Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 117

Erin's POV

"Really?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes, the name Alex comes from Greek, meaning 'one who protects others.'"

I felt a strange chill run down my spine. The mysterious man had indeed protected me, guiding me back to safety when I was lost. Was it mere coincidence that his name matched his actions so perfectly?

Amy pulled out her phone and searched for the name. "Jack's right! Alex does mean 'protector.' That's interesting—a stranger helps you, and his name happens to have that meaning."

I remembered how powerful yet calm the man had seemed. "I think he didn't want to tell me his real name, so he just made a joke with me."

"Possible," Jack agreed.

"Should we check if there's such a 'protector' in the Silverpine Pack?" Amy suggested mischievously.

Jack shook his head. "We shouldn't waste time on some stranger... you should forget about it too."

"Yes," I agreed. "Anyway, I already thanked him for his help."

We finished our drinks and headed out of the academy. Amy linked her arm through mine as we walked. "I'll drive you home," she offered.

Just as we were about to reach Amy's car, a familiar voice called my name. I turned to see Bradley approaching us, his expression uncertain.

"Erin, can we talk?" he asked hesitantly.

I stiffened. "There's nothing to talk about, Bradley."

"Erin, please... I just want to talk now."

I looked at Amy and Jack, then back at Bradley. Despite everything, I didn't hate him anymore. What we'd had was over, but there was no point in holding onto anger.

"You guys go ahead," I told Amy and Jack. "I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?" Jack asked, eyeing Bradley suspiciously.

Bradley bristled. "You think she's not safe with me?"

Amy hugged me before leaving. "Good luck with your Alpha," she whispered in my ear. "Don't forget to enjoy these days with him."

I felt my face flush as they walked away, leaving me alone with Bradley.

"Has my brother told you anything about me?" he asked immediately. "Since that day you went to Darkwood Estate, you've stopped talking to me."

I noticed Lily watching us from across the quad, a scowl on her face. I rolled my eyes. Some things never changed.

"I don't want to lie to you, Bradley. Your brother doesn't want me talking to you," I admitted.

Bradley's hands clenched into fists. "I knew it. That's why I told you not to let him know about our study project. He actually forced the professor to break up our group."

I sighed. "Discussing this is just wasting time... I need to get home. Is there anything else you wanted to say?"

He looked hurt, and for a moment, I felt bad for him. Despite his betrayal, Bradley had once been important to me.

"At least let me walk you to the bus stop," he offered.

"No thanks," I said firmly, turning away. As I headed toward the bus stop, I felt his eyes on me but didn't look back.

---

While waiting for the bus, I checked my phone and saw a missed call from Derek. My heart skipped a beat, and I immediately called him back, worried he might be angry.

"Where are you?" he asked when he answered, his voice neutral.

"I-I'm at the bus stop," I replied.

"How was your exam?"

"I'm sorry I missed your call. My phone was on silent."

"It's fine. How did it go?"

I felt a warm glow in my chest at his concern. My face flushed as I thought about telling him how I felt next month on my birthday.

"It went well," I said, smiling to myself. "What are you doing? Missing me, Alpha Derek?"

"Yes, I am," he replied simply, the honesty in his voice making my heart race.

I giggled. "That's good. From tomorrow, you won't miss me anymore. I'm coming back to work."

"Not enough," he said, his voice dropping lower.

"Not enough? What do you want me to do? How should I do it?"

I spotted my bus approaching and prepared to end the call.

"Come to my house," Derek said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

My heart fluttered. "I'll be there soon."

---

I took a taxi to Derek's private villa on the outskirts of Darkwood Estate. The security guard at the gate recognized me immediately and waved me through with a respectful nod. As I approached the front door, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation at seeing Derek again.

Inside, I found Martha, the head housekeeper, scolding several younger maids about their cleaning duties.

"What's happening, Martha?" I asked, curious about the commotion.

"Miss Erin, how are you?" Martha greeted me with a warm smile.

Martha had been sent by Derek's mother a few months ago to take care of the household. She was efficient and kind, treating me with respect despite my Omega status.

I noticed that the maids' uniforms seemed unusually short and tight. "What's with your skirts?" I asked one of them.

"It's not our fault," the young maid replied defensively. "The tailor forgot our measurements."

I observed how these maids were rude to me but spoke in soft, sweet voices whenever Derek was around. It was frustrating but not surprising—they were young wolves trying to attract an Alpha's attention, even if he was already mated.

Martha quickly sent them to change into their old uniforms.

"Miss Erin, would you like something to drink?" Martha offered.

I shook my head, still thinking about the maids. "Why do they act like that?" I asked quietly.

"Don't mind those girls, miss. They're young and naive... they'll understand their place with time."

I was surprised by Martha's blunt assessment. I wondered if these maids were around my age. The thought of them living in Derek's house made me uncomfortable. I trusted Derek completely, but these young wolves clearly had designs on him.

I headed upstairs to the bedroom, lying down on the large bed and checking my phone. A text from the "admirer" number caught my eye: [Your gentle gaze watches me in my dreams. But why are you always so distant from me, why can't I feel your warmth?]

Derek had never admitted to sending these messages, but I knew they were from him. This number hadn't sent anything for a while.

I texted back: [Why do you feel I'm distant from you?]

As I waited for a response, it occurred to me that he might be feeling neglected because of my focus on exams. I should do something special for him.

With sudden determination, I went downstairs to the kitchen and found the chef preparing dinner.

"Hello, I'd like to cook a few dishes for the Alpha tonight, if that's okay?" I asked hesitantly.

The chef looked surprised but nodded. "Of course, Miss Erin. I can assist you."

"You can stay and supervise me, right?" I added, not wanting to overstep.

With the chef's guidance, I began preparing Derek's favorite dishes. The kitchen maids helped, bringing ingredients and cleaning as I worked. I felt a surge of excitement—I hadn't seen Derek for several days, and I missed him terribly. Despite his sometimes cold exterior, I had fallen deeply in love with him.

Around eight o'clock, I finished cooking and was wiping my hands when I heard one of the maids say, "The Alpha is back."