Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 49

Erin's POV

As I organized the files, I noticed several projects involving different packs. I remembered sending emails to the leaders of those packs yesterday, following Derek's instructions. The idea of interacting with other powerful wolf packs still intimidated me, but I was learning.

When I turned to get another file, I found Derek's eyes still fixed on me. The intensity of his gaze as he drank his coffee made me hold my breath, the words of the women in the break room echoing in my mind.

His eyes seemed to study me, not just observing but truly seeing me. It made my skin grow warm, my heart beating faster. I wondered what he was thinking when he looked at me that way.

I forced myself to look away and continue working, though I remained acutely aware of his presence across the room. Every few minutes, I would feel his attention like an actual touch across the space between us.

I found myself becoming increasingly conscious of my movements, the way I reached for files, the way I tucked my hair behind my ear. My wolf seemed pleased with his attention, stirring contentedly within me.

---

The room fell into a comfortable silence, both of us working. Occasionally I would look up to find Derek focused on his computer, his brow furrowed in concentration, or reviewing his own documents. These stolen glances gave me the opportunity to observe him when he was unguarded—the way his jaw tightened when he read something he didn't like, the slight relaxation around his eyes when he was pleased with what he read.

Once when I looked up, he was already watching me. Our eyes met, and he didn't look away, holding my gaze for several seconds. My heart fluttered in my chest, my cheeks growing warmer. There was something in his eyes I couldn't quite read. When he finally returned to his work, I realized I had been holding my breath.

About an hour later, I approached his desk to report my findings on the project files. Standing beside him, I was enveloped in his scent—cedar, leather, and something uniquely Derek. It made it difficult to concentrate on what I needed to say.

"There are several inconsistencies in the budget allocations," I explained, pointing to specific sections I had marked. My fingers trembled slightly as I leaned over the desk. "And the timeline doesn't match the resource availability."

Derek shifted in his chair, turning to face me more directly. The movement brought him closer, his shoulder almost touching my arm. He seemed unaware of our proximity, but I was hyperconscious of every inch of space between us.

He listened attentively, occasionally nodding as I explained each issue I had found. His focus was completely on my words now, rather than just observing me as before. When he asked follow-up questions, his voice was lower, more thoughtful. The way he valued my input made my wolf almost purr with satisfaction. It was strange to feel... respected. I had put effort into the analysis, and he was treating my findings as something important.

Our discussion was interrupted by a knock at the door. An employee entered with Derek's lunch, placing it on a small side table near the window. I prepared to leave, assuming Derek would want privacy while eating.

"Join me," Derek said, the phrase somewhere between an invitation and a command.

I hesitated. "I should go get my own lunch—"

"This is company-provided lunch," Derek explained, his tone matter-of-fact. "There's always enough for two."

Surprised but curious, I joined him at the small table. The food was exquisitely prepared—far better than anything offered in the company cafeteria. As we ate, I found myself observing Derek's preferences. I noticed he avoided the more acidic dishes, favoring the meats and heartier sides.

"Is the food to your liking?" Derek unexpectedly broke the silence.

I looked up, surprised by the question. "Yes, it's very good. Much better than what I usually have for lunch."

His gaze lingered on me. "What do you usually have?"

"Whatever I can grab quickly between classes and work. Usually just a sandwich or salad." His interest in something so mundane surprised me.

Derek nodded, considering this. "You should eat better. Especially with your responsibilities here now."

The concern in his voice, however practical, made my wolf stir pleasantly. I felt a strange warmth in my chest at the thought that he cared about my wellbeing.

"I try," I said with a smile. "But there's never enough time."

Derek's expression softened slightly. "We'll make sure you have time to eat properly from now on."

The "we" in his statement impressed me. As if my wellbeing was his responsibility too. The thought should have bothered me—I was capable of taking care of myself—but instead, it felt... nice.

We didn't speak much more during the meal, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. When our fingers accidentally touched as we both reached for the water pitcher, I felt that familiar jolt of electricity. Derek didn't acknowledge it, but I noticed his hand lingered near mine longer than necessary.

After we finished, we returned to our respective tasks, the afternoon slipping away as we worked together. Every so often, I would feel him glance in my direction, and each time it happened, my wolf seemed to grow more satisfied.

---

Evening arrived without notice. I set down the last file and stood up, stretching slightly to relieve my back, sore from sitting for so long. The clock on the wall showed it was past 8 PM.

I glanced at Derek, still focused on work on his laptop. Even in his serious, concentrated state, he was undeniably handsome—the strong line of his jaw, the focused look in his eyes, his confident demeanor.

I couldn't help comparing him to Bradley. They were brothers, yet so different. Bradley was charming and expressive, while Derek was intense and reserved. Yet there was something in Derek's quiet strength that drew me to him, making my wolf respond in ways she never had with Bradley.

As if sensing my gaze, Derek looked up to find me staring at him. Our eyes met, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe. Something passed between us—a current of awareness that made my skin tingle. I quickly looked away, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.

"Alpha, I've finished," I said, trying to maintain a professional tone despite my racing heart. "Would you like me to print out a summary of all the issues I found?"

Derek shook his head. "You can do that tomorrow."

His voice was softer than usual, almost gentle. I wondered if he was tired too, or if there was another reason for the change in his tone.

I couldn't help the bright smile that spread across my face. "Really?"

I was surprised by his consideration. The Derek I had first met would have demanded the summary immediately, regardless of the hour. This small gesture of thoughtfulness made me see him in a different light. I found myself wanting to know more of this side of him.

I gathered my things, preparing to return to my office for my bag before heading home. Derek stood as well, reaching for his suit jacket. "Let's go."

The simple action caught me by surprise. Was he planning to leave too? Or was he actually offering to accompany me out?

I looked at him in surprise. "Where to?"

Derek frowned slightly, as if my question was strange. "Don't you want to go home?"

So he was planning to see me home? My wolf stirred contentedly. The idea that Derek cared about me getting home safely made my heart beat a little faster.

Looking at the clock again, I realized how late it was. We had both been working overtime without even discussing it. "Oh, yes. I should go home. My mother will be worried."

I walked toward the door, Derek close behind me. I could feel him just inches behind me, could feel the warmth radiating from him. My wolf was alert and pleased, enjoying his proximity in a way that both confused and excited me.

As I pulled the door open, ready to step into the hallway, I froze.

Bradley stood in the doorway, his hand raised as if about to knock. Our eyes met, and I saw surprise flash across his face. I had opened the door before he could announce his presence, and now we were caught in another awkward moment after our confrontation this morning.

I instinctively tried to step back, only to collide with Derek's solid chest. The contact sent a wave of warmth through my body. I could feel the steady rise and fall of his breathing, could feel the tension that immediately filled him at the sight of his brother.

I slowly turned my head, looking up at Derek and then back at Bradley, who had now shifted his gaze to his brother. The two men stared at each other, neither speaking, the tension between them almost palpable. I was literally caught between their silent confrontation, and the awkwardness of the situation made me want to disappear.

Derek's hand rested lightly at my waist, steadying me. The touch was brief, probably unconscious on his part, but it sent my pulse racing. I wasn't sure if it was a protective gesture or a possessive one, but either way, Bradley didn't miss it, his eyes tracking the movement before returning to his brother's face.

"I'll head home now, Alpha," I said quietly, eager to escape the uncomfortable situation. Even to my own ears, my voice sounded strained.

As I sidled past Bradley, I felt the gaze of both brothers following me.