Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 55

Erin's POV

The young man, sensing Derek's powerful Alpha aura, immediately backed down, quickly disappearing into the crowd.

Just then, a dancing patron accidentally bumped into me, pushing me toward Derek. I stumbled forward, hands instinctively reaching out to steady myself. Derek quickly caught me by the waist, his strong fingers encircling my sides. I drew in a soft breath as he pulled me against his chest, my back pressed firmly to him as he guided me through the crowded throng toward the lounge area.

His touch left me breathless. His palm was warm and strong against my waist, fingers splayed across my side with a possessiveness that made my heart race.

Despite the warmth of the club, the heat from his palm penetrating the thin fabric of my dress sent shivers down my spine. My heart was beating so violently I wondered if he could feel it. I bit my lower lip, trying to control my accelerating pulse. My wolf, usually placid around others, now paced restlessly beneath my skin, eagerly pushing forward in response to the Alpha's touch.

When we reached the lounge area, Derek's hand lingered for a moment before releasing me. I took a deep breath to steady myself, feeling strangely bereft without his touch. I smoothed my dress with trembling fingers and sat beside Amy, stealing a glance at Derek as he took a seat next to Tom. My skin still tingled where his hand had caressed me.

---

In the club's lounge area, Amy enthusiastically raised her glass. "Let's have a drink!"

I eyed the colorful cocktail warily. "Don't you remember what happened last time?" During a similar occasion, I'd had too much to drink and nearly embarrassed myself.

Amy laughed. "No, I remember. But last time Alpha Derek drove you home, and this time he's here with us. So why not?"

I noticed Derek had already downed his drink in one go. His expression remained impassive, but his eyes seemed slightly more relaxed as he spoke quietly with Tom.

As time passed, I began to feel somewhat bored and eventually decided to have a small drink. The sweet but potent cocktail was deceptively strong, and I sipped it slowly, feeling the warmth of the alcohol gradually spreading through me.

Amy and Jack invited me to join them on the dance floor, but I politely declined—unsure if displaying my more relaxed side in front of the Alpha would be appropriate. Instead, I continued nursing my drink, gradually feeling my thoughts becoming sluggish and hazy.

Tom suddenly received a phone call. After hanging up, he stood. "I need to leave immediately." He turned to Derek, adding meaningfully: "Take care of her."

Derek glared at Tom, clearly aware of his intentions.

Under the influence of alcohol, I spoke without thinking: "But why leave? You're so handsome, you could have any company you want here."

Immediately realizing how inappropriate my comment was, I covered my mouth. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that..."

Tom laughed. "You're right. But right now, someone needs company." He gestured toward Derek. "Would you keep him company?"

I nodded and moved to sit beside Derek.

Tom gave me a thumbs up before leaving, with Derek glaring at his back until he disappeared completely.

"I'm sorry," I explained, "I'm not drunk. I just had a little bit."

Derek frowned and commanded: "Shut up." Then he reached for another drink placed on the table.

---

Before Derek could grab it, I quickly leaned forward, my arm brushing against his, and snatched the glass from in front of him. Without thinking, I tilted my head back and downed it in one gulp. The liquor burned my throat, making my eyes water as a wave of warmth rushed through my body. I coughed lightly, pressing the back of my hand against my mouth.

Derek immediately caught my arm, his fingers wrapping firmly around my wrist. I felt my pulse throb under his touch, his grip steady but careful. His eyes locked with mine, concern and annoyance battling in his gaze.

"You can't even handle beer," he said, his voice low enough for only me to hear. "How do you expect to handle the effects of hard liquor?"

I tried to pull away but found myself leaning slightly toward him instead. The alcohol was already making my head spin pleasantly, loosening things I usually kept tightly controlled.

At that moment, Amy approached us, her eyes bright with excitement, inviting me to join her on the dance floor while glancing nervously at Derek, unconsciously lowering her head slightly.

"If the Alpha allows..." she added carefully.

I turned to Derek, aware I was still in his grasp. His warmth traveled up my arm, making me suddenly reluctant to leave. I gave him a small smile, my free hand briefly touching his.

"Give me five minutes," I promised, my voice softer than usual. "I'll come back to you."

Derek's gaze moved slowly between Amy and me. I studied his face carefully, noticing how the club's lights played across his features, highlighting the strong line of his jaw.

Something in his expression shifted, and I felt my wolf respond to that subtle change. Finally, he released my wrist with a nod, giving me permission to go. My skin felt strangely cool where his fingers had been.

---

On the dance floor, the alcohol flowing through my system broke down my usual defenses. I closed my eyes, letting the music guide me. My body moved in ways I would never normally allow, hips swaying to the beat, arms raised above my head as I slowly twirled.

I felt my hair, so carefully arranged earlier, tumbling around my shoulders. For once, I didn't care if I looked proper or professional. The colored lights flashed against my closed eyelids, and I smiled, enjoying this rare moment of freedom.

A young man approached and began dancing with me. I opened my eyes and laughed as he spun me around. Our movements were casual and playful, nothing inappropriate, but I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt so unburdened.

I tilted my head back, letting the music wash over me, temporarily forgetting about pack politics, Soul Bonds, and all the complications in my life.

It wasn't until I happened to glance in his direction that I noticed Derek had been watching me. He sat in the lounge area, having consumed several more drinks, his gaze never leaving me. Even across the crowded room, I could feel the intensity of his stare. Under his scrutiny, my skin heated, and though the alcohol encouraged me to continue, my movements became more self-conscious.

When the man briefly touched my waist during a dance move, I saw Derek's entire demeanor change. His back straightened, shoulders tensed, and most noticeably, his eyes flashed unmistakable gold—his wolf surfacing. My own wolf immediately responded, surging forward with an eagerness that nearly made me stumble.

Derek stood from his seat, pushing aside someone who accidentally blocked his path. His movements were fluid and determined, and as he approached the dance floor, his powerful presence caused other dancers to instinctively move out of his way.

I watched him approach, my heart beating in time with the music. When he reached me, Derek grabbed my hand, his grip firm and possessive as he pulled me toward him. The sudden motion left me slightly unsteady, my balance compromised by alcohol and high heels.

My body collided with his chest, and I looked up in surprise, my lips slightly parted. His face was just inches from mine, his eyes still flecked with gold, his jaw tight with an emotion I couldn't quite identify. The scent of cedar and leather enveloped me, now mixed with the sharp smell of the alcohol he'd been drinking.

In my intoxicated state, instead of being intimidated by his intensity, I felt a wave of heat course through my body. I smiled at him, genuinely happy to see him, one hand resting on his shoulder while the other found the back of his neck. My fingers made contact with his short hair, and I was surprised at its softness.

"Would you like to dance with me, Alpha?" I whispered, swaying slightly against him, the alcohol and intoxication of being in his arms lowering my inhibitions.