Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 25

Erin’s POV

The words hung between us, carrying all the pain and confusion I had borne alone for months. Saying it aloud was both terrifying and strangely liberating, like lancing a festering wound.

Amy and Jack exchanged confused glances.

"Erin, we all heard that rumor," Amy said gently. "We thought someone made it up to hurt you. You're saying it's actually true?"

I looked my friends directly in the eyes, my expression deadly serious. "It's true."

Amy's mouth dropped open in surprise, while Jack's eyes widened. The gravity of my revelation seemed to hit them both simultaneously.

"Oh my god," Amy breathed. "So that day when you interrupted—"

"When he canceled his binding ceremony with Mya," Jack finished for her. "That was because of you?"

I nodded painfully, my throat tight with emotion. "It's been a nightmare. This Soul Bond has brought me nothing but humiliation and pain." My voice cracked slightly. "Everyone thinks I'm just a desperate omega trying to climb the Pack hierarchy. No one believes I'm truly his mate—not even Derek himself."

My hands clenched into fists on the table as I confessed the complexity of my feelings. "The worst part is that even though he rejected me, even though he's cold and cruel, I still feel this... this pull toward him. My wolf still recognizes him as our mate. She doesn't understand why he won't accept us."

I blinked rapidly, fighting back tears that threatened to fall. "Sometimes I hate that she chose him. Out of everyone in the entire Pack, why did she have to pick someone who obviously can't stand me?"

"But if you're truly his Soul Bond," Jack said thoughtfully, "then why are you both hiding your relationship from everyone? Are you planning to go public after the rumors die down?"

"Never," I said firmly. "He doesn't want me."

Amy frowned. "Why wouldn't he want you? Is it because of Bradley?"

"Maybe," I sighed. "But I also couldn't possibly be with him. He's my ex-boyfriend's brother. I only ever saw him as a future in-law before."

Jack leaned in closer, lowering his voice to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "Look, Erin. A Pack Alpha rejecting his Soul Bond goes against our most sacred rules. You're destined to be together. Even if he claims he doesn't want you, even if he wants another woman, he cannot resist the connection between you. I know that feeling now."

He smiled at Amy. "There are two options: reject or accept. As the leader of the Darkwood Pack, he has no choice but to accept you, whether now or later. If he rejects, the curse of denying a Soul Bond will bring suffering to both of you."

His words sent a shiver down my spine. I had heard vague rumors about the consequences of rejecting a Soul Bond, but had always dismissed them as superstition.

"That's why he drove you to my house that night," Amy said, her eyes brightening with understanding. "He obviously cares about you. Otherwise, he might have dumped you anywhere."

I snorted. "He cares about me? Do you know what he said to me today? He implied I was looking for a job only because I needed money after breaking up with Bradley. He's always so arrogant."

"But he still gave you a job you never dreamed of," Amy pointed out. "His assistant secretary! Imagine someday you might get promoted to his personal secretary. Wow, what will happen then!"

Jack rolled his eyes. "Don't get ahead of yourself. Try to understand her situation. The guy is terrible to her."

"Oh, come on, Jack," Amy dismissed. "What do you expect from him? It's natural he felt uncomfortable considering Erin was his brother's girlfriend. But now she's completely done with Bradley. So there's a bright future ahead for Erin."

"Amy, there can't possibly be anything between us," I insisted.

Amy's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Mark my words. He's going to try to get closer to you. Then you'll tell me I was right."

Before I could argue further, Amy stood up. "I'll be right back. I forgot something in my locker."

\---

As she walked away, Jack turned to me, his expression serious. "I had no idea so much was happening in your life."

"I've been trying to forget it all," I admitted. "But it all came back, and I couldn't control it, and I couldn't tell you guys everything."

"You should have," he said gently. "If he's cruel to you, tell me. I know I'm an omega wolf far beneath his rank, but as your friend, Erin, I can at least stand up to him for you."

His words sparked warmth in my chest. Jack's loyalty reminded me of Aaron—my brother who had always protected me, even at the cost of his standing in the Pack.

Aaron. How would he react to my new job? Working directly under Derek would put me back in the spotlight—exactly where Aaron had been trying to keep me away from.

"Here she comes," Jack said, nodding toward Amy, who was hurrying back to us with something black draped over her arm.

"This is your man's," Amy announced, a sly smile on her face. "Check the inside."

She held out what appeared to be a black suit jacket. The material was soft and expensive, and as it came closer, a familiar scent hit me—cedar and leather, with that uniquely male undertone that belonged to only one wolf.

Derek's scent.

My wolf immediately went on alert, nearly making me gasp at the intensity of her reaction. She pushed forward eagerly, wanting to grab the jacket and bury my face in it.

"You forgot to give it back when you left my house," Amy explained. "I saw it today and brought it for you so you can return it to him. Who knows? You might get closer from now on."

I reluctantly took the jacket, trying to ignore the tingling in my fingertips as I touched the fabric that had once hugged Derek's form. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't help but notice how luxurious it felt, how his subtle scent clung to every fiber. My wolf nearly purred with satisfaction as I held it, recognizing our mate's scent. Against my will, I remembered how it had felt draped over my shoulders that night, carrying his warmth and protection.

"Thanks," I mumbled, carefully folding the jacket and placing it in my bag, away from my curious wolf who was still trying to get closer to it. But even tucked away, I remained acutely aware of its presence, like a small, secret connection to him.

As I zipped my bag closed, I caught Jack and Amy exchanging meaningful glances. I knew Amy was already imagining a grand romance blossoming between Derek and me, while Jack seemed more cautious, concerned for my wellbeing.

The truth was, I didn't know what would happen. Tomorrow I would walk into Stone Group as Derek's assistant secretary, a position I had never asked for and didn't understand why I had been given. I was terrified—what if this was just another elaborate way for him to humiliate me? To keep me close enough to control, but far enough to remind me of my place?

Yet beneath that fear flickered something else. A small, stubborn hope. Maybe, just maybe, this job meant more. Perhaps beneath the cold Alpha exterior, some part of Derek felt the pull between us as strongly as I did.

Perhaps sensing my worry, Amy winked at me with her big eyes, reassuring me. "Come on, Erin, this could be the beginning of a new beginning between you two."