Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 157

Erin's POV

I wiped angrily at my tears, remembering Derek's accusation of betrayal. "You speak of betrayal?" I whispered to the empty air where he had stood. "You played with my emotions, kept your engagement secret, all for power—marrying Alexander's sister for political advantage."

The terrace door opened again, and I quickly composed myself, turning to see Amy and Jack approaching. I forced a smile, brushing away the last of my tears.

"Ready to go?" Jack asked, his eyes concerned as he took in my expression.

I nodded, moving toward them. "Yes, let's get out of here."

Amy studied my face closely. "What happened?" she asked softly, reaching for my hand.

"Nothing," I lied, squeezing her hand reassuringly.

As we made our way through the hotel lobby, I froze at the sight before me. Derek's driver was holding the car door open, and Mya stood beside Derek, looking every inch the perfect couple—she in her sexy dress, he in his impeccable suit. His hand rested lightly on her lower back as he guided her toward the car.

I took a deep breath and looked away, ignoring the sharp pain in my chest. Despite everything, despite my hatred and anger, I still wasn't over him. The realization was devastating. My body still remembered his touch, still reacted to his presence.

Amy's hand tightened around mine. "Don't look at them," she whispered, gently pulling me toward Jack's car.

During the drive, Amy and Jack apologized for what had happened at the hotel, but I assured them it wasn't their fault. I closed my eyes, leaning back against the headrest, longing for the comfort of home. My desire for revenge felt hollow now, weakened by Derek's words. Was I just wasting my time?

---

When I arrived home, I checked on my mother first, finding her fast asleep in her bedroom, her medication bottles neatly arranged on her nightstand. I watched her peaceful face for a moment before quietly closing her door and heading to my own room.

I was surprised to find Aaron sitting on the edge of my bed, his shoulders slumped, his expression troubled. He looked up when I entered, his eyes reflecting concern and something else—determination.

"Sit down, Erin," he said gently, patting the space beside him.

I complied, settling next to my brother, suddenly aware of how exhausted I felt.

"I love you, little sister," Aaron began, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "Please stop what you're doing now... Don't waste your time on a man who doesn't belong to you." He paused, his eyes meeting mine. "He chose Mya."

His words struck deep. I gripped my bedsheets tightly, fighting back tears. "You're right," I whispered, not trusting my voice with more words.

Aaron pulled me into a hug, his familiar scent—pine and cinnamon—comforting me. "Chasing the pack Alpha is dangerous," he warned. "Derek could kill us in seconds if he wanted to. He's already abandoned multi-million dollar projects. If you get caught..."

I shuddered against him, acknowledging the truth in his warning. Derek was beyond dangerous—he was lethal. The way he had looked at me on the terrace tonight proved that.

"I spoke with the Alpha," Aaron continued, his voice rumbling in his chest. "He said he forgives the information leak this time."

I pulled back, staring at my brother in shock. Aaron added, "Alpha said he'd discuss the soul bond after the upcoming party. Maybe now he has a chance to break it."

"Brother, are you serious?" I asked incredulously. "Brother, he's fooling you." I shook my head vehemently. "Breaking a pack Alpha's soul bond is nearly impossible. The risk—"

Aaron's expression darkened. His brows drew together, and his lips pressed into a thin line. "Do you think I would let him hurt you?" he demanded, his voice suddenly harsh.

I frowned, not understanding. "Brother, you never told me what would happen if he accepted the soul bond."

Aaron's eyes flashed with emotion. "You know nothing about that man," he said, his voice rising with intensity. "As your brother, I would never want him to marry my sister." He gripped my shoulders. "His world isn't for you, Erin. You're like a delicate, beautiful flower that shouldn't grow in blood rain."

"Alpha Derek isn't just a name," he continued, his voice dropping to a whisper. "He's extremely dangerous. Unpredictable."

I pulled away from his grasp. "The Alpha has sacrificed a lot for the pack," Aaron explained.

"But if he doesn't accept his soul bond, he'll give up his position," I countered.

"Calm down," Aaron sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Let's wait until after the party."

"What's so important about this party?" I asked.

"Key members will attend," Aaron explained. "The Silverpine Pack will come to ask about Derek and Mya's engagement progress. They might be coming to set a wedding date."

The words pierced my heart. "So they're coming to set a wedding date?" I murmured, the reality of it hitting me anew.

"I understand," I said finally, my voice hollow. "I'm tired, brother. Can we talk tomorrow?"

Aaron reached out to touch my cheek, but I subtly shifted away.

"Are you angry with me?" he asked, his voice tinged with hurt.

"No," I said quietly. "This is just my fate."

After Aaron left, I sat alone on my bed, feeling more helpless than ever. Getting Derek seemed forever impossible now.

I couldn't sleep that night, tossing and turning as hatred and pain warred within me. By morning, my head pounded mercilessly, and I decided to make breakfast for my mother before trying to get some rest. I moved through the house mechanically, feeling empty inside.

My mother noticed my pallor immediately. "Sweetie, what's wrong? Didn't you sleep last night?" Her eyes widened with concern as she took in my appearance.

I hugged her tightly, inhaling her comforting scent. "Take your medicine, Mom," I whispered before retreating to my room.

I fell into a deep sleep, not waking until darkness had fallen again. As I prepared to check on my mother, my phone vibrated with an incoming message.

The number was familiar. The message made my heart stop:

[I'm coming to your territory tomorrow. Won't you welcome me?]