Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 202

Erin's POV

I sat up, pushing my tangled hair from my face. "What party?"

"It's his pre-binding party," she explained. "All young wolves have one before the binding ceremony. The Silverpine and Darkwood high-ranking members will be there too."

I nodded and swung my legs over the side of the bed. My mother looked paler than usual, and concern immediately replaced my brooding thoughts.

"Mom, are you okay?" I asked, crossing the room to hug her. Her body felt frailer than I remembered, and worry squeezed my heart.

"I'm fine, sweetheart," she assured me, patting my back. "But what about you? You say you like this man and want to marry him. But why do I feel like you're not really happy?"

I pulled back, forcing a smile. "Mom, I am happy. I found a man who treats me well, and I'm excited about it. He might seem strong-willed, but he's gentle inside."

My mother's eyes searched mine, concern evident in her gaze. "I just want you to be happy. As a Luna, you'll face many things you don't understand. You've been sheltered all your life."

If only she knew how far beyond "sheltered" I'd already gone. I thought but didn't say: Mom, I don't understand them now. This world isn't for the soft-hearted; it's for the cruel. To survive, I have to be as cold as they are.

Instead, I hugged her again. "I'll be fine. I promise."

"I just want to see you smile all the time," she said softly.

I nodded against her shoulder, feeling a strange calm wash over me. At least with Alexander, I knew what I was getting into. There were no illusions, no false hopes—just a clear understanding of our arrangement.

"Mom, where's Aaron?" I asked as we headed downstairs.

"He left the pack for some business," she replied. "But don't worry. He said he'll be back in a few days. He'll definitely be here before the wedding."

The living room sofa was covered with party dresses of various colors and styles. Alexander had clearly spared no expense. After some consideration, I chose a red mermaid dress that hugged my curves before flaring out at the knees.

---

That evening, I stood in front of my mirror, examining my reflection. The red dress fit perfectly, as if it had been tailored specifically for me. I applied makeup carefully, trying to cover any signs that I was broken inside after learning about Derek's cruelty and Alexander's lost soul bond.

When I came downstairs, my mother smiled warmly. "You look beautiful in that dress, Erin."

"Thank you, Mom." I kissed her cheek before heading to the door where Alexander's driver was waiting.

As I slid into the back seat of the luxury car, I noticed Alexander wasn't there.

"Where's Alpha Alexander?" I asked the driver.

"He'll meet you at the club, Miss Blackwood," the driver replied politely. "He had some business to attend to first."

I nodded and settled back against the leather seat, watching the city lights blur past the window. An hour later, we pulled up in front of what I recognized as the most expensive club in the city—one that only pack Alphas could afford.

Inside, I was immediately enveloped in hugs from Amy and Jack.

"Oh my God, you look amazing!" Amy exclaimed, pulling back to admire my dress.

"I can't believe Alexander invited us," Jack added with a grin.

I felt a genuine smile spread across my face for the first time in days. Alexander had invited my friends. That small kindness improved my mood significantly, and I found myself trying to enjoy the atmosphere as music pulsed through the crowded space.

I was chatting with Amy when I felt a firm grip on my wrist. Turning, I found Alexander standing there, his eyes traveling appreciatively over my figure.

"I never imagined you'd look so sexy in this dress, darling," he said, his voice a low purr. "You look more like a woman now."

I felt my cheeks flush at his direct compliment. Before I could respond, he was guiding me through the crowd.

"Let me introduce you to some of my high-ranking members," he said.

As we moved through the club, I felt the weight of stares from Alexander's pack members. Something in their gazes made me uncomfortable initially, but I brushed it off. Perhaps I was just being paranoid after everything that had happened.

We were speaking with one of Alexander's Betas when I noticed people turning toward the entrance. Following their gazes, I felt my stomach drop as I recognized the man who had just walked in.

Derek Stone, with Mya Windsor on his arm.

I frowned, anger immediately bubbling up inside me. "What is Derek doing here?" I demanded, turning to Alexander.

Alexander's expression remained calm. "He's my sister's future husband. He should be here with Mya."

I turned back to watch as Derek and Mya made their way into the club. Derek's eyes found mine across the room, and I quickly looked away, instead focusing on Mya, who clung to his arm. I couldn't help but sneer slightly.

Didn't he just confess his love to me yesterday? I thought bitterly. Look at how shamelessly he comes here with Mya.

Alexander slipped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to his side. He flashed me a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Let's go welcome them," he suggested. "After all, we are the hosts of this party."

I nodded, and we walked toward Derek and Mya, who had taken seats in a VIP section. As we approached, Mya noticed Alexander and immediately lowered her head.

"Brother," she said quietly.

I understood her fear now. If Alexander was telling the truth, Mya might worry that Alexander would do to her what Derek had done to his soul mate.

Alexander barely glanced at his sister, focusing instead on Derek, who sat calmly, though his eyes were fixed on Alexander's hand at my waist. Alexander pulled me even closer, smiling down at me.

"Come closer to me," he murmured. "In four days, there won't be any distance between us anyway."

I looked at Derek, who was sipping his drink with unnerving composure. How could he be so calm after killing someone? The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

"Why don't you join us?" Alexander suggested, and we all sat down on the plush sofas of the VIP section.

I noticed Derek's high-ranking members entering the club, quickly finding their Alpha and taking seats nearby. The atmosphere grew tense as Alexander turned to Derek with a mocking smile.

"Alpha Derek, I'm glad you could make it," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Derek said with a smile, "Since you're getting married, I should attend all activities related to you."