Chapter 1

Today was supposed to be the day Donovan and I sealed our fate. The day we promised forever. Instead, I stood frozen, watching as his lips met Evelyn’s—his new mate.

The daughter of Sebastian Blackwood.

The most powerful Lycan chairman in existence.

Marrying her would secure Donovan’s place as the next Alpha.

Two months ago, our pack’s Alpha fell in battle, leaving the position open. Every eligible warrior was clawing for power—including Donovan. And everyone knew the Lycans held the reins over the werewolf world.

Sebastian? He could decide who ruled.

So, Donovan made his choice.

Her.

Not me.

"A whiskey, neat. And a martini for the lady." A deep, velvety voice cut through my spiraling thoughts.

I turned, meeting the gaze of a man who looked like sin wrapped in a tailored suit. His eyes—sharp, calculating—studied me with unsettling intensity.

"Is it the future bride or groom that’s got you drowning in liquor?"

I forced a tight smile. "Not a fan of parties."

"Neither am I," he murmured, swirling his drink. "Obligation drags me here."

The bartender slid my martini forward, and I downed half in one go, relishing the burn. Maybe if I drank enough, I wouldn’t feel the phantom ache of the bond breaking—the one that had tied me to Donovan for two years.

The one he’d just shattered.

Every time his lips met Evelyn’s, another piece of me died.

"Thanks for the drink," I muttered, pushing off the stool—

Rip.

My blouse caught on the counter’s edge. I barely registered the tear before gravity yanked me backward.

I braced for impact—

Strong arms caught me mid-fall.

Warm. Solid. Unyielding.

I blinked up at the man holding me, and my breath hitched.

Goddess.

He was beautiful. Chiseled jaw, lips that promised wicked things, and a dimple that appeared when he smirked—which he was doing right now.

"Madam," he purred, "are you falling for me?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Cute."

His grin widened. Then his gaze dropped to my torn blouse, and his expression darkened.

"Let’s get you to my suite," he said, voice dropping to a growl.

My pulse spiked. "Excuse me?"

"Your shirt is ruined. I have spares upstairs."

Oh. Right.

I swallowed, nodding. He tossed orders at the bartender, then swept me into his arms like I weighed nothing. His scent—mint and something darker, primal—wrapped around me, and my wolf, who’d been mourning silently all night, perked up.

Purring.

"Take it off," he commanded the second we entered his suite.

I choked. "What?"

He gestured to my ruined blouse. "Unless you’d rather walk around half-dressed?"

Flushing, I yanked it over my head, leaving me in just my bra.

His gaze raked over me—slow, deliberate—and the air thickened. Then his shirt hit the floor, revealing sculpted abs and ink that made my mouth water.

I blinked.

Wait.

I knew him.

"You’re—"

"Sebastian Blackwood," he confirmed, prowling closer. "And you?"

My throat dried.

Shit.

Evelyn’s father. Donovan’s future father-in-law.

I should run.

But the way he looked at me—like he wanted to devour me—sent heat pooling low in my stomach.

If Donovan gets to move on, why can’t I?

"Your eyes," I breathed as he closed the distance. "They’re…"

"Mesmerizing?" He smirked.

"Dangerous."

His laugh was dark. "What else?"

"Your dimple." I reached up, brushing my thumb over it. "It’s unfair."

He caught my wrist, pinning me against the wall. "And my lips?"

I didn’t answer.

I kissed him.

His mouth crashed into mine, all hunger and possession. I melted into him, my legs wrapping around his waist as he lifted me effortlessly. His tongue swept in, claiming, consuming.

Then—

"Lillian!"

My mother’s panicked mindlink shattered the haze.

"Come home. Now."

I jerked back, gasping. "I have to go."

Sebastian’s grip tightened. "You’re not leaving."

"It’s an emergency." I shoved against his chest. "And you have plenty of willing women."

His glare could’ve frozen hell. But he released me, snatching a fresh shirt and thrusting it at me.

"Wear this."

I yanked it on, his scent enveloping me, and bolted.

The second I burst through my front door, my mother’s sobs gutted me.

"Lillian," she choked out, "the Gammas took your father."