Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 143

Erin's POV

Without waiting for his response, I walked out, closing the door behind me with a quiet click that felt more final than any slam could have.

In the hallway, I quickly wiped away my tears, heading toward the elevator with my head held high. I could feel the stares of other employees, but I ignored them all. My chest felt hollow, as if something vital had been scooped out.

Near the elevator, I spotted the woman who had helped me during my first days at the company. I stopped beside her desk.

"I'm leaving the company," I told her quietly. "I won't be coming back."

Her eyes widened in shock. "But... why? I thought—"

"It doesn't matter what anyone thought," I cut her off gently. "Thank you for your kindness."

I stepped into the elevator, aware of the whispers and snickers around me. As the doors closed, I took a deep breath, trying to gather the scattered pieces of my dignity.

Outside the building, I nearly collided with Lily. She looked happier than I'd seen her in months, a smug smile playing on her lips when she spotted me.

"Well, well," she said, blocking my path. "What happened to you? Did the Pack Alpha finally throw away his little toy?"

I remained silent, too exhausted to engage with her.

"Mya Windsor is his true mate," Lily continued, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "Everyone knows that. You were just the other woman, Erin. The mistress."

Her words hit too close to what Derek had just proposed, and I felt a fresh wave of pain. She was right, wasn't she? That's all I ever was to him.

"Think whatever you want," I finally replied, stepping around her. "I don't have time for your nonsense."

I walked away, her laughter following me like a shadow.

For hours, I wandered through a nearby park, watching couples stroll hand in hand, families playing with their children. Each happy scene was another needle in my heart. I kept replaying Derek's kiss, the way his body had pressed against mine, the hunger in his eyes. I could still feel the imprint of his hands on my skin, still taste him on my lips. How had I been so blind? How had I allowed myself to fall so deeply for someone who could never truly be mine?

I wished I could fly away to anywhere else, start a new life, escape the pain of a soul bond that had brought me nothing but suffering.

---

As evening fell, I finally hailed a taxi to take me home. Staring out the window, something caught my eye—a familiar building I'd never paid much attention to before.

"Stop the car, please," I said suddenly.

The driver pulled over, and I peered out the window. A teenage girl, no more than sixteen, was leaving the building with a middle-aged man. She looked miserable, while he appeared jubilant. Something about the scene felt wrong.

I recognized the girl as an Omega, and the man—Mr. Morell—was a wealthy businessman from our pack. My stomach clenched as I realized what I might be witnessing.

I got out of the taxi, asking the driver to wait. "Excuse me," I called out, approaching them. "Where are you taking her?"

Mr. Morell turned, his expression shifting from surprise to annoyance. "This is none of your business. I've adopted this girl. I'm her father now."

"I know who you are, Mr. Morell," I said coldly. "I also know you have a wife and son. Should I call them right now?"

His face darkened. "You're making a big mistake, little girl. Do you know who I am in this pack?"

Before I could respond, several werewolves emerged from the building, along with security guards. A woman grabbed the Omega girl's arm roughly.

"He paid a high price for her," the woman snapped at me. "She just needs to satisfy his needs. It's what Omegas are for."

Rage boiled inside me. "How dare you sell an Omega girl as a slave?" I shoved the woman away from the girl with all my strength. "She's just a child!"

The other werewolves pushed me, and Mr. Morell's bodyguards moved in, trying to drag the Omega girl away. I was knocked to the ground, and Mr. Morell kicked me in the stomach, knocking the wind out of me.

"Keep your mouth shut if you know what's good for you," he threatened.

I struggled to my feet, gasping for breath. "You disgusting old man, buying an Omega teenager. I'm reporting you."

Mr. Morell laughed. "To whom? I hold a high position in the pack. You're just a little Omega nobody."

"To my brother," I said, my voice steady despite the pain.

His smile faltered. "And who might that be?"

"Call him," he challenged, clearly not believing me.

With shaking hands, I pulled out my phone and called Aaron. "Aaron," I said when he answered, my voice trembling. "I'm at the Darkwood Orphanage. I'm in trouble."

Mr. Morell snatched the phone from me. "Listen, whoever you are. If you're not here in ten minutes, your sister becomes my woman tonight."

I was dragged inside the orphanage's main hall by the guards. An elderly man who appeared to be in charge stood waiting, along with his assistant. They bowed apologetically to Mr. Morell.

"We're so sorry for the inconvenience, sir. You're a valued customer."

A woman nearby hissed at the Omega girl, "You've caused trouble for all of us."

I memorized the faces of everyone involved, silently vowing that this wouldn't end here.

Less than ten minutes later, the doors burst open. Aaron stormed in, kicking aside the guards who tried to stop him. Relief flooded through me at the sight of my brother.

"Aaron," I called out. "Please help her. They sold her to him."

Aaron took one look at my condition—disheveled, bruised, still feverish—and his expression darkened dangerously.

"You touched my sister?" he growled at Mr. Morell.

"My men will be here any minute," Mr. Morell bluffed. "They're trained warriors."

I couldn't help but laugh, despite the pain in my ribs. "You fool. Trained warriors won't save you now. My brother is the strongest enforcer in the Darkwood Pack—Aaron Blackwood."

The color drained from everyone's faces. The elderly man began stammering apologies, backing away.

"I'll be turning you all over to the proper authorities," Aaron stated, his voice deadly calm.

"What authorities?" I asked, confused.

Before Aaron could answer, more werewolves entered the hall, surrounding us. I caught a familiar scent, felt the unmistakable pull of the soul bond. Derek walked in, his expression grim, his eyes haunted.

Everyone in the orphanage immediately fell to their knees. "Alpha Stone," they gasped in unison, terror evident in their voices.