Chapter 87

"I do love her, sir," Donovan said, bowing his head in my direction. "I would never do anything to hurt her."

"Nathaniel took Lillian on a date last night. Donovan and Victoria happened to be at the same restaurant. He couldn’t take his eyes off her the entire time," Nathaniel hissed through clenched teeth.

I hadn’t expected Nathaniel to openly confess his date after I explicitly forbade him from seeing Lillian. But his fury toward Donovan had clearly overridden his caution.

"I thought I made myself clear—stay away from her," I growled, pinning my nephew with a glare.

Nathaniel exhaled sharply and met my gaze head-on.

"I know, Uncle, and I’m sorry. But I couldn’t stay away. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. She’s extraordinary, and we connect in ways I never thought possible. I care about her, and I believe she feels the same," Nathaniel explained, his voice firm.

A cold wave of irritation washed over me at his words. Logically, I had no right to dictate Lillian’s choices. What she did in her personal life wasn’t my concern—no matter how much my wolf snarled at the thought.

"We’re seeing each other again tonight," Nathaniel continued, undeterred. "I don’t want to hide it from you, but I will if I have to."

My jaw tightened, my stare unwavering.

"You’ve got some nerve," Donovan scoffed, crossing his arms. "That waitress was practically draped over you all evening. You barely even acknowledged it."

Nathaniel’s expression darkened.

"Not that it’s any of your business, but it was handled. Lillian and I talked about it, and she understood," he snapped.

Donovan rolled his eyes.

"Lillian’s sharp. She’ll see through you eventually. This won’t last," he muttered under his breath.

"Enough!" My voice cut through the tension like a blade, forcing their attention back to me. "This isn’t about Lillian—this is about Victoria. Donovan, I swear to the Moon Goddess, if you hurt my daughter, death will be a mercy compared to what I’ll do to you first."

The air thickened with my Alpha aura, and Donovan visibly shuddered, bowing his head.

"I would never hurt her. I love her, Alpha," he insisted.

Even as he spoke, doubt gnawed at me. Nathaniel was right—why would Donovan abandon his fated mate for Victoria unless he saw an opportunity? With her at his side, he’d secure his claim to the Redmoon pack.

"You don’t seem surprised that Donovan and Lillian were mates," Nathaniel pointed out.

My gaze remained locked on Donovan as I answered.

"Because I already knew. Lillian and I had an understanding—her past with Donovan wouldn’t interfere with the present. She wouldn’t jeopardize this wedding for my daughter’s sake. I expect you to honor that same understanding."

Nathaniel’s brows shot up. "Lillian knew you knew? She never mentioned it—"

"That wasn’t her responsibility to share, and it wasn’t information you needed. Your focus should be on Victoria. Do I make myself clear?"

Donovan swallowed hard, his eyes flickering between defiance and submission. He knew better than to challenge me if he wanted to keep his ambitions intact.

"Yes, Alpha," he said stiffly. "My priority is Victoria."

"Good." My tone was icy. "Now leave."

He nodded and turned toward the kitchen.

Once alone with Nathaniel, I studied him. "I know you don’t want to hear this, but—"

"Just be careful," I cut him off.

Midway through this confrontation, I’d realized the absurdity of my possessiveness. Lillian wasn’t mine to control. If she chose Nathaniel, so be it—he was still better than most. My wolf bristled at the thought, but I forced it down.

"You’re actually okay with this?" Nathaniel asked, incredulous.

"I didn’t say that," I muttered, turning away. "Nephew or not, Nathaniel—if you hurt her, I’ll end you."