Chapter 272

The morning sun cast golden rays through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Sebastian Blackwood’s penthouse, painting the room in warm hues. Lillian stretched beneath the silk sheets, her body still humming from the intensity of last night. The scent of Sebastian—dark, intoxicating, and undeniably alpha—lingered on her skin, a reminder of their passionate reunion.

She turned her head, expecting to find him beside her, but the bed was empty. A note rested on his pillow, written in his bold, elegant script:

"Emergency pack meeting. Don’t wait for me for breakfast. —S"

Lillian sighed, running her fingers over the crisp paper. Even now, duty called him away. But she understood. As the Lycan Chairman, Sebastian’s responsibilities were endless.

The door creaked open, and little Oliver peeked in, his silver-blue eyes—so much like his father’s—bright with mischief. "Aunt Lillian! You’re finally awake!"

She chuckled, pulling the covers higher. "Good morning, trouble. What’s the plan today?"

Oliver bounced onto the bed, nearly toppling her. "Papa said we could go to the amusement park if you said yes!"

Lillian arched a brow. "Did he now?"

Oliver nodded eagerly. "He said you’d love it!"

She laughed, ruffling his hair. "Well, if your papa insists, who am I to argue?"

Just then, her phone buzzed. A message from Beatrice:

"Emergency girls’ night. My sister Isabella is in town, and she’s bringing gossip. Meet at The Velvet Lounge at 8. No excuses!"

Lillian bit her lip. She hadn’t seen Isabella in months, and the model always had the juiciest stories. But Sebastian had mentioned wanting to spend the evening together…

Oliver tugged her sleeve. "Aunt Lillian? Are we going?"

She exhaled, making a decision. "Of course we are. But first, breakfast."

Downstairs, the mansion was alive with activity. Giselle, the head maid, directed staff with quiet efficiency, while Lucien, the flirtatious head chef, winked at her from the kitchen. "Morning, gorgeous. Pancakes or waffles?"

"Surprise me," she said, sliding onto a stool.

Oliver chattered excitedly about roller coasters, but Lillian’s mind wandered. Last night, Sebastian had whispered something about a "surprise" for her. What could it be?

Her phone buzzed again—an unknown number.

"You think you’ve won, little wolf? The game has only just begun."

Her blood ran cold. The message was unsigned, but she didn’t need a name to know who it was from.

Donovan.

Her ex-fated mate wasn’t done with her.

And worse—he knew where she was.

I didn't bother dressing after my shower. The steam still clung to my skin as I stepped out in nothing but my boxers, padding barefoot across the plush carpet toward the bed. Then I froze.

The sheets moved.

My wolf surged forward before I could stop him, nostrils flaring at the unmistakable scent that wrapped around me like silk. Jasmine. Vanilla. And something uniquely...her.

I gripped the edge of the duvet, peeling it back with deliberate slowness.

Lillian lay curled on her side, naked as the day she was born, golden hair fanned across my pillows. Moonlight painted her curves in silver, highlighting the dip of her waist, the swell of her hips. My mouth went dry.

"Sebastian..." Her voice was sleep-rough, sending heat straight to my groin.

Had she come for me? The thought sent something primal roaring through my veins. My fingers traced the delicate line of her jaw, and she turned into my touch like a flower seeking sunlight. When I brushed my thumb across her lower lip, she parted them with a soft sigh.

That was all the invitation I needed.

In one motion, I hauled her up against me, her legs locking around my waist as I sat on the mattress. The feel of her bare skin against mine was electric. She writhed, pupils blown wide with need, the sweet musk of her arousal thick in the air.

The growl tore from my throat before I could stop it.

Her mouth crashed into mine, hungry and desperate. I could taste the champagne on her tongue as she rocked against me, my boxers growing damp from her heat. Her hands mapped every ridge of my abdomen, nails scraping lightly as she moaned into my mouth.

Questions evaporated. There was only this. Only her.

I fisted my hand in her hair, tilting her head back to plunder her mouth deeper. She opened for me without hesitation, taking everything I gave. When her small hand wrapped around my length, I nearly saw stars.

"Inside," I gritted out. "Now."

She didn't make me ask twice.

The moment I sheathed myself in her wet heat, we both groaned. Her walls fluttered around me as she began to move, riding me with increasing desperation. I gripped her hips hard enough to leave bruises, guiding her pace until her thighs trembled and she shattered with my name on her lips.

I followed her over the edge, spilling into her with a roar.

We didn't sleep for hours.

The crash jolted me awake.

I was on my feet before my eyes fully opened, wolf scanning for threats. The bed was empty. Cold.

Then I heard it—a whimper.

Lillian crouched on the floor, clutching a fallen lamp, her eyes wide with horror. "Sebastian?" Her voice shook. "What...what are you doing in my suite?"

The scent of her fear was unmistakable.

And it didn't match last night's memories at all.