Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 191

Derek's POV

I watched Erin push through the crowd, her slender figure disappearing among the throng of club-goers. Something tightened in my chest as she vanished from sight—anger, frustration, something else I refused to name. The scent of her lingered in the air around me, mixed with the sharp notes of her defiance.

"Well, that went well," Cassandra's mocking voice came from behind me.

I turned, fixing her with a glare that would have made anyone else cower. She merely laughed and patted my shoulder in a gesture that was meant to be comforting but felt patronizing.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Derek," she said, her eyes flashing with that unnatural purple tint. Witches—always thinking they knew more than everyone else.

"Stay out of my business," I growled.

Cassandra raised an eyebrow. "Your business is becoming everyone's business, Alpha. You might want to remember that."

I brushed past her, heading for the exit. The bouncer nodded respectfully as I passed, his eyes dropping in submission. Outside, I scanned the street but Erin was already gone. Just as well. I wasn't sure what I would have done if I'd caught up to her.

My driver opened the car door as I approached. "Back to the estate," I ordered, sliding into the leather seat.

---

The drive to Darkwood Estate passed in a blur of city lights and shadowed streets. By the time we arrived, my mood had darkened considerably. I nodded curtly to the security guards as I entered, making my way directly to my study.

The familiar scent of leather and old books greeted me as I closed the door behind me. This room had always been my sanctuary, the place where I could think clearly. Tonight, though, Erin's face kept swimming before my eyes, her defiant expression when she told me she hated me. The words shouldn't bother me. I'd heard worse from enemies, from rivals. But coming from her, they landed differently.

I walked to the cabinet and pulled out a crystal decanter of whiskey and a glass. The amber liquid sloshed against the sides as I poured it, my movements controlled despite the rage simmering beneath my skin. I took a sip, letting the burn travel down my throat.

The door opened without a knock. Mya Windsor stood in the doorway, her blonde hair falling in waves around her shoulders. My jaw tightened at the sight of her. I didn't want company tonight, especially not hers.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice laced with irritation.

She closed the door behind her without answering, her expression unreadable as she stepped further into the room. I drained my glass and set it down harder than necessary on the desk. The sound echoed in the quiet room, but Mya didn't flinch.

"I don't have time to discuss anything else right now," I said, shifting my body away from her. "Go back to your room."

Mya ignored my command, walking toward the sofa and sitting down beside me. I immediately increased the distance between us, scooting to the edge of the cushion. I continued to stare at the wall, refusing to acknowledge her presence, hoping she would take the hint.

"The binding ceremony..." she began, her voice soft but clear in the quiet room. "You tried to prevent my brother and that omega from completing their binding ceremony yesterday. Why?"

I turned to her, my expression carefully neutral. "Do you think I would let him and her complete the binding ceremony?"

Mya's expression darkened. She moved closer, wrapping her arms around my waist. I grabbed her wrists firmly, pushing them away from my body. The contact made my skin crawl. I stood up, putting physical distance between us.

"I think you're the one who's drunk, not me," I said, moving to stand near the fireplace. "Go to bed, Mya. It's late."

"No, Derek." Her eyes held mine steadily. "Today, I want you to know what's on my mind." She took a breath. "I've hated that omega for a long time. You know why, don't you? Two years ago, she ruined our binding ceremony. Now, she's even going to marry my brother."

I felt my body stiffen, and Mya noticed. A small, bitter smile curved her lips. I kept my face expressionless, but inside, my wolf was growing restless at the mention of Erin.

"How could I not hate her?" she continued. "She's been capturing my man's heart all along."

---

I started to move toward my desk, but Mya's hand on my arm stopped me. "Please continue to listen to me," she insisted, her fingers digging into my flesh.

I looked pointedly at her hand until she released her grip. I deliberately stepped away, increasing the space between us. Her voice dropped to a whisper.

"You never allow me to touch you. How will you avoid me after the binding ceremony? Or do you plan to abandon your mate and spend every night with your true soul bond?"

"Shut up," I growled, my voice dangerously low. My fingers curled into fists at my sides.

Mya laughed, the sound brittle in the quiet room. "Your anger proves my point." Her eyes narrowed. "She's not worthy of you, Derek. That stupid omega isn't after you—she's after power. Alexander is using her against you, and you'll end up losing your life for her."

I took a deep breath, forcing my voice to remain steady. "Don't provoke me. Be a good girl and go to sleep." Every muscle in my body was tense with the effort of controlling my temper. My wolf pushed against my skin, wanting to silence her.

"You made a vow," Mya said, her voice hardening. "You swore in front of everyone that you would never leave me and would protect me with your life."

"Isn't that what I'm doing, Mya Windsor?" I challenged, my eyes meeting hers. I kept my hands in my pockets to avoid reaching for her throat.

"What about your heart?" she demanded.

"I'll protect your life," I replied coldly. "I have no obligation to take care of your heart. That wasn't part of the contract."

Mya's lips twisted into a bitter smile. "It's because of her, isn't it? Because of her, you won't even touch me."