Chapter 284

"Tristan is among my finest students," Maximilian continued explaining. "He'll be a formidable opponent."

Tristan puffed up like a preening peacock—was this some pathetic intimidation tactic?

I forced a smile, masking my irritation. "Is that so?"

"I had an excellent teacher," he said smoothly before abruptly changing subjects. "Are you here alone?"

The question caught me off guard. Blinking, I nodded. "Yes. My friend went elsewhere for dinner."

"Just a friend?" His probing gaze felt invasive.

I studied him in return—his posture, microexpressions. He was transparent, and I wondered if that carried into combat. We'd likely face each other eventually; I needed to research his fighting style.

Before I could respond, servers began distributing meals. Turning back, I found Tristan watching me with an unreadable expression that set my nerves on edge.

"I should take my seat," I said, gesturing toward the tables. "Pleasure meeting you."

With a slight bow to Alpha Maximilian, I retreated. Most seats were occupied except one beside mine. Had someone decided against attending? I should've joined Beatrice—this dinner yielded no useful intel. Every competitor here guarded their weaknesses like treasure.

The morning sun cast golden rays through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Sebastian Blackwood’s penthouse, illuminating the sleek marble floors. Lillian stretched lazily in the king-sized bed, the silk sheets cool against her skin. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted in from the kitchen, mingling with the faint trace of Sebastian’s cedarwood cologne still lingering in the air.

She had barely opened her eyes when her phone buzzed violently on the nightstand. Beatrice’s name flashed across the screen, followed by a string of frantic texts.

"Lil, you need to check the news. NOW."

Frowning, Lillian swiped open the latest headlines—and her breath hitched.

"LYCAN CHAIRMAN SEBASTIAN BLACKWOOD SPOTTED WITH FORMER FATED MATE EVELYN AT LUXURY RESORT—IS LILLIAN OUT OF THE PICTURE?"

A grainy paparazzi photo accompanied the article, showing Sebastian and Evelyn standing close together near a private cabana, their expressions unreadable. The caption beneath it was even worse: "Sources claim the Lycan Alpha has rekindled his bond with his ex-fated mate, leaving college student Lillian heartbroken."

Lillian’s fingers trembled as she scrolled through the comments.

"Knew she was just a rebound."

"Evelyn is way more suited for a man like Sebastian."

"Poor girl. She never stood a chance."

Her wolf stirred restlessly inside her, a low growl rumbling in her chest. This isn’t true, she told herself. Sebastian wouldn’t—

The bedroom door creaked open, and Sebastian strode in, his tailored suit immaculate, his dark hair slightly tousled from the morning breeze. His golden eyes flickered with concern the moment he saw her expression.

"Lillian?" His deep voice was laced with worry. "What’s wrong?"

She wordlessly turned the screen toward him.

His jaw tightened as he scanned the article, his grip on his coffee cup turning white-knuckled. "This is bullshit."

Lillian swallowed hard. "Then explain it."

Sebastian exhaled sharply, setting the cup down before sitting beside her. "Evelyn showed up unannounced at the resort. She wanted to discuss Victoria’s engagement—nothing more. The press twisted it."

Lillian wanted to believe him. But doubt slithered in, cold and insidious. "Why didn’t you tell me?"

"I didn’t think it was worth mentioning." His hand reached for hers, but she pulled back slightly.

A flicker of hurt crossed his face before his expression hardened. "You don’t trust me."

The accusation stung. "It’s not about trust," she whispered. "It’s about transparency."

Before he could respond, his phone rang—Theodore Whitmore’s name flashing on the screen. Sebastian answered tersely, his voice clipped. "What?"

Theodore’s urgent voice carried through the speaker. "Sir, Alpha Harrison is here. He’s demanding an audience regarding the article."

Sebastian’s eyes darkened. "Tell him I’ll be down in five."

He ended the call and stood, his gaze lingering on Lillian. "We’ll finish this conversation later."

As he strode out, the door clicking shut behind him, Lillian’s phone buzzed again—this time, a message from an unknown number.

"You really think a nobody like you can keep a man like Sebastian? Stay in your lane, sweetheart. Or I’ll make sure you regret it."

Her blood ran cold.

Because beneath the text was another attachment—a photo of her sleeping in Sebastian’s bed.

Taken last night.

Lillian's POV

"Oh, Lillian. There you are," Alpha Maximilian said as I approached. I forced a smile, still feeling flustered from my earlier conversation with Sebastian. My cheeks burned, and I discreetly touched them, hoping they weren’t as flushed as they felt.

If Maximilian noticed, he didn’t comment—or stare.

"You wanted to speak with me?" I asked.

He nodded, his gaze dropping briefly to my ankle.

"How’s the injury?" he inquired.

"Healing," I assured him. "By morning, it’ll be fine."

"Good," he said thoughtfully. "Ice it tonight and stay off it as much as possible." He gestured toward a nearby table. "Your seat is over there."

A small nameplate marked my place: Lillian Montague.

"Thank you, Alpha," I said, turning to leave—but he stopped me.

"Actually," he said, halting me mid-step, "I’d like to introduce you to someone."

I turned back, pasting on a polite smile. All I wanted was to sit down and get this dinner over with.

"Of course," I agreed.

He motioned for me to follow, and I did, ignoring Sebastian’s piercing stare from across the room. His dark eyes tracked me, lips pressed into a thin line. If he was annoyed that I was talking to his rival, this might be more entertaining than I thought. A smirk tugged at my lips, but I disguised it with a cough as I passed him.

We stopped in front of a young man—no older than me—engaged in conversation with a small group. His back was turned, but he was tall, with sleek black hair that fell to his shoulders. The kind of hair that made you want to run your fingers through it—or yank it in a fight.

Alpha Maximilian placed a firm hand on the small of my back, his grip tightening slightly on my hip. The possessive touch made me tense, but I stayed still.

"Tristan," Maximilian called.

The man turned, revealing forest-green eyes and a dimpled smile. He had the kind of pretty-boy face that probably charmed women effortlessly. Keeping them, though? That was another story. The way his grin widened when he saw me told me he’d be trouble for the next few weeks.

"Alpha Maximilian," Tristan said, dipping his head slightly. "What can I do for you?"

"I’d like you to meet Lillian Montague. She’s from the Redmoon Pack," Maximilian introduced. "Lillian, this is Tristan Whitlock of the Darkmoon Pack—my pack."

Tristan took my hand, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. The gesture felt overly familiar, but I kept my expression neutral.

"An honor, Miss Lillian," he said smoothly.

"Likewise," I replied.

I wasn’t sure why Maximilian had introduced us, but I had a feeling I’d find out soon enough.