Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 153

Erin's POV

Amy's eyes widened. "A certain someone's face? You mean the Alpha? Have you seen the Alpha recently?"

Jack glanced at me in the rearview mirror. "What's wrong, Erin?"

"I ran into him at lunch today," I admitted. "I think it's best if I avoid him from now on."

Amy and Jack exchanged concerned glances. I could see the worry in their eyes, but they didn't understand the full picture. They knew I'd been training with Ryan and volunteering at the orphanage, but they had no idea I'd been helping the Ridgeclaw Pack win business from Stone Group. That was a secret I needed to keep.

When we arrived at the five-star hotel, I was momentarily distracted by its grandeur. A magnificent fountain stood in front, surrounded by carefully arranged flowers that added splashes of color to the elegant entrance.

I took a deep breath, adjusting my dress. I wasn't the same sensitive, emotional Erin anymore. When I'd decided to get revenge on Derek, happiness had left my life. But I'd gained something else—strength and determination.

"Jack's sister must be loaded," Amy whispered as we entered the opulent lobby. "How can she afford to book this hotel?"

"You forget she's a fashion designer," I reminded her as we followed a hotel staff member toward the private rooms.

I watched Amy and Jack walking ahead of me, their hands intertwined, looking like the loving couple they were. Their happiness made my chest ache with a longing I tried to suppress.

The staff member led us to a private dining room, opening the door with a flourish. Inside, the room was spacious, with a large, beautifully set table at its center. Aria, Jack's sister, rushed forward to greet us, resplendent in a champagne-colored gown.

"You look amazing in that wine-red dress!" she exclaimed, embracing me warmly.

"Happy birthday, Aria," I replied, handing her the small gift I'd brought.

As I scanned the room, my heart nearly stopped. Bradley was sitting at the table, his familiar face bringing back a flood of unwanted memories. My ex-boyfriend. Derek's brother. The first person to betray me.

"Aria, what is Bradley doing here?" Jack demanded, his protective instincts flaring.

Aria looked confused. "He's a friend of my friend. He invited him. What's wrong?"

I turned to leave, but Amy caught my arm. "Erin, why are you avoiding Bradley? He's just your ex, and you're over him anyway."

She was right. Bradley was nothing to me now. I nodded stiffly and took a seat at the table. Bradley nodded at me in greeting, and I returned the gesture, careful to keep my expression neutral.

---

The tension in the room was palpable until Aria clapped her hands together. "Our guests of honor have arrived!"

The door opened, and my blood froze in my veins. Derek walked in, commanding and powerful in his tailored suit. Beside him was a stunningly beautiful woman in a deep blue V-neck dress—Mya.

Everyone at the table rose immediately. "Honor to our Pack Alpha," they intoned respectfully.

I remained seated, my fingers digging into the tablecloth beneath the table. I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to see him again today. My eyes stung, and I realized in that moment what true pain was. Seeing him with her—the woman he'd chosen over me.

Derek's gaze landed on me, his brow furrowing slightly as he noticed I hadn't stood. The others at the table glanced nervously in my direction.

"Erin, bow," Amy whispered urgently.

I forced myself to stand, bowing my head slightly. "Honor to our Pack Alpha," I said, the words tasting like ash in my mouth.

"She must have been stunned by your appearance," Aria said quickly, trying to smooth over the awkward moment.

"Stand," Derek commanded, his voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.

The room buzzed with whispers about Derek and Mya's unexpected appearance.

"I'm sorry, Erin," Jack whispered as we retook our seats. "I didn't know they would be here. I swear."

"It's fine," I replied mechanically.

"Darling, are you okay?" Amy asked softly, concern etched on her face.

My heart was shattering all over again, but this time, I wouldn't let it show. I wasn't the same Erin who had fallen apart when she discovered she was Derek's soul bond. I hated him now. When I opened my eyes, they were cold and hard.

"I'm fine," I whispered back to Amy with a small smile. "Isn't it funny? All my exes are here." I let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, sorry. I can't even call that one my ex. He never acknowledged our relationship, so..."

Mya deliberately chose the seat directly across from me, her eyes gleaming with triumph. I knew this was intentional—a power play designed to intimidate me.

"This is Mya Windsor, one of my clients," Aria announced proudly. "Thank you for bringing Derek, Mya."

I watched Derek staring at the table, his expression unreadable. I smirked inwardly. He was playing the good guy, as always.

"And this is Erin, Jack's friend—" Aria began, but Mya cut her off.

"She's Bradley's ex-girlfriend," Mya interjected smoothly. "Yes, we know her quite well."

The atmosphere grew tense. I understood what Mya was trying to do—humiliate me by reducing me to just "Bradley's ex." I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing me react.

"You're right, Miss Windsor," I replied calmly. "By the way, it's been a while since we last met."

"How are you, Erin?" Mya asked, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

"I'm well," I answered, shifting my gaze to Derek. Our eyes met briefly before he turned his attention to Mya.

"From what I hear, you're doing quite well in our pack's affairs," Mya said through gritted teeth, wrapping her arm around Derek's and resting her head on his shoulder.

Derek and I locked eyes again across the table—his cold and calculating, mine equally frigid.

"Why didn't you come to celebrate our happiness, Erin?" Mya taunted. "I thought you would attend our binding ceremony as the sister of the Alpha's enforcer."

The comment stung, but I refused to show it. Instead, I smiled, a dangerous glint in my eyes.

"Because I thought what happened last time would happen again," I replied smoothly. "Doesn't anyone know why our Pack Alpha had to postpone his binding ceremony the first time?"