Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 194

Erin's POV

The main building of Silver Moon Academy looked especially imposing in the morning light. As I walked toward the administrative wing, my heartbeat quickened. For some reason, I had a feeling today wouldn't go smoothly. But I had no choice—if I wanted to join Alexander's Silverpine Pack, I needed that transfer certificate first.

I knocked on the dean's office door, and after hearing a "come in," I pushed it open, immediately freezing in the doorway.

Derek Stone stood there, wearing a tailored charcoal-gray suit that made him look even more intimidating than usual. His presence instantly filled the room, making it feel smaller and the air thinner. The dean sat in his chair, visibly nervous, fingers tapping anxiously on the desk.

I forced myself to step forward, keeping my voice as steady as possible: "Good morning, Dean. I'm here about my transfer certificate." Although I tried to ignore Derek's presence, it was nearly impossible—his scent, his commanding presence, everything about him screamed at my senses.

The scent of him—cedar, leather, and that distinctly male musk—hit me hard, making my pulse jump. My inner wolf stirred immediately, recognizing her mate despite all my resentment. I clenched my jaw, fighting against the unwanted physical response.

The dean glanced at Derek, then said to me, "Miss Blackwood, have you forgotten to greet the Alpha?"

I felt a surge of irritation. In wolf society, lower-ranking wolves must bow to Alphas—a submission instinct branded into our genetics. The old me would have complied without hesitation, but now, after everything Derek had done to me, the requirement felt angering and humiliating.

However, seeing the dean's pleading expression, I realized he might be in danger due to my defiance. Derek could take away his job or even his pack status in an instant. Sighing, I reluctantly nodded to Derek, my tone dripping with sarcasm: "I apologize, Alpha Derek." I practically had to force the words through clenched teeth.

Derek merely nodded in acknowledgment, but I caught a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes that made my blood boil. His gaze lingered on me a moment too long, trailing down my body in a way that felt both invasive and strangely exciting. I hated that my skin warmed under his attention.

The dean visibly relaxed and explained to Derek, "Alpha, Miss Blackwood is requesting her transfer certificate, but as per your instructions, we've temporarily withheld it."

I watched Derek tensely, waiting for his response. My heart raced, and my palms grew sweaty. Derek's presence here was clearly no coincidence—he knew I would come, had probably planned everything in advance.

To my surprise, Derek calmly said, "If there's no issue, give her the transfer documents."

I almost couldn't believe my ears. The dean looked equally shocked, staring at Derek.

Sure enough, Derek continued, "I've changed my mind. Since I've changed my mind, I expect something in return."

My stomach knotted with anxiety. This was the real Derek—never giving without conditions, always controlling everything. "What do you want?" I asked directly, my voice more wary than I'd intended.

Derek looked at me, his eyes reflecting something I couldn't quite decipher—not anger or coldness, but something like... hunger. He moved closer, and I found myself taking a small step back, my body reacting to his proximity. He smelled good—too good—and I hated myself for noticing.

"Your day," he said, his voice dropping to a lower register that sent an unwelcome shiver down my spine.

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I stared at him in confusion. "What?"

The tension in the room thickened. The dean blinked rapidly, seemingly trying to understand Derek's intentions, just as confused as I was.

Derek turned to the dean, his voice calm but authoritative: "Tell your student to assist me for one day, and I'll allow her to keep her transfer certificate. After that, she can go wherever she wants."

The dean's expression relaxed somewhat. He nodded and looked at me: "Oh, I see. The Alpha needs your assistance with pack matters. This is an honor, Miss Blackwood. You should be proud to be selected to assist our Alpha."

"Erin, please assist the Alpha today. Once you receive his permission, I'll issue your transfer certificate," the dean ordered, his tone leaving no room for refusal.

I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails dug into my palms, the sharp pain grounding me. Assist Derek for a day? What did that even mean? Why would he suddenly need an Omega's help? My mind raced with possibilities, none of them good. Would he try to convince me not to leave? Try to seduce me? The thought made my heart race, and I wasn't sure if it was from anxiety or something else I didn't want to admit.

But I needed that transfer certificate, and if assisting him for a day was the price for my freedom, I had no choice.

But I wouldn't appear too compliant, wouldn't let him think I'd obey without question. "Assist?" I asked coldly. "Do you really trust me? Aren't you worried I'll leak your information to others again?" I referenced our past conflict, hoping to wound him, to show him I wasn't so easily manipulated.

Derek's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile. "No, I'm not worried. I'll wait for you outside." With that, he turned and left the office, the door closing softly behind him.

As soon as Derek was gone, the dean visibly exhaled in relief, as if he could finally breathe again. He sank back into his chair, wiping sweat from his forehead. I noticed his hands still trembling slightly—this was the effect of an Alpha's presence, capable of making other wolves feel pressured and fearful even by simply standing there.

"You're really going to make me serve an Alpha for a day just to get my transfer certificate?" I demanded, my voice shaking with anger and something else I didn't want to acknowledge. I was still trying to get my body's reactions under control, hoping the dean wouldn't notice the flush I could feel spreading across my cheeks.

The dean raised his eyebrows. "Miss Blackwood, do you truly want your transfer certificate?"

"Excuse me, sir. Are you using a transfer certificate to force one of your female students to spend an entire day with your Alpha?" I countered, feeling nauseated. This would be completely unacceptable in human society, but in the wolf world, an Alpha's power was virtually unlimited.

The dean sighed, his expression both resigned and exhausted. "Miss Blackwood, Alpha Derek won't do anything inappropriate to you. He is our leader, and I have no power to change anything." He waved dismissively toward the door. "Go. Don't keep the Alpha waiting too long."