From Betrayed Luna to Wolf Queen (Lillian) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31 Covenant Unbound

Chapter 31 Covenant Unbound

Julian’s POV:

I left the hospital and drove straight back to the pack headquarters.

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While waiting at a red light, Thomas let out a soft, surprised exclamation. I opened my eyes–they were habitually sharp and guarded, even when resting.

“What is it?”

“That looks like Lillian,” Thomas said, his gaze fixed on a spot ahead.

I followed his line of sight. Even from behind, I recognized her instantly.

Walking beside her was a man who stood a full head taller, with a powerful frame and the distinctive horns of his race.

A Draenei.

I reached for the door handle, but a sharp horn blast from behind made me jerk back. Traffic in the adjacent lane was streaming

past.

“Alpha, you cannot exit here.”

“Pull over up ahead.”

Thomas nodded. “Yes.”

The car moved forward, cleared the intersection, and quickly found a parking spot.

But when I looked back, Lillian was gone.

I scanned the surrounding area, my eyes narrowing. “What is she doing in this district?”

This wasn’t a luxury shopping area or a gallery district. Why would she be here?

Thomas responded, “This entire zone is occupied by biotechnology research firms.”

“Researching what?”

“Two of the leading ones specialize in cosmetic ingredient development and synthesis.”

Pure research labs, not retail. What business could she possibly have here?

Thomas added, almost as an afterthought, “One of the flagship biotech companies here is a subsidiary of the Livingston Pack”

The air in the car seemed to freeze again.

Finn’s pack… And she was here with a Draenei. So she had come to see… Finn?

I lit a cigarette and took a long, slow drag.

Thomas asked cautiously, “Should we depart, or…”

1/4

10:40 am P P P

Chapter 31 Covenant Unbound

“We wait,” I said.

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Lillian’s POV:

I entered one of the sleek biotech buildings directly, with George following a step behind.

George spoke respectfully, “I was not fully aware of the extent of your holdings in Gilneas City. Was Julian informed?”

“What would he know?”

His focus has been entirely consumed by Iris.

I changed into a white sterile suit. The research team had called earlier to announce a breakthrough in a project I had been funding for three years.

“This facility is the largest,” I remarked.

Women appreciate beauty, and I am no exception. This biotech venture was something I began planning four years ago. The jewelry studios and galleries had started as passionate hobbies that later evolved into successful businesses. But this company represented my most serious, long–term investment.

George nodded. “Then I shall await you here.”

“Very well.”

Inside the lab, I spent nearly half an hour. When I emerged, a genuine smile touched my lips.

The extended research initiative I had been financing had finally yielded success.

I removed the sterile suit and mask.

George stepped forward. “Ms. Moore, was the outcome favorable?”

“It was. The new lead formulator who joined three months ago is exceptionally talented.”

It seemed I would be visiting here daily for the foreseeable future.

At the mention of the formulator from three months ago, a subtle flicker of recognition passed through George’s downcast eyes.

As we exited the technology park, I saw Julian leaning against his car up ahead, his arms crossed. Even from a distance, the chill in his gaze was palpable.

I glanced at George. “Bring the car around.”

“At once.”

The moment George moved away, Julian strode toward me.

I remained where I was, unmoving.

The look Julian gave me had lost all traces of its former patience and warmth. “Where is Finn?”

2/4

Chapter 31 Covenant Unbound

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Of course. Suspicion was a corrosive poison.

I had no desire to engage. George’s sedan pulled up smoothly to the curb. I turned to get in.

Julian’s hand shot out, capturing my wrist. “Lillian, don’t you think you owe me a reasonable explanation?”

I looked at him sideways, my expression cool. “And you?”

Julian’s brow furrowed. “What?”

“What is your reasonable explanation?”

Julian’s POV:

My reasonable explanation? Concerning Iris?

“Iris is my sister–in–law, my elder brother Ethan’s bonded mate. What explanation could I possibly owe you?”

Lillian’s eyes were chips of ice. “You remember she’s your sister–in–law? Yet you spend your days and nights at the side of your own brother’s mate–why don’t you give me a reasonable explanation for that?”

The phrase “days and nights” was a sharp blade, slicing through every possible layer of denial to expose the ugliness festering beneath that familial label.

My control snapped. My grip on her wrist tightened. “And what is between you and Finn–is that something you are prepared to explain?”

“I don’t care to explain anything to you!”

Lillian wrenched her hand free, her expression unyielding.

She had always been like this–once her mind was set, she clung to her position with the tenacity of stone.

“Once you sign the severance agreement, neither of us will hold any claim over the other. Whatever may or may not develop between Finn and me will be perfectly legitimate.”

“But you,” she let out a cold, hollow laugh, “with all this scandal, even after the bond is broken, any future with Iris will never be seen as legitimate.

“When our bond was secret, and the world believed Ethan was gone, perhaps Iris marrying her brother–in–law might have been quietly accepted.

“But now it’s different…

“The entire werewolf society knows you entangled yourself with Iris while lawfully bound to another.

“If the two of you end up together, you will both wear that shame for the rest of your lives.

“Tell me, am I wrong?” Lillian’s tone was dripping with sarcasm.

The air between us grew deathly still.

My gaze turned frigid as I stared at her.

3/4

Chapter 31 Covenant Unbound

“When did it begin?” I asked, forcing my voice to remain level. “Your feelings for him?”

I meant Finn.

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Lillian met my stare without flinching. “There is nothing between us. I was merely describing a possible reality–one that will only exist after our bond is severed.”

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