Chapter 21

The morning sun cast golden rays through the curtains, stirring Lillian awake. She stretched lazily, her muscles still sore from yesterday’s training session with Professor Montclair. The scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted from downstairs, making her stomach growl.

She dressed quickly, opting for a simple sweater and jeans before heading to the kitchen. There, she found Sebastian Blackwood already seated at the table, reading the morning papers while Oliver chattered excitedly about his upcoming school project.

"Morning," Lillian murmured, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

Sebastian glanced up, his piercing blue eyes softening as they met hers. "Sleep well?"

"Better than expected," she admitted, taking a sip. The rich, bitter warmth spread through her, chasing away the last remnants of drowsiness.

Oliver grinned. "Dad says we’re going to the lake house this weekend! You’re coming too, right?"

Lillian hesitated, her fingers tightening around the mug. She hadn’t spent much time alone with Sebastian outside of training or pack duties. The idea of a weekend getaway with him and his son sent an unexpected flutter through her chest.

Before she could respond, Marcus Grayson strode in, his expression grim. "Alpha, we have a problem."

Sebastian set down his paper. "What is it?"

"Donovan Winslow was spotted near the northern border last night. He wasn’t alone."

Lillian’s grip on her mug faltered, nearly spilling the coffee. Donovan. Just the mention of his name sent a cold shiver down her spine.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. "Any signs of aggression?"

"Not yet. But he’s been gathering allies—rogues, mostly. It’s only a matter of time before he makes a move."

Oliver, sensing the tension, tugged at Lillian’s sleeve. "Who’s Donovan?"

She forced a smile. "No one important, sweetheart."

But the lie tasted bitter on her tongue. Donovan was far from unimportant. He was her past, her mistake—one that refused to stay buried.

Sebastian stood, his commanding presence filling the room. "Double the patrols. I want every inch of our territory watched."

Marcus nodded and left, leaving behind a heavy silence.

Lillian exhaled shakily. "You think he’s coming for me?"

Sebastian’s gaze darkened. "If he is, he’ll regret it."

The certainty in his voice should have comforted her. Instead, it only made her heart race faster. Because if Donovan was bold enough to return, he wasn’t just coming for her.

He was coming for war.

His touch seared my skin like molten iron.

A wave of nausea crashed over me, mingling with the fury boiling in my veins. I thrashed against his grip, but Donovan only tightened his hold, his fingers digging into my flesh like claws.

Of course he was stronger.

The realization burned worse than his touch.

My breath came in sharp, ragged gasps as I twisted, desperate to break free. But his arms were steel bands, unyielding, trapping me against him.

"Stop fighting," he growled, his voice low and rough.

I snarled in response, my wolf bristling beneath my skin.

The scent of him—once comforting, now repulsive—filled my lungs. His dominance pressed down on me, suffocating, but I refused to submit.

Not again.

Never again.

His grip shifted, one hand tangling in my hair, forcing my head back. His dark eyes bore into mine, searching for something—remorse, fear, surrender.

He wouldn't find it.

I bared my teeth.

"Let. Me. Go."

His jaw clenched, but he didn't release me.

And that was all the answer I needed.