Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 22

Erin's POV

I took one final look in the mirror, smoothing down the knee-length pencil skirt I'd chosen for today's interview. My dark hair was pulled back in a neat high ponytail, and I'd applied just enough makeup to look professional without appearing overdone. For once, I didn't hate what I saw reflected back at me.

"You can do this," I whispered to myself, trying to ignore the nervous churning in my stomach.

My wolf paced restlessly, sensing my anxiety about the upcoming interview. She'd been unusually alert since I woke up, as if she knew something important was about to happen today.

I picked up my folder containing copies of my certificates and research projects, then headed downstairs. The house was quiet. I glanced at my mother's bedroom door—still closed.

"Mom?" I called softly, not wanting to disturb her if she was still sleeping.

No response. She must have had another difficult night. I decided to let her rest and left a note on the kitchen counter saying I'd be back after my interview and classes.

As I stepped outside, the cool morning air made me shiver slightly. It was early summer, but the mornings still carried a hint of chill. I pulled my light jacket a little tighter and started walking toward the bus stop.

My eyes felt heavy from lack of sleep. I had tossed and turned all night, my mind refusing to quiet. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw him—Derek Stone, with those piercing gray eyes and that intense expression that made my wolf whimper softly. The memory of his scent was so vivid I could almost smell it again.

What was I doing? The Soul Bond connecting us had brought me nothing but endless trouble. Derek was the most powerful wolf in the territory, and I was just an Omega—the lowest rank, with almost no standing in the Pack. If I continued crossing paths with him, I would only humiliate myself more than I already had.

I reached the bus stop and sat on the bench, placing my folder beside me. When the bus arrived, people rushed aboard as usual, but I took my time. I wasn't in a hurry; the ride from here to the Stone Group offices would take only about thirty minutes.

I chose a window seat and watched as the landscape changed from residential areas to the trendy business district. A few passengers gave me curious looks, no doubt detecting my Omega scent, but I kept my gaze fixed out the window, ignoring them.

"Don't mind them, focus on yourself, Erin," I told myself.

\---

Thirty minutes later, I got off the bus two blocks from Stone Group headquarters. As I approached, I could feel the presence of higher-ranking wolves growing stronger. Their scents permeated the air—Betas and even a few Alphas, their confidence and power evident even without seeing them.

I stopped at the base of Stone Group's impressive tower. The building reached toward the clouds, its blue glass exterior gleaming in the morning sunlight.

Taking a deep breath, I walked through the revolving doors into the lobby.

The entrance was bustling with activity. Well-dressed business people, mostly Beta wolves, strode purposefully across the polished marble floors, exuding an air of confidence and belonging.

I made my way to the security checkpoint, which resembled airport security with one notable difference—scent analyzers. These discreet devices identified members of different Packs, ensuring no unauthorized wolves entered the inner sanctum of the Darkwood Pack's business headquarters.

After passing security, the magnificent lobby took my breath away. Enormous tapestries depicted Pack history, the intricate designs showcasing the lineage of Pack leaders through the centuries. A massive crystal chandelier shaped like a full moon hung from the ceiling, casting dancing lights on the marble floor. Every detail spoke of wealth, power, and tradition—just like Derek himself.

I approached the reception desk, where an elegant female Beta wolf greeted me.

"I'm Erin Blackwood," I said, working to keep my voice steady. "Your manager scheduled me for an interview today."

The receptionist looked up, assessing my appearance with practiced efficiency. "You're the Omega from Silvermoon Academy, correct?"

"Yes, that's me," I confirmed, fighting the urge to shrink under her scrutiny.

She leaned forward slightly, tilting her head to discreetly sniff my scent, then pointed toward a set of stylish leather couches. "Please have a seat. Someone will be with you shortly."

I sat down, opening my folder to check all my certificates and research summaries one more time. My wolf paced uneasily beneath my skin, and I had to concentrate to keep her calm. Losing control here would be disastrous.

About ten minutes later, the receptionist's phone rang. As she listened, her expression subtly changed, her eyes widening with obvious surprise. When she hung up, she approached me with a noticeably different demeanor—almost deferential.

"Miss Blackwood, please follow me."

I gathered my things and followed her toward the elevators. We entered an empty elevator, and she used a special key card to access what appeared to be the executive floors.

As we ascended, more people joined us. Two female employees were whispering excitedly, though I noticed they immediately straightened their posture and lowered their voices upon entering the elevator.

"Do you know when we might see the Alpha?" one asked, her voice trembling with anticipation.

"He's visiting the Finance Department tomorrow," the other replied, nervously glancing around as if afraid of being overheard.

"Can we linger for a few minutes? It would be amazing to see him in person."

"Don't even think about it," her companion hissed, genuine fear flashing in her eyes. "He's incredibly strict. If he smells your scent and knows you're not from that department, you're finished."

"So unfair!" the first woman sighed, but her tone conveyed understanding rather than genuine protest. No one questioned Derek's authority.

As I listened to these exchanges, my palms grew sweaty. These weren't merely admirers; this was awe born from fear. The man commanded absolute obedience even in his absence.

The elevator continued upward, past the executive floors where I had assumed we would stop. Confused, I turned to the receptionist.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

She gave me a look. "We're heading to the Pack Alpha's office. He said he wants to interview you personally."

My heart nearly stopped. "I'm sorry, who is interviewing me?"

"The CEO of Stone Group and Alpha of the Darkwood Pack."

The world seemed to tilt beneath my feet. Derek wanted to interview me personally? My wolf suddenly became alert, very interested in what was happening.

\---

When the elevator doors finally opened, we stepped onto a floor noticeably different from the others I had glimpsed. The atmosphere was tense, almost oppressive. Employees sat rigidly at their desks, eyes fixed on their computers, backs poker-straight. I heard no casual conversation or laughter, only the frantic clicking of keyboards and occasional hushed phone conversations.

With each step, my heart beat faster, and I found myself smoothing down my skirt with damp hands. As we passed, a young female wolf looked up, her eyes narrowing when she caught my Omega scent. I pretended not to notice her displeasure.

The receptionist brought me to a Pack Enforcer. After a brief exchange, she left me with him, her shoulders visibly relaxing as she departed the Alpha's territory.

Without a word, the Enforcer led me down a corridor where the tension seemed to increase with every step. We approached an imposing door emblazoned with the Darkwood Pack insignia. Two more Enforcers stood guard nearby.

A plaque on the wall read "Darkwood Pack Alpha" in elegant script. Just seeing those words made my mouth go dry. My heart began to pound violently, and I could feel it in my throat.

The Enforcer knocked once, then gestured for me to enter. Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside.

The office was both intimidating and surprisingly minimalist. Pure white walls contrasted with black velvet furniture. Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with sunlight. At its center stood an imposing redwood desk adorned with a small silver wolf sculpture.

And there he was.

Derek sat behind the desk, his attention focused on a document before him. His strong features conveyed serious concentration, and even across the room, I could feel the dominant energy radiating from him.

His scent filled the entire space, making my head slightly dizzy. His dark hair was neatly styled, giving him a wild elegance that perfectly embodied his dual role as corporate leader and Pack Alpha.

Though he hadn't acknowledged my presence, I knew his wolf had detected me. Mine certainly had detected him—she was practically purring inside me.

I cleared my throat softly. "Alpha," I greeted, my voice almost a whisper as my wolf trembled within me.

He looked up, his eyes meeting mine. For a moment, I caught a flash of gold—his wolf responding to mine—before it disappeared under his control.

"You called me for an interview," I said, my voice remaining steady despite my racing heart.

"Sit down," he commanded, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.

I obeyed, perching on the edge of the chair facing his desk.

He let out a low, dark chuckle that made me tremble again. "So, now that you and my brother have broken up, you need a job. How fascinating."