Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 83

Erin's POV

I stood before Derek, hands tightly clasped together, our gazes meeting in the dim space of his office. For a moment, I nearly lost myself in those storm-gray eyes, but then I caught the mocking gleam within them and quickly looked away.

"You're late," I said, the words escaping before I could stop myself.

Derek's lips curved into a dangerous smile as he casually rotated the watch on his wrist. "Little wolf cub, it seems you still don't understand our relationship. I am the owner of Stone Group, the Alpha of the Darkwood Pack. I'm not a person bound by rules—I'm the one who makes them."

I struggled to control my emotions, realizing that no matter how much I wished, I couldn't rid myself of my feelings for him overnight. My fingers nervously intertwined as I kept my head down, avoiding eye contact.

"It seems my little wolf couldn't help but return to her master," Derek said, his tone mixing mockery with subtle satisfaction. "I thought my words that night would make you disappear completely."

Derek moved behind me, one hand lightly brushing my hair, his lips almost touching my earlobe. His warm breath swept across my sensitive skin as he whispered, "There must be a part of you that longs to return to me, isn't there? Even if your reason refuses to admit it."

A current of electricity climbed up my spine. I trembled all over when his breath reached the hollow of my neck. I instinctively moved to the side, arms protectively crossed over my chest, taking a step back.

Derek unhurriedly returned to his large black leather office chair, his fingertips lightly tapping the edge of the mahogany desk. He observed my face, paler than usual, with intense focus, his eyes occasionally flashing gold, like a predator studying every expression change of his prey.

I could feel his gaze on me as my slender fingers nervously clutched the hem of my dress, teeth lightly biting my lower lip, my eyes shifting restlessly.

"I'm curious," Derek said, his voice smooth as velvet yet containing an irresistible command, "what brings my little wolf back into the hunter's trap? Is my signature so precious, or is there a more... personal reason?"

"Alpha..." I murmured, my voice slightly trembling, "why are you treating me this way? You know the reason," my eyes grew moist, my voice tinged with grievance.

The tears about to fall from my eyes and my slightly quivering lips almost made Derek's wolf nature break through the bonds of reason. But when my expectant gaze met his cold eyes, I finally understood that this man would not be moved by simple vulnerability.

Derek took a black and gold badge from his inner pocket and slowly rotated it, his gaze fixed on me. "In the business world, I never tolerate being underestimated. As my personal secretary, you should clearly understand—I detest lies, hate betrayal." His long fingers suddenly stopped rotating the badge. "The deal you initially proposed now needs to be honored. Don't pretend you don't understand what I want..."

I realized that in his eyes, I was merely a pawn, a signatory to a contract. I thought that perhaps if I treated this as a purely business transaction, it might lessen the pain deep in my heart.

Taking a deep breath, I dropped my gaze to his polished leather shoes. "Alpha, I apologize for my retreat that night. Please... please allow me to return to my position."

Hearing my submission, a flash of satisfaction appeared in Derek's eyes, yet he maintained an expression of feigned disappointment, fingers lightly tapping the leather armrest.

Derek slowly rose and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, his back to me. "My little wolf, you're a full day late." He turned around, his gaze piercing, "The deadline was only 48 hours. The day before yesterday, I notified Aaron, telling him to convey my decision."

His lips curled into a cold smile, "But perhaps this is fate's arrangement—he 'happened' to forget to tell you immediately, only remembering this matter after 24 hours. What an... unfortunate coincidence."

My eyes widened in shock. I shook my head vigorously, my slender palms slamming heavily on the obsidian glass desktop, making a crisp sound.

"That's not fair!" I raised my voice, eyes flashing with anger, "Aaron is your most loyal Pack Enforcer. He has given everything for the Darkwood Pack! Is there not a shred of gratitude in your heart? Not even a bit of sympathy?"

Derek's eyes narrowed dangerously, golden light flowing through his gray irises, the air in the entire office instantly becoming heavy. I felt an invisible pressure and immediately realized I had touched a taboo, carefully withdrawing my hand, straightening my back, and stepping back half a step.

"Alpha, please forgive my rudeness," I lowered my voice, almost pleading, "I... let's not make Aaron take leave, can we?"

Derek maintained a sculpture-like cold expression, fingers lightly tapping the desktop, the anger burning in his eyes not diminishing in the slightest. Under his oppressive gaze, I unconsciously swallowed, my body trembling slightly, almost forgetting the cruel nature of the controller before me.

I took a deep breath, my shoulders slumping slightly. "What exactly do you want me to do?" My voice revealed exhaustion from this endless war.

Derek took a handcrafted black cigarette from a silver cigarette case, lit it with a lighter, and took several deep drags, the smoke forming eerie patterns in the sunlight. He scrutinized my every expression change, his lips curving into a smile full of control.

"We both know the answer, little wolf," he slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke, "come to my side, be my companion, forget those unnecessary family pressures." He extended a hand to me, his voice low and seductive, "I will be the protector behind you, the guardian of your family."

Although I fully understood the meaning behind his words, a warmth difficult to resist rose from deep within my heart. Thoughts tumbled in my mind—if I yielded to him, perhaps I could protect my family, soften his cold heart, and maybe, just maybe, awaken the humanity buried within this powerful man.

I raised my chin, looking directly at him, fingers unconsciously stroking the silver wolf bracelet on my wrist. "I accept this deal. I will... obey your orders, Alpha."

---

A flash of gold appeared in Derek's eyes, his lips curving into a victor's smile as he strolled toward me, his suit jacket outlining the broad shoulders beneath with each movement.

Derek leaned close, his breath sweeping across my cheek. "Say it, say it completely, little wolf." His voice was like velvet flowing in darkness, carrying an irresistible command, "Tell me, what exactly have you agreed to."

"I seem to... have no other choice," I said, my throat moving slightly, my voice as soft as a whisper.

Derek's fingers suddenly lifted my chin, forcing me to look directly into his eyes. "Why always so ambiguous, Miss Blackwood?" His thumb dangerously brushed lightly across my lower lip, "You know very well I despise those roundabout tricks. Either reject directly or accept completely. There is no middle ground."

"I'm sorry, Alpha," I said.

Derek released my chin, his fingertips brushing across my cheek, leaving a burning sensation. "Stop these meaningless apologies." His voice was gentle yet unquestionable, "Learn to curb your words, or you'll find yourself apologizing to me every minute. This is not the kind of relationship I want."

My thoughts were in turmoil, not knowing how to act in this entirely new relationship, countless scenarios and possibilities flashing through my mind. I felt a tinge of shame for my compliance, yet also an indescribable anticipation for exploring the inner world of this mysterious man.

Derek put down the pen in his hand, his deep eyes reflected on the obsidian desktop. "How long do you plan to study the floor pattern of my office with those pretty doe eyes?" His voice was low, carrying a teasing tone, "Or do you think that Italian imported marble deserves more attention than me as a person?"

Two red clouds flew to my cheeks, my fingers unconsciously brushing the hair beside my ear. Derek seemed curious about what thought made my cheeks flush so enticingly.

I looked up, my water-glistened eyes meeting his gray ones. "No, I was just... organizing some thoughts."

I quickly took out a tablet from my pocket, fingertips trembling slightly. "Alpha, do you need me to confirm your schedule for today? Or are there any documents that need to be prepared?"

I moved toward the door in slight confusion, my carnelian high heels making almost no sound on the carpet, desperately wanting to escape this space filled with his presence, however—

"Erin," Derek said.

A single word from his mouth, yet it seemed to carry an irresistible magic that pinned me in place.

Moon Goddess above, why did he only need to say my name to make my heart forget how to beat normally?

I turned around, trying to hide my accelerated heartbeat. "Yes, Alpha?"

Derek's fingers lightly tapped the desktop, a faint smile hanging at the corner of his lips. "Make me a cup of black coffee," he paused, his gaze lingering on me, "remember to use my favorite cup."

I bent slightly, showing respect. "As you command, Alpha."

I gently closed the door to Derek's office, immediately noticing several gazes cast from different directions. Several employees stood nearby, pretending to organize files while secretly observing the situation.

I straightened my back and raised my chin. "With so many people gathered outside the Alpha's office, is there an urgent report that needs to be submitted?"