Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 75

Erin's POV

I stood outside Darkwood Estate, clutching my small handbag so tightly my knuckles turned white. The elaborate entrance loomed before me, illuminated by elegant outdoor lights casting warm glows across the manicured lawns. Music and laughter drifted from inside where the celebration was already in full swing.

"Are you ready to go in?" Amy asked, adjusting her emerald dress. She looked stunning, her blonde hair framing her face in loose waves that fell perfectly.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "I don't know if I'm ready to see... him."

Amy squeezed my arm reassuringly. "Look at you! You look absolutely stunning. I must say, the Alpha has excellent taste. That silver-blue dress fits you perfectly, like it was custom-made just for you."

I smoothed down the silken fabric of the dress Derek had sent me. The material caught the light with every movement, creating an ethereal effect. The neckline was lower than anything I typically wore, revealing my collarbone and a hint of cleavage, making me both nervous and excited.

"Thank you for helping me get ready," I said, gratitude filling my voice. Amy had spent hours preparing me—styling my hair into an elegant updo with a few loose strands framing my face, applying makeup that enhanced my features without being too heavy.

"What are friends for?" Amy grinned. "Besides, I'm dying to see Derek's face when he sees you in this dress."

Jack walked over from the parking area, looking handsome in his dark suit. "The valet says the parking area is almost full. This must be quite the event."

I took another deep breath to steady myself. "Alright, I'm ready. Let's go."

---

Inside Darkwood Estate, crystal chandeliers hung from high ceilings, casting prismatic light across marble floors. Exquisite floral arrangements including rare moon lilies adorned elaborate tables.

Pack members and business associates mingled in the grand hall, men in tailored suits and women in elegant gowns. Waiters circulated with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

My eyes scanned the crowd for Derek, but he was nowhere to be seen. The intensity of my disappointment surprised even me.

"Look at this place," Amy whispered, her eyes wide with awe. "I've never seen anywhere so beautiful."

Jack nodded in agreement. "The Darkwood Pack certainly knows how to display their power and wealth."

As we moved further into the room, I noticed several male werewolves watching me with undisguised interest. Their gazes made me uncomfortable, and I instinctively moved closer to Amy and Jack.

"Erin Blackwood," a deep voice came from behind me.

I turned to find Delta Mark approaching, dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit that emphasized his athletic build. He swept his gaze over me appreciatively.

"I almost thought I was looking at a famous model," he said, a note of genuine surprise in his voice. "You're as beautiful as a flower in morning dew."

Heat crept up my neck at his unexpected compliment. "Thank you, Delta Mark. That's very kind of you."

I quickly introduced him to Amy and Jack, both of whom seemed impressed by his presence.

"The Pack Alpha hasn't arrived yet," Mark checked his watch as he told me. "But he should be here soon. The Alpha of the Northern Pack is already waiting to speak with him."

I nodded, trying to hide my disappointment. A part of me had hoped Derek would be waiting for me, eager to see how I looked in the dress he had chosen.

"Would you like me to get you something while you wait?" Mark offered. "A drink, perhaps?"

Before I could answer, the crowd suddenly quieted. The double doors at the end of the hall opened, and a staff member announced in a clear, carrying voice:

"Pack Alpha Derek Stone."

My heart involuntarily skipped a beat as Derek entered the hall, effortlessly commanding everyone's attention. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit with a dark gray shirt that brought out the stormy color of his eyes. No tie, with the top button of his shirt casually undone, revealing an enticing glimpse of his throat.

The crowd parted like water before him, each person slightly lowering their head in respect as he passed. His powerful presence filled the entire room, sending ripples of energy through the air that made the wolf beneath my skin restlessly pace.

Around me, I could hear whispers among the female werewolves.

"He's so captivating!" one said softly to her friend.

"I would leave my Alpha for that man too," another admitted in a hushed voice.

"Did you hear he still doesn't have a mate? They say he's looking for someone with strength to match his own."

Each comment stirred a flare of annoyance in my heart. I found myself suppressing the urge to growl at these females, to tell them Derek was mine—my Soul Bond, my Alpha. The possessiveness surprised me with its ferocity.

Amy noticed my expression and leaned closer. "Someone's jealous," she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I am not," I denied, though my flushed cheeks betrayed me.

I decided to give them some space, knowing how much Amy had been looking forward to spending the evening with Jack. "I'll go get us some drinks," I offered, walking away before they could protest.

As I made my way through the crowd, I felt a sudden shift in the air—a warmth, a familiar scent of cedar and leather that quickened my pulse. Then a deep voice spoke directly behind my ear, close enough that his breath tickled my skin.

"I didn't expect the silver-blue gown to complement you so perfectly."

I froze, Derek's proximity making my entire body tense. I turned slowly to face him, finding him even more breathtaking up close. His eyes, usually cold gray, darkened as he looked me over, lingering on the exposed skin of my neck and shoulders.

"You look breathtaking tonight," he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

My cheeks burned at his words, the wolf beneath my skin turning excitedly, recognizing her mate. I struggled to find my voice. "Thank you, Alpha. You look... impressive as well."

A hint of a smile touched his lips, making my heart skip a beat. His gaze continued its unhurried assessment of my appearance, leaving heat wherever it traveled. Under his scrutiny, I felt both exposed and cherished.

"There you are," Amy called, approaching with Jack. "We were wondering where you'd gone."

Derek turned to greet them, unexpectedly extending his hand to Jack. "Thank you for coming tonight. I trust you're enjoying yourselves?"

"Absolutely," Amy answered enthusiastically. "The estate is incredible."

Derek nodded, his expression warming slightly. "When Erin added your father's name to the guest list, I knew it was for you. Though she could have simply told me directly." His gaze slid to me, a hint of humor in his eyes.

Amy's eyebrows rose at Derek's attention to detail regarding me. "You... noticed that?"

"I notice everything about my personal secretary," Derek replied calmly, though the intensity of his gaze suggested more than professional interest.

He reached out to take my hand, his fingers warm as they enclosed mine. "Speaking of which, I need her assistance. If you don't mind?"

"Not at all," Amy responded, giving me a meaningful look.

As Derek led me through the crowd, his hand remained firmly around mine. His palm against my hand sent currents of electricity, making my skin tingle. I was acutely aware of the gazes that followed us, speculation obvious in their looks.

"Where are we going?" I asked, slightly breathless from trying to keep up with his long strides.

"To meet the Alpha of the Northern Pack," Derek answered, his thumb absently stroking the inside of my wrist. "He specifically requested to see you again."

I swallowed nervously, remembering our last meeting and how Derek had skillfully controlled the negotiations. "Is everything alright with the agreement?"

Derek glanced down at me, his expression softening slightly. "Everything is fine. He simply wishes to congratulate us on our successful partnership."

We found the Northern Pack Alpha in a less crowded section of the estate, conversing with Beta Tom. His face lit up with unexpected warmth when he saw us approaching.

"Alpha Derek!" he greeted enthusiastically, extending his hand. "And the lovely Miss Blackwood. What a pleasure to see you both."

I studied him curiously, surprised by how cheerful he seemed despite having conceded major financial advantages during negotiations. Had Derek given him something extra after I'd left?

"You look particularly beautiful tonight," the Alpha said to me, his eyes twinkling. "If I had a son, I would encourage him to pursue an Omega like you."

I felt Derek's hand tighten almost imperceptibly around mine, his voice deceptively calm as he responded, "I wouldn't let her leave the Darkwood Pack." The possessiveness in his tone sent a shiver down my spine.

Beta Tom, who had been watching our interaction with sharp eyes, smoothly added, "The Pack Alpha would not part with such an excellent secretary. Her skills are invaluable to Stone Group."

The Northern Alpha nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Her intelligence impressed me during our negotiations. Not many would dare to express their views so clearly to an Alpha of another pack." He raised his glass in my direction. "Alpha Derek, you've chosen well."

I wasn't sure if he meant Derek's choice of secretary or was implying something more, but the implication made my cheeks heat.

Hours later, as the party transitioned to the formal dinner portion, I found myself separated from Derek, who had been pulled into conversations with various business partners. The constant socializing had left me exhausted, though I tried not to show it.

Amy found me by one of the large windows, staring out at the garden bathed in moonlight. "There you are! Jack and I were just heading to dinner. Are you coming?"

Before I could answer, my phone vibrated in my handbag. I pulled it out to find a message from Derek: [Come outside. Now.]