Chapter 23

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting golden streaks across the lavish bedroom. Lillian stirred beneath the silk sheets, her body still humming with the remnants of last night’s passion. Beside her, Sebastian Blackwood lay sprawled, his muscular frame taking up most of the bed. His dark lashes fluttered slightly as he slept, the sharp angles of his face softened in slumber.

A soft knock at the door interrupted the quiet.

"Come in," Lillian murmured, pulling the sheets higher.

The door creaked open, revealing Beatrice, her best friend, holding a tray of coffee and pastries. "Morning, sleepyhead," she chirped, setting the tray on the bedside table. "Thought you might need this after last night."

Lillian’s cheeks warmed. "Bea!"

Beatrice smirked, plopping onto the edge of the bed. "Oh, please. The whole pack heard you two. Walls are thin in this mansion."

Sebastian groaned, rolling onto his side. "If you’re here to gossip, do it elsewhere."

Beatrice rolled her eyes. "Fine, fine. But Lillian, you’re needed downstairs. There’s a… situation."

Lillian frowned. "What kind of situation?"

"The kind involving Donovan and Evelyn."

Sebastian sat up abruptly, his golden eyes sharpening. "What did that bastard do now?"

Beatrice hesitated. "He’s here. At the gates. Demanding to see Lillian."

Lillian’s stomach twisted. She hadn’t seen Donovan since he’d rejected her, choosing Evelyn instead. The memory still stung.

Sebastian’s jaw clenched. "He has no right."

Lillian placed a hand on his arm. "I should talk to him. If only to make him leave."

Sebastian studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Fine. But I’m coming with you."

Downstairs, the grand foyer buzzed with tension. Marcus Grayson, Sebastian’s beta, stood near the entrance, arms crossed. Outside, Donovan paced, his expression stormy. Evelyn hovered behind him, looking uneasy.

Lillian took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Donovan."

He whirled around, his gaze locking onto hers. "Lillian. We need to talk."

Sebastian growled low in his throat. "Make it quick."

Donovan ignored him, stepping closer. "I made a mistake. I see that now."

Lillian blinked. "What?"

Evelyn’s face paled. "Donovan—"

He cut her off. "I was wrong to reject you. I want you back."

The words hit like a slap. Lillian staggered back, her pulse roaring in her ears.

Sebastian moved between them, his voice a lethal whisper. "You lost your chance. She’s mine now."

Donovan’s eyes flashed. "She was mine first."

The air crackled with hostility. Lillian’s wolf stirred, agitated.

Then—

A sharp cry pierced the tension. Oliver, Sebastian’s son, stood at the top of the stairs, his small face crumpled in fear. "Daddy?"

Sebastian’s expression softened instantly. "Oliver. Go back to your room."

But Oliver didn’t move. His wide eyes darted between the adults. "Are you fighting?"

Lillian’s heart ached. She couldn’t let this escalate. Not here. Not now.

She stepped forward, her voice steady. "Donovan, leave. There’s nothing left to say."

His face twisted. "You don’t mean that."

"I do." She met his gaze, unflinching. "It’s over."

For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then Donovan snarled, turning on his heel. "This isn’t finished."

Evelyn cast one last, conflicted look at Lillian before following him out.

The door slammed shut.

Lillian exhaled shakily.

Sebastian pulled her close, his warmth seeping into her bones. "You okay?"

She nodded, leaning into him. "Yeah. Just… tired."

Beatrice cleared her throat. "Well, that was dramatic."

Sebastian shot her a glare.

She held up her hands. "Right. I’ll just… go check on Oliver."

As Beatrice hurried upstairs, Lillian sighed. "Do you think he’ll really give up?"

Sebastian’s grip tightened. "Not a chance. But he’ll regret it if he tries anything."

Lillian believed him.

But as she glanced out the window, watching Donovan’s retreating figure, a cold dread settled in her chest.

This wasn’t over.

Not by a long shot.

I glared at my reflection in the mirror, my fingers brushing over the mark on my neck. This can't be visible to anyone. I needed to hide it—fast.

A scarf would have to do.

After a quick shower, I slipped into a fitted blouse and dark jeans, then grabbed a silk scarf that matched the outfit. Wrapping it carefully around my neck, I took a steadying breath before stepping out of my room.

My mother intercepted me in the hallway, her expression tight with disapproval. "Lillian," she began, her voice strained, "you can't keep defying Donovan like this. He’s our future Alpha. Your father’s life depends on this alliance."

I clenched my jaw, refusing to engage. "We’ll find another way," I said firmly, turning away before she could see the frustration in my eyes.

Later that afternoon, I called an Uber to Sebastian Blackwood’s estate. Relief washed over me when only Theodore and Oliver were home—no awkward run-ins with Sebastian himself.

Theodore gave me a brief tour, pointing out which rooms I was allowed in and which were strictly off-limits—Sebastian’s study and the entire upper floor included.

"The interview was just the beginning," Theodore said, crossing his arms as he studied me. "Master Oliver isn’t an easy child to handle. None of his previous tutors lasted long. Your job is to make sure he completes his assignments. Understood?"

"I’ll do my best," I replied, forcing confidence into my voice.

Theodore smirked, skepticism clear in his gaze. "No offense, Miss Lillian, but I doubt you’re cut out for this. Even the tutors who passed the interview failed miserably. Oliver is… complicated. It’ll take more than a pretty face and combat skills to get through to him."

His words stung, but I refused to let it show.

Third Person POV

Lillian masked her reaction, but Theodore’s blunt assessment had hit its mark. Earlier that morning, Donovan had been speaking with Theodore while Victoria prepared for the day.

"She’s never been around children," Donovan had said, his tone dismissive. "I’ve known Lillian for years. She doesn’t have the patience for this."

He’d even revealed Lillian’s condition—something she’d confided in him about long ago. A condition she claimed to have under control, but one that made certain subjects difficult for her.

Theodore had felt deceived. Now, he made a mental note to watch her closely and report anything unusual back to Donovan.

Oddly enough, Donovan had also been unusually interested in Oliver’s habits.

"I noticed he doesn’t do much around here," Donovan had mused. "His birthday isn’t for months, but since I’ll be marrying Victoria, I’d like to get him something meaningful. Any suggestions?"

Theodore hadn’t thought much of it. "He’s into video games," he answered. "There’s one in particular he loves, but he’s not allowed to play it right now."

Donovan had simply nodded, his expression unreadable.

Donovan arched a brow, his piercing gaze fixed on the woman before him.

"And why is that?" His voice was smooth, laced with curiosity.

"Because it consumes all his attention," she huffed, crossing her arms. "He locks himself in his room for hours, completely absorbed in that ridiculous game. Getting him to focus on anything else is like pulling teeth."

A slow smirk curved Donovan’s lips. "Let me take a look at the tablet."

She hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. But if you’re going to indulge him, at least make it something educational."

Donovan chuckled, already scrolling through the device. "Maybe I’ll surprise him with a new game—one that actually teaches him something."