Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 235

Derek's POV

I stood in the living room of Darkwood Estate, scanning the faces of those gathered around me. Everyone was here—except her. My gaze lingered on the empty space where Erin should have been, an absence that felt like a physical ache in my chest.

Cassandra stepped forward, her purple-tinged eyes meeting mine with unwavering confidence. "Don't worry," she assured me, her voice low enough that only I could hear. "I'll guarantee her life safety."

I nodded, grateful for her loyalty even as my wolf howled in protest at the thought of leaving Erin behind. But I couldn't risk her life by marking her, and I couldn't stay without marking her. The choice was agonizingly simple when her survival was at stake.

"It's Alexander's fault she's not here," Cassandra added, her lips tightening with anger. "He left the pack before the council could notify you."

Of course he had. The coward had known exactly what he was doing when he poisoned Erin. My hands clenched at my sides as I turned toward the door. It was time.

Tom stood by the entrance, his posture rigid with disapproval. As Beta, he'd argued against my decision all night, insisting there must be another way. When I approached, his eyes met mine with barely concealed frustration.

"You know," I said quietly, "I had no other choice. If you were me, you would do the same thing."

He held my gaze for a long moment before his shoulders slumped slightly. "I know," he admitted. "I just wish there was another solution."

Mark was waiting. Unlike Tom, he didn't waste time with recriminations. Instead, he pulled me into a tight embrace, his usual formality forgotten.

"We'll miss you, brother," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "Come back soon."

I clapped him on the shoulder, unable to promise anything. The next month would feel like an eternity.

Aaron approached next, his face unreadable as always. As an enforcer, he'd perfected the art of hiding his emotions, but I could see the respect in his eyes as he stopped before me.

"You didn't mark my sister to save your position as Pack Alpha," he said, his voice carefully neutral. "My sister is lucky to have you as her soul bond, Alpha. If someone else were in your position, he would mark her to save his status."

The irony wasn't lost on me. A year ago, I might have been that someone else—prioritizing power over love. How much had changed since Erin crashed into my life.

"Take care of your sister," I told him, my voice low but firm.

Aaron nodded, and I could see the disappointment in the eyes of those gathered around us.

Mya stepped forward, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "Bradley isn't a bad person," she said, her voice steady despite the tears glistening in her eyes. "He's made many mistakes in the past, but I believe new responsibilities will transform him into a responsible person."

I studied my brother's face, seeing both fear and determination there. Perhaps Mya was right. Perhaps the responsibility of leadership would help Bradley grow into the man I'd always hoped he could be.

I smiled at him, the gesture genuine despite everything. "Take care of your sister-in-law, will you?"

Bradley swallowed hard, then nodded. "I'll take care of my sister-in-law," he promised, his voice stronger than I'd expected.

From all corners of the estate, warriors began to gather, drawn by the news spreading through the pack like wildfire. Their voices rose in unison, a mournful chorus that made my wolf howl in response.

"Our Alpha is leaving!"

Their eyes shone with respect and sorrow as they formed a semi-circle around me. Some of them had served my father before me, and I could see the disbelief on their faces—they had never expected to see a day when I would walk away from my birthright.

As I moved toward the waiting car, a familiar voice called out, stopping me in my tracks.

"I'm coming with you too."

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Erin's POV

I made my decision the moment I heard Derek was leaving. There was no question, no hesitation. Where he went, I would follow.

"I'm coming with you too," I announced, stepping through the crowd that had gathered to see Derek off.

All eyes turned to me, including Derek's golden ones that widened with surprise. Cassandra moved forward, her purple-tinged gaze concerned.

"Erin, Alpha thinks you should stay," she reminded me gently.

I shook my head. Did they really think I would let him face exile alone? Before I could respond, Judy stepped forward, her eyes narrowed as she looked me up and down.

"Do you know that you're not well?" she demanded, her tone accusatory. "Your body is—"

"I know," I interrupted, meeting her gaze steadily. I'd heard enough from behind the door to understand what Alexander had done to me. The knowledge burned like acid in my veins, but I wouldn't let it dictate my choices.

I turned to Derek, who stood watching me with an unreadable expression. "When an Alpha leaves his pack, how can his soul mate stay behind?" I asked, my voice carrying in the sudden silence. "I will follow him anywhere. In life or death, I want to be with him."

I reached for his hand, lacing our fingers together in a gesture that felt both defiant and desperately intimate. His skin was warm against mine, his pulse matching the rapid beat of my heart.

Everyone waited for Derek's response, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. After what felt like forever, his fingers tightened around mine.

"If that's what she wants, I'll take her with me," he said, his voice quiet but firm.

I could see understanding dawning on the faces around us. Derek had intended to leave me behind not because he didn't want me with him, but because he was afraid of losing control and marking me, risking my life in the process.

"Erin, I'm sorry for misjudging you before," Judy said, her voice breaking. "As a mother, I curse Alexander... the Moon Goddess will never forgive him."

Aaron stepped forward to embrace me, his arms strong and familiar around my shoulders. "I know the Alpha will protect you," he whispered against my hair. "Don't worry about Mom. I'll take care of her. She'll be happy you chose to go with your husband."

As he released me, I caught sight of Ryan standing at the edge of the crowd. He met my eyes and offered a small smile of support, which I returned gratefully. Despite everything, I was glad to know I had friends here.

Derek faced the warriors one last time, his posture straight and proud. "This is the last time I meet you as your Alpha," he told them, his voice carrying across the silent gathering. "When I return, I will no longer be your Alpha."