Chapter 91

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. Lillian stretched lazily, her muscles still sore from yesterday’s training session. The scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted up from downstairs, making her stomach growl.

She rolled out of bed, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet. The events of last night replayed in her mind—Donovan’s sudden appearance at the pack gathering, the way his eyes had lingered on her before he turned away. It had been months since their bond was severed, yet his presence still unsettled her.

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, pulling on a robe.

The door creaked open, revealing Beatrice, her best friend, balancing a tray of breakfast in one hand and a stack of fashion magazines in the other. "Morning, sleepyhead," she chirped, setting the tray down on the bedside table. "Thought you might need some fuel before your big day."

Lillian blinked. "Big day?"

Beatrice rolled her eyes. "Don’t tell me you forgot. The Alpha Summit starts today. Sebastian’s expecting you to be there."

Right. The summit.

Lillian groaned, rubbing her temples. With everything that had happened recently, the event had completely slipped her mind. "I’m not sure I’m ready for this," she admitted, picking at the fruit on the tray.

Beatrice plopped down beside her, flipping open one of the magazines. "You’ll be fine. Besides, it’s not like you’re going alone. Sebastian will be there, and so will Marcus and the others."

Lillian sighed. That was true. But the thought of facing Donovan again—this time in front of the entire Lycan Council—made her stomach twist.

"You’re overthinking it," Beatrice said, nudging her shoulder. "Just focus on what you need to do. And maybe wear something that’ll make Donovan regret ever letting you go."

A smirk tugged at Lillian’s lips. "You’re terrible."

Beatrice grinned. "I know."

The Blackwood estate was buzzing with activity when they arrived. Lycans from various packs milled about the grand hall, their voices a low hum of conversation. Lillian adjusted the strap of her dress, suddenly self-conscious under the weight of so many gazes.

Sebastian appeared at her side, his presence instantly grounding her. "You look stunning," he murmured, his fingers brushing against hers.

She exhaled, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "Thanks. I just hope I don’t embarrass you in front of everyone."

He chuckled. "Impossible."

Before she could respond, a familiar voice cut through the crowd.

"Lillian."

She turned, her breath hitching as Donovan stepped into view. His dark eyes flickered over her, unreadable. Evelyn clung to his arm, her lips curved in a smug smile.

"Donovan," Lillian replied, forcing her voice to remain steady.

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

Sebastian’s grip on her hand tightened slightly, a silent reminder that she wasn’t alone.

Then, from the corner of her eye, Lillian spotted Alpha Harrison making his way toward them, his expression unreadable.

The summit was about to begin.

And with it, the storm.

My heart softened slightly; I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her. She had no clue about the heartless bastard she was engaged to, but perhaps, in time, she’d figure it out on her own. I shook the thought away—it wasn’t my place to worry. My only concern was completing my job. My focus was on my father, paying off his debts so he could return to my mother, and we could finally be a family again.

Oliver and I spent the next few hours sparring, drilling his defensive techniques. By the time we finished, we were both breathless and drenched in sweat.

"Good session," I praised, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "You're improving fast."

"Only because I have the best teacher," he replied with a bright grin. "Thanks, Lillian."

"You should head inside and shower before dinner. I’m sure the maids are already preparing it," I said, checking my watch—just past five.

He nodded eagerly and dashed inside. My gaze drifted to Victoria, who was no longer engrossed in her phone. Instead, she was staring at me with an unreadable expression—nervousness, maybe? Like she wanted to say something but was too hesitant. If she had something on her mind, she’d speak up eventually, so I turned away and began packing my gear into my bag.

I hadn’t noticed her moving, but when I turned back around, she was standing right behind me. I nearly stumbled backward in surprise.

"Sorry," she murmured, biting her lower lip. "Didn’t mean to startle you..."

She shifted awkwardly, rubbing her arm as she stood there. I exhaled, relenting. "Everything okay, Victoria? You seem... off today."

As if snapping out of a trance, she blinked rapidly before meeting my eyes.

"I don’t know. I guess I’m just... confused," she admitted. "Lillian, would you come shopping with me tonight?"

I arched a brow. "I don’t exactly have spare cash for shopping," I admitted, heat creeping into my cheeks.

"My treat, obviously," she said quickly. "We could grab dinner too. Just us."

"Is there a reason?" I asked, studying her.

She glanced down. "No... I just need someone to talk to."

"I’m not sure I’m the right person for that, Victoria—"

"I don’t have anyone else," she cut in, her voice pleading. "Please. I could really use some girl time."

My heart ached for the girl, and I couldn’t bring myself to refuse. With a reluctant sigh, I gave in.

"Alright," I said, glancing down at my sweat-drenched workout clothes. "But I should probably change first."

"I have something you can borrow!" Victoria exclaimed, seizing my arm with enthusiasm. "Come on, Lillian!"

She tugged me along, and as we stepped inside, we nearly collided with Sebastian Blackwood. He froze at the sight of us, his piercing gaze darkening when he noticed our linked arms.

"What’s going on here?" he demanded, his eyes flickering between us.

Victoria answered before I could even open my mouth. "I’m taking Lillian to change. We’re going shopping and then grabbing dinner."

Sebastian’s brows lifted slightly as he studied his daughter before his attention shifted to me, his expression unreadable.

"Is that so?" His voice was low, edged with something I couldn’t quite place.

I bit my lip, nodding slowly, refusing to break eye contact. "Yes," I replied, though my voice came out softer, breathier than I intended.

My pulse raced, and my wolf stirred instantly in Sebastian’s presence. I clenched my jaw, forcing her back under control—she had a habit of making things awkward at the worst possible moments.

Victoria started to pull away, but as we moved to step around Sebastian, his hand closed around my bicep, stopping me in my tracks. The contact sent an electric jolt through me, raising goosebumps along my skin. Victoria frowned at her father.

"She’ll meet you upstairs," Sebastian told her, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Victoria hesitated, shooting me a concerned look before glaring at her father again. Finally, she relented, unhooking her arm from mine and hurrying up the stairs without another word.

Left alone with him, I turned to face Sebastian, his grip still firm but surprisingly gentle.

"Can I help you with something, Alpha?" I asked, feigning innocence.

His jaw tightened. "I don’t know what game you’re playing, but keep Victoria out of it," he growled through clenched teeth.

His words stung. I wasn’t playing any games—and the accusation was unfair.

"I’m not sure what you mean," I said honestly.

"You can pretend all you want," he murmured, his voice dangerously low. "But I know women like you. You’ll use anyone to get what you want." His grip tightened slightly. "You’ve already got my nephew wrapped around your finger. I’m sure he’s just another pawn in whatever scheme you’re running. But if you hurt my daughter, I swear, I’ll make your life a living hell."