Chapter 204

The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves as Lillian hurried through the bustling campus. Her heart pounded with anticipation—today was the day she would finally confront Donovan about his betrayal. The memory of finding him with Evelyn still burned in her mind, a wound that refused to heal.

She spotted him near the fountain, his golden hair catching the sunlight. Beside him, Evelyn giggled, her fingers brushing his arm possessively. Lillian clenched her fists, her wolf stirring beneath her skin.

"You look like you're about to shift right here," Beatrice murmured, appearing at her side. Her best friend’s dark eyes were filled with concern.

"I might," Lillian admitted through gritted teeth. "I need answers."

Beatrice sighed. "Just don’t do anything reckless. Remember, Sebastian’s waiting for you at the pack house."

The mention of Sebastian Blackwood, the powerful Lycan chairman who had become her unexpected ally—and perhaps something more—sent a shiver down her spine. But right now, Donovan was her priority.

She strode forward, her boots crunching on the gravel. Donovan turned, his smug expression faltering when he saw her. "Lillian," he said, forcing a smile. "What a surprise."

"Cut the act," she snapped. "We need to talk. Alone."

Evelyn scoffed. "Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of me."

Lillian’s eyes flashed. "Fine. Why did you lie to me, Donovan? You swore I was your fated mate, and yet here you are, with her."

Donovan’s jaw tightened. "Things change, Lillian. The Moon Goddess doesn’t always get it right."

The words struck like a physical blow. Before she could respond, a deep voice cut through the tension.

"Interesting theory."

Sebastian stepped into view, his towering frame commanding attention. His piercing gaze locked onto Donovan. "But I’ve found the Goddess is rarely wrong. Perhaps the problem isn’t her—it’s you."

Donovan paled. "This doesn’t concern you, Blackwood."

Sebastian smirked. "Everything concerning Lillian concerns me."

Lillian’s breath hitched at the possessiveness in his tone. Evelyn’s eyes darted between them, realization dawning. "Oh, this is rich," she sneered. "You’ve moved on to the Lycan chairman? How predictable."

Sebastian’s expression darkened. "Careful, little wolf. You’re speaking to your future Alpha Female."

Silence fell. Lillian’s pulse roared in her ears. Had he just—?

Donovan’s face twisted in fury. "You can’t be serious."

Sebastian ignored him, turning to Lillian. "We have matters to discuss. Unless you’d rather stay here?"

She didn’t hesitate. "Let’s go."

As they walked away, Beatrice’s delighted whisper followed them. "Oh, this is going to be good."

Behind them, Donovan’s enraged shout echoed across the quad. But Lillian didn’t look back.

Not this time.

"Who are you talking about?" I asked, my voice laced with confusion. At first, I thought Beatrice was just rambling in her drunken haze, but when I met her gaze, her eyes were startlingly clear—intense, even. "Bea?" I pressed, my pulse quickening.

"I met my mate..." she slurred, her words barely coherent before she suddenly bent over and vomited all over my favorite boots.

I let out a sharp groan, jumping back instinctively. That was not what I expected her to say—but my shock was quickly overshadowed by the revolting mess now covering my shoes and the frat house floor. Questions would have to wait. Right now, I needed to get her cleaned up before she embarrassed herself further.

Gripping her shoulders, I hauled her upright just as she gagged again. "Oh no, not again—" I muttered, steering her toward the bathroom while she wobbled like a newborn fawn. Tears streamed down her flushed cheeks, and she hiccuped pitifully between dry heaves. I dodged another wave of vomit, my stomach churning in sympathy.

Then, out of nowhere, strong arms wrapped around Beatrice’s waist, lifting her effortlessly. I blinked up at a tall, broad-shouldered frat boy who had appeared beside me like some kind of drunken guardian angel.

"Saw you struggling," he said with an easy grin. "Let me help you get her to the bathroom."

Relief flooded me. "Thank you," I breathed, nodding gratefully.

True to his word, he carried her the rest of the way, setting her down gently outside the bathroom before stepping back to give us privacy. Inside, I helped Beatrice rinse her mouth and splash water on her face until she finally stopped retching. Once she was slumped against the wall, breathing heavily, I pulled out my phone and dialed Frederick.

"Fred, I need a ride. Beatrice is… not okay," I said, wincing as she groaned dramatically.

"I’ll be there ASAP," he promised, though the frustration in his voice was clear. "Traffic’s a nightmare for some reason."

Sighing, I stepped out of the bathroom to find the frat boy still waiting.

"Thanks again," I said, offering a tired smile.

He shrugged, his dimples deepening. "No problem. I’ve been watching you all night, actually. You’re stunning."

Heat rushed to my cheeks at the unexpected compliment. "That’s sweet of you," I said carefully, "but just so you know, I’m not really—"

"Relax," he cut in, holding up his hands in surrender. "Just stating facts. I’m not like the other guys here."

I arched a brow. "You’re in a frat."

He chuckled. "Yeah, but I’m different."

I couldn’t help but laugh. "Sure you are," I teased. Then, realization struck. "Wait… I’ve seen you around campus. You’re Thierry, right?"

His grin widened. "Should I be flattered you remember my name?"

"Not really," I admitted with a smirk. "You sit two rows behind me in Defense Tactics."

"Oh! That's why you looked familiar," he chuckled, his eyes lighting up with recognition. "You're Lillian Dumont." I gave a small nod, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"The one and only," I quipped, flashing him a playful smirk.

His grin widened. "You're really good at defense," he admitted, tilting his head slightly.

"You should see me in combat," I countered, crossing my arms. "Becoming a gamma is my goal."

"Well, you'll be a damn impressive gamma, no doubt," he said, nudging my shoulder lightly. "Didn't expect to see you at a frat party, though."

I shrugged, leaning back against the wall. "Beatrice wanted to come, so I agreed to tag along," I confessed. "She's my best friend."

"Ah, got it," he mused, nodding thoughtfully. "Well, I'm glad I got to meet you properly."

I smiled faintly. The attention was nice—especially after last night—though I wasn’t exactly swooning over this guy. Still, it was a pleasant distraction.

"Can I get you something to drink?" He gestured toward the kitchen.

"I think I've had enough," I admitted, shaking my head.

"How about water, then?" He raised an eyebrow, waiting.

I considered it for a moment. He seemed harmless enough. "Sure," I relented. "Water sounds good."

His grin returned. "Perfect."

The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves as Lillian stepped onto the cobblestone path leading to the Blackwood estate. Her heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and unease. She hadn’t seen Donovan in weeks—not since he’d publicly rejected her as his fated mate in favor of Evelyn.

Beatrice, ever the supportive best friend, had insisted on accompanying her. "You’re not facing him alone," she’d said firmly, looping her arm through Lillian’s. "Not after what he did."

Sebastian Blackwood, the formidable Lycan chairman, stood near the grand oak doors, his piercing gaze locked onto Lillian the moment she entered the courtyard. His presence was magnetic, commanding the attention of everyone around him. Oliver, his seven-year-old son, peeked out from behind him, his curious eyes darting between Lillian and Beatrice.

"Lillian," Sebastian greeted, his voice deep and smooth. "I wasn’t expecting you today."

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his eyes. "I need to speak with Donovan."

A flicker of something unreadable passed over Sebastian’s features before he nodded. "He’s inside with Evelyn."

The mention of Donovan’s new mate sent a sharp pang through Lillian’s chest, but she refused to let it show. Squaring her shoulders, she strode past Sebastian, Beatrice close behind.

The grand hall was bathed in golden light, the chandeliers casting intricate shadows across the marble floors. Donovan stood near the fireplace, his arm draped possessively around Evelyn’s waist. The sight made Lillian’s stomach twist.

"Lillian?" Donovan’s voice was laced with surprise—and something else. Guilt?

She didn’t give him time to react further. "We need to talk. Alone."

Evelyn’s grip on Donovan tightened. "Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of me."

Lillian’s jaw clenched. "This doesn’t concern you."

Donovan hesitated, then sighed. "Evelyn, give us a minute."

With a huff, Evelyn stalked off, shooting Lillian a venomous glare.

Once they were alone, Lillian didn’t waste time. "You lied to me."

Donovan’s expression darkened. "What are you talking about?"

"The rejection," she said, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her. "You never told me the real reason you chose Evelyn."

His silence was answer enough.

Lillian took a step closer, her eyes burning with unshed tears. "Tell me the truth, Donovan. Or I swear, I’ll find out myself."

The tension between them crackled like static in the air.

And then—

A loud crash echoed from the hallway, followed by raised voices.

Sebastian’s deep growl cut through the noise. "What the hell is going on here?"

Lillian turned just in time to see Victoria, Donovan’s fiancée, storm into the room, her face flushed with fury.

"You!" she snarled, pointing at Lillian. "You’re the reason everything’s falling apart!"

Before Lillian could react, Victoria lunged—

And the world exploded into chaos.