Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 159

Erin's POV

I set down my silverware, my appetite suddenly gone. "What's so special about Alexander Windsor that everyone's making such a fuss?"

Aaron gave me a measured look. "He's the Alpha of the Silverpine Pack. He rarely visits our territory." He lowered his voice slightly. "One thing's for sure—he and our Pack Alpha can't be in the same place for long."

"Why?" I asked sarcastically. "Is the Alpha afraid he'll take his pack away?"

"Erin!" Aaron admonished sharply. "Show some respect."

"Respect?" I scoffed, anger suddenly bubbling to the surface. "But he's the one trying to take someone else's territory, and he doesn't even deserve it."

Aaron's eyes flashed dangerously. "Erin!" he shouted, his voice taking on the commanding edge of an enforcer. "Do not disrespect him."

I flinched at my brother's tone, hurt blooming in my chest. "I'm your sister," I said quietly, my voice trembling. "Why do you always take his side?"

Mom looked between us, shock evident on her face. We rarely argued, and never like this.

"Children, please," she began, but I was already pushing back from the table.

"I'm not hungry anymore," I mumbled, avoiding her concerned gaze. "I'm sorry for ruining dinner."

Before either of them could respond, I fled to my room, slamming the door behind me with more force than necessary. Hot tears pricked at my eyes as I leaned against the door, betrayal and anger coursing through my veins.

I couldn't believe Aaron had spoken to me that way. He was my brother, my protector. He was supposed to be on my side, no matter what. But instead, he defended Derek—the man who had hurt me, rejected me, and humiliated me. It felt like everyone I loved was choosing Derek over me.

"I hate you, Derek Stone," I whispered fiercely into the empty room. "Even hearing your name makes me hate you. Even if you are my destined soul mate, I will erase you from my life."

My phone vibrated on my nightstand. I crossed the room and picked it up, seeing another missed call from "Alex" and a new message:

[If you don't come to pick me up at the airport tomorrow, I'll come straight to your house.]

I stared at the message, a dangerous idea taking root in my mind. Derek thought I wasn't worthy of being his enemy? Well, who better than Alpha Alexander to help me earn that status?

My fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before I typed my reply:

[I'll pick you up.]

I knew I was playing with fire. Alexander Windsor wasn't someone to be trifled with. But neither was I, not anymore. Derek had pushed me too far, and now I was ready to push back.

---

The next morning, I woke with a renewed sense of purpose. I rummaged through my closet, pulling out a dress I hadn't worn in months. It was simple but flattering—a deep blue that brought out my eyes.

I paused, sneakers in hand. "Wait, why do I care what I wear?" I muttered to myself. "I couldn't care less what Alexander Windsor thinks of me."

I traded the dress for jeans and a nice blouse, a compromise between my usual casual style and something appropriate for meeting an Alpha from another pack. I wasn't trying to impress Alexander, I told myself. This was just about showing respect for his position.

In the kitchen, I found Mom already preparing breakfast.

"Good morning, sweetheart," she greeted me, stirring something on the stove. "You look nice today."

"Thanks," I replied, pouring myself a cup of coffee. I hesitated, then added, "Mom, about last night... I'm sorry about the argument with Aaron."

She turned to face me, eyes soft with understanding. "Family is the most important thing we have, Erin. I hate to see you and your brother at odds."

"I'll talk to him," I promised. "Don't worry."

Mom nodded, then reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, just like she used to do when I was little. "You know he loves you, don't you? Everything Aaron does, he does to protect you."

"I know," I said, though I wasn't entirely sure that was true anymore. It seemed like Aaron was more concerned with protecting Derek and the pack than with protecting me.

After breakfast, I checked the time and realized I would be cutting it close to make it to my morning class before heading to the airport. As I drove, I made a split-second decision and changed direction, heading straight for the airport instead.

I dialed Amy's number, waiting through several rings before my friend answered.

"Hey, where are you?" Amy asked. "Class starts in twenty minutes."

"I'm not coming to class today," I explained, merging into the airport exit lane. "I'm going to the airport to pick up Alexander Windsor."

There was a long pause on the other end of the line.

"Alexander Windsor? The Silverpine Alpha?" Amy finally asked, her voice hushed. "Erin, what are you doing?"

"It's complicated," I said, not wanting to explain over the phone. "I'll tell you everything later."

"Be careful," Amy warned, concern evident in her voice. "Erin, be careful with that man."

I forced a light laugh. "Don't worry, he won't hurt me."

But as I ended the call, I wasn't so sure. I was walking into unknown territory, deliberately putting myself in the path of one of the most powerful Alphas in the region. What was I thinking?

As I pulled into the airport parking lot, rain began to fall, light at first but quickly becoming a downpour. I cursed under my breath, realizing I hadn't brought an umbrella. I flashed my ID—my status as Aaron Blackwood's sister granting me access to areas normally restricted—and made my way into the terminal.

I was scanning the arrival board when movement near the entrance caught my eye. A sleek black car had pulled up, and a driver in a dark suit was holding an umbrella, shielding someone from the rain. A man in an impeccable black suit stepped out, his presence commanding immediate attention. There was an aura of authority about him that made even humans instinctively move out of his way.

Following him, a stunningly beautiful woman emerged from the car, her elegant movements suggesting she was accustomed to being watched.

I stood frozen as the two entered the terminal. The man's gaze swept the area, assessing his surroundings. When his eyes met mine, time seemed to stop. I couldn't move, couldn't breathe, as I stood in the rain, staring at the man.