Chapter 274

The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves as Lillian stepped onto the balcony of Sebastian Blackwood’s mansion. The golden hues of twilight painted the sky, casting long shadows across the sprawling estate. She exhaled slowly, her breath forming a faint mist in the cooling evening.

Inside, the grand hall buzzed with activity. The pack was preparing for the upcoming alliance meeting with Alpha Maximilian Voss, a rival Lycan chairman whose intentions remained shrouded in mystery. Lillian could hear the low murmur of voices—Sebastian’s deep, commanding tone, Marcus Grayson’s sharp responses, and the occasional laughter of Oliver, Sebastian’s seven-year-old son, who had somehow managed to sneak into the discussions.

A rustle of fabric drew her attention. Evelyn, Donovan’s new mate, stood at the doorway, her expression unreadable. The tension between them was palpable, a silent battle of wills neither was willing to concede.

"You look troubled," Evelyn remarked, stepping forward.

Lillian arched a brow. "Shouldn’t you be with Donovan?"

Evelyn smirked. "He’s busy. And I thought I’d check on you. After all, we’re going to be seeing a lot of each other now."

Lillian clenched her fists, resisting the urge to snap back. She knew Evelyn was baiting her, but she refused to give her the satisfaction.

Before she could respond, Beatrice burst onto the balcony, her cheeks flushed. "Lillian! You won’t believe what just happened!"

Lillian turned, grateful for the distraction. "What is it?"

Beatrice’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Victoria just announced her engagement is off! She broke things off with Donovan!"

Lillian’s breath hitched. That changed everything.

Sebastian’s voice cut through the moment, sharp and commanding. "Lillian. My office. Now."

She exchanged a glance with Beatrice before following him inside, her mind racing. What did this mean for the alliance? For Donovan? For her?

As she stepped into Sebastian’s study, the weight of his gaze pinned her in place. "Sit," he ordered.

She did, her pulse quickening.

Sebastian leaned against his desk, arms crossed. "Victoria’s decision complicates things. Donovan won’t take this lightly."

Lillian swallowed. "What do you want me to do?"

His lips curved into a dangerous smile. "Exactly what you’ve been doing. Stay close. Watch him. And when the time comes—"

A knock interrupted him. Marcus entered, his expression grim. "Alpha, we have a problem."

Sebastian’s eyes darkened. "What now?"

Marcus hesitated, then spoke. "Donovan just left the estate. And he wasn’t alone."

Lillian’s stomach twisted. Who was with him?

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. "Find him. Now."

As Marcus hurried out, Lillian met Sebastian’s gaze. The unspoken question hung between them—was this the beginning of the end, or just another twist in their dangerous game?

And more importantly—whose side would she be on when it all came crashing down?

My gaze darted across the email until the room number jumped out at me.

My heart stopped.

Room 906.

I was in the wrong room.

Of all the cursed luck!

Heat flooded my cheeks as I glared at the door number. I was in Sebastian Blackwood’s suite. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut, and for a second, I thought I might actually faint from sheer humiliation.

I couldn’t bring myself to look at him, though I could feel his piercing stare, his lips pressed into a disapproving line.

He thought I was here to stalk him. He had no idea I was even in the competition—and honestly, I wasn’t sure if it was worth telling him.

These past few weeks, he hadn’t spared me a single thought. Why would that change now?

“Well?” His voice was sharp, impatient. “Are you going to explain yourself, or just stand there like a statue?”

Words failed me.

If I’d spent the whole night here, that meant Beatrice had been alone in our room.

Goddess above. She must have been frantic with worry. All this time, I’d assumed she was the one missing, when in reality—

“I—” My voice cracked. “I have to go.”

I spun on my heel and bolted before he could stop me.

Our actual room was only a few doors down, but I didn’t want him following me—or worse, finding me later. So instead of heading there, I made a sharp turn toward the elevators.

I didn’t know where I was going. I just knew I couldn’t stay.

Sebastian’s POV

I wasn’t completely blackout drunk last night—just drunk enough to make choices I’d normally regret.

But waking up to find Lillian sprawled on my suite floor? That was a shock I hadn’t seen coming.

She was the last person I expected to see here.

And the way my body reacted to her—even disheveled, half-dressed, and clearly mortified—was infuriating. She was still breathtaking.

This was dangerous. If Alpha Maximilian caught wind of my connection to her, he’d use her against me without hesitation.