From Betrayed Luna to Wolf Queen (Lillian) novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29 The Poisoned Truth

Julian’s POV:

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The damage was done, and there was no walking it back now. After Lillian’s revelations, the entire werewolf society of Gilneas City knew that for six months, the individual Iris had fixated upon was an Alpha already bound to a mate. The labels being hurled at her were far graver than a simple “mate–poacher“; they involved betraying a brother and dishonoring her own deceased husband’s memory.

I flicked ash from my cigarette, a cold, mirthless smile twisting my lips. “This morning, a Draenei escorted Lillian from the hospital.

“Before, I couldn’t quite grasp why she suddenly detonated with such force.” I leaned forward slightly, my gaze sharp and unyielding as it locked onto Finn. “But now, Finn, you tell me. What gave her the audacity to unleash this kind of storm? Did she have some… formidable backing giving her the courage?”

Draenei. Storm.

I connected those two points directly to Finn, the scrutiny and suspicion in my eyes laid bare.

Finn’s eyes narrowed a fraction, his deep gaze meeting my challenging stare. He tossed the question back at me. “What is it you believe?”

“If she didn’t have seriously powerful support behind her, she would never dare to create this much chaos, consequences be damned.” As I spoke, the look I directed at Finn took on the combative edge of one Alpha confronting a rival.

Lillian might act out, but she wouldn’t set the entire city ablaze.

Yet right now, the Graves Pack was in turmoil, the gossip was at a fever pitch, and if someone wasn’t aiding her from the shadows, I refused to believe it.

And who… would that someone be?

Facing my piercing gaze, a trace of unmistakable mockery curled at the corner of Finn’s mouth.

“So, is it that she wouldn’t act without backing, or that she dared not to? You seem to know your mate intimately. You even know she’d certainly strike if she felt secure enough.

“What does that signify? It tells me you’ve always been aware of just how stifled and aggrieved Lillian has felt within the Graves Pack.

“Especially these past six months, while you’ve been stationed at Iris‘ side. No Luna, no mate, could tolerate her Alpha behaving in such a manner!”

The air in the office grew instantly taut, strained like a drawn bowstring.

The chill in my eyes deepened as I stared Finn down. “Finn, what exactly are you implying? Was it you? Were you helping her?

“You’re my friend. How could you possibly-”

Finn cut in, his voice laced with icy sarcasm. “Are you attempting to say that because I’m your friend, I should have assisted you and Iris in bullying your rightful mate?”

Cut off by his words, my face paled.

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Chapter 29 The Poisoned Truth

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“What the hell are you talking about?”

What did he mean, helping me and Iris bully Lillian? There is nothing between Iris and me!

And Finn… he used to be so reserved. I’d never realized how razor–sharp his tongue could be.

Just as I was about to retort, my phone rang–Lillian’s name flashing on the screen.

Seeing it, my mind blanked for a split second.

For two days, reaching her had been impossible. It felt as if an insurmountable range of mountains had erupted between us.

And now she was calling me… because of Finn?

My breathing uneven, I answered. “Lillian.”

“Leave Finn out of this. Our issues have nothing to do with him.”

On the other end of the line, Lillian’s tone was glacial and severe.

Lillian’s POV:

Victor had called earlier, informing me that Julian had gone to confront Finn. At first, I was puzzled. But then Victor mentioned the detail about the Draenei escorting me this morning and that Julian suspected he was connected to Finn.

Finn’s corporation did employ numerous Draenei, but Julian’s leap in logic…

“You’ve spent far too much time entangled with Iris. It’s addled your judgment!”

Julian’s voice was tight. “Lillian, that’s enough! Where are you? I’m coming to get you.”

“To discuss Iris? Then save your breath.”

I’ve been alone and fighting my own battles since childhood. No matter the injustice, I’ve had to settle it myself. I’ve never been one to turn the other cheek.

All those things Iris did before… if I didn’t have concrete proof, I wouldn’t have acted recklessly.

But now the evidence was indisputable…

And Julian still expected me to let her off?

I just never anticipated Julian would drag Finn into this.

“Get out of Finn’s office. Now.”

My voice was low and dark.

Julian let out a cold, derisive snort. “What, protecting him? Lillian, our mate bond is not yet dissolved.”

In that moment, Julian was seething.

That was how it was with suspicion. Once the seed was planted, it grew wild and unchecked.

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Chapter 29 The Poisoned Truth

A Julian who had lost all reason simply refused to believe that Finn and I were not involved.

The timing was far too coincidental–public outrage was raging, and I’d been taken in by a Draenei!

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Draenei–Finn had connections to them. Using overseas accounts to manipulate the narrative–Finn could absolutely orchestrate that, too.

Lillian asked, “You remember our bond isn’t dissolved? Weren’t you planning to use our shared assets to clean up Iris‘ mess right in front of me?

“So, can you look me in the eye and tell me… that there is nothing whatsoever between you and Iris?”

Julian seemed on the verge of exploding through the phone. “We’re talking about you and Finn right now! Why drag Iris into it? You tell me this instant, what exactly is going on between you and Finn?”

Lillian retorted, “I am not as shameless as you are!”

“You-!”

Before he could say more, I ended the call.

Julian’s POV:

The only call she initiated in two days… was because of Finn! And now she hung up on me, also because of Finn?

Blind with fury, I slammed my phone onto the thick office carpet with a dull thud. It bounced and skidded to a stop near Finn’s polished shoes.

The look Finn gave me now held almost none of the former warmth of brotherhood.

Julian asked, “Finn, you tell me clearly, what in the Moon’s name is going on-”

“We are not as shameless as you are!”

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Chapter 30 A Mother’s Directive