Chapter 225

The crisp morning air carried the faint scent of pine as Lillian stepped onto the balcony of Sebastian Blackwood's sprawling estate. The sun had barely risen, casting golden streaks across the dew-laden grass. She wrapped her arms around herself, the thin fabric of her robe doing little to ward off the chill.

Inside, the mansion was already stirring to life. The clatter of dishes echoed from the kitchen, where Lucien Dubois, the head chef, was preparing breakfast with his usual theatrical flair. Giselle Beaumont, the head maid, moved with practiced efficiency, directing the staff with quiet authority.

Lillian's thoughts drifted to the events of the previous night—Donovan's unexpected arrival, the tension that had crackled between him and Sebastian, the way Evelyn had clung to his arm like a possessive shadow. A bitter taste filled her mouth. She had thought she was over him, but seeing him again had stirred emotions she'd rather forget.

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. "Come in," she called, turning to see Beatrice standing in the doorway, her expression a mix of concern and excitement.

"You're up early," Beatrice remarked, stepping inside. "Couldn't sleep?"

Lillian sighed. "Too much on my mind."

Beatrice grinned, mischief sparkling in her eyes. "Well, I have just the thing to distract you. Guess who's coming to visit today?"

Lillian raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

"Isabella Fontaine," Beatrice announced with a flourish. "My sister just texted—she's flying in this afternoon for a photoshoot nearby and wants to see us."

Lillian's mood lifted instantly. Isabella was always a breath of fresh air—glamorous, confident, and unapologetically herself. "That’s perfect. I could use a distraction."

Beatrice nodded. "Thought so. Oh, and Sebastian asked if you'd join him for breakfast. He said it’s important."

Lillian frowned. "Did he say why?"

"Nope. But he looked serious."

A knot formed in Lillian's stomach. Sebastian rarely summoned her formally unless something was wrong. Had Donovan done something? Or was it about Oliver? The boy had been unusually quiet lately, and she worried he was still struggling with the loss of his mother.

"Alright," she said, squaring her shoulders. "I'll be down in a minute."

Beatrice gave her a reassuring smile before slipping out.

Lillian took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever awaited her downstairs. The game was far from over, and she had a feeling the next move would change everything.

Frederick was kind enough to escort me into the mansion and to my room. I knew I’d recover by morning—my wolf’s healing abilities were usually swift. But I couldn’t shake what had happened from my mind.

Sebastian hadn’t meant to hurt me. If he knew the truth, he’d never forgive himself, so I kept it to myself. Still… the way he prioritized rushing Victoria to the hospital over me stung. Not that I could blame him—she was his daughter, after all. But couldn’t he see through her act? That smirk she shot me as they left? She was faking.

For a Lycan chairman, he was surprisingly easy to fool, and that bothered me more than I cared to admit.

Lucien brought dinner to my room, uncharacteristically subdued. No flirtatious remarks, no teasing. Had he seen the news reports before they were taken down? The thought almost made me laugh. Maybe some good had come from the mess after all.

Giselle was equally attentive, fussing over me until I assured her I was fine. I appreciated them both, even if the tension between them was palpable.

By morning, I felt much better. It was Friday, and the promise of a lazy weekend lifted my spirits. I needed a distraction—something to take my mind off everything. A girl’s night with Beatrice sounded perfect. She’d been dying to see the mansion since I moved in, and we both needed an escape.

“Guess what we’re doing this weekend?” I asked when I spotted her at school.

She arched a brow, intrigued. “Enlighten me.”

“Girl’s night.” A grin spread across my face.

Maybe tonight, I’d finally get her to open up. She’d been distant since the party, ever since she mentioned the mate bond. I hadn’t pressed her—if she wanted me to know, she’d tell me sober. But the secrecy stung. Didn’t she trust me?

“I’ll grab snacks, and we can binge junk food,” I added. “Tomorrow?”

Her eyes lit up. “At the mansion?”

I nodded, laughing as she squealed and threw her arms around me.

Perfect. A night of gossip, comfort food, and maybe—just maybe—some answers.

The evening air was crisp as I finished tutoring Oliver in his room. My fingers lingered on the textbook’s pages, half-expecting Sebastian to walk in, to pull me into his arms and murmur something about how much he’d missed me. But the door remained shut, the silence stretching like an unspoken disappointment.

Instead, Marcus, his ever-efficient Beta, delivered the news with practiced neutrality. "The Chairman is occupied with Miss Victoria’s condition. He sends his apologies."

I forced a smile, though my chest tightened. "Of course. Thank you, Marcus."

Frederick, Sebastian’s chauffeur, drove me back to the Blackwood estate in silence. My phone lay heavy in my lap, its screen stubbornly dark. Not a single message. Not even a perfunctory "How was your day?"

Third Person POV

What am I even doing here? Beatrice’s fingers trembled as she stood outside the boutique, its polished windows reflecting the dim glow of streetlights. The place was familiar—too familiar—but tonight, it felt like standing at the edge of a cliff.

She had questions. Too many. And she wasn’t sure if she’d survive the answers.

But she had to try.

The door chimed softly as she stepped inside, the scent of lavender and expensive fabric enveloping her.

Amélie looked up from the counter, her smile warm but puzzled. "Beatrice? Back so soon?"

Beatrice swallowed hard, the door clicking shut behind her like the seal of a vow.

The morning sun filtered through the heavy drapes of Lillian's bedroom at Blackwood Manor. She stretched beneath the silk sheets, her werewolf senses immediately picking up the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants. The digital clock read 7:15 AM - she had overslept again.

"Miss Lillian?" A gentle knock came at the door. "Mr. Blackwood requests your presence in the dining room."

Lillian groaned, rubbing sleep from her eyes. "Tell Sebastian I'll be down in fifteen minutes, Sophia."

She dragged herself from the comfort of her bed, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet. The en suite bathroom's marble counter was already prepared with her favorite lavender-scented toiletries. As she brushed her teeth, her reflection showed dark circles under her eyes - another sleepless night spent worrying about Donovan's threats.

Dressing quickly in a cream-colored sweater and dark jeans, Lillian hurried downstairs where the rich aroma of breakfast grew stronger. The dining room's double doors stood slightly ajar, revealing Sebastian already seated at the head of the long mahogany table, newspaper in hand. His piercing blue eyes lifted as she entered.

"You're late," he remarked, folding the paper neatly. "Again."

Lillian slid into her usual seat to his right. "I was up late studying," she lied, reaching for the coffee carafe.

Sebastian's eyebrow arched. "Is that why Beatrice called me at midnight asking if you'd taken sleeping pills again?"

The porcelain cup nearly slipped from Lillian's fingers. "She had no right-"

"Enough." Sebastian's tone brooked no argument. "We have more pressing matters. Victoria arrives today with her... entourage."

Lillian's stomach twisted at the mention of Sebastian's daughter and her former fiancé Donovan. "I thought they weren't coming until next week."

"Change of plans." Sebastian's jaw tightened. "Marcus intercepted communications suggesting Donovan may attempt to challenge my position during the Blood Moon gathering."

The Blood Moon - the one night when werewolf laws permitted challenges to pack leadership. Lillian's coffee suddenly tasted bitter. "He wouldn't dare."

"Don't underestimate him." Sebastian pushed back his chair. "I've arranged additional security. You're not to leave the estate grounds without Julian or myself."

Lillian opened her mouth to protest when the front door burst open. Oliver came barreling into the dining room, his backpack bouncing wildly. "Dad! The car's here! Victoria's early!"

Sebastian was on his feet instantly. Lillian followed more slowly, her pulse racing as they moved toward the grand foyer. Through the open doorway, she could see the black limousine idling in the circular drive, its tinted windows hiding their unwelcome guests.

The driver's door opened, and Frederick stepped out to open the rear passenger door. First emerged Victoria, her designer heels clicking sharply on the pavement. Then Donovan, his golden hair gleaming in the morning light, his arm possessively around Evelyn's waist.

But it was the third figure that made Lillian's blood run cold - a tall, broad-shouldered man with silver-streaked hair stepping from the front seat. Alpha Harrison. The very wolf who'd tried to take advantage of her at the fraternity party.

Sebastian's growl vibrated through the foyer. "What is he doing here?"

Victoria smiled sweetly. "Father, don't be rude. Harrison is Donovan's guest for the Blood Moon. And we all know what that means..."

The unspoken challenge hung in the air like a storm cloud. Lillian's fingers found Sebastian's sleeve, gripping tight. The games had begun, and the stakes were higher than ever.