Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 74

Erin's POV

In the evening, I stood outside Derek's office, my hand raised to knock, when the door suddenly opened.

Derek stood there, his powerful presence filling the doorframe. When our eyes met, I held my breath, quickly stepping back and lowering my gaze. Recalling our earlier encounter, I could feel heat creeping up my neck.

We walked toward the elevator together, close enough that our arms occasionally brushed. Each brief contact sent electricity through my skin.

The elevator's confined space intensified his scent, making it difficult to breathe normally. I wished Derek would say something to break the tension, but he remained silent, merely observing me through the elevator mirror. I could feel his gaze like a physical touch, slowly scanning my body. When I dared to glance at his reflection, I found his eyes fixed on me, dark and unreadable.

The driver opened the car door for me, and Derek gestured for me to get in. As I slid across the leather seat, I was acutely aware of Derek following me inside, his larger frame settling beside me.

Throughout the entire ride, Derek didn't speak, but his presence filled the entire car. The silence between us was charged with unspoken tension. Occasionally, when the car turned, his thigh would press against mine, solid muscle sending warmth throughout my body. I kept my hands tightly folded on my knees, afraid they might betray me and reach for him.

In front of my house, as I prepared to exit the car, Derek's hand suddenly grasped mine. His grip was warm and firm, his thumb lightly caressing my knuckles. "Don't forget the party tomorrow," his voice deep and intimate in the quiet car.

I nodded, very aware of how his hand enveloped mine. "Okay," my voice barely a whisper.

Derek's fingers tightened slightly, holding me in place for a moment. "After the party, I'll take you somewhere." The promise in his voice sent my pulse soaring, and I couldn't help wondering what exactly he meant. Where would he take me? What would happen when we were alone?

That night, I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned in bed, my body still humming with awareness of him.

Derek's words echoed in my mind. "After the party, I'll take you somewhere." Every time I closed my eyes, I imagined his hands on me, his mouth against mine. My skin felt too sensitive, the sheets too rough against it. I buried my face in my pillow, trying to suppress the small moans escaping me. What did he have planned? The possibilities made my heart race.

---

I woke the next morning, turning off my alarm before walking to the window. A cold morning breeze made me sneeze, and I quickly closed the window. My body felt unusually sensitive, still carrying the memory of yesterday's interactions with Derek.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I carefully examined my reflection. My lips appeared slightly fuller, my cheeks had a natural flush, and despite the restless night, my eyes remained bright.

I leaned closer, grateful not to see dark circles. "Thank goodness I don't have circles under my eyes. How could I go to the party with a face like that otherwise?" My fingers unconsciously went to my neck, touching where Derek had licked. The wound had now almost completely healed, leaving only a faint pink mark. The thought of his mouth on my skin made my pulse quicken again.

After helping my mother set up breakfast, I nervously adjusted my clothes. "Mom, I'll be home very late tonight. So don't worry about me, just go to bed early, okay?"

Mother looked up from her cooking, studying my face carefully. "Why? Are you going to Amy's house?"

I swallowed, trying to appear casual. "No, Mom. We're having a celebration party tonight. So the Pack Alpha said we might have some work after the party." I hoped she couldn't hear the slight tremor in my voice when I mentioned Derek.

Mother nodded her approval. "If you'll be with the Pack Alpha, then I don't need to worry."

I couldn't help thinking how happy Mother would be if she knew Derek was my Soul Bond. The respect in her voice when she said "Pack Alpha" made me wonder how she would react if she knew about the electricity that sparked between us every time we were alone.

---

After leaving home, I noticed a familiar car parked nearby. My heart skipped a beat, wondering if Derek was inside. The driver stepped out and approached me. "The Pack Alpha isn't in the car," he told me, as if reading my thoughts.

He retrieved a black pine box from the car, inlaid with intricate silver wolf patterns. My fingers trembled slightly as I accepted it. "What is this?" I asked, unable to hide my curiosity.

The driver bowed slightly. "The Alpha specifically instructed me to deliver this item to you personally. He mentioned you might have different arrangements today, so he chose to send it in the early morning."

I carefully opened the wooden box, holding my breath when I saw what was inside. A silver-blue velvet gown lay nestled in the box, the material so fine it felt like liquid flowing through my fingers when I touched it.

The hem was embroidered with subtle moon phase patterns, elegant and mysterious. The neckline was lower than anything I typically wore, and I could already imagine how it would expose my collarbone and upper chest, drawing Derek's gaze.

There was also a handwritten card in the box, sealed with the Pack Alpha's personal seal. My fingers trembled slightly as I broke the seal. His handwriting was strong and masculine. [Under tonight's starlight, please appear in this attire. No need to visit the company, come directly. Looking forward to seeing you.]

I read the note over and over, my pulse quickening at the implications. He was looking forward to seeing me. Warmth flowed through my body, settling low in my abdomen. With a pleased heart and growing anticipation, I continued to the bus stop.

---

Upon reaching campus, I noticed many students staring at the branded packaging I carried. Girls whispered as I passed, their curious gazes following me. I held my head high, ignoring them as I headed directly to the cafeteria to meet Amy and Jack.

Amy spotted me first, her eyes widening at the luxury brand logo on the packaging. She rushed over to embrace me warmly, then pulled back to examine my face. "You look different today," she said quietly, giving me a knowing smile that made me blush.

Jack approached, his expression curious. "What's up, champion? Amy said you were at the academy yesterday because of a deal. Did our pack get it?" He glanced at the shopping bag but made no comment.

I nodded, pride evident in my tone. "Derek won the deal, signing for 80% of the profit share. He was..." I paused, recalling how Derek had controlled the negotiation, how his presence had dominated the room. "...impressive," I finished, aware that the memory had heated my cheeks.

Jack let out a low whistle. "Eighty percent? That's an extra 10% profit. How did he manage that?"

I shrugged, not wanting to explain how Derek had intimidated the Northern Alpha. "He has his ways," I said simply.

After Jack left for class, Amy moved closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, baby, how about it? Is your Pack Alpha happy about getting the deal?" Her emphasis on "your" made me blush again.

I twirled a strand of hair around my finger, trying to appear casual. "I don't know how happy he is, but he is hosting a party tonight." My stomach tightened with anticipation at the thought of seeing Derek in a social setting.

Amy immediately perked up. "Can I come, please?" she begged, grabbing my hand.

I explained regretfully that it was a business party, but then had an idea, my eyes brightening. "Hey, wait! I can't invite you, but I can invite your dad. Uncle is a businessman too, I can add him to the guest list. You can attend as his companion." The thought of having Amy present to witness my interactions with Derek was both exciting and terrifying.

Amy clapped her hands in delight. "You're right!" She hugged me again, bouncing slightly with excitement.

I took out my phone, immediately adding Amy's father to the guest list, my fingers moving quickly across the screen.

Amy finally took serious notice of the shopping bag, her eyes narrowing with interest. "What's this? Did you buy this dress for the party?" A mischievous smile spread across her face. "I bet you're trying to seduce your Soul Bond, because this is a very expensive brand."

Her frank assessment made my cheeks burn hotter. "No, I didn't buy it," I admitted, handing the package to Amy. "He sent it for me to wear tonight." The last few words came out almost in a whisper.

Amy's jaw dropped at this, and she peeked inside the package. "He sent it to you?" Her eyes sparkled with delight, and a knowing smile spread across her face as she examined the elegant gown. "Erin, this is just... wow." She looked at me seriously. "He's marking his territory, you know that, right? When you show up wearing this, everyone will know you belong to him."

The thought of being publicly claimed by Derek sent thrilling shivers through my body. I lowered my voice, leaning closer to Amy. "He mentioned taking me somewhere after the party." Just saying the words aloud made my heart pound, making it more real.

Amy could barely contain her excitement, gripping my shoulders tightly, her nails digging in slightly. "Do you know what this means?" she whispered urgently, her eyes wide. "I bet he's going to declare himself to you, make you his Luna!" She squeezed my shoulders. "Are you ready? Ready for what comes next?"

Her implication made my pulse thunder in my ears. I hadn't allowed myself to think that far, but now images flooded my mind—Derek's hands on my body, his mouth on my skin, his weight pressing me down... I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry. "I... I don't know," I admitted, though my body's reaction suggested otherwise.

"Well, you'd better be prepared," Amy warned, her expression half-teasing, half-serious. "Because when an Alpha like Derek Stone makes a move, he doesn't do things halfway."