Chapter 233

The crisp morning air carried the scent of pine as Lillian stepped onto the balcony of Sebastian Blackwood's mountain retreat. Below her, the resort sprawled across the valley like a jewel nestled in emerald velvet. She tightened the silk robe around her waist, the fabric whispering against her skin.

"Miss Lillian?" A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. Theodore Whitmore stood at the doorway, his silver tray bearing a single espresso. "Mr. Blackwood requested you join him in the study after breakfast."

Lillian accepted the coffee, the rich aroma mingling with the mountain breeze. "Thank you, Theodore. Is Oliver awake yet?"

"The young master is currently engaged in his fencing lesson with Professor Montgomery." The butler's lips twitched. "He insisted on wearing his pirate costume."

A laugh bubbled up in Lillian's chest. That explained the distant clanging of swords she'd heard earlier. She took a sip of coffee, the bitterness perfectly balanced with a hint of caramel—just how Sebastian preferred it.

The study door stood slightly ajar when she arrived. Through the gap, she could see Sebastian bent over blueprints spread across his mahogany desk, his dark hair falling across his forehead. The morning light caught the silver streaks at his temples, making them gleam like polished steel.

"You're staring." His deep voice startled her, though he hadn't looked up.

Lillian pushed the door open fully. "I was admiring the view." She gestured toward the floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the snow-capped peaks.

Sebastian finally glanced up, his golden eyes knowing. "Of course you were." He tapped a spot on the blueprint. "Come here. I want your opinion on the new pack hospital designs."

As she approached, his scent enveloped her—oakmoss and something uniquely Sebastian. He straightened, his towering frame making the spacious study suddenly feel intimate.

Lillian focused on the blueprints. "The pediatric wing should be closer to the gardens. Sunlight helps healing."

Sebastian's fingers brushed hers as he adjusted the paper. "I knew there was a reason I kept you around."

Before she could retort, Marcus Grayson burst in, his usually composed face tight with tension. "Alpha, we have a situation. The Winslows just crossed into our territory."

Sebastian's posture shifted instantly, all business. "How many?"

"Reginald and Archibald, plus a full security detail." Marcus's gaze flicked to Lillian. "They're demanding to see Miss Lillian."

Ice slid down her spine. After everything Donovan had done—after he'd chosen Evelyn over her—what could his family possibly want now?

Sebastian's hand found the small of her back, warm and steadying. "Tell them they'll wait until I'm good and ready." His thumb traced small circles through her robe. "Let them sweat a little."

Lillian leaned into his touch, drawing strength from his unshakable presence. Whatever storm was coming, they'd face it together.

The grandfather clock in the corner ticked ominously as they waited, each second stretching like taffy. Somewhere in the house, Oliver's laughter echoed down the halls, blissfully unaware of the gathering storm.

Sebastian's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression darkening. "It seems our guests brought a...peace offering." He turned the screen toward her.

Lillian's breath caught. The photo showed Arabella Winslow—Donovan's youngest sister—bound and gagged in what appeared to be a wine cellar.

A message flashed below the image: We'll trade.

The coffee turned to acid in Lillian's stomach. This wasn't just a visit. This was a declaration of war.

"I'm not sure if I'm serious about anything," Sebastian blurted, panic flashing in his stormy gray eyes. "I haven't even had time to process this properly—to figure out what I truly want. Finding a mate was never part of my plans, Lillian. I never believed I'd have one, let alone want one."

"Wait... what?" My voice sharpened as I narrowed my eyes at him. "Are you seriously considering rejecting her?"

His teeth sank into his lower lip, his gaze darting away. That single hesitation was answer enough. My chest ached for Beatrice.

"Then if you're going to reject her, do it quickly," I snapped, bitterness lacing my words. My appetite vanished. I shoved my plate aside and stood abruptly. "Don't drag it out. Spare her the agony." Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and strode out of the kitchen, leaving him alone with his turmoil.

Sebastian's POV

"Alpha Blackwood, I've run three separate X-rays, but there's no physical injury to Victoria's leg," Dr. Langford said, adjusting her glasses.

I exhaled sharply, leaning against the sterile hospital wall. We'd been here since yesterday, trapped in this suffocating white hallway while Victoria sobbed about phantom pain, refusing to let me leave. My fingers raked through my disheveled hair as exhaustion weighed on me. Sleeping in that stiff hospital chair had been impossible—between the discomfort and Victoria's constant whimpering, rest was a lost cause.

I trusted Dr. Langford implicitly. She was the best in her field, and if she said nothing was wrong, then nothing was.

"Understood," I muttered. "So she can go home?"

Dr. Langford nodded. "Yes. Rest in her own bed might help. I'll prescribe placebo pills—tell her they're pain medication. If she believes she's being treated, the 'pain' should fade. It's purely psychological."

"Appreciate it," I said, rubbing my temples.

"I'll prepare the prescription immediately," she replied before disappearing down the hall.

With another sigh, I pushed open the door to Victoria's room. She was scowling at her phone, fingers flying across the screen.

"Everything alright?" I asked.

She startled, hastily dropping her phone and clutching her leg, tears welling up instantly. "Y-yes, it's just... my leg hurts so much, and Donovan hasn't even bothered to visit me!" Her voice cracked theatrically.

I sank onto the edge of her bed, taking her hands in mine. "I'm sure he's preoccupied. Let's get you home—"

"Take me home?!" Victoria gasped, her voice trembling. "But what about my leg? Daddy, it hurts so much!"

I gave a solemn nod.

"I know, sweetheart," I murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her tear-streaked face. "Dr. Langford will prescribe strong medication to help you rest."

She bit her lower lip, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks.

"O-okay," she stammered, her fingers clutching the hospital blanket.

Once the pain subsided, we could—

"As soon as we're home, we'll try calling Donovan. Maybe he can come see you. I’m not even sure if anyone told him you were hurt," I said gently.

She sniffled and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

Glancing at the clock, I realized it was already mid-afternoon. I told Lillian I’d pick her up soon—we could have dinner together and spend the evening making up for lost time. Guilt gnawed at me. I’d been distant lately, leaving her to fend for herself. Tonight, I wanted to fix that.

Dr. Langford returned with the medication, handing Victoria a pill and a glass of water.

"This is potent, so only one dose per day," she warned before meeting my gaze with a knowing wink.

Mouthing a silent thank you, I turned back to Victoria, who swallowed the pill with a grimace.

Marcus Grayson, my Beta, met us at the hospital and drove us home. After helping Victoria settle into bed with her phone, I retreated to my room to prepare for my evening with Lillian.

Just as I stepped into the hallway, a piercing scream shattered the silence.

My blood ran cold.

I sprinted back to Victoria’s room, my wolf bristling beneath my skin—only to find her alone, sobbing into her hands.

"What happened?" I demanded, scanning the room for any threat.

"Donovan won’t answer my calls!" she wailed, her voice breaking.

I suppressed a groan. Then her tear-filled eyes locked onto me, narrowing in accusation.

"Are you leaving?" she whispered.

I glanced down at my tailored suit and hesitated.

"Yes, I was just—"

Her cries intensified. "Please don’t go, Daddy! Donovan’s ignoring me, and I have no one else! I need you!"

"I can have one of the maids stay with you," I offered.

Tears streaked her flushed cheeks. "You’re never here anymore! I miss you!" Her voice cracked. "Please… don’t leave me again!"