Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 167

Derek's POV

I entered the club with Mya clinging to my arm, her perfume too strong, too sweet—nothing like the natural scent of my true mate. Throughout the drive, she'd prattled endlessly about her dress for the binding ceremony. I'd barely acknowledged her words, my mind consumed with the image of Erin standing beside Alexander Windsor at the airport.

As we stepped into the main hall, a hush fell over the crowd. Every head turned in our direction, eyes lowering in respect and submission. The scent of their deference filled the air—a mixture of awe and fear I'd grown accustomed to.

"Honor to our Pack Alpha," my pack members murmured, bowing their heads.

I acknowledged them with a slight nod, scanning the room with calculated indifference. Then I saw her.

Erin.

She stood across the room in a golden dress that hugged every curve of her body, making her glow like the moon itself. My breath caught for a moment before I regained control. She was more beautiful than I'd ever seen her, and she was standing next to Alexander Windsor.

Something primitive and possessive clawed inside me. My wolf surged forward, demanding I cross the room and tear her away from him, to remind everyone present—especially her—who she belonged to.

"Derek," Mya's voice cut through my thoughts, her fingers tugging at my sleeve. "Derek." She repeated my name, clearly trying to reclaim my attention. "Derek."

With effort, I tore my gaze from Erin and looked down at my fiancée. Mya beamed up at me, oblivious to the war raging inside me.

"Don't you want to greet everyone?" she asked, her voice grating on my nerves.

I strode forward without answering, feeling the eyes of Windsor's pack members following me. They lowered their heads as I passed—not quite a full bow, their loyalty divided by Alexander's presence. I didn't care. My authority was absolute within my own pack, and that was all that mattered.

I made my way toward where my parents stood with Mya's family. My father greeted me with obvious pride.

"Alpha Derek, my son!" he exclaimed, clasping my shoulder.

Mya immediately embraced my mother, playing the role of dutiful future daughter-in-law. "You look beautiful," my mother told her, and Mya preened under the compliment.

"Thank you," she replied. "I wanted to look my best for tonight." Her gaze darted to me, seeking approval I had no intention of giving.

Charlie Windsor, Alexander's father, extended his hand. "Alpha Derek," he said respectfully. "You honor us with your presence. The partnership between our packs has never been stronger."

I gave him a cold look before my eyes drifted back to where his son stood with Erin. Alexander was leaning close to Erin, whispering something that made her laugh. The sound of her laughter pierced me like a physical blow.

"Your son seems to be enjoying himself today," I said to Charlie, keeping my voice low and controlled despite the rage boiling inside me. "Should I give him a reason to cry instead?"

Charlie's hand trembled slightly, fear spiking in his scent. From the corner of my eye, I saw Mya's mother roll her eyes.

"That boy," she muttered. "Always causing trouble."

"I was thinking the same thing," I replied, though my definition of "trouble" likely differed from hers.

My parents turned to see what had captured my attention, their expressions shifting to surprise and confusion when they spotted Erin with Alexander.

Charlie cleared his throat nervously. "I can't control him. He's the Alpha of the Silverpine Pack now. You know how difficult his temperament is."

I watched Mya's face register shock, then fury as she glared in their direction. No doubt she worried Alexander would disrupt her plans for our binding ceremony—plans I had never fully committed to.

I'd had enough of this charade. Without warning, I broke away from the circle, pulling my arm free when Mya attempted to maintain her grip on me. I moved purposefully toward my officials, knowing they would have information I needed about Windsor's unexpected appearance with Erin.

Among them stood Aaron, Erin's brother, his expression darkening with anger as he noticed his sister with the rival Alpha. Good. At least one Blackwood still understood pack loyalty.

"Alpha," Aaron greeted, bowing his head as I approached.

I took a sip of whiskey, letting the burning sensation ground me. "It seems you failed to do what I told you," I stated coldly, my eyes still tracking Erin's movements across the room.

Aaron glanced in his sister's direction, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I'm sorry, Alpha. Let me talk to her. I plan to scold her."

"There's no need to scold her," I replied, watching as Alexander's hand settled possessively on Erin's waist. "Let it go. If she really wanted to attend pack gatherings, she could have come directly to me. There was no need to ask a rival Alpha for an invitation."

"Calm down, Alpha," Beta Tom murmured beside me.

I finished my drink in one swallow. "What makes you think I'm not calm, Beta Tom?" I asked, my lips curving into a cold smile that didn't reach my eyes.

My gaze returned to Erin, taking in every detail of her appearance—the way the golden dress accentuated her slender waist, how it made her skin glow, the elegant sweep of her hair away from her face. When Alexander pulled her closer and she smiled up at him, nodding at something he'd said, I felt my control slipping. My eyes flashed gold as my wolf surged forward, demanding I claim what was mine.

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Erin's POV

I noticed how his eyes tracked my movements, lingering on the golden dress that hugged my figure. Something shifted in his expression when Alexander placed his hand on my waist and I smiled up at him, nodding at something he'd said. Derek's eyes flashed gold for a split second, his jaw clenching as his brow furrowed.

Alexander led me in Derek's direction, and I felt my heart rate accelerate with each step.

"Alpha Alexander," Beta Tom greeted as we approached.

Alexander stopped directly in front of Derek, with me at his side. I carefully avoided making eye contact with Derek.

"What a surprise to see you here so early for this party," Beta Tom commented to Alexander, his tone faintly sarcastic.

Alexander smiled, his arm still possessively around my waist. "How could I miss it? The woman accompanying me today is very special to me."

I felt awkward under Beta Tom's scrutinizing gaze. "I see," he replied simply.

Alexander turned his attention to Derek. "Alpha Derek, you look impressively cool today. I suppose my sister's charms have captivated you."

Derek didn't look at Alexander as he replied, addressing Beta Tom instead. "You're right, Alpha Alexander."

I clenched my fists at his dismissal, then softened my voice as I spoke to Alexander. "Alexander, you mentioned speaking with your parents."

Both Derek and Beta Tom seemed startled by my gentle tone. Alexander smiled down at me. "Of course, sweetheart. Let me call them over."

I could sense Derek's growing anger, the tension emanating from him in waves.

Alexander tilted his head, calling to his father. "Father, bring everyone over. I have something to say."

Charlie Windsor and his family looked apprehensive. Harry Stone suggested they join the group.

I watched Alexander's expression grow cold and menacing as his father approached. It was startling how quickly he could shift from charming to frightening.

"Why do you look so afraid?" Alexander asked Charlie sharply. "As if I'm about to exile you from our territory?"

Charlie glanced nervously at Derek, seeming slightly relieved by his impassive expression. "We thought you wouldn't come—"

"I don't like repeating questions," Alexander cut him off. "Your thoughts mean nothing to me. All of you should be grateful I'm here, shouldn't you?"

I was shocked by his coldness toward his own father. I turned my head and accidentally caught Derek's gaze. His expression remained unreadable, but my heart raced traitorously. I hardened my resolve, thinking, I don't care about you either, Derek. I looked away quickly.

Mya approached Derek, linking her arm through his and glaring at me. I rolled my eyes in response.

"What did you want to say, son?" Harry Stone asked Alexander, breaking the tense silence.

Alexander's lips curved into a predatory smile. He glanced at Derek, then turned to me, pulling me closer to him, his hand firm on my waist.

I was startled by the sudden movement, but maintained my composure in front of everyone, placing my hand on his chest with a practiced smile.

Alexander's voice rang clear through the gathered crowd, his eyes locked on Derek. "Everyone, meet my girlfriend, Erin Blackwood."