Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 127

Erin's POV

I fidgeted with my car keys. "Like I said, a lot has happened this year."

"I remember what you told me at the club," he said, his voice serious. "About him being your mate."

I nodded, not meeting his eyes.

"Erin." Aaron's voice softened. "Look at me."

I raised my gaze to his.

"If he's hurting you in any way—"

"He's not," I interrupted quickly. "It's complicated, but... it's good. I'm happy, Aaron." I smiled, hoping he could see the truth in my eyes. "Happier than I've been in a long time."

Something in my expression must have convinced him, because the tension left his shoulders. "That's all I ever wanted for you, sis. To see you happy again after what Bradley did."

"I am," I assured him. "And I'll tell you everything tomorrow, I promise. Right now, I really need to get to work before my boss fires me."

Aaron chuckled. "Get going then. But come home early, okay? I want to spend time with my sister on the night before her big day."

I hugged him once more before heading out the door, my heart lighter than it had been in months. Tomorrow was my birthday—the perfect day to finally tell Derek how I truly felt about him.

---

When I arrived at Stone Group, I headed straight for Derek's office. My heart raced as I approached his door, nervous energy coursing through my veins. Would he still be in a good mood? Had releasing Aaron early softened his anger about the Bradley situation completely?

I knocked softly before entering. Derek was seated at his desk, reviewing documents with intense concentration. He barely glanced up when I walked in.

"Good morning," I said quietly, closing the door behind me.

"Morning," he replied, his eyes still on his paperwork.

I stood awkwardly for a moment, unsure if I should approach his desk or wait for further acknowledgment. "Are you... are you still mad at me?" I finally asked.

Derek looked up, his expression unreadable. "No."

Relief washed over me, and a smile broke across my face. "Yes! I knew you couldn't stay mad at me for long." Feeling bold, I walked around his desk and leaned down, intending to kiss his cheek.

Before my lips could make contact, the office door burst open. Beta Tom strode in, completely ignoring my presence as he marched up to Derek's desk.

"Alpha," he said breathlessly, "I've been calling you all morning. Why aren't you answering?"

I straightened immediately, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. Tom's urgent tone suggested pack business—serious pack business.

Derek remained calm, his eyes returning to his documents. "I'm busy."

Tom ran a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. "But Alpha—"

"I said," Derek cut him off, his voice dropping to a dangerous octave, "I'm busy."

I glanced between the two men, sensing the tension. Whatever Tom needed to discuss, it was important—and private. Derek's dismissive attitude wasn't about me; it was about whatever pack matter had arisen.

"I should go," I said quietly, backing toward the door. "I'll get started on those reports you needed."

Derek nodded once, a silent dismissal. As I slipped out of the office, I heard the lock click behind me.

---

Back at my desk, I tried to focus on my work, but my mind kept drifting to Derek and what might have been happening in his office. After about an hour, my phone rang—Amy calling.

"Hey," I answered, glad for the distraction.

"So?" Amy's excited voice came through the speaker. "Have you decided? Are you going to tell him tomorrow?"

I smiled, glancing around to make sure no one was within earshot. "Yes, I'm going to tell the Pack Alpha how I feel."

"What?!" Amy shrieked, making me pull the phone away from my ear. "You're going to confess to the Pack Alpha again? Oh my God!"

"Shh!" I hissed, even though she couldn't possibly be overheard. "Not so loud!"

Amy continued. "You're his mate! You need to make your relationship official soon, before someone else tries to claim him."

My stomach tightened at the thought. "No one can claim him but me," I said, more firmly than I intended. "I'm his soul bond."

"Exactly," Amy agreed. "But you absolutely need to secure your position. There are too many women circling around the Alpha."

I sighed, knowing she was right. Women were constantly trying to get Derek's attention, despite his cold demeanor—or perhaps because of it.

"He's the only one I care about," I said softly. "I know he cares for me too. I just want him to accept my heart, the way he's accepted our soul bond."

We chatted for a few more minutes before I noticed the time. "I have to go—pack meeting in five minutes."

After hanging up, I hurried to the front desk to check if everything was ready for the meeting. The receptionist informed me that the other pack Alphas had already arrived.

"They're waiting in the conference room," she said, her voice hushed with reverence. "Alpha Derek asked for them to be shown in as soon as they arrived."

I nodded, hurrying down the hallway toward the conference room. I needed to make sure everything was perfect—water pitchers filled, notepads and pens at each seat, presentation materials ready.

I turned to head back toward Derek's office. My heart fluttered nervously as I approached his door once again. I knocked softly before entering.

Derek was standing by the window, his back to the door, silhouetted against the bright morning light. He seemed lost in thought, his broad shoulders tense beneath his tailored suit.

"The meeting is about to start," I said quietly. "The other Alphas are already in the conference room."

He turned slowly, his intense gaze finding mine. "Did your brother make it home?"

My eyes brightened at the question. "Yes. Thank you so much."

"For what?" he asked, moving toward me.

"For..." I hesitated, then gathered my courage and stepped forward, closing the distance between us. Before I could overthink it, I wrapped my arms around his waist, pressing my cheek against his chest. "For being with me. For everything. Please don't be angry with me. You know what you and your presence in my life mean to me."

Derek remained still for several heartbeats, and for a moment I feared I'd overstepped. Then, slowly, his arms came around me, strong and secure. He tilted my chin up with one finger, his eyes searching mine before he lowered his head and captured my lips in a kiss that left me breathless.

When he pulled away, his expression was solemn. "I have never allowed anyone to become my weakness," he murmured, releasing me and walking toward the door.

I stood frozen, trying to process his words. His weakness? What did that mean? Was I his weakness? And why would he say that so suddenly?

Confused but with no time to dwell on it, I followed him out of the office and toward the conference room.

---

The meeting had barely begun when my phone vibrated in my pocket. I discreetly checked the screen—an unknown number. I silenced it quickly, embarrassed by the interruption as all eyes turned toward me.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered, feeling my face heat up.

One of the executives opened his mouth, likely to reprimand me, but Derek cut him off with a raised hand.

"Take the call," he said, his voice even.

I blinked in surprise. "Are you sure?"

Derek nodded once, his expression neutral but his eyes conveying something I couldn't quite read.

"Thank you," I murmured, offering an apologetic smile to the room before slipping out into the hallway.

As I closed the door behind me, I felt a rush of gratitude. Derek always had my back, even in small ways like this.

I was about to redial the missed call when my phone vibrated again—the same unknown number. I answered quickly.

"Hello?"

"Why aren't you answering your phone?" a familiar voice demanded without preamble.