Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 135

Erin's POV

I jerked away, my eyes wide with shock. I stood up quickly, putting the bench between us. Alexander laughed at my reaction, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

"That's disgusting!" I snapped, anger replacing my shock. My hands were clenched into fists at my sides.

"In my pack," Alexander said coldly, "speaking to an Alpha like that would get you killed."

I took another step back, realizing this conversation was pointless. Alexander had no intention of helping me—he was playing some game I didn't understand. My initial curiosity had been replaced by a strong desire to get away from him.

"I'm leaving," I announced, turning away.

"He doesn't love you," Alexander called after me. "He only cares about his rank and position. Remember my words. He will hurt you until you can't bear it anymore."

I stopped and looked back at him. "I know my soul mate," I said firmly. "He won't change his heart. I am his lover, his safe haven."

---

When I returned to Stone Group, I overheard some of the managing wolves discussing the meeting's outcome in the hallway.

"I can't believe Alpha Alexander agreed to the deal," one of them said in a hushed tone. "What's he planning?"

"Who knows?" another replied. "But it benefits our pack, so Alpha Derek must be pleased."

I slowed my pace, trying to catch more of their conversation, but they noticed me and quickly changed the subject. I continued toward the conference room, curious about what deal they were referring to.

I waited near the conference room as the other Alphas filed out. Some nodded politely to me, while others barely acknowledged my presence. Finally, Derek emerged, speaking with Beta Tom. When he noticed me, he nodded briefly before continuing his conversation. I followed at a respectful distance, waiting for an opportunity to speak with him alone.

Once Tom left, I approached Derek as he entered his office. I closed the door behind us and smiled, addressing him formally: "Alpha."

Once we were alone, I moved behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist, resting my cheek against his back. The familiar scent of him calmed my nerves after the unsettling encounter with Alexander.

"Mate," I said softly, "you didn't wish me well today."

Derek stiffened slightly before relaxing. He turned to face me, his expression unreadable. "Happy birthday, Erin," he said, his tone even.

My smile faltered at his flat delivery. I had expected more warmth, especially after our moment this morning. Had the meeting with Alexander changed something? I searched his face for any sign of the tenderness I'd seen earlier, but found none.

"I need to go to Darkwood Estate," Derek said, gently disengaging from my embrace. "I'll drive you home first."

I felt a cold sensation in my chest at his words. "You're going to the estate?" I asked, my voice small. "Is it because of Mya?"

"No," Derek replied, not meeting my eyes as he gathered some papers from his desk. "It's pack business."

I swallowed hard, trying to hide my disappointment. I had been planning this evening for days. "I made reservations at a restaurant," I said, twisting my fingers together nervously. "For my birthday. Will you come with me?"

Derek hesitated, checking his watch. "I told you I need to go to the estate."

"Please," I whispered, unable to keep the hurt from my voice. "It's my birthday."

Derek sighed, running a hand through his hair. He looked tired, I noticed. "Let's go," he finally said.

Relief washed over me, but it was tempered by the reluctance in his voice. This wasn't how I'd imagined spending my birthday. I followed him out of the office, blinking rapidly to hold back tears that threatened to fall.

Derek walked ahead of me, his posture rigid and distant. I kept a few steps behind him, feeling strangely like a stranger rather than his mate. The silence between us was heavy and uncomfortable.

Outside the building, several Silverpine Pack managing wolves bowed respectfully to Derek. He barely acknowledged them, continuing toward his car without a second glance. I was surprised by his behavior—this was so different from how he usually conducted himself.

In the car, I gave the driver the restaurant address, then tentatively reached for Derek's arm. "Thank you, mate," I said, leaning against him slightly.

Derek remained silent for a moment, staring out the window. "I didn't know today was your birthday," he said finally. "I've been busy with some things these past few days."

I wanted to ask about Mya, about why she was staying at Darkwood Estate, but I bit my tongue. I didn't want to ruin what little time we had together. Instead, I sat quietly beside him, occasionally glancing at his profile, hoping he would turn and smile at me. He didn't.

The restaurant had decorated a private balcony table with candles and flowers. A small birthday cake waited on the side table, and a bouquet of red roses had been placed at my seat. I picked up the roses, inhaling their sweet scent.

Derek sat across from me, his expression still distant. He ordered wine without asking what I wanted, then checked his phone several times during the first course. I pushed my food around my plate, my appetite diminishing with each passing minute.

Looking at Derek across the table, I made a decision. I would tell him again how much he meant to me. I would make him understand that we belonged together. Maybe he was just distracted by pack business. Maybe he needed a reminder of what we shared.

"Alpha Derek," I said, holding the roses to my chest and closing my eyes. My heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat. "I love you. Forever and always. Will you be my soul mate?"

Silence followed my declaration. I waited, counting the seconds, for his response.

"Open your eyes," Derek finally said.

I did, looking at him expectantly. His face was completely expressionless, his eyes cold.

"Why are you obsessing over these meaningless things again?" he asked, his voice flat.

My heart seemed to stop for a moment. "Meaningless?" I repeated, the word barely audible. "Is that what my love is to you? Meaningless?"

I searched his face desperately, looking for any sign that he was joking or that I had misunderstood. My hands trembled slightly as I set the roses down on the table.

"Don't you love me?" I asked, the question hanging in the air between us.

Derek's expression remained impassive, his eyes hard as he stared directly into mine. "No, I don't love you. The only reason you're with me is because you're my soul bond."