Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 169

Erin's POV

My eyes widened in shock. I hadn't expected this public declaration, especially not the announcement of me becoming Luna. My heart raced with panic even as I maintained my outward composure.

The members of the Silverpine Pack immediately responded with a unified, "Honor to our Alpha and future Luna."

I looked at their faces, recognizing the fear in their eyes as they glanced at Alexander. The realization that they feared him sent a chill down my spine. What had I gotten myself into?

"W-what did you just do?" I whispered, keeping my voice low enough that only Alexander could hear. "I-we didn't plan this."

Alexander leaned close to my ear. "I changed the plan at the last minute."

I stood speechless, anger bubbling inside me though I fought to maintain my composure in front of everyone. He had no right to make such decisions without consulting me first.

I glanced around, taking in the stunned expressions. Derek's parents and Mya's family looked shocked by Alexander's announcement. Judy Stone's face had gone pale, while Harry Stone's expression was unreadable. Mya herself seemed unsure whether to be relieved that Derek's soul mate would be leaving him or worried about her brother's aggressive behavior.

My brother remained silent, and the disappointment in his eyes cut deeper than I wanted to admit.

Alexander took a step toward Derek, still holding me close. "Alpha Derek, you don't need to worry about my Luna anymore. I'll make sure she's well taken care of in my pack. She'll be very satisfied with me."

Derek's eyes shifted from Alexander to me, his gaze penetrating, as if trying to see into my soul. "Did you know about this?"

The directness of his question caught me off guard, but I recovered quickly. This was my chance to hurt him as he'd hurt me.

"Of course, Alpha Derek, I knew from the beginning," I replied smoothly. "Alpha Alexander isn't like some typical Alphas who chase power. My family has nothing to offer him in return, yet he accepts me as his Luna. Do you know why?"

Derek observed me, and I wondered if he could see through my facade to the hatred burning beneath. "Why?" he asked, his voice unnaturally calm.

I smiled bitterly. "He knows how to respect women, while other Alphas are only interested in having mistresses beside their wives."

The other pack Alphas in the room looked shocked at my bold statement, many of them exchanging uncomfortable glances. I felt a small thrill at having caused such a stir.

Charlie cleared his throat nervously. "Alpha Derek, I think we should also discuss the date of your wedding with Mya."

Mya nodded eagerly. "Yes, but I don't mind waiting as long as needed."

Derek's gaze remained fixed on me as he answered, "Next month."

He turned slightly toward Alexander, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "The date will be determined when Alexander makes his decision."

---

Alexander's expression darkened with frustration at Derek's unexpected calmness. He stepped closer, invading Derek's personal space. "Why so calm, Alpha Derek?"

Derek's lips curled into the faintest of cold smiles, something calculating and dangerous flickering in his eyes. That look sent shivers down my spine—I knew that expression. He was planning something.

Before the situation could escalate further, I grabbed Alexander's hand. "Alexander, calm down."

Derek's attention immediately shifted to my hand holding Alexander's, the smile vanishing from his lips. His gaze was intense enough to burn.

Alexander smiled at me, his mood seemingly instantly improved. "Let's enjoy the party. It's for us to celebrate, isn't it?"

I nodded, allowing Alexander to lead me away. I could feel Derek's eyes following my every move, like a physical touch against my skin.

"Continue the party," Derek commanded, his voice carrying across the room.

Gradually, conversations resumed, music played, and the atmosphere returned to a semblance of normalcy, though undercurrents of tension remained.

I tried to pull Alexander aside to discuss his unexpected announcement, but he skillfully maneuvered through the crowd, introducing me to various pack members and avoiding my attempts at private conversation. My frustration grew with each introduction.

Amy and Jack approached me when Alexander briefly stepped away to get drinks.

"Erin, are you really going to marry Alexander?" Amy asked, concern etched across her face.

Jack shook his head. "Erin, you need to think this through carefully. He's not from our pack. He has a bad reputation with women. You should reconsider your decision."

I sighed, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "I... I can't say anything right now. I need time."

"We understand," Amy said, squeezing my hand. "We're here for you, whatever you decide."

"Go meet with our other friends," I suggested, desperate for a moment alone. "I... I need some fresh air right now."

As Amy and Jack reluctantly left my side, I slipped away from the main hall, walking down a corridor where fewer people congregated. Those I passed looked at me differently now—some even bowed slightly, acknowledging my new status as Alexander's future Luna. The attention made me uncomfortable, and I wondered with growing unease why they seemed so afraid of Alexander.

I found a small, dimly lit lounge that appeared unused, with comfortable sofas and moonlight streaming through large windows. I made my way to the window, staring out at the night sky, my mind racing with questions about my future.

What would it mean to become Luna of the Silverpine Pack? Would I have to leave my family, my pack, my friends? And what about Alexander himself? Did I even like him, much less love him? All I knew for certain was that I hated Derek with every fiber of my being for what he'd done to me.

"This is all your fault, Derek," I whispered to the empty room. "All of it."

A strong hand suddenly gripped my arm, spinning me around and pressing me against the wall beside the window. I gasped in surprise, looking up into a pair of fierce golden eyes that burned with intensity.

"Alpha Derek?" I said, adopting a cool, detached tone despite my racing heart.

"Why are you here? You should be enjoying the celebration. Your wedding is coming soon—"

"Enough," Derek cut me off, his body pressing closer, trapping me against the wall. His breath was cold against my face as he spoke. "So you're without a mate, right?"