Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 216

Erin's POV

"You might want to read it," she explained, keeping her eyes downcast. "It's about the duties and traditions of the Luna of the Darkwood Pack."

I thanked her, and she hurried from the room, clearly uncomfortable in my presence.

With nothing else to do, I began reading. The book was old, its pages yellowed with age, but it contained a wealth of information about what was expected of the Alpha's mate. There were chapters on hosting pack gatherings, mediating disputes among lower-ranking members, and the proper protocols for interacting with other packs.

The more I read, the more overwhelmed I felt. This was never what I had wanted for my life. I had dreamed of finishing college, building a career, maybe finding love with someone who valued me for who I was—not because some mystical bond had forced us together.

As evening approached, I heard the sound of car engines outside. Moving to the window, I peered out at the circular driveway below. Several luxury vehicles were arriving, with well-dressed people emerging and making their way toward the estate's entrance.

One car in particular caught my attention—a sleek black Bentley that I recognized as Alexander's. My heart raced as I watched him step out, his expression grim as he buttoned his suit jacket.

I needed to know what was happening. Rushing to the door, I tried the handle, unsurprised to find it still locked.

"Hello?" I called, knocking firmly. "Is anyone there?"

After a moment, an older maid appeared with a key. "Yes, Luna?"

"What's going on downstairs? Why is Alexander Windsor here?"

The maid's expression grew guarded. "I'm sorry, Luna, but Alpha Derek instructed us not to discuss pack business with you."

"I need to go down there," I insisted.

"I'm afraid Alpha has ordered that you remain here until he comes for you," she replied apologetically.

My wolf bristled at being confined, a growl building in my throat. "Open this door. Now."

The maid hesitated, clearly torn between obeying Derek and the woman who was technically her Luna.

"Please," I added, softening my tone. "I just want to see what's happening."

With reluctance, she unlocked the door, but a guard I hadn't noticed before immediately stepped forward to block my path.

"Luna, you must stay in your room," he said firmly.

I drew myself up to my full height, channeling every ounce of authority I could muster. "I am the Luna of this pack, and I am ordering you to let me pass."

The guard's expression didn't change. "I'm sorry, Luna, but Alpha's orders supersede yours."

My wolf was fully awake now, angry at the challenge to our position. Without thinking, I shoved past the guard with surprising strength, darting down the hallway toward the stairs.

"Luna!" he called after me, but I was already halfway down the staircase.

---

I could hear voices from the main gathering room—Derek's cool tones, Charlie Windsor's more agitated ones, and then Alexander's distinctive voice, sharp with accusation.

My heart pounded as I approached the doorway. Something in my wolf urged caution, sensing danger ahead, but I pushed forward, driven by a need to know what was happening.

I entered the room just as Alexander was saying, "—hiding her from us. Where is she, Derek? What have you done with her?"

All eyes turned to me as I stepped into the light. The room was filled with members of both packs, tension thick in the air. Derek stood near the fireplace, his expression darkening when he saw me. Alexander was in the center of the room, and his face lit up with vindication when he spotted me.

"There she is!" he exclaimed, pointing dramatically. "You all see it now? This man lied about her not being here. He was keeping her locked away!"

Beta Tom moved toward me, his expression concerned. "Luna, you should return upstairs—"

"Don't tell her what to do," Alexander interrupted. "Can't you see she's being held against her will?" He turned to me, his eyes gleaming with something I couldn't quite identify. "Tell them, Erin. Tell everyone how Derek forced you to bind with him. I promise no one will keep you here if you speak the truth."

I looked from Alexander to Derek, my heart hammering in my chest. Derek was watching me intently, a slight shake of his head warning me to be careful. But there was something else in his eyes, an emotion I couldn't decipher.

Alexander took a step toward me, his hand outstretched. "It's okay, Erin. You're safe now. Just tell the truth."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of everyone's stares. Tom had released my arm, and the room had gone so quiet I could hear the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner.

"Yes," I said, my voice barely audible at first, then stronger. "He forced me to bind with him. My mother's life was in danger, and he used that to control me."

A collective gasp went through the room. People began murmuring to one another, and I saw shocked expressions on many faces. Derek closed his eyes, his jaw clenched so tight I could see the muscle jumping in his cheek. When he opened them again, the fury in his gaze made me take an involuntary step back.

Alexander smiled triumphantly. "You see? Alpha Derek has violated our most sacred laws. He has forced an unwilling mate to bind with him."

"That's not all he's done," Alexander continued, his voice carrying across the now-silent room. "Alpha Derek has a history of these violations. This isn't the first time."

I frowned, confused. "Not the first time?"

Alexander gave me a pitying look. "You're so naive, Erin. You don't know what this man is capable of."

I noticed Charlie Windsor looking down at the floor, as if he couldn't bear to meet anyone's eyes. Whatever Alexander was about to reveal, Charlie already knew it.

Derek's eyes snapped open, fixing Alexander with a glare so intense it seemed to physically push against him. "Don't," he warned, his voice barely human.

Alexander's smile widened. "You really think I would let this go? After everything you've done?"

He turned to address the entire room. "Alpha Derek once coveted my soul mate. He first forced her into binding with him, and when she complained to my grandfather, he killed her in front of the entire Windsor family."

The words hit me like a physical blow. I staggered slightly, unable to process what I'd just heard. "Forced... binding?" The words came out as a choked whisper as tears sprang to my eyes. I couldn't believe it—didn't want to believe it.

But when I looked at Derek, searching for denial, for some sign that this was all a terrible lie, he merely watched my reaction for a moment before looking away, his eyes shifting to the gold of his wolf.

Beta Tom and Delta Mark moved closer to Derek, as if preparing to restrain him if necessary. Tom's face showed fear, not of Alexander's accusations, but of Derek's reaction to them.

Alexander looked delighted by the chaos he had created. "I think I've made myself clear," he announced. "Erin will be free of this binding, and Alpha Derek will face the consequences of his actions."

My mind was reeling, my wolf cowering within me, confused and frightened by the revelations and the waves of rage emanating from Derek.

"Do you understand now, Alpha Derek?" Alexander said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "You'd better follow Erin's wishes and divorce her."