Chapter 79

The morning sun cast golden rays through the curtains, painting delicate patterns across the silk sheets. Lillian stirred, her body still humming with the lingering warmth of last night's passion. Beside her, Sebastian Blackwood lay sprawled, his muscular frame dominating the space, one arm draped possessively over her waist.

She bit her lip, resisting the urge to trace the scars that marred his chest—each one a story, a battle fought, a victory won. The man was a paradox—gentle yet ruthless, tender yet commanding. And he was hers.

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Alpha, you're needed in the conference room," Marcus Grayson's deep voice filtered through the wood.

Sebastian groaned, his grip tightening around Lillian. "Tell them to wait."

Lillian stifled a laugh. "You can't keep ignoring your duties."

He cracked one eye open, the silver in his irises glinting with mischief. "Watch me."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the flutter in her chest. This man—this Lycan—had turned her world upside down.

A second knock, more insistent this time.

Sebastian exhaled sharply before pressing a searing kiss to her lips. "This isn't over."

As he strode out, Lillian caught sight of the bite mark on his shoulder—her mark. Pride swelled within her.

But reality crashed in when her phone buzzed. A message from Evelyn:

"Donovan's back. And he's not alone."

Her blood ran cold.

Downstairs, the pack house buzzed with activity. Warriors moved with purpose, their expressions grim. Sebastian stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding silence.

"We have a problem," Marcus announced, projecting a holographic image of the northern border. "Rogues. At least two dozen, armed and organized."

Sebastian's jaw clenched. "This isn't random."

"No," Marcus agreed. "They're moving like they have a target."

Lillian's stomach twisted. Donovan.

Just then, Oliver burst into the room, his small face pale. "Dad! There's a man at the gates—he says he knows Lillian!"

Sebastian's eyes darkened to stormy gray. "Show me."

Lillian followed, dread coiling in her gut.

At the gates stood Donovan, smirking, flanked by unfamiliar warriors. His gaze locked onto hers, smug and triumphant.

"Miss me, sweetheart?"

Sebastian growled, the sound vibrating through the ground.

Lillian squared her shoulders. This wasn't just a confrontation—it was a declaration of war.

And she was ready.

"Pardon? What did you just say, Darling?" Her brows knitted together in deepening irritation.

"I'm going inside with Oliver," she bit out, her dark eyes flashing with barely contained fury. Without another glance, she turned on her heel and strode toward the mansion, Oliver trotting obediently beside her. Donovan's face drained of color as realization struck—he'd miscalculated.

"You might want to chase after her, lover boy," I remarked dryly, crossing my arms over my chest.

He didn’t grace me with a response, but the way he bolted after her spoke volumes. I shook my head, watching their retreating figures with mild amusement.

"Why do I get the feeling there’s history between you two?" Nathaniel’s voice pulled my attention back to him. If Sebastian caught us talking alone, he’d be livid. Honestly, I’d assumed Nathaniel had gone back inside during that tense standoff between Donovan and me. His lingering presence was unexpected—maybe even a little unnerving.

Despite having just met him, something about Nathaniel made me want to trust him. But revealing the truth about Donovan and me? That felt reckless. Given how close he seemed to Victoria—judging by their easy laughter and warm embrace earlier—I doubted he’d keep my secrets.

"There isn’t," I lied smoothly. "He’s just Victoria’s fiancé. We barely speak." Nathaniel tilted his head, studying me as if he could peel back the layers of my words. After a beat, he nodded, dropping the subject.

"Sorry if I made things awkward between you and your boss," he muttered, scuffing the ground like a chastised child. "He can be... a lot."

"That’s putting it mildly," I quipped. "Don’t apologize, Nathaniel. You didn’t do anything wrong." He shrugged, then lifted his gaze to meet mine.

"I hope he didn’t scare you away from me, though," he said softly.

I arched a brow. "Wasn’t it you he threatened?"

Nathaniel exhaled, his expression turning pensive. "He can strip me of whatever he wants. I never wanted to be an Alpha—that was my father’s dream. All I care about is my business, expanding it, proving my worth. Every cent I have, I earned myself. My success isn’t tied to the Blackwood fortune. Uncle Sebastian can’t truly take anything from me."

I frowned. "I wouldn’t be so sure. He’s a Lycan Chairman, Nathaniel. You know how much power that holds over the rest of us."

A smirk tugged at his lips. "I’d like to see him try."

Rolling my eyes, I moved to gather my things, pulling my phone from my bag to check my messages. Nathaniel’s gaze burned into me, but I ignored it—until my screen lit up with a notification that made my breath hitch.

I was about to grab my bag when Nathaniel's voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Can I give you my number?" His question made me freeze mid-motion. I turned to look at him, my heart skipping a beat.

"Is that a good idea?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He shrugged, that familiar sly grin playing on his lips.

"Probably not," he admitted, his tone teasing. "But maybe we could train together again. Or... something else." His words sent a flush of heat creeping up my neck, and I knew exactly what he meant.

"Something else?" I arched a brow, feigning innocence.

He stepped closer, his hand brushing against my arm—warm, firm, sending a jolt of electricity through me. I lifted my gaze to meet his, my lashes fluttering slightly as I waited for him to continue.

"I'd like to take you to dinner," he confessed, his voice low and earnest. "I've never met anyone like you, Lillian. You're stunning, sharp, and fearless. Let me take you out tonight."

I stared at him in disbelief. Was he seriously asking me out after Sebastian had just threatened him—nearly choked the life out of him?

My eyes darted around nervously, half-expecting Sebastian to materialize out of thin air. Nathaniel cupped my chin gently, tilting my face up until our eyes locked.

"Say yes," he murmured, his breath warm against my lips. "Let me show you how a real man treats a woman. Let me take you out tonight."

A heartbeat passed. Then another. His face was so close I could almost taste the words on his tongue.

Finally, I exhaled shakily.

"Okay," I whispered. "Yes."