disappeared beneath the fabric. My traitorous gaze lingered, my pulse stuttering. Even now, he had this effect on me.

His lips curved in amusement as he caught me staring. My cheeks flamed—not from embarrassment, but from sheer, unbridled rage. I turned to leave, but his voice stopped me cold.

"Going somewhere?" He glanced at the clock. "You don’t have classes for hours. I thought we could—" His words died when he saw the storm in my eyes.

"So that’s why you stayed last night?" I hissed. "Didn’t get enough with Celeste? Needed to check me off your list too?"

His expression darkened. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Don’t play dumb!" I snapped, my voice trembling. "I saw the photos, Sebastian. You took her out. You kissed her. And then you came here and lied to my face!"

A low growl rumbled in his chest as he closed the distance between us. "Watch your tone," he warned, his voice lethally soft. "Remember who you’re speaking to."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, I know exactly who you are. A liar. Just like the rest of them."

His eyes flashed gold, his wolf surging forward. "Explain this tantrum. Now."

"Still pretending?" I yanked out my phone and shoved the headline in his face.

His breath hitched as he took in the damning photo. For once, the great Sebastian Blackwood was speechless.

"Going to tell me it wasn’t a date?" I spat.

I turned to leave, but his hand clamped around my wrist, stopping me dead. It wasn’t painful—just firm. But it was enough to trigger my fight instinct. I whirled and slapped him hard across the face.

The crack echoed in the room. His head barely moved, but my palm stung like hell. Still, the satisfaction was worth it.

"You’re acting like a child," he gritted out. "Calm down before you go anywhere."

"Embarrassing you, Alpha?" I mocked, dipping into a sarcastic bow. "My apologies." I yanked my arm free. "Don’t touch me."

He grabbed me again, slamming me against the wall. His wolf surged, his control fraying. For a second, I thought he’d tear into me. But then he buried his face in the curve of my neck, inhaling deeply. A shuddering breath escaped him, and against my will, my body relaxed.

His nearness sent a traitorous heat through me, my wolf responding despite my fury. The anger flickered, threatening to dissolve under his touch.

Damn him. Damn both of us.