Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 142

Erin's POV

"I'm quitting," I stated firmly, standing before Derek's desk with my hands clasped to hide their trembling. "I'm not coming back to Stone Group."

Derek's face darkened, his eyes sharpening into that predatory gaze I'd come to know too well. The air in the office seemed to thicken with tension as he stared at me, his jaw clenched tight.

What's wrong, Alpha Derek? Shouldn't I be the one who's angry? I wish I could wear that cold, indifferent expression as easily as you do.

"You're still thinking about all of that?" he asked, his voice low and controlled.

I lifted my chin, refusing to be intimidated. "Yes. And even knowing I'll be blacklisted in the industry and my life will be ruined, I still won't stay here any longer."

The silence between us stretched uncomfortably. I wanted him to feel something—anything—that might resemble the pain tearing me apart inside. But that was impossible, wasn't it? Derek Stone was too heartless to truly feel anything.

"What do you want?" he finally asked, his voice cutting through the silence.

I couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped my lips. "What do I want? That's rich coming from you."

"Just tell me," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Whatever it is, just say it."

I took a deep breath, the words forming before I could stop them. "Make me the Luna of the Darkwood Pack. I want that position. Right now."

Derek's expression hardened. "That's impossible."

"I know," I replied softly, the fight draining from me. "I know you can't do that."

He leaned close slowly, his movements predatory. "Don't make me change my opinion of you because of this demand."

The words cut deeper than he could know. I felt tears threatening, but I refused to let them fall. Not now. Not in front of him.

"I regret falling in love with you," I whispered, my voice breaking despite my best efforts. "I'm leaving the company and your life completely. Don't look for me again."

---

I turned toward the door, my heart hammering in my chest. A foolish part of me imagined him calling my name, rushing after me, canceling the binding ceremony to marry me instead. But that was just fantasy, wasn't it? Derek Stone would never choose me over his duty to the pack.

Before I could reach the door, strong fingers wrapped around my wrist, spinning me around. Derek's face was inches from mine, his expression unreadable.

"Let go of me," I demanded, yanking my arm away.

"You're still feverish," he said, his brow furrowing as he noticed the heat radiating from my skin. "Stop being ridiculous."

"Don't tell me what to do," I snapped, backing away. "Go find your precious Mya to be your mate. She's the one you want anyway." I shoved at his chest, trying to create distance between us.

In one swift movement, Derek pulled me against him, his arms like iron bands around my waist. "I'm not letting you go," he growled, his breath warm against my ear.

I could feel the hard planes of his chest against me, his heart beating rapidly beneath my palms. His scent—that intoxicating blend of pine and musk—surrounded me, making my head swim. Despite my anger, my body responded to his proximity, a warmth spreading through me that had nothing to do with my fever.

Tears welled in my eyes as I looked up at him. "Are you trying to destroy me completely? Can't you just let me go?"

Before I could finish, his mouth crashed down on mine. The kiss wasn't gentle—it was demanding, possessive, filled with a hunger that shocked me. His hands gripped my waist tightly, then slid up my back, one tangling in my hair to hold me in place.

I pushed against his chest, but he only pressed me against the wall, deepening the kiss. His tongue swept into my mouth, and I tasted his desperation, his anger, and something else—a reluctance to let me walk away.

My body betrayed me completely. The soul bond between us flared to life, making resistance impossible. My hands stopped pushing and instead clutched at his shirt, pulling him closer. I heard a low groan escape him as I responded, and felt a surge of satisfaction knowing I affected him as much as he affected me.

His body pressed fully against mine, pinning me to the wall. I could feel every hard inch of him, the evidence of his desire impossible to miss. One of his hands slid down to grip my hip, fingers digging in possessively as his mouth continued its relentless assault on mine.

When he finally pulled away, we were both breathing hard. His eyes had changed to that molten gold of his wolf, pupils dilated with desire. A flush had spread across his cheekbones, and his lips were slightly swollen from our kiss.

"Erin," he said softly, his voice deeper than usual, rough with want. "Be my mistress."

The world seemed to stop. I stared at him, certain I'd misheard.

"I'll give you everything except the Luna title," he continued, his thumb tracing my cheekbone. "Your children will be Alpha heirs. You'll have everything you could want."

The fog of desire cleared from my mind instantly, replaced by a cold, numbing shock. My expression hardened as his words sank in. Without thinking, I slapped him hard across the face, the sound echoing in the quiet office.

"How dare you," I whispered, my voice trembling with rage.

I felt something inside me shatter beyond repair. In his eyes, I was nothing more than an object to satisfy his desires. A toy to be used and discarded. Tears slid down my cheeks, and I swore to myself this would be the last time he ever saw me cry.

Derek touched his cheek, his eyes still that dangerous wolf gold. Fury radiated from him in waves, his chest rising and falling rapidly with each breath. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, and for a moment, I thought he might grab me again.

I shoved him away from me. "A mistress is just a plaything to satisfy your sexual needs. Is that your solution to avoiding our soul bond? To make me your whore?"

I turned to leave, but Derek's voice, low and dangerous, stopped me. "Where do you think you're going?"

I turned back to him, my gaze steady despite my tears. In that moment, I made a vow to the man who had broken my heart.

"One day, Derek Stone, I will break your pride and arrogance," I promised, my voice quiet but firm. "The same cold indifference you've shown me, I will show you."