Chapter 288

The morning sun cast golden rays through the towering windows of the Blackwood estate, painting the grand foyer in warm hues. Lillian stretched lazily in her silk sheets, the events of last night still fresh in her mind. The gala had been a whirlwind of glittering gowns and whispered conversations, but it was Donovan’s unexpected appearance that had sent her pulse racing.

She rolled onto her side, fingers tracing the faint scar on her wrist—the mark of their broken bond. A bitter reminder of what once was.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Miss Lillian?" Harper’s voice was gentle but firm. "Mr. Blackwood requests your presence in the study."

Lillian sighed, pushing back the covers. "Tell him I’ll be down shortly."

She dressed quickly, opting for a simple emerald-green dress that accentuated her curves. As she descended the grand staircase, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries drifted from the dining hall.

Sebastian stood by the fireplace, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the flickering flames. He turned as she entered, his piercing gaze locking onto hers.

"You’re late," he remarked, though there was no real irritation in his tone.

Lillian arched a brow. "And yet, you waited."

A smirk tugged at his lips. "I had a feeling you’d make it worth my while."

She crossed her arms. "What’s this about?"

Sebastian’s expression sobered. "We have a problem. Donovan’s been spotted near the northern border. He’s not alone."

Lillian’s stomach twisted. "Evelyn?"

He nodded. "And a small contingent of rogues. They’re testing our defenses."

She exhaled sharply. "He’s trying to provoke you."

"Or you," Sebastian countered.

Silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken tension.

Lillian clenched her fists. "What do you want me to do?"

Sebastian stepped closer, his voice dropping to a low growl. "Stay close. If he wants a fight, he’ll get one. But not on his terms."

Before she could respond, the door burst open. Oliver rushed in, his small face flushed with excitement.

"Dad! There’s a wolf in the garden! A big one!"

Sebastian’s eyes flashed with alarm. He grabbed Oliver’s shoulders. "Where?"

"By the roses! It was staring right at me!"

Lillian didn’t wait for permission. She bolted outside, her bare feet slapping against the cold stone path. The garden was eerily quiet, the morning dew glistening on the petals.

Then she saw it—a massive black wolf lurking in the shadows, its golden eyes burning with recognition.

Donovan.

Her breath hitched. He hadn’t shifted in front of her since their bond shattered.

The wolf took a step forward, lips peeling back in a silent snarl.

Lillian stood her ground, heart pounding. "What do you want?"

A rustle in the bushes behind her made her whirl around. Evelyn emerged, her crimson lips curled in a mocking smile.

"Oh, Lillian," she purred. "Did you really think you could escape your past?"

The air crackled with tension.

Then, from the manor, Sebastian’s furious roar split the silence.

Lillian didn’t look back.

She ran.

I didn’t return to the dinner. The thought of dealing with Maximilian and his bullshit made my blood boil. He had pushed me to lose control in front of everyone, and now they would see me as nothing more than a beast. That wasn’t an image I wanted to confront tonight.

During the event, I shot a quick text to Marcus, my Beta, demanding confirmation on whether Lillian was truly competing. Moments later, he sent me the digital roster—and there she was, listed among the participants. My fists clenched. How could she keep something this important from me? How had she even gotten here? Did she fly commercial? I had a private jet—I could’ve brought her myself.

And who was with her? Did she come alone? Was she reckless enough to travel internationally without backup? The questions gnawed at me, a relentless itch I couldn’t ignore. I needed answers, and I wouldn’t rest until I had them.

I took a long, aimless walk through the resort grounds, my Gamma, Julian, trailing discreetly behind. He was skilled at blending into the shadows, only revealing himself when necessary. Eventually, I retreated to my suite, stripping off my formal wear and pulling on a pair of sweatpants and a loose T-shirt. Julian retreated to his own room—I valued my privacy, so I had booked separate accommodations for us both. I dismissed him for the night, assuring him I could handle myself.

But my mind was still reeling from the dinner. The memory of that bastard Maximilian leaning too close to Lillian, whispering God-knows-what into her ear, made my vision blur with fury. What had he said to make her cheeks flush like that?

A soft knock at the door snapped me from my thoughts.

I glanced at the clock—just past nine. I hadn’t realized how much time had slipped away. Crossing the room, I yanked the door open to find Lillian already turning to leave, her head bowed, her face burning crimson. She hadn’t expected me to answer—her knock had been so faint, she probably assumed I hadn’t heard. But with my Lycan hearing, even the slightest sound was amplified.

Before she could take another step, I seized her wrist and hauled her inside, slamming the door shut behind us. She gasped, stumbling into me as I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her flush against my chest.

"Where the hell were you going?" I growled.

She relaxed slightly in my grip, her breath warm against my skin.

"I... thought you might be asleep," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Don’t lie to me, Lillian," I murmured, my lips grazing the curve of her cheek.

She exhaled shakily before daring to meet my gaze through her lashes. Her lips parted—whether to protest or explain, I didn’t care. I crushed my mouth to hers, kissing her with a hunger that bordered on desperation. She melted against me, her body pliant as I deepened the kiss, my tongue sweeping into her mouth, claiming every inch of her.

Something about her made me feral.

Her fingers slid up my torso, dragging my shirt off in one fluid motion. I tossed it aside and pulled her closer, my hands gripping her hips as I ground against her, guiding us toward the bed. She still wore that damn black dress—the one that made me want to tear it from her body. But I resisted. These events mattered to her, and I wouldn’t ruin it.

Instead, I took my time, slowly lowering the zipper until the fabric pooled at her feet. Lifting her effortlessly, I laid her onto the mattress, never breaking our kiss. This time, it was different—slower, more deliberate, charged with an intimacy that made my chest ache.

I nipped at the straps of her bra, tugging them down with my teeth until her breasts spilled free. She shivered beneath my touch, her nipples pebbled and begging for attention. I traced the delicate curves of her body, teasing her until goosebumps prickled her skin.

The way she responded to me—every hitch of her breath, every tremble—sent a dark thrill through me.

I smirked against her lips, savoring the effect I had on her.

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the marble floors of Blackwood Manor as Lillian tiptoed past Donovan's guest suite. Her breath hitched when she heard rustling inside. Pressing against the wall, she caught fragments of whispered conversation between Donovan and Evelyn.

"...must be done before the full moon," Donovan's voice carried through the cracked door.

Evelyn's reply came in hushed tones. "But what about Sebastian? He's already suspicious."

Lillian's pulse quickened. She leaned closer, her fingers digging into the wall's ornate molding.

A floorboard creaked beneath her foot.

Silence.

Then - rapid footsteps approaching the door.

Heart pounding, Lillian darted down the hallway, slipping into the nearest room - Sebastian's private study. She pressed her back against the heavy oak door, listening as Donovan's footsteps passed by.

The study smelled of leather and bergamot, Sebastian's signature scent. Moonlight illuminated the framed photographs on his desk - Oliver's school portrait, Victoria's debutante photo, and... was that her own picture tucked behind the others?

Before she could investigate, the door handle turned.

Lillian dove behind the velvet drapes just as Sebastian entered with Marcus. Their conversation was clipped, urgent.

"The Winslows are making their move," Marcus said, dropping a file on the desk. "Reginald's been meeting with Alpha Maximilian."

Sebastian's growl vibrated through the room. "And my brother-in-law?"

"Still playing both sides. Eleanor's convinced him to delay the merger until after Victoria's engagement party."

Lillian's stomach twisted. The Winslows - Donovan's family - were conspiring with Sebastian's rivals? And what merger?

A sudden vibration in her pocket nearly made her yelp. Beatrice's text flashed on her screen: "URGENT. Meet me at the gazebo. Bring your combat gear."

The drapes shifted as Sebastian turned toward the window. Lillian held her breath, pressing deeper into the shadows.

"Sir?" Marcus hesitated. "Should we warn Lillian about-"

"Not yet." Sebastian's voice dropped. "She's safer not knowing."

As their footsteps receded, Lillian exhaled shakily. Safer not knowing what? And why would Beatrice need combat gear at midnight?

The grandfather clock chimed eleven. Lillian slipped out the French doors to the moonlit garden, her mind racing with fragmented clues. Whatever Donovan and the Winslows were planning, it involved her. And Sebastian was keeping secrets again.

Her phone buzzed once more - an unknown number with a single ominous message: "Run, little wolf. The hunt begins at dawn."