After One Night with the Alpha Chapter 99

Elle's POV

I'd barely taken two steps when I felt a firm hand wrap around my wrist, stopping me in my tracks.

"You should hear me out before you decide whether to stay or go," Raymond said quietly, his grip gentle but unyielding.

The touch of his fingers against my skin sent an unexpected shiver through me, and I could see something flicker in his blue eyes - a momentary distraction, as if he'd felt something too. For a split second, his composed expression wavered.

*What the hell is happening here?*

I stood frozen, avoiding his direct gaze. "Mr. Carter, you just partnered with Rayne Group, and now you want to challenge an Alpha? Isn't that a bit too risky?"

Raymond's expression shifted, becoming more serious. "I know about your deal with Brad Rayne, Elle. I know exactly what kind of deal you have with him."

My entire body went rigid. How could he possibly know about that?

"I have no ill intentions," he continued, his voice softer now. "I just want to help you."

The shock hit me like a physical blow. My mind raced - how did Raymond know about the deal? That information was supposed to be completely confidential, known only to Brad, his grandmother, and a few trusted family members.

Raymond must have felt my reaction because he finally released my wrist. Strangely, I felt a sense of loss when his warm touch disappeared.

After a long moment of hesitation, I slowly sat back down. I needed to hear what shocking revelation he was about to share.

"I have my way," Raymond said, reading my unspoken question. "You think my network in Moonshade Bay is just for show?"

My expression tightened.

Raymond leaned forward slightly. "You've been looking for ways to leave the Rayne family, haven't you? But as a human, you agreed to this contract because you had no other choice."

His words hit uncomfortably close to home.

"The care Brad shows you - it's all about the baby you're carrying. It's responsibility more than affection," he continued, his gaze dropping briefly to my noticeably rounded belly.

I found myself instinctively placing a protective hand over my stomach.

I thought about yesterday's incident with Marissa, how rigid Brad had looked when he explained he hadn't touched her. It was the first time I'd ever seen him explain himself to anyone about anything. And my reaction to his explanation - the way my anger had just... evaporated - what did that say about my feelings?

*Shit. Why wasn't I angry anymore after hearing his explanation?*

He leaned back in his chair. "If I stepped in to help, Brad can't force you to stay."

I looked down at my hands. "What would you want in return? I have nothing to offer you."

The honesty in my voice surprised even me. "I'm nobody, Mr. Carter. What kind of price would you expect me to pay? Businessmen don't make losing deals."

When I finally raised my eyes to meet his, I caught a glimpse of something unexpected - a flash of tenderness, almost protective concern. It was gone so quickly I almost thought I'd imagined it.

*Why would he look at me like that?*

Raymond gave a soft laugh. "Is there something about you that I'd want?"

He paused, studying my face. "It's because you remind me of Dakota, I'm willing to help you."

His expression became carefully neutral. "Think of it as helping Dakota. I'm sure if she could see this from wherever she is, she'd be happy."

I couldn't tell if he was being truthful or if this was some kind of test. Part of me was tempted - the possibility of freedom was seductive. But the complications of Raymond's relationship with Brad, the potential dangers in a werewolf-controlled city...

*I can't gamble with my mother's safety. Not in Moonshade Bay.*

I shifted my gaze away from his. "Mr. Carter, I appreciate your concern. But right now, I don't want to leave the Rayne family."

Raymond's brow furrowed. "You've developed feelings for him, haven't you?"

I placed both hands protectively over my belly. "The Rayne family will protect me wholeheartedly because of this child. After the baby is born, the contract naturally ends, and I'll be free to choose my own path."

I met his eyes steadily. "The Rayne family cares about this child, not me. Even if you exposed our secret, I'd still support Brad's version of events. That's what I promised him."

I managed a small smile. "Five months isn't that long when you think about it."

Raymond looked genuinely surprised by my response.

"Alright," he said finally, though I could see a flicker of disappointment in his blue eyes. "I respect your choice."

He leaned forward again. "But Elle, if you ever need help - with anything you don't like, anything that makes you uncomfortable - I promise I won't do it. You can always come to me."

His voice was serious, almost solemn. "This is my first promise to you, and it's valid for life."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "I'll remember that. Thank you, Mr. Carter."

Despite not fully understanding his motives, I had to admit this conversation had worked out in my favor.

Raymond's expression softened. "Could you call me by my name instead of 'Mr. Carter'? I'm serious about being your friend, Elle."

I couldn't help but laugh, reaching up to brush a strand of hair away from my face.