Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 212

Erin’s POV

I lowered my phone as the operating room doors swung open. My heart hammered against my ribs as I jumped to my feet and rushed toward the doctor. My palms were slick with sweat, and my mouth had gone desert-dry with fear.

"Is she okay?" I barely recognized my own voice, thin and trembling.

The doctor, an older man with kind eyes, smiled gently at me. "The surgery was successful, Ms. Blackwood. Your mother is out of danger now."

Relief crashed over me like a tidal wave, nearly buckling my knees. I pressed a hand to my mouth, tears spilling down my cheeks before I could stop them. "Thank you," I managed to choke out. "Thank you so much."

"When can I see her?" I finally asked, wiping away my tears with the back of my hand.

"She's being moved to a private room now. She'll remain sedated for a while—probably wake up in two or three days. Her body needs time to heal." The doctor glanced at his clipboard. "The attending nurse will take you to her room shortly."

"What about... payment?" I asked hesitantly. The practical concern suddenly broke through my relief. My family couldn't possibly afford a complex heart surgery, especially not at the prestigious Darkwood Pack Hospital.

One of the enforcers standing nearby—I hadn't even noticed his presence until now—stepped forward. "Alpha has taken care of everything," he stated matter-of-factly.

My jaw tightened. Of course Derek would pay. Now that I'd signed his contract, he was financially responsible for my family. The thought left a bitter taste in my mouth. I didn't want his money or his help—not when he was the one who had orchestrated this entire nightmare.

"I don't need his charity," I said coldly.

The enforcer's expression didn't change. "This way, please," he said, gesturing toward the elevator. "Your mother has been placed in the VIP wing."

I followed, confusion growing as we headed to the top floor of the hospital. As the elevator doors opened, I stepped into a hallway that looked more like a luxury hotel than a hospital ward. Plush carpeting, elegant lighting, and spacious, private rooms lined the corridor.

"Why is my mother here?" I asked, frowning at the enforcer.

"Because she's our Luna's mother," he replied simply.

My eyes widened. The realization that my new status—forced upon me though it was—was already changing how people treated me was deeply unsettling.

A nurse led me to a private suite at the end of the hallway. Inside, my mother lay peacefully on a hospital bed, connected to various monitors that beeped steadily. Despite the tubes and wires, she looked better than she had that morning—her color had returned, and her breathing was even.

I moved to her side, taking her limp hand between my own. Tears welled in my eyes again as I gazed at her sleeping face.

"Mom," I whispered, my voice breaking. "It's all over. I signed away my future to save you." I squeezed her hand gently. "I'm being forced to bind with a heartless man. But I couldn't let you die. I just couldn't."

A commotion outside the room caught my attention. Rising from my chair, I moved to the door and peered out into the hallway. Alexander stood there, facing off against two enforcers who blocked his path to the room.

"Luna," one of the enforcers called, noticing me. "He's trying to enter the room."

Alexander's eyes widened slightly at the title they used for me, before his expression hardened into one of barely contained fury.

"Let him in," I said, stepping into the hallway. "He's here to see my mother. He's not my enemy."

The enforcer shook his head firmly. "Alpha's orders were clear. No one is to be allowed in."

Alexander's nostrils flared, his eyes flashing gold. "How dare you speak to me this way?" he growled, taking a menacing step toward the enforcer. "Do you know who I am?"

The enforcer didn't flinch. "I know exactly who you are, Alpha Alexander. And my orders come directly from Alpha Derek."

Alexander lunged forward, but I quickly moved between them, placing a restraining hand on his chest. "Please, Alex, not here," I pleaded quietly. "My mother is still recovering. Let's not create a scene."

Reluctantly, Alexander allowed me to guide him down the hallway, though his eyes remained fixed on the enforcer, promising retribution. Once we were out of earshot, he rounded on me, gripping my upper arms tightly.

"Why did you sign that damn contract?" he demanded, his voice low and intense.

I winced at his grip but met his gaze steadily. "I had no choice, Alexander. My mother's life was in his hands. He threatened to have his men kill her if I didn't sign."

Alexander's grip tightened painfully. "And that's a good enough reason to bind with another man?" he sneered. "Your mother? That's not a good excuse, Erin."

"My mother is everything to me," I replied, my voice firm despite the tears that threatened. "I would do anything to save her."

Alexander's expression twisted into something ugly. "So I shouldn't have been so kind. I should have done what he did—forced you to bind with me while putting your mother's life at risk."

"You're not that kind of person," I said quietly, though uncertainty flickered through me as I said it.

Alexander was about to respond when his gaze shifted to something over my shoulder. His face hardened, and I turned to see Derek Stone striding down the hallway, his presence commanding instant attention. The enforcers straightened, inclining their heads respectfully.

"Alpha," they acknowledged in unison.

Derek's cold gaze swept over Alexander's hand still gripping my arm, then moved to meet my eyes. I looked away, anger and resentment burning in my chest. Despite saving my mother's life, I couldn't forgive him for forcing me into this binding.

Alexander released my arm. "I thought you were a woman who could defeat him," he said quietly, his words meant only for me. "But you're weak, just like all the others."

My head snapped up, hurt flashing through me at his accusation. Before I could respond, Derek's mocking voice cut through the tension.

"Don't let me interrupt," he drawled, approaching us with casual confidence. "I'm quite enjoying this lover's quarrel. The woman who wanted to see me fall is now seeing her lover's true colors—a loser."

I closed my eyes briefly, irritation pulsing through me. Even in this moment, Derek couldn't resist twisting the knife.

I stepped away from Alexander, my spine straightening. "I'm not weak," I stated firmly. "And even if I were, I don't need to justify myself to you. I had no choice at the time. I don't know what canceling the binding ceremony would cost me, but I'm willing to face whatever punishment comes."

"How pathetic," he observed, looking between us. "It seems your love wasn't very strong after all."

Alexander bared his teeth at Derek, a low growl emanating from his chest. The enforcers immediately raised their weapons, pointing them at him, but Derek held up a hand.

"Relax, boys," he said lazily. "He's all growl and no bite. Doesn't have the courage to attack."

"You forced her to bind with you," Alexander spat. "The only way you can have anyone is by force."

Derek shrugged, entirely unperturbed by the accusation. "Well, what can I say? I don't like wasting time manipulating people like you do. When I want something, I take it—whether that means stealing it from someone else or not."

Alexander turned to me, his expression urgent. "You see? This is the real Derek Stone. He's not someone you can trust."

Derek clapped a hand on Alexander's shoulder, his grip visibly tight even through the expensive fabric of Alexander's suit. "If you need to say your goodbyes, move along... I'm here to see my mother-in-law."

I grabbed Derek's wrist, stopping him, then immediately released it as if burned. "Don't call her that. You have no right. You're the one who made her heart condition worse."

Derek raised an eyebrow, glancing pointedly at Alexander. "Did I?"

Alexander seized Derek by the collar, shoving him against the wall. "You've crossed a line," he hissed. "You're so afraid of our binding that you orchestrated this despicable game!"

Derek raised his hands in mock surrender. "Oh! I've crossed a line! I'm so scared!" he exclaimed, before breaking into laughter. The enforcers joined in.

"A few years ago, I let you off easy," Derek said, his voice dropping to a dangerous pitch as his expression sobered. "If I retaliate now, don't go crying to your people that Alpha Derek is a heartless man."

Alexander slowly released Derek's collar, his jaw working as he fought to control his temper. "You've broken two marriage agreements between the Darkwood and Silverpine Packs," he said, nodding slowly. "I'll be waiting to see how you handle the consequences. We'll see."