Chapter 50

The moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the Blackwood estate. Lillian paced the length of her bedroom, her fingers twisting the hem of her sweater. The weight of Donovan’s betrayal still pressed heavily on her chest, but tonight, something else gnawed at her—something far more immediate.

A sharp knock at the door startled her.

"Lillian?" Sebastian’s deep voice resonated through the wood.

She hesitated before pulling the door open. The sight of him—tall, imposing, his dark eyes shadowed with concern—sent an unexpected warmth through her.

"You’re still awake," he murmured, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

"I could say the same about you," she countered, crossing her arms.

Sebastian’s lips quirked. "I don’t sleep much these days."

Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. Then, abruptly, he exhaled. "We need to talk about Donovan."

Lillian stiffened. "What about him?"

"He’s been spotted near the eastern border." Sebastian’s voice was calm, but his jaw tightened. "With Evelyn."

A cold knot formed in Lillian’s stomach. She had known Donovan would move on, but hearing it confirmed was another thing entirely.

Sebastian stepped closer, his gaze piercing. "He’s not just here to flaunt his new mate. He’s challenging my authority."

Lillian’s pulse spiked. "What does that mean?"

"It means," he said slowly, "that he’s gathering allies. And if he succeeds, this pack will be divided."

The gravity of his words settled over her. She had come here seeking refuge, but now, she was tangled in a power struggle she hadn’t asked for.

Sebastian’s hand lifted, hovering near her cheek before he seemed to think better of it. "I won’t let him hurt you again."

Lillian swallowed hard. "I can fight my own battles."

A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "I know. But you don’t have to."

Outside, the wind howled, rattling the windows. A storm was coming—both literal and metaphorical.

And Lillian had a sinking feeling she was standing right in the eye of it.

All three pairs of eyes locked onto me—Victoria and Oliver with bright, hopeful smiles, while Sebastian's dark brows furrowed into a scowl.

I stood frozen, my pulse hammering so hard I could feel it in my throat. Every instinct screamed at me to escape. Dinner with Sebastian and his family? Absolutely not.

"I—I really should go," I stammered, jerking my thumb toward the door with a laugh that sounded more panicked than polite.

"Please, Lillian," Oliver begged, latching onto my wrist with both hands. "Stay with us!" His eyes sparkled with excitement.

Victoria clasped her hands together. "It would be lovely to have another woman at the table." The quiet longing in her voice was unmistakable—she was starved for companionship.

I shot Sebastian a pleading look, silently begging him to intervene. But he only exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his tousled dark hair before turning to the maid who had just entered.

"Set another place for Miss Dumont," he commanded, his voice brooking no argument.

My stomach plummeted.

"Yes, Alpha," the maid murmured, bowing before scurrying off to the kitchen.

Sebastian's gaze finally met mine, his expression unreadable. I gaped at him, stunned. He clearly didn’t want me here—so why force me?

Before I could demand an answer, Oliver let out an excited squeal, bouncing on his toes. Victoria beamed, clapping her hands. "Perfect! Oliver, come help me set the table."

The moment they disappeared into the dining room, I whirled on Sebastian, my lips pressed into a thin line. "What was that?"

He arched a brow. "What was what?"

I scoffed. "Don’t play dumb. Why did you just volunteer me for dinner?"

His expression darkened, and the air between us turned icy. "Because you are staying," he said, his voice low and edged with steel. "Oliver hasn’t smiled like that in months. For some reason, he likes you. So for his sake, you’ll sit through this meal without complaint."

I opened my mouth to argue—then snapped it shut. He was right. I couldn’t ruin Oliver’s happiness.

With a stiff nod, I turned toward the dining room—only for Sebastian’s fingers to curl around my wrist, stopping me mid-step. His grip was firm, yet oddly gentle. A shiver raced up my spine at the contact, warmth blooming beneath my skin.

My pulse stuttered when I turned to face him, the air freezing in my lungs as I realized just how little space separated us. His scent wrapped around me like a storm, intoxicating and impossible to ignore. For a fleeting moment, I was lost in it—in him.

Sebastian Blackwood stood frozen, his dark eyes burning into mine, lips slightly parted as if he’d forgotten what he meant to say. His gaze dropped to my mouth, lingering there, and my breath hitched. Was he going to kiss me?

Did I want him to?

I bit my lower lip, the answer already clear in the way my heart hammered against my ribs.

I wanted Sebastian Blackwood to kiss me.

But then, as if snapped back to reality, he released my arm and straightened, his expression shuttering. The spell broke, leaving me blinking up at him, my cheeks flaming.

"It's just dinner, Lillian," he reminded me, his voice low and firm. "Don’t start thinking this means anything."

He turned away without another glance, striding toward the kitchen. I pressed my fingers to my cheek, the skin scorching beneath my touch. Swallowing hard, I forced myself to breathe before following him.

Victoria and Oliver were already seated at the table, two empty plates waiting—one at the head, the other right beside it. My stomach twisted. That was my seat. Right next to Sebastian.

He noticed it too, exhaling sharply as he approached the table. The rich aroma of food filled the dining room, making my mouth water. I hadn’t eaten all day—not since visiting my father in prison and rushing straight here to tutor Oliver. Time had slipped away from me entirely.