Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 181

Erin's POV

Even as I spoke these words, I could feel a part of me rebelling against the lie, questioning my true feelings for Alexander. But my anger and resentment toward Derek outweighed these doubts.

Derek raised an eyebrow, his expression mocking. "Is that so? Then let your fiancé sign. He seems to lack confidence in you. Perhaps he doesn't believe you're willing."

My hands clenched into fists at my sides, fury coursing through me. I wanted to rush forward and punch that hateful, perfect face of his, wipe that self-righteous smirk off his lips. My muscles tensed, ready for action, but I controlled myself. Instead, I turned to Alexander.

"I don't know what you're thinking, but—" I began, my voice tight with anger.

Alexander's eyes met mine, surprising me with their intensity. "I'll sign it," he said simply.

I stared at him, caught off guard by his immediate agreement. I had expected him to be just as angrily dismissive as I was, to see through Derek's machinations. But his expression was calm and determined, as if the decision was easy for him. I frowned slightly in confusion.

"I trust you," he added, his gaze steady on mine.

Inside, my anger toward Derek intensified. He clearly thought I was weak and vulnerable, that I could be manipulated, that a contract would scare Alexander away or stop our wedding. His arrogance made my blood boil, my fingers trembling slightly with suppressed rage.

Alexander turned to Derek, his expression triumphant. "What's wrong, Alpha Derek? Did you think a contract would prevent me from marrying her?" His voice dropped, taking on a seductive quality that made my cheeks warm despite myself. "Even if you included conditions about giving up several properties, I would sign it for her."

I found myself oddly moved by his declaration, though I knew it was partly for show.

Derek's jaw tightened, his eyes darkening dangerously. "I advise you to consider carefully, Alexander." There was a low threat in his words. The temperature in the room seemed to drop another few degrees, the air thickening with tension between the two Alphas.

Alexander merely smiled, clearly pleased that Derek's plan wasn't working. There was a certainty in his demeanor that suggested he believed nothing Derek could do would stop our wedding.

---

Tom approached with the document, extending it toward Alexander. Taking it, Alexander quickly read through the pages.

"What are the consequences if I break this condition?" he asked, his tone businesslike.

"There will be no consequences," Tom answered for Derek.

Alexander raised the pen, ready to sign, but I grabbed his hand, suddenly uncomfortable with how easily he was giving in to Derek's demands. My fingertips gripped his wrist tightly, and I could feel the steady beat of his pulse.

"We've already announced our binding ceremony," I whispered urgently. "You don't need to sign anything to prove anything to anyone. Why are you agreeing to this?"

Alexander leaned close, his breath warm against my ear. "If I don't sign, I can't break his pride. He thinks you still love him."

Slowly, I released Alexander's hand. Perhaps I, too, wanted to prove that I was over Derek, that his manipulations no longer affected me. I stepped back, crossing my arms over my chest, giving Alexander space to deal with the document.

Derek's cold voice broke the silence. "Erin Blackwood, this isn't my condition. It's your brother's."

Alexander gave Derek a sardonic smile. "Of course it has nothing to do with you. That's why you don't want me to sign, right?"

Aaron caught my attention, his expression softening slightly. "I won't stop you from doing anything, Erin. But as your brother, I have certain responsibilities." He paused, glancing at Alexander. "I need to ensure he truly wants you. If he does like you, he'll sign."

Alexander finished reading the agreement, then signed it with a flourish. He tossed the document onto the coffee table in the center of the room, the sound unusually loud in the silent room.

"There's your proof that your sister is doing this willingly," he said to Aaron, his tone dismissive. "Don't question it again."

Then, to everyone's surprise, Alexander straightened and announced, "I've made another decision as well." His eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he continued. "I will marry her as soon as possible. Our wedding will take place on the second weekend of next month."

A collective gasp filled the room. Judy Stone, Derek's mother, was the first to speak. "That's too rushed," she said, her voice tinged with disapproval. Others around the table nodded in agreement, soft murmurs rippling through the room.

Derek stared at Alexander, fury evident in his rigid posture and clenched fists. His eyes had darkened, the mask of control beginning to slip in the face of anger. Alexander met his gaze with a smug smile, clearly enjoying Derek's reaction.

Then Alexander turned to me, his fingers gently stroking my hair. "Darling, do you think it's too rushed?" he asked, his voice soft but carrying to everyone in the room.

I hesitated, conflicting emotions warring within me. Part of me was sad at the thought of leaving my pack and family so soon. I would miss my brother, my friends, even the familiar sense of place. Yet the fire of revenge still burned hot in my chest. I glanced at Derek, seeing his controlled expression, and my anger was ignited. Being Alexander's mate, even if pretend, was far better than remaining here as Derek's rejected one.

"Not at all," I replied, forcing a smile that I hoped looked genuine. "I'm happy to marry you as soon as possible."

I tried to ignore the hollow feeling in my chest as I spoke the words, focusing instead on the satisfaction of seeing Derek's barely concealed displeasure. He might have rejected me, but it seemed he didn't like seeing me with someone else—especially not his enemy.

From across the room, I noticed Mrs. Windsor nudging her husband. "Charlie," she whispered, though not quietly enough, "talk to Alpha Derek about Mya and his wedding. Let's set a date now."

Charlie shook his head slightly, but Mrs. Windsor persisted. "Charlie, talk to Alpha Derek about Mya's wedding with him. Let's set the date now." Her voice carried just enough for Judy to overhear, causing a brief, uncomfortable silence.

Charlie leaned toward his wife. "I'll speak with him after dinner," he promised quietly.

Mrs. Windsor looked at her daughter Mya, who appeared shocked, her face betraying her distress at the announcement of my wedding date. I noticed Mya's hands clenched into fists, her knuckles white, something close to fear flickering in her eyes.

Suddenly, Mya stood up from the sofa, her movements abrupt and tense. She stared at me, anger flashing in her eyes along with some deeper emotion I couldn't identify.

"You can't marry him," she said, her voice shaking with emotion.

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to her in surprise, including my own, startled by her sudden outburst. I raised an eyebrow, challenging her.

"Why can't I?" I asked coolly, trying to mask my internal confusion. Why was Mya so vehemently opposed? What history did she have with Alexander that made her so uncomfortable?

Mya's hands trembled at her sides. "You just can't marry him," she repeated, offering no explanation.

Alexander's voice cut through the tension, cold and dangerous. "Do you realize what you're saying?"