Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 70

Erin's POV

I stood frozen in place, caught between the two brothers. The tension in the air was almost suffocating. Bradley's request to speak with me privately hung between us, clearly displeasing Derek.

"Brother, why can't I talk to her?" Bradley asked, his tone deliberately casual, but I could sense the challenge beneath it.

Derek's posture subtly shifted. "It's work hours," he replied, his voice controlled but with an edge that made my wolf restless and uneasy.

"So what?" Bradley countered, stepping forward.

I noticed a flash of gold in Derek's eyes, his Alpha nature surfacing. "She's my personal secretary, and obviously she needs to be by my side when I'm in the office. She has to stay with me."

The possessiveness in his tone sent a shiver down my spine, heat pooling deep in my abdomen. My wolf immediately responded, pacing eagerly beneath my skin, desperate to please her Alpha. Through our Soul Bond, I could feel Derek's emotions—a mixture of anger and possessiveness that both excited and frightened me.

Just then, Bradley's driver rushed into the entrance, carrying a bouquet of pristine white roses. Bradley smiled triumphantly as he took the flowers from his driver.

"In that case, Erin," he said, offering the roses to me, "at least accept these?"

I glanced nervously between the roses and Derek, whose jaw had visibly tightened. His scent of anger grew stronger, coming at me in waves. A part of me—the part connected to the Soul Bond—felt a thrill of satisfaction at Derek's jealousy.

"I'm... sorry, Bradley," I said softly, taking a small step back. "I need to get to work."

Derek placed his hand on my lower back, a gesture that appeared casual but felt like a claim of ownership. His fingers pressed firmly against me, and my body immediately responded to his touch. I became acutely aware of the warmth of his palm through the thin fabric of my dress. He guided me toward the elevator, and I could feel the eyes of every employee in the lobby following us.

As we walked away, I noticed several female employees exchanging meaningful glances. Their scrutiny made me uncomfortable, and I could imagine the whispers that would spread once we were gone.

"Alpha!" Bradley's voice echoed through the marble lobby. "I need to speak with you."

Derek stopped and turned. The effect was immediate and powerful—his Alpha presence spread throughout the room, causing nearby employees to instinctively lower their heads. His gaze swept across the lobby, his expression hardening.

"Back to work," he commanded, his voice carrying the unmistakable authority of an Alpha. Everyone immediately returned to their duties, unable to resist the direct order.

Then he turned his cold stare to Bradley. "I'm busy now."

"It's important," Bradley insisted, though even he seemed affected by the display of dominance Derek was exhibiting.

Derek's expression remained impassive. "Check with reception to see if an appointment can be arranged. I'll call you when I have time."

Witnessing this display of primal authority sent a tightening through the depths of my body. This was another side of Derek, the one who could make an entire pack submit, who could make powerful Alphas bow their heads. Though I couldn't resist it, I found it strangely captivating.

The elevator doors closed, sealing us in the confined space. Derek's emotions were so strong they seemed to fill the entire enclosed area. I could smell his usual scent of cedar and leather, now mixed with the sharp tang of anger. In the mirrored walls, I could see our reflections—Derek's tense jaw and my own flushed face.

Suddenly, Derek reached out and pressed the emergency stop button. The elevator jerked to a halt, and he turned to me, his gaze intense. My heart raced as he moved closer, his body heat radiating toward me in the small space.

"Why is Bradley bringing you flowers?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous. "Have you been in contact with him recently?"

I shook my head quickly, breathing shallowly due to his proximity. "No, not since that day. I don't know why he came today."

Derek moved even closer, his chest nearly touching mine. His fingertips lightly traced my cheek, sliding down to my jaw in a gesture that was both threatening and intimate. His touch made my skin tingle, my wolf delighted at the attention.

"Remember, little wolf, lies don't work on my territory. I can smell every emotion you have."

His thumb brushed across my lower lip, and I had to suppress a gasp. My wolf trembled under his touch, but I summoned the courage to meet his gaze directly.

"I'm not lying, Alpha. Perhaps he just can't accept losing."

Derek's gaze briefly dropped to my lips, and I thought he might kiss me right there in the elevator. My body tensed in anticipation, heat spreading through me at the prospect. But he merely made a noncommittal sound and restarted the elevator.

I leaned against the mirrored wall, my heart pounding, my thighs pressed tightly together to ease the ache forming between them.

---

Later that morning, I walked to the break room to prepare Derek's preferred black coffee. Upon entering, I noticed several senior female employees gathered in the corner. Their conversation abruptly stopped when I came in.

I pretended not to notice, walking toward the coffee machine, but one senior staff member deliberately raised her voice.

"Did you see the scene this morning?" she asked, clearly intending for me to hear. "That Blackwood girl refused Bradley's flowers, then followed Derek straight into the elevator. Who does she think she is?"

A younger employee responded, "I heard she's an Omega, but how can an Omega be so bold?"

The older woman scoffed, "Today she arrived with the Pack Alpha in his private car. We all know what that means. The little wolf is sleeping with him for money. After all, spreading your legs is easier than interviewing."

"But Derek never lets secretaries ride in his private car," the younger female pointed out. "It's not his style."

"That's because she must have some leverage on him," the older woman replied, anger flashing in her eyes. "Maybe she stole confidential Stone Group files."

Their cruel words stung more than I wanted to admit. My wolf growled angrily inside me, causing me to lose focus. My fingers accidentally touched the hot coffee machine, and I pulled back in pain. The coffee cup slipped from my hand, crashing to the floor and drawing everyone's attention.

The younger employee immediately rushed to my side. "Erin! Are you okay? Let me see." She examined the burn, whispering, "Don't mind her. She's just jealous of your relationship with the Alpha."

The older woman approached with feigned concern. "Oh my! Erin, are you all right? Should I call the medical staff?"

I took a deep breath, feeling my eyes flash amber. Looking directly at her, I said clearly, "Rather than gossiping about who arrived with whom, I think you should focus more on your own work. If the Pack Alpha discovers someone spreading rumors that damage the pack's reputation, the consequences might be more than just termination."

The break room fell silent, the other employees looking at each other uncomfortably.

As I left, my hand still throbbing, I wondered if Derek would be as angry about these rumors as I imagined. The thought of him defending my honor made my wolf restless.

---

I knocked gently on Derek's office door, waiting for his permission before entering. He stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, his back to me, the morning light outlining his powerful frame. I could see the tension in his shoulders, his hands clasped behind his back. My werewolf senses told me the Alpha's emotions were in turmoil.

I walked into the office, placing the coffee in Derek's preferred exact position—on the right side of his desk, precisely three centimeters from the edge. This familiar routine did nothing to calm my racing heart. I noticed his open laptop displayed records of historical conflicts between the Darkwood Pack and the Northern Packs, clearly preparing for today's meeting.

"Your black coffee, Alpha," I announced softly.

Derek didn't turn around, his voice distant. "What happened to your hand?"

His observation surprised me. "Just a minor burn, Alpha."

Derek turned and walked toward me. "Let me see."

He took my hand, frowning as he examined the burn. His fingers wrapped around my wrist with unexpected gentleness, and I couldn't help but recall how these same hands had pulled me into his embrace for that kiss. The memory sent heat rushing through my body.

"Who did this?" he demanded, his thumb lightly stroking the uninjured part of my wrist.

I lowered my gaze, intensely aware of how close he stood. "There was some gossip in the break room. I got distracted. Alpha, I think you should eat something. The Northern Pack representatives will arrive soon."

Derek released my hand and returned to his desk. "You don't need to remind me of anything. I know how to handle my affairs. Finish your breakfast, then return to your office and continue working."

His sudden coldness left me confused and unsettled. "Have I done something wrong? You seem angry."