Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 177

Erin's POV

The front door opened, and Aaron stepped in, his exhaustion evident in the slump of his shoulders. His expression darkened when he saw me.

"Mom needs to rest," he said, not quite meeting my eyes. "This situation with Alpha Alexander isn't helping her condition."

I bristled at his tone. "Do you think I don't know that?"

Aaron sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I've tried to stay out of your business, Erin. But it's not something I can support."

"I'm not asking for your support," I replied coldly.

A flash of hurt crossed his face before he masked it. "I told Derek I was resigning as enforcer."

That caught me by surprise. "What did he say?"

"He refused to accept it," Aaron said, his jaw tightening. "Said the pack needs me now more than ever, with everything that's happening. Told me to keep my personal feelings separate from my duties."

Aaron looked torn. "He's not a good man, but he's a good Alpha. The pack needs stability right now."

I nodded, feeling a sense of powerlessness. Aaron shouldn't have resigned from his position as a law enforcement officer, I influenced him. He was working for the wolves, not for Derek.

---

Two days later, Alexander took me to a private room in an upscale hotel downtown. The space was elegantly appointed, with plush leather seating and discreet security personnel stationed by the doors.

"We'll finalize the date for our binding ceremony soon," Alexander informed me, his hand resting possessively on the small of my back.

I nodded absently, surveying the room. My emotional state had settled into a kind of numb acceptance since my decision in the forest. I was committed to this path now, no matter how distasteful aspects of it might be.

A group of men entered the room, and I immediately tensed. They were obviously werewolves from their confident strides and the way they carried themselves. One of them looked vaguely familiar, though I couldn't place where I'd seen him before.

The men bowed their heads to Alexander in a show of respect.

"Alpha," one of them said, his gaze flickering to me, "I see your mate is with us as well."

"She's here to assist me," Alexander replied smoothly.

Another man, older with streaks of gray in his dark hair, looked me over with open curiosity. "It's remarkable to see an Alpha so committed to an Omega. Times are changing indeed."

Alexander's smile didn't reach his eyes. "These are some of the pillars of the Darkwood Pack," he explained to me, before adding with calculated casualness, "They're willing to betray their Alpha, my dear."

The revelation sent a shock through me. These men were from Derek's pack—trusted members, apparently—yet they were here, conspiring with his enemy.

"You're willing to betray Alpha Derek?" I asked, unable to keep the accusation from my voice. "What guarantees you won't betray us too?"

Alexander's expression flickered with approval at my question. He gestured for the men to answer.

"We're loyal to the future of the pack," one said, though his eyes couldn't quite meet mine. "Alpha Alexander has shown us a better path forward."

"And we know better than to cross Alpha Windsor," another added, fear evident in his tense posture.

I laughed inwardly, cold and bitter. Derek's pride would be his downfall. He was so confident in his position that he couldn't see the treachery within his own ranks.

The meeting lasted nearly two hours, with detailed discussions of pack politics and business dealings that I only half-followed. When it finally concluded, Alexander's phone rang as we were preparing to leave.

His expression remained neutral as he took the call, but I noticed his posture stiffen slightly.

"Unexpected," he said after ending the call. "Alpha Derek is hosting a family dinner at the Darkwood Estate. He's invited both of us to attend tomorrow evening."

My stomach dropped. "A dinner? Why would he invite us?"

He studied my face. "Are you afraid to see him?"

"No," I lied, lifting my chin. "I just don't see the point in subjecting ourselves to his games."

"Sometimes, my dear," Alexander said, his fingers tracing my jawline, "the best way to win is to play along. We'll attend—and we'll ensure Derek Stone regrets extending the invitation."

---

I stared at my reflection in the bedroom mirror, hardly recognizing the woman looking back at me. I'd spent over an hour preparing for the dinner at Darkwood Estate, applying makeup with careful precision to create an illusion of confident beauty.

Remember what he planed to do. Remember that he wanted you dead.

My phone rang, startling me from my dark thoughts. Expecting Alexander, I answered without checking the caller ID.

"I'll be ready in fifteen minutes," I said.

"Ready for what?" Ryan's confused voice replied.

I blinked in surprise. "Ryan? Sorry, I thought you were someone else."

"No problem. I was just wondering if you had time to come by the orphanage today. We missed you at training."

"I can't," I said, a pang of guilt hitting me. "I'm going to the Darkwood Estate tonight."

"Oh." There was a pause. "Everything okay at the orphanage? You sound distracted."

"Yes, everything's fine." I hesitated, then added, "How about tomorrow? I'd like to meet your girlfriend."

Ryan's voice brightened. "That would be great. She's been looking forward to meeting you."

After we disconnected, I sat heavily on the edge of my bed, suddenly aware of how isolated I'd become. I hadn't spoken to Amy or Jack in days, purposely avoiding their calls and messages. It was easier this way—fewer attachments to complicate my new life.

I thought about my mother, whose health was deteriorating rapidly. Would Alexander allow me to bring her to the Silverpine Pack after our binding? Aaron wouldn't approve, but she needed medical care beyond what we could provide at home.

Before I could spiral further into these thoughts, the doorbell rang. Alexander had arrived.

"Don't worry, I won't hurt your daughter," Alexander was saying to my mother as I descended the stairs.

My mother sat rigidly in her chair, head bowed, lips pressed into a thin line. I didn't like seeing her this way—so submissive, so unlike her usual self.

"She'll definitely become my mate," Alexander continued, his tone leaving no room for argument. "No matter what, I'll take care of her."

I crossed the room and embraced my mother, feeling the frailty of her body beneath my arms. "Make sure you eat dinner on time," I whispered. "And don't forget your medication."

She nodded, her eyes wet with unshed tears.

Alexander rose from his seat and extended his hand to me. After a moment's hesitation, I took it, allowing him to lead me out of the house.

His car waited in the driveway, sleek and expensive like everything else about him. Once inside, his gaze slid over me, lingering on the deep V neckline of my dress.

"Why are you dressed like this, little Omega?" he asked, voice low and suggestive. "Are you trying to seduce me?"

I pulled my coat tighter around myself, uncomfortable with his stare. "It's just a normal evening dress."

Alexander leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. "One day, you'll make me lose control and take you before the binding ceremony."

I rolled my eyes. "That's what you want, isn't it? To sleep with me."

He chuckled, settling back in his seat. "Why so resistant? I haven't even touched you yet."