After One Night with the Alpha Chapter 80

Elle's POV

The anger and irritation on my face instantly transformed into surprise and delight. My fingers moved quickly across the screen as I typed back: *Deal! Hurry!*

I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face as I hit send.

I slipped my phone back into my purse and straightened my shoulders, facing Jason with newfound confidence.

"Actually, you don't need to worry about me," I said, my voice light and self-assured. "You should focus on your new girlfriend and whatever it is you two do together. Brad will be here to pick me up in a minute!"

I let out a small, exaggerated sigh. "Honestly! Making time to come get me when there's so much to handle. He has so many business matters to take care of!"

"Elle, you know why I used to like you so much? It's because even when you were struggling as a human, you were always so good at making shit up!" His voice dripped with sarcasm. "You could be living in complete poverty, but damn if you couldn't spin a good fantasy!"

*Now I want to smash this bastard's skull flat!*

I kept my expression calm, but I could feel my mouth twitching and fire blazing in my mismatched eyes.

Just then, a sleek black custom car slowly approached, and I could make out the silver wolf head emblem of the Rayne family gleaming on the hood. The car drew stares from passersby.

The vehicle pulled up precisely behind Jason's ordinary sedan, the engine purring to a stop.

I heard the familiar sound of that engine and turned toward the car, my face lighting up with anticipation.

Jason misread my expression completely, thinking I was jealous, and his face took on a smug look.

"Elle, look, I know we used to be together, and I wouldn't hold it against you for getting a little... bigger than you used to be..." His voice was dripping with false magnanimity.

But his words died in his throat as he spotted the wolf head emblem on the car. His expression froze, his pupils dilated, and his face went white as a sheet.

Alex stepped out of the driver's seat with practiced efficiency, moving quickly around to the rear door with fluid grace.

Brad's long legs emerged first—expensive black Italian leather shoes catching the light. Then his perfectly sculpted body unfolded from the car, all 6'4" of him, broad shoulders and lean muscle that was impressive even fully clothed.

His face was absolutely stunning—the kind of otherworldly handsome that werewolves were known for, with wild charisma and sharp, aristocratic features.

The woman beside Jason instantly went slack-jawed, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly open. *Oh my God... that's Alpha Rayne!* Her face showed a mixture of terror and awe.

People on the street stopped to stare, humans automatically lowering their eyes, their expressions filled with reverence and fear.

Brad paid no attention to Jason or his companion, his piercing gaze focused solely on me. His stride was confident and powerful, every step radiating Alpha authority.

When he reached me, his right arm slid naturally around my waist, the gesture familiar and possessive, pulling me against his side.

He looked down at me, his amber eyes filled with unmistakable adoration, his lips curving into a gentle smile.

"Elle, sorry to keep you waiting! I hope I didn't tire you and the little one out." His voice was deep and magnetic, filled with tender concern.

His arm tightened slightly, drawing me closer into his embrace, his other hand moving to rest protectively over my stomach.

In the golden evening light, Brad's amber eyes seemed to glow, his presence commanding and undeniable.

I was startled by the sudden intimate contact, my body tensing momentarily before relaxing into his embrace.

Brad noticed my subtle reaction and tilted his head with mock concern. "What's wrong? Are you mad at me?"

He deliberately put on a hurt expression, his brow furrowing slightly, his mouth turning down, though his amber eyes still sparkled with confidence.

"I got held up handling an important meeting, which is why I'm late. Don't be angry with me, okay?" His voice took on a pleading tone.

"I'll make it up to you tonight—whatever you want, I can give you." His voice dropped to a low, intimate murmur. "A villa? Jewelry? Or... me?"

The last word was whispered right against my ear.

Every human woman within earshot let out audible gulps, some blushing, some covering their mouths, but none daring to look directly at us.

The woman beside Jason stared with a complex mixture of intense jealousy and terror, unconsciously clutching at her clothes.

Jason's face had gone completely dark, the disparity in status hitting him like a physical blow. He unconsciously took a step backward, his expression mixing fear and envy.

Brad leaned down slightly, his posture graceful but radiating undeniable authority.

His perfect lips moved closer to mine, the distance between us shrinking.

My eyes went wide, pupils contracting. *Hey, this is just acting—you don't have to be this committed to the role...*

But Brad didn't hesitate. He kissed me, gentle but possessive, claiming me in front of everyone.

My brain went completely blank with a thunderous *whoosh*, my thoughts scattering, my fingers trembling slightly.

*This kiss... it's so sweet...* My body unconsciously rose on my tiptoes.

Everyone around us was stunned into silence—Jason frozen in place, his companion gaping, passersby collectively petrified, assistants exchanging glances.

The air filled with an eerie quiet, broken only by soft breathing and distant murmurs from the crowd.

Brad slowly pulled back, but we remained close, our foreheads nearly touching, his eyes sparkling with satisfaction.

My face went from pink to deep red, practically steaming. I finally snapped back to reality.

*Oh my God! Brad actually kissed me in front of all these people!*

Jason's face was iron-gray, his companion watching with a mixture of envy and hate, her eyes full of shock at my status.

Brad noticed my flushed face, his mouth curving in a victorious smile.

"Has my dear Elle forgiven me yet?" His voice carried a teasing note, though his eyes held barely concealed possessiveness.

He added with mock threat, "If you haven't forgiven me yet, I'll just have to go on."

I saw him leaning closer again and panicked, stepping back half a pace, but his strong arm around my waist kept me firmly in place, letting me feel his immovable strength.

Brad kissed me again, this time more boldly, more intimately, with obvious intent to mark his territory.

I finally couldn't take it anymore and hurriedly ended the performance. "I... I... I forgive you!" My voice was flustered, my mismatched eyes darting away.

*God help me, if this keeps up, I might actually die.*

Brad looked smugly toward Jason, his amber eyes carrying clear warning and contempt.

Mission accomplished.