Chapter 48

The morning sun cast golden rays through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Sebastian Blackwood’s penthouse, painting the marble floors in warm hues. Lillian stretched lazily in the silk sheets, the scent of sandalwood and leather—Sebastian’s signature fragrance—lingering in the air.

She had barely opened her eyes when a deep voice rumbled beside her.

"Sleep well, little wolf?"

Sebastian’s arm was draped possessively over her waist, his fingers tracing idle patterns on her bare skin. Lillian shivered, her wolf purring in contentment.

"Too well," she murmured, rolling over to face him. His piercing blue eyes held a predatory glint, one that sent heat pooling low in her stomach.

Before she could say another word, his lips crashed onto hers, stealing her breath. The kiss was demanding, intoxicating—a silent claim that made her toes curl.

A sharp knock at the door shattered the moment.

"Alpha, urgent pack business," Marcus Grayson’s voice filtered through.

Sebastian growled, reluctantly pulling away. "This better be life or death."

Lillian bit back a laugh as he reluctantly untangled himself from her, his expression dark with irritation. She watched as he strode to the door, his muscular frame barely concealed by the black silk robe he’d thrown on.

Outside, Marcus stood stiffly, his gaze flickering briefly to Lillian before addressing Sebastian. "Alpha Levi’s pack has challenged our territory rights near the northern border. They’re claiming the hunting grounds."

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. "Levi always did have a death wish."

Lillian sat up, the sheets pooling around her waist. "What does this mean?"

Sebastian turned to her, his expression unreadable. "It means war, unless I handle it personally."

A chill ran down her spine. She had seen Sebastian in battle mode before—ruthless, calculating, lethal. But this was different. This wasn’t just about dominance; it was about protecting what was theirs.

"I’m coming with you," she declared, already reaching for her clothes.

Sebastian’s eyes flashed with warning. "No."

"I’m not some fragile damsel," she shot back, pulling on her jeans. "I’m your mate, and I fight by your side."

For a moment, she thought he’d argue. Then, a slow smirk curved his lips. "Fine. But if you get hurt, I’m locking you in this penthouse forever."

Lillian rolled her eyes. "Deal."

As they prepared to leave, her phone buzzed. A message from Beatrice lit up the screen:

"Don’t forget—Evelyn’s party tonight. She’s already bragging about how Donovan’s going to propose."

Lillian’s stomach twisted. She had almost forgotten about Evelyn’s ridiculous engagement celebration.

Sebastian noticed her hesitation. "Problem?"

She forced a smile. "Nothing I can’t handle."

But as they stepped out into the crisp morning air, Lillian couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight would change everything.

And not necessarily for the better.

The moment I stepped into the villa, Marcus handed me a sleek black case. "Got those pink gems you wanted," he said with a knowing smirk. I took it without hesitation, flipping it open to admire the delicate string of pink stones inside. Perfect. These would look stunning on the mirror in Victoria's new car—she was going to adore them.

A glance at the clock told me it was later than usual, but still early for me. Even Theodore, my ever-silent butler, raised a brow at my presence, though he knew better than to speak unless permitted.

Victoria was probably out with Donovan at this hour, and Oliver would still be wrapping up his tutoring session. "Anything else before I head out?" Marcus asked, checking his watch.

"No. Have a good night," I replied, dismissing my Beta and longtime friend.

Marcus shot me a suggestive grin before turning toward the door. "Yeah, you too," he tossed over his shoulder. I rolled my eyes as he left, shaking my head before heading upstairs.

No point waiting for Victoria—if she was with Donovan, she likely wouldn’t be back tonight. Lately, she’d been spending most of her evenings at his place, and sometimes he stayed here. I pretended not to notice.

I strode to her room, gripping the doorknob. I’d leave the gift on her pillow for when she returned. She’d wanted something special for her car, and I’d found the perfect thing. Patience wasn’t my strong suit, but I’d manage—until then.

The door swung open, and the rich scent of lavender and vanilla hit me like a wave. My entire body locked up when my gaze landed on a wide-eyed Lillian, frozen mid-motion. Then my eyes dropped—and my wolf snarled with instant, primal hunger.

Two full, tempting curves greeted me before she yanked a shirt up to cover herself. Her sharp gasp barely registered through the haze of desire clouding my mind. Only when she clutched the fabric tighter did I blink, forcing my gaze back to hers.

"What the hell are you doing in my daughter’s room?" My voice came out harsher than intended. She wasn’t supposed to be on the second floor—that rule had been clear from day one of her tutoring Oliver.

"Do you always barge into your daughter’s room without knocking?" she fired back, chin lifted in defiance. My eyes darkened, irritation flaring—until Victoria’s voice cut in.

"Dad?" She peeked around the doorway, frowning. "Why are you home so early?"

I shot her a glare. "Why are you home at all? I thought you’d be with Donovan."

She shrugged. "He had a meeting. I had time to kill, so I hung out with Lillian."

My grip tightened on the gift box. "You... hung out... with Lillian?" I repeated slowly, each word deliberate.

This was new. And I wasn’t sure I liked it.

"Oliver adores her, and I must confess, she intrigued me as well," Lillian admitted with a playful shrug. "So yes, we spent some time together."

The tension in the room was palpable, but Lillian wasn't one to be easily flustered. She turned her back to us, deliberately cutting off our view of her—though the movement only emphasized the curve of her shoulders and the confidence in her stance.

"This has been entertaining," she said, her voice laced with amusement, "but do you mind giving me a moment of privacy?"

Her tone was light, but there was an unspoken challenge in her words, a silent dare for anyone to question her further. The air between us crackled with unspoken tension, and I couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay beneath that effortless smile.