Chapter 283

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 cool evening.

Inside, the grand hall buzzed with activity. The annual Lycan Summit was in full swing, and dignitaries from various packs mingled beneath the glittering chandeliers. Lillian’s fingers tightened around the railing as she caught sight of Donovan across the room, his arm draped possessively around Evelyn’s waist. A bitter taste filled her mouth, but she forced herself to look away.

“You shouldn’t let him get to you.”

The deep, velvety voice sent a shiver down her spine. Sebastian appeared beside her, his piercing emerald eyes studying her with quiet intensity. He leaned against the railing, his broad shoulders blocking out the noise from inside.

“I’m not,” Lillian lied, crossing her arms. “I just needed some air.”

Sebastian smirked, the dimple in his cheek making an appearance. “You’re a terrible liar, little wolf.”

She huffed, but before she could retort, a commotion erupted inside. The crowd parted as Alpha Harrison strode in, his entourage of betas trailing behind him. Lillian’s stomach twisted. The last time she’d seen him, he’d tried to take advantage of her at a party.

Sebastian’s posture stiffened, his aura darkening. “Stay here,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

But Lillian wasn’t one to follow orders blindly. She followed a few steps behind as Sebastian approached Alpha Harrison, their exchange tense.

“Blackwood,” Harrison sneered, his gaze flicking to Lillian. “Still keeping strays, I see.”

Sebastian’s growl was low, dangerous. “Watch your tongue, Harrison. Or I’ll remove it for you.”

The threat hung heavy in the air. Lillian’s pulse quickened, her wolf stirring beneath her skin. She had no love for Harrison, but she didn’t want a scene—not here, not now.

Then, a familiar scent caught her attention.

Oliver.

The little boy darted through the crowd, his face flushed with excitement. “Lillian!” he called, skidding to a stop beside her. “You have to see this!”

Distracted, she let Oliver tug her toward the gardens, away from the brewing tension. The moment they stepped outside, Oliver pointed to the sky.

Fireworks exploded in brilliant bursts of color, illuminating the night. Lillian’s breath caught.

“Sebastian arranged it,” Oliver whispered, grinning. “For you.”

Her heart skipped a beat.

But before she could process it, a sharp scream tore through the celebration.

Lillian spun around just in time to see Evelyn collapse, her body convulsing violently. Donovan’s panicked shouts echoed as he cradled her.

And then—

The lights went out.

Darkness swallowed the estate.

A chilling howl pierced the night.

Lillian’s instincts screamed.

Danger.

Fury ignited within me, my wolf's growl vibrating low in my throat. If I didn't rein him in soon, everyone would witness my complete loss of control. The energy radiating from me was palpable—soon the entire resort would feel its intensity.

Excusing myself from Maximilian, I stalked toward Lillian. My glare burned into her oblivious back—until she turned. Shock flashed across her face the moment our eyes met. Without a word, I seized her arm and hauled her from the party into the deserted hallway. She stumbled, wincing as her injured ankle twisted. Guilt pricked at me—that fracture hadn't fully healed despite the cast being off.

Pinning her against the wall, I felt her tremble beneath me. Fear? Desire? The uncertainty only fueled my frustration.

"You don't belong here. Trying to humiliate me?" My voice came out harsher than intended, laced with a bitterness I couldn't suppress.

"How does my presence affect you?" Lillian shot back, shoving against my chest. I grudgingly admired her defiance—she never cowered, never held her tongue with me. That fearless spark... it intoxicated me.

"Stalking me affects me," I murmured, my gaze dropping to her lips. The way she worried her lower lip between her teeth was distracting—a nervous habit that made me crave a taste. "Who said anything about stalking you?" Her eyes flickered to my mouth before meeting mine again, challenging.

"Then why are you here?"

"Maybe you should pay better attention," she retorted, pushing harder against me. "Now let me return to the party. I'm starving and the food's disappearing."

I nearly argued that she shouldn't be eating competitors' meals—that I could take her to town instead. An irrational urge surged to whisk her away from this place, to shield her from... everything. "You shouldn't be walking on that ankle," I warned.

Voices from the party room interrupted us—Maximilian and his Beta speaking near the door.

"Has Lillian Dumont arrived yet?"

"Not yet, Alpha. I'll notify you immediately."

"See that you do."

My brows furrowed. "Why would Alpha Maximilian be asking about you?" I demanded, slamming her back against the wall.

"How should I know?" she hissed. "None of your business."

A smirk tugged at my lips. "Did you come here to seduce me?" My breath ghosted across her cheek, eliciting another tremble. I knew that telltale shiver—she was moments away from surrendering to this tension between us. When it came to this game, I always played to win.