Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 203

Erin's POV

I felt my blood boil at the sound of his voice. How dare he act so calm after everything he'd done? After killing Alexander's soul mate and then having the audacity to confess his "love" to me while simultaneously parading around with Mya on his arm? The hypocrisy was suffocating.

I deliberately ignored the conversation between Alexander and Derek, scanning the club instead. Not far away, I spotted Amy and Jack by the dance floor, laughing and enjoying themselves. Perfect. I needed to escape this toxic atmosphere before I said something I'd regret.

I rose to my feet, smoothing down my red mermaid dress. "I'm going to chat with my friends for a bit," I told Alexander, trying to keep my voice steady.

Alexander glanced up at me, his expression unreadable for a moment before softening. "Of course, darling." His eyes flickered toward Derek. "Since Alpha Derek is here, I need to entertain him a little, you know. I'll join you shortly."

I nodded and walked away, feeling Derek's gaze burning into my back with every step. The weight of his stare made my skin crawl, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of turning around.

Amy's face brightened when she saw me approach. "Erin, are you done talking with them?" she asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

I forced a smile. "For now. I needed a break."

Jack grinned, gesturing toward the dance floor where couples were moving to the rhythm of an upbeat song. "Want to dance? The music's great tonight."

Amy grabbed my hand excitedly. "Yes, let's dance! This might be our last dance together before your binding ceremony." Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of happiness and wistfulness.

I sighed, glancing back at the VIP section where Derek and Alexander were engaged in what appeared to be a tense conversation. Both men exuded power and danger, like two predators circling each other.

"Alright," I agreed, allowing Amy to pull me toward the dance floor. Maybe losing myself in the music would help clear my head.

The bass pounded through the floor as we joined the crowd of dancers. I tried to match Amy's movements, following the rhythm as best I could. Despite everything, I couldn't help but smile at Amy's carefree dancing, her joy momentarily infectious.

As I turned, my gaze inadvertently swept across the VIP section. Both Derek and Alexander were staring directly at me. Alexander's lips curved into an appreciative smile, while Derek's eyes burned with an intensity that seemed capable of setting me aflame. Beside him, Mya glared daggers at me, her expression twisted with jealousy and hatred.

I quickly averted my eyes from Derek but couldn't help feeling a small surge of satisfaction at Mya's reaction. Let her fume. Soon, I would be bound to another Alpha, and she could have Derek all to herself—the man who would never truly be hers because he belonged to no one but his own ambition.

I turned my attention back to Amy and Jack, determined to enjoy what little normalcy I had left before my life changed forever.

---

The song shifted to something slower, and couples around us drew closer together. I was about to suggest we take a break when a strong hand gripped my arm, pulling me deeper into the crowd. I spun around, ready to snap at whoever had grabbed me, only to find myself face to face with Beta Tom.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, his expression serious despite the casual question.

I stared at him in shock. In all the time I'd known him, Tom had never shown any interest in speaking to me, let alone dancing with me. I hesitated, suspicion immediately flaring. Had Derek sent him to try and convince me to cancel the binding ceremony?

Nevertheless, I didn't refuse, curious about what he wanted. As we began to move to the music, I decided to cut straight to the point.

"If you're here to convince me to cancel the binding ceremony, save your breath. I won't change my mind," I said firmly.

Tom's eyes darted toward the VIP section before returning to me. He leaned closer, lowering his voice to a whisper that only I could hear over the music. "He's on the edge of losing control. If you keep provoking him, he'll snap."

I scoffed. "I don't care if he loses control."

Tom's grip on my waist tightened slightly. "This isn't just about you. This is about our entire pack. Pushing him to the point where he has to shift again will only bring out the worst in him."

I frowned, not fully understanding what Tom was implying. Was he suggesting that Derek might... kill me? The thought sent an involuntary shiver down my spine, but I quickly replaced it with anger. After everything Derek had done—rejecting me, humiliating me, killing Alexander's soul mate—did Tom really think I would care about Derek's feelings?

"Are you threatening me?" I asked, my voice hardening.

"I'm warning you," Tom replied, his eyes serious. "For everyone's sake, including yours."

Before I could respond, a familiar voice interrupted us. "Excuse me?" Alexander appeared beside us, his eyes flashing dangerously as he glared at Tom. "She's with me. How dare you dance with her in front of her Alpha?"

Tom immediately released me, stepping back with a slight bow. His eyes met mine one last time, silently urging me to heed his warning, but I deliberately looked away.

"I don't feel like dancing anymore," I told Alexander. "I'm going to the restroom."

Alexander's expression softened as he looked at me. "Use the private one upstairs. It's reserved for VIPs."

I nodded and made my way toward the stairs, grateful for the excuse to be alone for a few minutes. Tom's warning echoed in my mind, but I pushed it aside. I wouldn't let Derek or his people intimidate me anymore.

The second floor was surprisingly empty, the music from below muffled to a distant thrum. I found Alexander's private lounge area and slipped into the bathroom, locking the door behind me. Leaning against the sink, I stared at my reflection.

The woman looking back at me seemed like a stranger—confident, beautiful, but with eyes that held too many secrets. Tom's words replayed in my mind. What did he mean about Derek shifting again? And why would he warn me unless Derek had sent him?

After splashing some cold water on my face, I exited the bathroom, intending to stay upstairs a bit longer to avoid Derek. The lounge was still empty, the leather couches and low lighting creating an atmosphere of exclusive luxury.

"Not going back down?" Alexander's voice startled me.