Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 138

Erin's POV

Alexander stepped forward, his commanding presence making the security guard loosen his grip on my wrist. The cool night air did nothing to ease the burning pain in my chest as I stood there, trembling and tear-stained.

"I'll take her home," Alexander said firmly to the security guard, who looked between us with uncertainty.

"Sir, we were instructed by her boyfriend to ensure she gets home safely," the guard explained, still hovering nearby.

Alexander's eyes narrowed dangerously, his jaw tightening. "This doesn't concern you. I'll make sure she gets home safely." His tone left no room for argument, the authority in his voice unmistakably that of an Alpha. He took a step closer to the guard, who instinctively backed away.

The security guard hesitated for a moment before nodding and backing away. I stood there, eyes brimming with tears, face pale, my body shaking slightly as I tried to hold myself together. I wrapped my arms around myself, as if trying to physically hold the pieces together. I felt hollow inside. Every word Derek had said kept replaying in my mind, each one cutting deeper than the last.

After the security guard left, Alexander turned to me, his expression softening slightly. "What happened?" He kept his distance, giving me space while still maintaining a protective stance.

I pushed him away with both hands against his chest, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. "With your powers of observation, shouldn't it be obvious what happened?" My voice cracked despite my attempt at sarcasm. I wiped my tears roughly with the back of my hand.

Alexander studied my face, his eyes scanning every detail of my disheveled appearance. "It's Derek, isn't it? He hurt you."

I nodded, fresh tears spilling down my cheeks. I didn't bother wiping them away this time. "He said he never loved me. Not for a single second." I looked down at my hands, which wouldn't stop shaking. "His mother was right all along. I'm just Derek's pet."

I tried to walk away, my steps unsteady, desperate to be alone. I didn't want to be around anyone, especially not another Alpha who would probably just use me too. "Leave me alone. I want to be by myself."

Alexander caught my wrist, his grip firm but not painful. "No. I'll take you home."

"Who are you?" I demanded, yanking my arm away with surprising strength. I took a step back, creating distance between us. "Why do you want to take me home? You can tell Mya she won. She'll be Derek's Luna, the mistress of the Darkwood Pack."

I laughed through my tears, the sound harsh and broken. I could hear how unhinged I sounded, but I couldn't stop myself. My hands gesticulated wildly as I spoke. "Look at me. I'm losing my mind. My heart is shattered beyond repair."

Alexander's expression darkened, his shoulders tensing slightly. "You're just a pawn in politics. Pack politics." He spoke with the certainty of someone who knew the game well.

"What?" I whispered, my voice small. My hands dropped to my sides.

"He's been playing you from the beginning," Alexander said, his voice cold and matter-of-fact. He paced a few steps, movements controlled and deliberate. "He never had feelings for you. It was all calculated."

His words hit me hard. I collapsed to my knees on the sidewalk, sobs wracking my body. My fingers dug into the concrete beneath me, seeking something solid to hold onto. My mind raced with questions I couldn't answer. "Why? Why would he do this to me? Why make me his personal secretary? Why be nice to me while not loving me?"

Alexander knelt beside me, his movements surprisingly gentle as he helped me to my feet. His hands were steady as they supported my elbows. "He was afraid you would reveal the truth about soul mates to others, so he kept you close. He will never perform the binding ceremony with you. He'll only make you his slave."

My body trembled violently at his words. I felt dizzy as the full weight of what he was saying sank in. I pressed a hand to my forehead, trying to steady myself. Derek had never intended to honor our bond. He'd only kept me close to control me. My face grew even paler, and I felt myself swaying, darkness creeping at the edges of my vision. The last thing I remembered was Alexander catching me as I fell, his strong arms moving swiftly to prevent me from hitting the ground.

---

When I regained consciousness, I was in a moving car, the leather seats cool against my skin. My head throbbed, and my heart ached. I stared out the window, watching the streetlights blur past. I rubbed my temples, trying to ease the pounding in my head. I wondered if this pain would ever go away.

Would I have been happy if I'd never met him? I thought about how different my life might have been without Derek in it. Inside me, my wolf whimpered. She was hurting too, wounded by the knowledge that our soul mate didn't love us.

"Where am I?" I murmured, slowly becoming aware of my surroundings. I sat up straighter, looking around. "Is this your car?"

Alexander glanced at me from the driver's seat, his hands gripping the steering wheel firmly. "Yes." His profile was sharp in the dim light, his expression controlled.

"Your father promised Derek half of your territory," I said, remembering what Derek had told me. I leaned my head against the window, the cool glass soothing against my hot skin. "I can't believe he's so hungry for power."

Alexander's eyes darkened, his knuckles whitening on the steering wheel. "I know."

"Your father seems to love your sister," I remarked, saying whatever came to mind, trying to distract myself from the pain.

"Don't call that bitch my sister," Alexander snapped, his hands tightening on the steering wheel until I thought it might break. His entire body tensed, jaw clenched, a muscle twitching in his cheek.

I turned to look at him, surprised by the vehemence in his voice. "But isn't she your sister?"

"Sister? That bitch is the daughter of another bitch." His voice was full of hatred as he added, "My father is a bastard."

"What do you mean?" I asked, though I wasn't sure I wanted to know.

"That man betrayed my mom," Alexander explained, his jaw clenched so tight I could see the muscles working. His eyes flashed with a dangerous light. "I believe he killed my mom to marry a whore."

It was too much. I couldn't handle any more revelations, any more pain. "Enough. I don't want to know anything more about you Alphas. Just take me home."

As we approached a street corner, I suddenly needed to get out of the car. I needed air. I needed space. My breathing quickened, and I felt trapped. "Stop the car," I demanded, my eyes flashing amber. I reached for the door handle. "Stop it now."

Alexander pulled over with a sharp turn of the wheel, his movements precise and controlled. His expression was serious as he studied me, his eyes scanning my face. When I reached for the door handle, he grabbed my wrist, his reflexes lightning fast. "You're emotionally unstable. Transforming now would be dangerous."

I moved his hand away, pushing it firmly aside. "I know why you're helping me. Don't pretend to care about a stranger you've only met three times."

Alexander smiled, leaning back slightly in his seat. His posture remained confident, almost arrogant. "You look dumb, but you're not."

"What's your real purpose in approaching me?" I asked directly. I was tired of being manipulated. I crossed my arms over my chest, a defensive gesture.