Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 236

Erin's POV

The warriors lowered their heads in unison, a gesture of respect that brought tears to my eyes. As we began to walk toward the car, they parted to make way for us, then knelt one by one, their heads bowed.

My heart ached at the sight. These men and women had served Derek with unwavering loyalty, and their show of respect now proved how deeply they valued his leadership. The knowledge that he was giving all this up—for me—made my chest tighten with guilt and love in equal measure.

Derek led me to an unfamiliar car and opened the passenger door. I hesitated, looking around in confusion.

"Whose car is this?" I asked. "Where's your driver?"

Derek's expression softened slightly. "I've given my previous car to Bradley," he explained. "My driver will serve him now."

As I prepared to get into the car, I noticed Judy and Cassandra smiling at me. Judy's smile surprised me the most—after her initial hostility, this small gesture of acceptance felt significant. Perhaps there was hope for reconciliation with Derek's family after all.

I waved goodbye to my brother and the others before sliding into the passenger seat. Through the windshield, I watched as Derek exchanged a final nod with Bradley, then turned to the kneeling warriors.

"Rise," he commanded, his voice still carrying the authority of an Alpha.

The warriors stood, their expressions solemn as Derek addressed them one last time. "You will assist the new Alpha in all pack matters," he told them. "He has great potential and will treat you well."

With that, he got into the driver's seat beside me and started the engine. As we drove away from Darkwood Estate, I couldn't help but glance back at the diminishing figures of the pack members watching us leave.

We drove in silence for several minutes, the tension between us almost tangible. I was angry—not at Derek's decision to leave, but at his attempt to leave me behind. Did he really think I would let him go alone?

Derek glanced at me, a hint of amusement crossing his features. "You decided to come with me just to show me how angry you are?"

I scowled at him. "Derek Stone, you'd better focus on driving instead of staring at me."

His lips curved into a smile that made my heart skip a beat. "How can I help it? After seeing your amber eyes, my heart was completely shattered."

Was he... flirting with me? Couldn't he see that I was angry because he had almost left me behind? I turned to look out the window, trying to hide the flush spreading across my cheeks. I had no idea where we were going, but I knew that wherever it was, I was with the man I loved. That was enough.

Hours later, the car turned onto a familiar road winding through the forest. I straightened in my seat as recognition dawned.

"Are we going to that villa?" I asked, unable to keep the excitement from my voice.

Derek raised an eyebrow. "Why? Don't you want to go there?"

"No, I really want to stay at that villa with you," I admitted, the memory of our last visit—and my rejection of him there—flashing through my mind.

His other eyebrow joined the first, and a teasing light entered his eyes. "I see. You seem very excited. But I remember you rejected me there."

I turned away, hiding my smile. Derek Stone enjoyed teasing me, and despite everything, I found I didn't mind. I remembered the way he had kissed my forehead the last time we were there, the gentleness of his touch despite his frustration with me. I closed my eyes, savoring the knowledge that settled in my heart like a warm glow.

He still loves me.

---

The car came to a stop, and I opened my eyes to see the magnificent villa before us. In daylight, it was even more impressive than I remembered—sprawling and elegant against the backdrop of the forest.

I climbed out eagerly, turning in a slow circle to take it all in. My gaze drifted up to the balcony where Derek had once confessed his feelings, and I felt heat rise to my cheeks at the memory. Quickly, I looked away, only to realize the front door was already open and Derek had disappeared inside.

Hurrying after him, I stepped into the cool interior of the villa. Before I could call out, Derek appeared from behind the door, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he effectively trapped me between the wall and his arms.

"Now you can't escape," he murmured, his golden eyes holding mine.

My heartbeat accelerated at his proximity, my body responding to him in ways I couldn't control. There was so much we needed to talk about, so many misunderstandings to clear. But for now, I wanted to know everything about the man I had chosen to follow.

"I want to hear about your past," I said softly. "I learned some things from Charlie. But I want to hear everything from you."

Derek stepped back slightly, giving me space to breathe. "Let's talk while we prepare lunch," he suggested, leading the way toward the kitchen.

"Let me prepare lunch for you," I offered, following him. The memory of how I had refused to cook for him during our last visit here made me wince. "I'm sorry about that day. I just—"

Derek chuckled, the sound warming me from the inside out. "It's okay," he assured me, and I found myself smiling back at him.

As we worked together in the spacious kitchen, Derek began to tell his story. "A few years ago, I went to the Silverpine Pack," he said, his voice casual as he chopped vegetables. "That's when I saw Alexander abusing young Mya."

"I think Mya loves you very much," I ventured, watching his reaction carefully.

Derek shook his head. "She's just infatuated with the person who saved her," he explained. "I hope during this month, Bradley and Mya will grow closer. It would be good for both of them."

He continued his story, explaining how he had complained to Alexander's grandfather about Alexander's behavior. "I think that's when I made enemies of them," he said thoughtfully. "They started planning to ruin my reputation after that."

When he reached the part about Alexander's mate, I hesitated. "If you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to," I offered, seeing the tension in his shoulders.

Derek turned to face me, his expression challenging. "Why? Do you really believe I raped her?"

"No," I said quickly, surprised by the firmness in my own voice. "I don't."

He studied my face for a moment, then nodded, seemingly satisfied with what he saw there. "Alexander's mate tried to seduce me with aphrodisiacs," he explained, his voice matter-of-fact. "She claimed Alexander had sent her to other Alphas before. The next day, she accused me of rape, using photos to frame me."

My hands stilled on the counter as I listened, imagining the scene—a younger Derek, facing such a terrible accusation.

"I knew it was a setup," Derek continued. "I was so angry, I shot her in front of everyone."