Chapter 241

The morning sun cast golden rays through the grand windows of Sebastian Blackwood’s estate, illuminating the polished marble floors. Lillian stretched lazily in bed, her fingers brushing against the silk sheets. The scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted from the hallway, signaling the start of another day in the Lycan chairman’s world.

She had barely sat up when a soft knock echoed at her door.

"Come in," she called, pulling the duvet closer.

The door creaked open, revealing Beatrice, her best friend, holding a tray of breakfast pastries. "Morning, sleepyhead," Beatrice teased, setting the tray on the bedside table. "Sebastian’s already in his office, and Oliver’s been asking for you since dawn."

Lillian groaned, rubbing her eyes. "What time is it?"

"Nearly ten," Beatrice said with a smirk. "You’d think after everything that’s happened, you’d be an early riser."

Lillian shot her a glare but reached for a croissant anyway. The buttery flakiness melted on her tongue, and she sighed in contentment. "Fine, I’ll get up. But only because Oliver’s waiting."

Beatrice rolled her eyes. "Sure, blame the kid."

As Lillian dressed, her mind wandered to the events of the past few weeks—Donovan’s betrayal, Evelyn’s sudden appearance, and the growing tension between the packs. She had hoped things would settle after the confrontation at the gala, but if anything, the stakes had only gotten higher.

Downstairs, Oliver was bouncing on his heels near the grand staircase, his dark curls tousled from running around. "Lillian! You’re finally awake!" He tugged at her hand. "Come on, Dad said we could go riding today!"

Lillian laughed, letting him drag her toward the stables. The crisp autumn air greeted them as they stepped outside, the scent of fallen leaves mingling with the earthy aroma of horses.

Sebastian stood near the paddock, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the morning light. He turned as they approached, his piercing gaze softening at the sight of them. "Took you long enough," he murmured, though there was no real reproach in his tone.

Lillian smirked. "Blame Oliver. He insisted I needed my beauty sleep."

Sebastian arched a brow but didn’t argue. Instead, he handed her the reins of a sleek black mare. "She’s spirited," he warned. "But I think you can handle her."

The challenge in his voice sent a thrill through her. Lillian mounted the horse with ease, her fingers tightening around the reins. "Watch me."

As they rode through the sprawling estate, the tension of the past weeks melted away, replaced by the simple joy of the moment. But beneath the surface, Lillian couldn’t shake the feeling that this peace was fleeting—that soon, the storm brewing between the packs would break.

And when it did, she would have to choose—between the life she’d built with Sebastian and the past that still haunted her.

For now, though, she let herself enjoy the ride.

Sebastian's POV

"Alpha, he's here," Marcus said as he stepped into my office. His voice was tight with tension. "Alpha Maximilian arrived in our territory this morning."

I pressed my fingers against my temples, feeling the beginnings of a migraine. The last person I wanted to deal with today was Alpha Maximilian Voss—but fate had other plans. As the appointed recruiter for the Elite Gamma Trials, he traveled across packs to select the most promising warriors for the decade-long competition.

And as much as I wished I could oversee the selections myself, my responsibilities as Lycan Chairman kept me anchored here.

"Make sure the guards deny him access to my estate," I muttered. "The less I have to see of him, the better."

Marcus hesitated before speaking again. "Rumor has it he’s already chosen his candidate. He might leave by tonight."

My head snapped up. "Already? How many?"

"Just one, from what I’ve heard. No confirmation on who it is yet."

I waved him off. "No need to dig further. I’ll be at the Trials next week anyway."

Marcus nodded. "Your flight arrangements are set. Lycan Alpha Nathaniel has already granted you passage through his lands."

I checked the time—Lillian’s tutoring session with Oliver would start soon. Guilt gnawed at me for canceling on her last night. I needed to make it up to her.

Marcus suddenly paled. "Shit. I’m late—I have to get Lillian."

My gaze sharpened. "Why you? Where’s Frederick?"

"He requested the night off. I told him I’d handle it."

A growl rumbled in my chest. "And you didn’t think to inform me?"

Marcus shrugged, unfazed. "Didn’t seem like a big deal. As long as someone picks her up—"

I cut him off with a glare. "Get moving. Now."

He had the nerve to smirk before bolting out the door.

But he was right about one thing—Lillian would be waiting. Alone.

And that thought sent a surge of possessiveness through me.

The thought of Beatrice being out there alone sent chills down my spine. Anything could happen to her. Especially with Alpha Maximilian Voss lurking around the territory.

Lillian's POV

I stared down at the packet Alpha Maximilian had handed me before I left the gym. It contained all the details I needed for the upcoming competition—hotel reservations, transportation arrangements, and even my plane ticket. This was really happening. In just one week, I'd be boarding that plane to compete in the most crucial event of my life.

My heart hammered wildly in my chest. I was the only one they had chosen, which didn’t sit well with the rest of the class. But honestly, I was skeptical too. More than anything, I wished I could tell Beatrice about it, but I’d have to wait until I figured out where she was and why she was ghosting me. For now, I was just relieved to be heading back to the villa so I could tell Sebastian. I had to let him know I’d be taking a few weeks off—I wouldn’t be around to tutor Oliver.

Standing outside the school gates, I checked my watch with a frown. It wasn’t like Frederick to be late, but here I was, waiting. The delay made me uneasy—was something wrong?

Minutes later, a sleek black car pulled up in front of me, and my entire body tensed. I knew that car. And I really didn’t want to deal with him right now. Without hesitation, I turned on my heel, ready to march back toward campus. Frederick could text me when he arrived.

But before I could take more than two steps, I heard the car door slam shut, followed by rapid footsteps closing in behind me.

"Stop running away from me!" Donovan’s voice cut through the air as his hand clamped around my wrist, yanking me around to face him. "What the hell is your problem?"

I narrowed my eyes, wrenching my arm free.

"Don’t touch me," I snapped, crossing my arms tightly over my chest. "What are you doing here, Donovan?"