Chapter 243

The morning sun filtered through the heavy velvet curtains of the master suite, casting golden streaks across the rumpled silk sheets. Lillian stirred beneath the weight of Sebastian's arm draped possessively over her waist. His steady breathing tickled the nape of her neck, sending shivers down her spine despite the warmth radiating from his body.

She carefully extracted herself from his embrace, pausing when he murmured something unintelligible in his sleep. The sight of the mighty Lycan chairman looking so vulnerable made her heart clench. The faint scar running along his jawline - a souvenir from last week's border skirmish - stood out starkly against his tanned skin.

The marble floor was cool beneath her bare feet as she padded toward the ensuite bathroom. The reflection staring back at her in the gilded mirror showed dark circles under her eyes - three nights of interrupted sleep since Oliver's fever had broken. The seven-year-old had clung to her like a limpet during his illness, his small hands fisting in her nightgown whenever she tried to leave.

A sudden vibration from the nightstand made her jump. Sebastian's phone lit up with a notification - Victoria's name flashing across the screen. Lillian's fingers hovered over the device, torn between curiosity and propriety. The engagement between Victoria and Donovan had been officially called off after the truth about Evelyn's pregnancy came to light, but the fallout still rippled through their lives.

The shower's steaming water did little to wash away her unease. She could still hear Donovan's venomous words from their last encounter: "You'll regret choosing him over me, Lillian." The memory made her scrub her skin harder, as if she could erase the phantom touch of his fingers on her wrist.

Dressed in a simple cotton sundress, she found Beatrice already in the kitchen, animatedly discussing menu options with Lucien. The head chef's dramatic hand gestures sent his white apron flapping like the wings of an agitated swan.

"Morning, sunshine!" Beatrice chirped, pushing a steaming mug of chamomile tea across the breakfast bar. "You look like you wrestled a werebear and lost."

Lillian managed a weak smile. "Feels like it. Oliver kept kicking me all night."

The kitchen door swung open to reveal Theodore, his usually impeccable suit rumpled, dark circles mirroring her own. "Miss Lillian," he rasped, "Alpha Harrison is at the gates. He claims it's urgent pack business."

Ice water seemed to flood her veins. The last time she'd seen Alpha Harrison, he'd been leering at her across a crowded bar, his intentions as clear as the full moon. Sebastian had nearly ripped his throat out for the disrespect.

Before she could respond, heavy footsteps announced Sebastian's arrival. He filled the doorway in nothing but low-slung pajama pants, his bare chest displaying fresh scratches from their passionate night. The sight made Beatrice wolf-whistle while Lucien pretended to fan himself.

"Tell Harrison to wait in the formal parlor," Sebastian growled, his voice still rough with sleep. His golden eyes locked onto Lillian, darkening with possessiveness. "You're not going anywhere near him."

Lillian opened her mouth to protest when Oliver came barreling into the room, his pajamas covered in what appeared to be chocolate smears. "Daddy! I drew you a picture!" He waved a crayon masterpiece that suspiciously resembled a decapitated werewolf.

As Sebastian scooped up his son, Lillian caught the flicker of pain in his eyes. The upcoming Alpha summit would mean three days apart - the longest they'd been separated since mating. And with Donovan still lurking in the shadows, the timing couldn't be worse.

The doorbell chimed again, more insistently this time. Marcus appeared in the hallway, his expression grim. "Sebastian," he said quietly, "Harrison isn't alone. He's brought witnesses from the Council."

The air in the kitchen thickened with tension. Council visits never meant good news. Sebastian's jaw tightened as he handed Oliver to Lillian. "Take him upstairs," he ordered softly. Then, with a kiss that left her lips tingling, he added, "No matter what you hear, stay there."

As Lillian climbed the stairs with Oliver's small hand in hers, the front door creaked open below. Harrison's oily voice slithered through the foyer: "Sebastian Blackwood, by order of the Lycan High Council, you are hereby summoned to answer for the crime of mate theft..."

The rest was drowned out by Oliver's sudden squeal of delight at seeing his pet ferret. But Lillian's blood had turned to ice. Mate theft? That was a capital offense in some territories. And with Donovan's connections on the Council...

Her grip tightened on the banister as realization dawned. This wasn't just a power play. It was a carefully laid trap. And she'd walked right into it the moment she rejected her fated mate.

Third Person POV

Donovan's wounds were already knitting together, his werewolf healing kicking in before Lillian sped away. His gaze burned into the distance where her car had vanished, fury simmering beneath his skin. How dare she treat him like this? After everything they had shared, she thought she could just discard him like trash. Two years—two damn years—and now she was tossing him aside without a second thought.

And then there was Sebastian Blackwood, stealing what was rightfully his. The whole point of cozying up to Victoria had been to secure her father’s favor, but now? Now he despised the man with every fiber of his being.

A sudden, overwhelming presence prickled at Donovan’s senses. He whirled around to find a group of Elite Gamma warriors striding toward him. Their pristine uniforms and imposing physiques made his eyes widen. He’d known the Elites would be arriving soon, but today?

Among them walked the source of that suffocating aura—Alpha Maximilian Voss. A formidable Lycan Chairman. Not quite as powerful as Sebastian Blackwood, but close enough, and more importantly, Sebastian’s sworn enemy.

Maximilian’s sharp gaze locked onto Donovan, narrowing slightly at the blood staining his clothes.

"Alpha Voss," Donovan said, dipping his head in respect. "It’s an honor."

"You look familiar," the Alpha rumbled, his voice thick with authority. "Have we met?"

"No, sir. But you’ve met my father."

"And who might that be?" Maximilian asked, feigning disinterest while still watching him closely.

"Archibald Winslow."

Maximilian’s brows lifted slightly. "The Winslow family?" His eyes raked over Donovan’s face, assessing.

"Yes, sir. Donovan Winslow," he replied, pride lacing his words.

The Alpha considered this for a moment before nodding. "I see." Then, his gaze flicked to the blood on Donovan’s face. "And what happened to you?"

Donovan had nearly forgotten about his injuries. Heat crept up his neck. "Just a minor accident."

Maximilian’s eyes narrowed. Without a word, he jerked his chin at one of his Gammas, who immediately stepped forward and hauled Donovan to his feet. Donovan tensed, expecting violence, but the Gamma merely steadied him before stepping back.

"Thank you," Donovan muttered.

"What kind of accident?" Maximilian pressed.

Donovan hesitated, swallowing hard as he met the Alpha’s piercing stare. "I—what?"

"I asked what kind of accident," Maximilian repeated, impatience creeping into his tone. "Don’t make me use my Alpha command to drag the truth out of you."

"No need, sir," Donovan said quickly. "I got into a fight with Marcus Grayson—Beta of the Silver Crescent pack."

A dark glint flickered in Maximilian’s eyes. He knew exactly whose pack that was.

"The Silver Crescent pack?" he echoed, interest sharpening.

Donovan’s lips curled into a slow smirk. "Yes, sir. Alpha Sebastian Blackwood’s pack." He feigned shock, slapping a hand over his mouth. "Apologies, Alpha. That was… uncalled for."

Maximilian arched a brow. "Not a fan of Alpha Sebastian?"

"Not since he stole what was mine," Donovan muttered, crossing his arms.

"And what, exactly, did he steal?"

"My mate."

Maximilian’s brows shot up. "He took your mate?"

"Yes," Donovan spat. "Lillian and I were together for two years. I came here to remind her she still belongs to me, but then that Beta blindsided me. Cheap shot. I could’ve taken him if I’d been ready."

"Big words," Maximilian mused. "But can you back them up?"

"Absolutely," Donovan said, brushing dirt from his pants. "I’ll do whatever it takes to get Lillian back and put Sebastian in his place."

"Lillian?" Maximilian’s lips twitched. "Montague?"

Donovan stiffened. "Y-yes."

For a long moment, Maximilian just stared at him. Then, to Donovan’s shock, the Alpha threw his head back and laughed—a deep, mocking sound. Donovan forced an awkward chuckle, unsure of the joke.

"Oh, this is delicious," Maximilian finally said, eyes gleaming with malice.

"What is?"

"Lillian is my recruit. She’ll be under my wing for quite some time."

Donovan’s smirk faltered. "Oh. I see."

Silence stretched between them before Maximilian leaned in.

"Tell me, Donovan…" His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Are you willing to do whatever it takes to get her back? Even if the price is higher than you’re ready to pay?"

Donovan held the Alpha’s gaze, pulse racing. This man could give him everything—Lillian, power, a title.

And he was willing to pay any price.