Web Novel
Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 160
Erin's POV
The world seemed to slow as I stood there, rainwater dripping from my hair, staring at Derek Stone. What was he doing here? My heart hammered against my ribcage as I forced myself to look away. Next to him stood Mya Windsor, her perfectly styled blonde hair and designer outfit making my rain-soaked appearance feel even more pathetic.
I ducked my head and moved deeper into the terminal, hoping they hadn't noticed me. The last thing I needed was an encounter with Derek and his fiancée while I looked like a drowned rat. I could feel my wet clothes clinging uncomfortably to my skin, my hair plastered to my face and—I realized with sudden horror—my white blouse had become nearly transparent from the rain.
"Make way! Pack Alpha coming through!"
The airport security guard's announcement made several people turn and stare as they cleared a path for Derek and Mya. I rolled my eyes at the special treatment. Even in public spaces, he commanded respect and deference. I watched as Derek strode through the parted crowd, his shoulders back, chin lifted, every movement exuding authority. People instinctively lowered their eyes as he passed. I hurried through the security checkpoint, keeping my head down.
Once inside the main terminal, I considered ducking into a bathroom to dry off, but decided against it. My clothes and hair would dry on their own, and I didn't want to risk missing Alexander. I found a seat with a good view of the arrivals area and settled in to wait.
As I watched Derek and Mya take seats several rows ahead of me, I realized they must be here to meet the Silverpine Pack members too. But why would Alexander ask me to pick him up if he knew Derek would be here? Was this some kind of setup? Did he want me to see Derek and Mya together?
I frowned, my earlier enthusiasm fading. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. Coming here suddenly felt like walking into a trap. But it was too late to back out now.
From my position, I could see Beta Tom and Delta Mark standing nearby, alert and watchful as always. They flanked Derek like sentinels, their posture rigid, eyes constantly scanning the terminal. I was grateful Aaron wasn't here—he would have demanded to know what I was doing at the airport, and I didn't have a good explanation.
I stared at the back of Derek's head, watching as he leaned close to Mya to say something. His movements were fluid and controlled, even in something as simple as turning his head. My eyes hardened. From now on, he was nothing to me. Just a stranger. Even if he stood right in front of me, I wouldn't see him.
---
I checked my phone, noting that Alexander's flight should have landed by now. As I scanned the arrivals board, a young woman sat down beside me.
"Are you going somewhere?" she asked with a friendly smile.
I shook my head. "No, I'm waiting for someone."
"Me too," she said, placing a protective hand over her slightly rounded belly. "My husband and my baby. We've been apart for four months now."
"Congratulations," I said, genuinely happy for her. "That's wonderful news."
Her face lit up. "Thank you. It's been hard with him away, but he's coming home today." She glanced toward the arrivals gate. "My husband is one of Pack Alpha's trusted men. Alpha Derek sent him to handle some business with the Silverpine Pack."
My interest piqued. "Why did the Alpha send him there?"
She hesitated, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "I can't really say. It's pack business, you know how it is."
"Was he sent to spy on them?" I asked bluntly.
Her eyes widened in shock. "No! Of course not!" But her reaction told me everything I needed to know.
I felt a bitter taste in my mouth. That man only knew how to deceive people. Why had I never realized that during our six months together?
The arrival gate opened, and a group of well-dressed men and women emerged. They immediately spotted Derek and approached him, bowing their heads respectfully. Mya stepped forward to greet them, playing the perfect hostess.
The woman beside me stood up. "That's my husband," she said excitedly, pointing to a man in a sharp business suit who looked more like a lawyer than a spy.
I nodded absently, my attention caught by another figure. A man in black pants and a crisp white shirt stood slightly apart from the group, speaking to a woman who nodded and then walked away. He was tall and commanding, with sharp features that reminded me slightly of Mya. Unlike the others who seemed eager to approach Derek, this man stood with his hands casually in his pockets, surveying the scene with cool indifference.
My breath caught as I realized who he must be. Alexander Windsor.
Instead of acknowledging Derek and Mya, who were now walking toward him, Alexander turned and walked directly toward me. I froze, slowly rising to my feet as he approached.
Derek's expression changed from cold indifference to a deep frown as he watched Alexander heading in my direction. His jaw clenched visibly, and I saw his hands form into fists at his sides.
"Alpha Alexander," I said quietly as he stopped in front of me.
His lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "The weather doesn't seem to be on my side today..." he said, glancing at my damp appearance, "but I came anyway. Did I keep you waiting too long?"
"Not long," I replied, acutely aware of Derek's gaze burning into my back.
"I thought you might not come," Alexander said, his voice carrying just enough to be heard by those nearby. He stood tall, one eyebrow raised, completely at ease while everyone around him seemed tense. "It's good to see that heartbroken women have brains these days." He paused, his smile turning sardonic. "I'm sorry, I forgot. You've had a brain for a year now."
I rolled my eyes at his reference to my refusal to become Derek's mistress. "Very funny."
"Brother?"
Mya's confused voice cut through our conversation. Alexander's expression darkened instantly, his shoulders squaring as he turned. I kept my gaze fixed firmly away from Derek and Mya, but found my eyes meeting Derek's anyway. The murderous look in his eyes made me shiver – not with fear, but with something else. Something that made my skin tingle and my heart race.
"Oh, my lovely sister and my future brother-in-law are here!" Alexander said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Before I could react, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward them. His grip was firm but not painful, a clear statement of possession.