Chapter 294

The morning sun cast golden rays through the curtains of Lillian's bedroom, stirring her awake. She stretched lazily, her muscles still sore from yesterday's training session with Professor Montclair. The scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted up from the kitchen, signaling that Giselle, the head maid, was already at work.

Lillian rolled out of bed and padded barefoot to the window, pushing the curtains aside. The estate grounds were alive with activity—gardens being tended, warriors training in the distance, and Sebastian's sleek black car idling near the front steps.

A knock at her door interrupted her thoughts. "Come in," she called.

The door creaked open, revealing Beatrice, her best friend, holding two steaming mugs. "Morning, sleepyhead. Thought you might need this." She handed Lillian one of the mugs, the rich aroma of caramel and espresso filling the air.

Lillian took a grateful sip. "You're an angel."

Beatrice smirked. "I know." She perched on the edge of the bed, her expression turning serious. "So, have you decided what you're going to do about Donovan?"

Lillian's grip tightened around the mug. The mention of her ex-fated mate still sent a sharp pang through her chest. "I don't know," she admitted. "He's still engaged to Victoria, and yet he keeps showing up like he expects me to just... forget everything."

Beatrice snorted. "Typical Donovan. Always thinking the world revolves around him."

Lillian sighed, running a hand through her tangled hair. "I just wish I could move on without him constantly dragging me back into his mess."

Before Beatrice could respond, another knock sounded—this one sharper, more urgent.

"Enter," Lillian called.

The door swung open to reveal Marcus Grayson, Sebastian's beta, his expression grim. "Lillian, you're needed downstairs. Now."

Lillian exchanged a glance with Beatrice. "What's going on?"

Marcus hesitated, then said, "It's Alpha Harrison. He's here."

Lillian's blood ran cold. The last time she'd seen Alpha Harrison, he'd tried to take advantage of her when she was drunk. "Why is he here?"

Marcus shook his head. "I don't know, but Sebastian wants you present for the discussion."

Lillian set her mug down with a clatter. "Fine. Let's go."

As she followed Marcus out, Beatrice grabbed her wrist. "Be careful," she whispered.

Lillian nodded, squaring her shoulders. Whatever Alpha Harrison wanted, she wouldn't let him intimidate her—not again.

The tension in the grand hall was palpable when she arrived. Sebastian stood at the head of the room, his posture rigid, while Alpha Harrison lounged in a chair like he owned the place. His smirk widened when he saw Lillian.

"Ah, the little werewolf finally graces us with her presence," he drawled.

Sebastian's eyes flashed dangerously. "State your business, Harrison. You're not welcome here."

Alpha Harrison leaned forward, his grin turning predatory. "Oh, but I think you'll want to hear what I have to say." His gaze slid to Lillian. "Especially her."

Lillian clenched her fists. "Spit it out."

Alpha Harrison chuckled. "Fine. I have information about Donovan's plans—plans that involve you, little wolf."

Lillian's breath hitched. "What kind of plans?"

Alpha Harrison's smile turned vicious. "The kind that ends with you back in his arms—whether you like it or not."

The room erupted into chaos.

A quick rendezvous in the backseat of the rental car hadn’t been part of my plans for the day, yet here I was, slipping out with my clothes half-torn by the teeth of a very eager Lycan. I turned to see Sebastian still lounging in the backseat, his dark eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he lazily pulled on his shirt.

"Go ahead," he murmured, his voice rough. "I’ll follow in a minute. Less suspicious that way."

I swallowed hard, my pulse still racing as I adjusted my disheveled blouse. This entire situation was becoming more complicated by the second. Wrapping my arms around myself, I hurried toward the arena before the next round began.

We had one more match today, and the second portion of the competition was scheduled for the day after tomorrow. With so many competitors, we’d been split into two groups—Group A and Group B. If I hadn’t gotten injured and missed yesterday’s match, I would’ve been in Group A, whose second round was tomorrow.

Nervousness coiled in my stomach. It had been too long since I’d last shifted. During combat training, we were supposed to practice in our wolf forms, but ever since my breakup with Donovan, my wolf had been… distant. Lately, she’d been more vocal in my mind, stirring restlessly, but the idea of shifting still filled me with dread. What if she refused me again?

I should’ve practiced. I knew I should’ve. But something—fear, hesitation, pride—kept holding me back.

"Lillian!"

The familiar voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned to see Beatrice jogging toward me, her bright smile a stark contrast to my tangled emotions. She thrust a water bottle into my hands.

"Thought you might need this," she said, grinning.

I gulped down the water gratefully. "Thanks."

"You’re killing it out there, by the way," she added, pulling me into a quick, tight hug before stepping back and gesturing to the small group behind her. "Meet my friends. They’ve been keeping me company while you’ve been busy."

"You’re not alone, Bea," I reminded her, rolling my eyes.

"Yeah, but you’re always training or competing or—" She waved a hand vaguely. "Anyway, this is Genevieve, Sebastian, and Dominic."

I offered them a polite smile. "Nice to meet you."

Genevieve gave me a small nod, while Sebastian smirked—a look that reminded me a little too much of a certain Lycan chairman. Dominic, on the other hand, just stared, his expression unreadable.

Beatrice looped her arm through mine. "Come on, let’s get you ready for your next match."

I let her lead me away, but my mind was already drifting back to the car, to Sebastian’s heated gaze, to the way my wolf stirred inside me—restless, impatient, and far too aware of him.

This was going to be complicated.