After One Night with the Alpha Chapter 18

Elle's POV

The car ride from the church to Brad's home passed in complete silence. I stared out the window, watching the mansions sat behind wrought iron gates and perfectly manicured lawns. My finger absently traced the fresh mark on my neck—Brad's mark.

When we finally arrived, I followed Brad through the grand entrance of his family home, my wedding dress rustling with each step. A team of staff greeted us with bowed heads, their eyes carefully avoiding direct contact with either of us.

"This wing has been prepared for you," Brad said, his voice neutral as he led me down a hallway lined with artwork I couldn't begin to estimate the value of. "My grandmother had it arranged according to tradition."

The "wing" turned out to be a suite of rooms larger than my entire family's apartment. The bedroom itself was massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private garden and a bed that could comfortably fit five people. Everything screamed luxury.

"I'll give you some privacy," Brad said, disappearing through a door I assumed led to a bathroom.

I sank onto the edge of the bed, my fingers automatically finding their way back to my neck, to the mark that now bound me to a man I barely knew. The sound of running water filtered through the closed door, and I realized Brad was taking a shower.

My mind wandered.

*"The money, obviously. She's all yours, Alpha sir."*

Those words had killed something inside me.

I'd been such a fool.

I stared down at my hands, no longer trembling. The shock had worn off, leaving behind a strange sense of clarity. This arranged relationship with Brad wasn't ideal, but it was necessary. For my child—our child—and for my mother.

The water shut off in the bathroom. A few minutes later, the door opened, releasing a cloud of steam. Brad stepped out with a towel wrapped around his waist, his muscled torso still glistening with water droplets.

I quickly averted my eyes, feeling heat rise in my cheeks. Despite everything that had happened between us, seeing him like this still made me uncomfortable.

He walked across the room, stopping a few feet from where I sat. He studied me intently, taking in my face, my posture, the way my fingers kept returning to the mark on my neck. I forced myself to meet his gaze, my heterochromatic eyes reflected in the moonlight streaming through the windows.

"The mark has taken well," he said, his voice low as he reached out, fingers lightly touching the spot where his teeth had broken my skin. The brief contact sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.

I swallowed hard. "What happens now?" I asked, hating how small my voice sounded.

Brad's expression remained unreadable. "The marking is complete, but you need rest." He stepped back, creating distance between us. "I'll sleep in the study next door tonight."

I blinked in surprise. I had assumed... well, I'd expected him to want to complete the bond in the traditional way. That's what all the books about werewolf culture said happened after a marking ceremony.

"Oh," was all I managed to say.

Brad seemed lost in thought for a moment, his eyes distant. Then, without another word, he gathered some clothes from a dresser and disappeared through a side door, leaving me alone in the massive bedroom.

As soon as the door closed behind him, I felt my body sag with relief. The tight knot of tension in my chest loosened slightly. I placed a hand over my stomach, whispering, "At least he didn't immediately demand..." I couldn't finish the sentence aloud.

I changed out of my wedding dress, carefully hanging it in the walk-in closet that was already filled with new clothes in my size. After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I slipped into the enormous bed, sinking into its softness.

Despite my exhaustion, sleep took hours to come.

---

I woke to the sound of birdsong, momentarily disoriented by unfamiliar surroundings. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the luxurious bedroom. This was my first morning waking up in the werewolf district, in Brad Rayne's home—as his mate.

I touched the mark on my neck, finding it less tender than the night before.

After showering and dressing in some of the new clothes provided for me—simple jeans and a blouse, thankfully nothing ostentatious—I made my way downstairs, following the scent of food.

The dining room was empty, but the table was set with an elaborate breakfast spread. As I hesitated in the doorway, a familiar figure rose from a chair in the adjacent living room.

"Good morning, Mrs. Rayne," Alex said, his tone respectful but warm. "I hope you slept well."

"Just Elle is fine," I said automatically, uncomfortable with the formal title. "Where's Brad?"

"Mr. Rayne left for Rayne Group headquarters early this morning," Alex explained. "He asked me to ensure you're comfortable and have everything you need."

"He did?" I couldn't keep the surprise from my voice.

Alex nodded. "He said you should take time to adjust to your new home. The staff has been instructed to accommodate any requests you might have."

I frowned. "Adjust? I don't need to adjust! I need to work!" The thought of sitting around this massive house all day made me feel claustrophobic. "I have bills to pay, Alex. I need to send money back to my mother in the human district."

Alex looked uncomfortable. "Mr. Rayne mentioned you might say that. He assured me that the money—"

"But not until after the baby is born." I interrupted, remembering the terms of our arrangement.

I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. "I need to keep working, Alex. If I can't send money home, my grandmother will make my mother's life hell. You saw how she is."

As I picked at a piece of toast, I couldn't help thinking about my mother, alone with Grace. The thought of her suffering while I lived in this palace of luxury made my stomach twist with guilt.