Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 126

Erin's POV

As I reached the front steps, I noticed my mother's silhouette in the window. She was peering through the curtains, watching Alex's car pull away from our house. I quickened my pace, suddenly anxious about what she might be thinking.

"Who was that man who dropped you off?" Mom asked the moment I stepped through the door. Her eyes narrowed with that particular look mothers get when they think they've caught onto something. "Is he your new boyfriend?"

"What? No!" I exclaimed, setting my bag down on the entryway table. "He's just a friend who helped me out today."

"A friend?" She folded her arms across her chest, clearly skeptical. "I don't remember seeing him before."

I hesitated, trying to find the right words without revealing too much. "I met him at Silverpine Pack. He helped me with some business matters."

She studied my face for a moment longer before nodding slowly. "Well, go wash up. Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes."

I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding and hurried upstairs, grateful for the reprieve from her questioning.

---

That night, I slept more peacefully than I had in weeks. The weight of Derek's anger had lifted, and knowing that Aaron would be home soon filled me with a quiet joy. For once, my dreams weren't plagued by worries or fears—just a gentle darkness that cradled me until morning.

When I awoke, sunlight was streaming through my curtains, painting my room in a warm golden glow. I stretched lazily, savoring the moment of tranquility before facing the day. Today was a good day already—I could feel it.

Downstairs, Mom was setting breakfast on the table when I entered the kitchen, dressed and ready for work.

"Good morning," I said cheerfully, pouring myself a cup of coffee.

"You're in a good mood," she observed, sliding a plate of eggs and toast toward me.

"It's going to be a good day," I replied, taking a seat.

Mom smiled as she joined me at the table. "I'm meeting a friend of mine today. Her daughter is going to study abroad next semester, can you imagine?"

"Really?" I looked up from my plate, surprised. "That's pretty brave of her, going so far away on her own."

"Yes, quite the independent spirit," Mom agreed, sipping her tea. "Her mom is heartbroken, of course, but she knows better than to stand in her daughter's way."

"What do you mean?"

Mom set down her cup, her expression softening. "A mother should always support her child's dreams, even when it means watching them fly away from the nest." She reached across the table to squeeze my hand. "That's what love is—wanting their happiness above all else."

I stared at her, momentarily speechless. This was a side of my mother I rarely saw—this philosophical, open-minded woman who spoke of freedom and following dreams.

"That's... really beautiful, Mom," I finally managed.

She shrugged, a small smile playing at her lips. "I've always believed that. It's why I've supported you and Aaron in everything you've wanted to do."

I thought back to all the times she'd encouraged me—from my decision to attend Silver Moon Academy to my job at Stone Group. She'd never once tried to hold me back, even when it meant I'd be spending less time at home.

"I'm lucky to have you," I said softly.

Mom's eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled. "And I'm lucky to have you, my darling girl."

---

We finished breakfast in comfortable silence, each lost in our own thoughts. As I stood to clear my plate, the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," I called, setting my dishes in the sink before heading to the front door.

When I pulled it open, I froze, my heart leaping into my throat.

"Aaron!" I cried, throwing myself into my brother's arms. Tears sprang to my eyes as I buried my face against his chest. "Oh my God, you're home!"

His strong arms wrapped around me, lifting me slightly off the ground in a bear hug. "Hey, little sis," he murmured against my hair.

"Aaron? Is that you?" Mom's voice came from behind me, trembling with emotion.

I reluctantly pulled away from my brother to let Mom have her turn. She rushed forward, her hands reaching for Aaron's face as if to make sure he was real.

"My son," she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. "My beautiful son."

Aaron enveloped her in a gentle embrace, mindful of her smaller frame. "I'm home, Mom."

I watched them, my heart full to bursting. In that moment, I sent a silent thank you to Derek. He had kept his word—he had given me back my brother.

"I was supposed to go to work," I said, wiping away my tears with the back of my hand, "but I think I can be a little late today."

Aaron grinned, that familiar smile I'd missed so much. "You better stay. I've got a year's worth of stories to tell."

We moved to the living room, Aaron settling into his old spot on the couch like he'd never left. I couldn't stop staring at him—he looked different. Stronger, more defined, his skin bronzed from outdoor training.

"You look like you've been living at the gym," I commented, poking his bicep. "And what happened to your pale complexion? You're practically golden now."

Aaron laughed, flexing dramatically. "Turns out spending twelve hours a day training under the sun will do that to you."

Mom bustled in with a tray of food. "You must be starving. Here, eat something."

"Thanks, Mom, but I already had breakfast with the Pack Alpha," Aaron said, though he still reached for a cookie.

My heart skipped at the mention of Derek. Had they really eaten together this morning? What had they talked about?

"Oh, Derek," Mom nodded approvingly. "He's such a kind man. In fact, he often drives Erin home."

I lowered my head, feeling heat creep up my neck. From the corner of my eye, I saw Aaron's head snap toward me.

"He drives you home?" he asked, his voice careful.

I bit my lip, suddenly very interested in the pattern of our carpet. Aaron knew Derek was my mate—I'd told him that night at the club, before he was sent away. But he didn't know how our relationship had evolved since then.

"A lot has happened this year," I said quietly. "I'll tell you everything... tomorrow. After my birthday."

Aaron's expression softened at the mention of my birthday. He reached over to ruffle my hair like he used to when we were kids. "I can't believe my baby sister is turning nineteen tomorrow."

Mom beamed. "I'm so glad you're home for her birthday, Aaron. It wouldn't have been the same without you."

"Speaking of which," I said, eager to change the subject, "how was your training? You must have learned so much."

"It was intense," Aaron admitted, leaning back against the couch. "The hardest thing I've ever done."

"You look more like an enforcer now," Mom said proudly. "So strong and confident."

I nodded in agreement. "The training really changed you."

"It was brutal at first," Aaron continued, his expression growing more serious. "But when the Alpha personally started training me... that's when it got really difficult."

I leaned forward, fascinated. "Derek trained you himself?"

Aaron nodded, a flicker of respect—perhaps even awe—passing through his eyes. "He's... something else. When he shifts into wolf form, he's the strongest warrior I've ever seen." He lowered his voice slightly, as if sharing a secret. "He's chosen by the Moon Goddess. No one can defeat him in any form."

The pride in my brother's voice when he spoke about Derek made my heart swell. They had formed a bond during that year of training—a bond of respect and perhaps even friendship.

As the morning wore on, I glanced at my watch and realized I was already very late for work. "I should really get going," I said reluctantly, standing up.

Aaron followed me to the door. "So," he said quietly, once we were out of Mom's earshot, "the Pack Alpha drives you home often, huh?"