Chapter 37

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over Lillian’s room. She stretched lazily, the events of the previous night still fresh in her mind. The gala had been a whirlwind of emotions—Donovan’s unexpected appearance, Sebastian’s possessive protectiveness, and the lingering tension between them all.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A message from Beatrice:

"Did you survive last night? Spill everything."

Lillian chuckled, typing back. "Barely. I’ll tell you over coffee."

She dressed quickly, opting for a simple yet elegant outfit—a fitted blouse and tailored trousers. As she descended the grand staircase of Sebastian’s mansion, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries wafted from the dining room.

Sebastian was already there, impeccably dressed in a dark suit, reading the morning paper. His sharp gaze flicked up as she entered, and for a moment, the air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

"Good morning," he said, his voice smooth as velvet.

"Morning," she replied, trying to ignore the way her pulse quickened at the sound of his voice.

Marcus, Sebastian’s beta, cleared his throat from the doorway. "Alpha, the council has requested an urgent meeting. It’s about the recent… disturbances."

Sebastian’s expression darkened. "I’ll be there shortly."

Lillian frowned. "What disturbances?"

Sebastian hesitated, then sighed. "There have been reports of rogue werewolves near the borders. Some believe it’s connected to Donovan."

Her stomach twisted. Donovan had always been reckless, but this was different. If he was stirring trouble, it wouldn’t just affect her—it would put the entire pack at risk.

"I should come with you," she said firmly.

Sebastian studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. But stay close."

As they left the mansion, Lillian couldn’t shake the feeling that something far more dangerous was brewing beneath the surface. And this time, she wouldn’t be able to avoid the storm.

The council chamber was tense, filled with the pack’s highest-ranking members. Alpha Harrison, a burly man with a permanent scowl, leaned forward. "Blackwood, we can’t ignore this. If Donovan’s behind these attacks, he’s testing our borders. We need to act."

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. "I’m aware. But we don’t have proof yet."

Lillian stepped forward. "I might be able to help. I know Donovan better than anyone here."

The room fell silent. Then, Alpha Harrison scoffed. "And why should we trust you? You were his mate."

Sebastian’s growl reverberated through the chamber. "Careful, Harrison."

Lillian held her ground. "I have no loyalty to him. Not after what he did. But if you want to stop him, you’ll need my insight."

Sebastian’s gaze burned into her, pride flickering in his eyes. "She’s right."

The council murmured in reluctant agreement.

As the meeting adjourned, Marcus pulled Sebastian aside. "There’s something else. A witness claims they saw Donovan meeting with someone from the Darkmoon pack."

Sebastian’s expression turned icy. "Tristan Whitlock."

Lillian’s breath hitched. The Darkmoon pack was notorious for their ruthless tactics. If Donovan was allying with them, the stakes had just gotten higher.

Sebastian turned to her, his voice low. "We need to move fast. Are you ready for this?"

She met his gaze without flinching. "I’ve been ready."

The game had changed. And Lillian wasn’t about to back down.

"I'll take care of you tonight," Alpha Harrison murmured, his voice low and reassuring. "Don't worry about a thing. Just focus on enjoying yourself and forget about that dreadful ceremony." I managed a weak smile, grateful for his concern—though something about his tone made my skin prickle.

After my third tequila shot, the world tilted dangerously. The moment I slid off the barstool, my legs buckled beneath me. Strong arms caught me before I hit the floor. Alpha Harrison held me flush against his chest, his fingers tracing slow circles on my back in a way that felt too intimate. A shiver ran down my spine, but my foggy mind couldn’t muster the energy to protest.

"Lillian, you can stay with me," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear.

My lips felt numb, so I stayed silent.

He half-carried, half-dragged me toward the exit. My feet barely cooperated, leaving him to bear most of my weight. A fleeting thought of Beatrice crossed my mind—Where is she?—but it dissolved as we reached the doorway. Without warning, Alpha Harrison scooped me up bridal-style, cradling me against him.

My head lolled against his chest.

I mumbled something incoherent, and his chest vibrated with a low chuckle.

"Alpha!" A sharp female voice cut through the haze. I kept my eyes shut—the room was spinning too violently—but her tone was unmistakably familiar. "What are you doing? You can't take her anywhere like this. She's completely wasted."

"We're two consenting adults," Harrison replied smoothly. "It's her choice, and she clearly wants to come with me."

Before she could argue, another voice sliced through the air, cold and lethal.

"Walk away now, or I'll break every bone in your body."

Harrison stiffened.

"I tried to stop him, sir," the woman said quickly.

Cracking my eyes open, I recognized her—Sebastian’s assistant. And beside her, him. Sebastian Blackwood stood rigid, his piercing gaze locked onto me. Harrison’s grip tightened possessively.

"It's fine, Alpha. I know her well. I'll ensure she gets home safely."

Sebastian’s voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "I won’t repeat myself. Release her, or I’ll strip you of your title and leave you crawling in the dirt."

A tremor ran through Harrison’s body before he reluctantly stepped forward. The moment Sebastian’s arms wrapped around me, warmth flooded my veins. I clung to him instinctively, burying my face in his chest, breathing in his intoxicating scent—spice and something darker, something his.

"I—I apologize," Harrison stammered, bowing his head.

Sebastian didn’t spare him another word as he carried me away. The crisp night air hit my skin as we exited the building. A sleek car pulled up, and the door swung open. Sebastian slid inside with me still in his arms, settling me against him as the engine purred to life.

Heat bloomed across my cheeks as my fingers wandered over his torso. The crisp lines of his suit, the taut muscles beneath—Gods, he was irresistible. His scent alone was enough to make my head spin all over again.

And right now, all I wanted was to peel that perfect suit off him, piece by piece.

My mouth went dry with anticipation, imagining the taste of him, the feel of his skin beneath my fingertips.

His large hand closed over mine as I reached for his silk tie. The room still spun slightly from the champagne, but a boldness I'd never known surged through my veins.

"Little minx," he growled, his voice rough like gravel. "Do you even know what you're asking for?"

I didn't answer. Instead, I slid my free hand up his chest, loosening the knot with practiced fingers. The scent of his cologne - sandalwood and something distinctly masculine - made my head swim.

"Tell me to stop," I challenged, my lips brushing his ear. "Tell me you don't want this, Sebastian."

His pupils dilated, the gold rings in his hazel eyes nearly disappearing. Just as the tie slipped free, the shrill ringtone of his phone shattered the moment.

The screen flashed with a name that made his entire body tense - Victoria. His daughter.

Ice flooded my veins. Reality came crashing back. What was I doing? This wasn't me. The champagne, the dress, this reckless desire - none of this was the real Lillian.

Sebastian swore under his breath, his grip tightening on my wrist for a heartbeat before releasing me entirely. The distance between us suddenly felt like miles instead of inches.

"Blackwood," he answered tersely, already stepping back, already shutting me out.

I turned away, my cheeks burning with shame and something far more dangerous - the sting of rejection. The fantasy had lasted exactly three minutes and seventeen seconds.

Long enough to ruin everything.