Chapter 242

The crisp morning air carried the scent of pine as Lillian stepped onto the balcony of Sebastian Blackwood’s sprawling estate. The sun had barely risen, casting a golden hue over the dense forest that bordered the property. She tightened the silk robe around her, the fabric whispering against her skin.

Last night’s confrontation with Donovan still burned in her mind. His betrayal had cut deeper than she’d ever admit, but she refused to let it break her. Not again.

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, turning to see Beatrice stride in, her usual bubbly energy subdued.

"You look like you didn’t sleep," Beatrice remarked, flopping onto the plush armchair by the fireplace.

Lillian sighed, running a hand through her tousled hair. "Couldn’t."

Beatrice’s expression softened. "Still thinking about him?"

Lillian clenched her jaw. "I’d rather not."

Beatrice leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Well, you might want to brace yourself. Sebastian’s called a pack meeting. Rumor has it, Donovan’s making a move."

Lillian’s pulse spiked. "What kind of move?"

Beatrice shrugged. "No one knows yet. But Marcus is already gathering the warriors."

Lillian’s wolf stirred beneath her skin, restless. If Donovan was planning something, she wouldn’t be caught off guard. Not this time.

Just then, the door swung open again, and Sebastian strode in, his presence commanding the room. His dark eyes locked onto hers, unreadable as ever.

"Lillian," he said, his voice low. "We need to talk."

She squared her shoulders. "About?"

His lips curved into a smirk that didn’t reach his eyes. "Your ex-fated mate is challenging my authority."

A cold dread settled in her stomach. "What does that mean?"

Sebastian stepped closer, his scent—cedar and something distinctly alpha—wrapping around her. "It means war."

The word hung between them, heavy with unspoken consequences.

Beatrice gasped. "You can’t be serious."

Sebastian didn’t look away from Lillian. "Deadly serious."

Lillian swallowed hard. If Donovan was foolish enough to challenge Sebastian, he wouldn’t survive. And despite everything, a part of her still cared.

But war was coming. And she’d have to choose a side.

"I came to ask you if the news reports are true," Donovan said, his eyes darkening as he stepped closer. "Are you and Sebastian together?"

My breath hitched, and I instinctively took a step back, my pulse quickening.

"What are you talking about?" I feigned ignorance, though my fingers curled into fists at my sides.

"Don't play dumb, Lillian," he snarled, closing the distance between us, his presence suffocating. "I saw the headlines last week. The photos. Are you really with him? Is that why you’ve been avoiding me?"

A bitter laugh escaped me. "I’ve been avoiding you because you betrayed me, Donovan. Then you had the audacity to try and blackmail me into being your dirty little secret. This has nothing to do with Sebastian and everything to do with you," I spat, jabbing my finger into his chest.

His jaw clenched with every sharp press of my finger.

"Break it off with him," he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

I scoffed. "My relationship is none of your business." I turned to leave, but his hand shot out, gripping my wrist so tightly I gasped. Pain flared as he spun me back to face him, his eyes blazing with fury.

"Everything about you is my business," he hissed through gritted teeth. "Make no mistake, Lillian. You will always be mine."

"Not a chance," I snapped, struggling against his bruising grip. "Let me go—you're hurting me!"

"I’ll let you go when I decide to," he sneered, tightening his hold until I winced. "I’ve been patient, but my patience has run out. You owe me."

"Donovan—" My voice was barely a whisper now, my wrist throbbing under his crushing grip. I could feel the bones straining, the skin bruising.

"Tell me you're mine," he growled, ignoring my pain.

"Donovan, stop—"

"TELL ME!"

Just as I was about to lash out, Donovan suddenly released me with a sharp cry. A sickening crack echoed through the air, followed by the metallic scent of blood. He stumbled back, clutching his nose as crimson spilled between his fingers.

I staggered away, stunned, before looking up—

Marcus Grayson stood there, his fist still clenched, his expression thunderous.

"She told you to let go," he said coldly, flexing his fingers. "You should’ve listened."

I stared, speechless. Marcus had just punched Donovan. For me.

"Marcus...?" I whispered, my voice trembling.

His gaze softened as he turned to me. "Are you okay?"

After a beat, I nodded. "I—I think so."

Donovan writhed on the ground, groaning as blood dripped onto the pavement.

"Come on, let’s get you out of here," Marcus said, offering me his hand. I took it, stepping over Donovan’s crumpled form.

"You bastard!" Donovan snarled as we walked away. "You’ll regret this! Do you even know who I am?"

I turned back, my voice icy. "In case you missed it the first hundred times—we’re done. Stay away from me."

His growl was feral, his wolf barely restrained. "Never."

With a sigh, I let Marcus guide me to his car. Once inside, I exhaled shakily, my wrist still throbbing.

"Thank you," I murmured.

He glanced at me through the rearview mirror, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Of course. Sebastian would’ve skinned me alive if I hadn’t stepped in."

I swallowed hard. "Can we... keep this between us? I don’t want Sebastian to worry. Or Victoria."

Marcus was silent for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Our secret."

As the car pulled away, I didn’t look back.