Chapter 201

The morning sun cast golden rays through the curtains of Lillian's bedroom, stirring her awake. She stretched lazily, her muscles still sore from yesterday’s training session with Professor Montclair. The scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted up from the kitchen, signaling that Sebastian was already awake.

Downstairs, she found him at the dining table, reading through a stack of documents while Oliver chattered excitedly about his upcoming school project. The domestic scene warmed her heart, but the moment was interrupted when Donovan’s name flashed across Sebastian’s phone screen.

Lillian’s stomach twisted. Why was he calling now?

Sebastian’s jaw tightened as he answered, his voice clipped. "Donovan."

The conversation was brief, but the tension in the room thickened. When Sebastian hung up, his expression was unreadable.

"What did he want?" Lillian asked, forcing her voice to remain steady.

Sebastian exhaled sharply. "He’s demanding a meeting. Claims he has information about Victoria’s engagement."

Lillian’s fingers curled into fists. Victoria, Sebastian’s daughter, was still engaged to Donovan—a fact that gnawed at her every day. "And you believe him?"

Sebastian’s eyes darkened. "No. But I won’t ignore a potential threat."

Beatrice burst into the room then, her cheeks flushed from running. "Lillian! You won’t believe what I just heard—Cassandra’s been spreading rumors about you again!"

Lillian groaned. Great. Just what I needed.

Sebastian stood, his presence commanding. "We’ll deal with Donovan first. Then Cassandra."

As they prepared to leave, Oliver tugged at Lillian’s sleeve. "Will you be back for dinner?"

She ruffled his hair, forcing a smile. "Of course, sweetheart."

But as they stepped outside, Lillian couldn’t shake the feeling that this meeting would change everything.

And not for the better.

"Oh, he sounds absolutely divine," Beatrice giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Amélie nodded enthusiastically.

"He's picking me up here... and honestly, he's so breathtakingly handsome I might just faint," Amélie admitted with a playful sigh. "Plus, he's a bit older—definitely in his early thirties. Total silver fox vibes."

"I guess we're both in for exciting nights," Beatrice laughed, her fingers trailing over the racks of new arrivals.

She browsed through the boutique’s latest collection, admiring a few adorable pieces, but nothing quite captured the bold statement she wanted to make. Sensing her hesitation, Amélie stepped in with a knowing grin. She sifted through the racks before pulling out the most stunning—and scandalously short—dress Beatrice had ever seen.

When Amélie held it up, Beatrice gasped.

"Oh, sweet heavens!" Beatrice exclaimed, snatching the dress with wide eyes. "This is perfect. I have to try it on." Amélie smirked, clearly pleased with her find.

"I’ll even give you the friends-and-family discount," Amélie added as Beatrice practically sprinted into the dressing room.

Inside, Beatrice ran her hands over the delicate fabric, admiring how the dress clung to her curves. It was daring—short enough to leave little to the imagination—and that was exactly the effect she wanted.

She fluffed her shoulder-length blonde waves, letting the soft curls frame her delicate features. Beatrice knew she was beautiful, but standing next to Lillian always made her feel like she paled in comparison. Lillian’s effortless grace and striking beauty were unmatched, and while Beatrice adored her best friend, a tiny, secret part of her envied it.

With a sigh, she twirled in front of the mirror, watching the way the dress accentuated her cleavage and showcased her long, toned legs. It was perfect. She was definitely buying it.

Just as her fingers curled around the dressing room door handle, she froze.

A scent—rich, intoxicating—flooded her senses. Warm milk chocolate, with just a hint of cool mint. It was like her favorite dessert had been transformed into the most irresistible fragrance. Her stomach fluttered, and suddenly, her wolf was wide awake, thrumming with excitement beneath her skin.

She needed to find the source.

Beatrice rushed out of the dressing room, her nose lifting slightly as she followed the scent like a beacon. She could hear Amélie’s laughter near the front counter, so she headed that way—partly to show off the dress, but mostly to ask if Amélie had any idea where that divine smell was coming from.

But the moment she turned the corner, she stopped dead in her tracks.

A man stood at the counter—tall, broad-shouldered, with an aura of effortless confidence. He was, without question, the most gorgeous man she had ever laid eyes on. Her mouth went dry just looking at him.

Beatrice had never been one to believe in love at first sight.

But then he turned.

His warm, deep brown eyes locked onto hers, and in that instant, she knew—she was ruined.

For a heartbeat, she was too stunned to think.

Then her wolf surged forward, pressing a single, undeniable truth into her mind.

"Mate."

The man's gaze locked onto her with such intensity that it stole her breath away. His eyes, dark and unreadable at first, slowly traveled down her body, lingering on the curve of her neck before dipping lower—too low. Heat rushed to Beatrice's cheeks as she realized exactly where his attention had settled. His wolf was close to the surface; she could see it in the way his pupils dilated, the way his jaw clenched as if fighting for control.

When his eyes finally met hers again, the raw hunger in them sent a shiver down her spine.

"Oh, mon Dieu!" Amélie gasped, suddenly appearing beside Beatrice with an excited squeal. "You look absolutely stunning! This dress was made for you—just wait until everyone sees you at the party tonight!" She twirled Beatrice around, completely oblivious to the low, warning growl rumbling from the man behind the counter.

Beatrice barely heard Amélie’s words. Her focus was entirely on him—the way his fingers flexed against the counter, the way his nostrils flared as if scenting her.

"You have to take this dress," Amélie insisted, adjusting the neckline with a playful grin. "And don’t even worry about paying for it right now. Consider it my gift to you."

Beatrice blinked, finally tearing her gaze away from the man. "Wait—you're leaving now?"

Amélie nodded, stepping back toward the counter with a bright smile. "Oui! My date just arrived." She looped her arm through the man’s, leaning into him with a familiarity that made Beatrice’s stomach drop.

Her mate was Amélie’s date?!

The realization hit her like a physical blow.