After One Night with the Alpha Chapter 77

Elle's POV

I stared at Brad in shock, my heart hammering against my ribs as the sound of the exploding chair still echoed in the conference room. I'd never seen him lose control like this before. The Alpha aura radiating from him was so intense it felt like the temperature had dropped ten degrees.

His amber eyes blazed with dangerous light, pupils contracted to thin slits like a predator ready to strike. The veins in his neck stood out prominently, and I could swear I saw his canines elongating slightly.

"Then you just... do your fucking job!" The words came from between his clenched teeth, each syllable dripping with barely contained rage. "During our agreement, if you dare to bring shame to the Rayne family..."

He stopped mid-sentence, his massive frame trembling with effort to control himself. Without warning, he grabbed the silver box from the table and hurled it against the wall with werewolf strength. The impact left a visible dent in the expensive paneling.

The box clattered to the floor, and Brad stepped over it, kicking the conference room door open with such force that the heavy wooden door nearly came off its hinges.

I stood frozen, legs shaking. The silence that followed felt deafening, broken only by my ragged breathing.

My eyes drifted to the damaged silver box on the floor. It had split open, revealing what looked like jewelry. Curious despite my fear, I knelt down cautiously.

Inside lay two exquisite rings—clearly a matching set. Silver bands with intricate engravings that looked ancient. The larger ring bore a wolf's head with glowing amber stones for eyes, while the smaller featured delicate Celtic knots surrounding a crescent moon. Both had the unmistakable Rayne family crest.

Why would Brad have these? They should be for Marissa, shouldn't they? I was just the human carrying his heir.

With shaking fingers, I picked up the smaller ring and slipped it onto my right ring finger.

It fit perfectly.

I stared down in shock. The ring looked crafted specifically for me, the proportions ideal. But that was impossible.

Grabbing the larger ring, I rushed out seeking Brad. The hallway was empty, but several werewolf employees kept their heads down, clearly having caught scent of their Alpha's rage.

His office was empty, though his scent lingered.

"Ms. West?" Alex appeared. "Alpha Rayne has gone to the underground training facility. He often goes there to release pressure before the full moon. I wouldn't recommend disturbing him right now."

I nodded, understanding. Since the box was destroyed and my fingers too slender for the larger ring, I unclasped my silver chain, threading both rings onto it. They rested against my chest, warm against my skin.

Brad's POV

The underground training facility fell silent as I stalked through the entrance, my rage radiating outward in waves. Even the Betas sparring stopped mid-motion, heads automatically lowering as my Alpha presence filled the space.

Few knew about my past in the fighting circuit. Before grandmother forced me into the corporate world, I'd been "Darkmoon"—undefeated in the Canadian werewolf fighting leagues. Elizabeth had stripped away those privileges, caged the warrior in me.

Right now, that cage was rattling.

I approached the heavy bags—five hundred pounds each, reinforced with steel cables for werewolf strength. The first punch sent the massive bag swinging violently. The second left deep gouges from my partially extended claws.

How dare she talk about leaving so casually? How dare she act like our arrangement was just temporary inconvenience?

Another devastating blow. The bag's surface showed serious damage.

I spun and delivered a kick that sent the bag flying across the room, crashing into the wall with thunder-like sound, leaving a crater in reinforced concrete.

Stunned silence followed. I was breathing hard, sweat dripping as I stared at the destruction.

"Everyone out," I growled. "Now."

They scattered, leaving me alone with my rage. I'd meant to give her the rings. But she'd made it clear—the moment the baby was born, she'd be gone.

The thought of her leaving made my wolf howl with fury.

I emerged from the shower with only a towel, water dripping from my hair. I was reaching for a shirt when a familiar voice made me freeze.

"Brad."

I spun around, reflexes nearly causing me to lash out. My claws extended involuntarily before I recognized Marissa in my private bathroom doorway.

She was wearing a red lace dress that left little to the imagination

"What the hell are you doing here?" I demanded. "This is Alpha-only space."

Marissa stepped closer, eyes drinking in my half-naked form. "I missed you so much, Brad. Especially before the full moon..."

The sight revolted me now. Once I might have found her attractive. Now all I could think was how calculated she seemed compared to Elle's genuine reactions.

"What the hell are you doing in here?" I demanded, keeping my distance.

Marissa stepped closer, her eyes drinking in my half-naked form with obvious hunger. "I missed you so much, Brad. Especially before the full moon... I always get so restless."

"Answer my question," I growled, my patience wearing thin. "How did you get in here?"

She pressed herself against me, her hands trailing over my chest. "Does it matter? I'm here now. I know you need this before the full moon. I know you need me."

I grabbed her wrists, stopping her wandering hands. My grip was probably too tight, but I didn't care. "I asked you a question, Marissa."

"I may have... persuaded one of the Beta guards to let me through," she admitted, her voice taking on that wheedling tone I'd grown to hate. "Brad, please. I know you're angry about the pool yesterday, but I can explain—"

"Can you?" I cut her off, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Can you explain how you just happened to nearly drown in front of witnesses? How convenient your timing was?"

Her face flushed, but she pressed on. "I was trying to see you! Elle doesn't understand you like I do. She can't give you what you need."

"Look," she insisted, her voice rising. "I know I can't have my own pup. But I could help raise your pup, Brad. I could love it like my own. We could be a real family."

"She's human," Marissa continued, sensing my uncertainty. "She doesn't understand what it means to be mated to an Alpha. She doesn't want this life. But I do. I want you, Brad. All of you."

Her hands were on my chest again.

"Let me show you what you've been missing," Marissa whispered, her lips moving toward my neck. "Fuck me now. Right here."