Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 60

Erin's POV

I stood in the entryway of my home, watching through the window as Derek's sleek black car drove away down the street. The packages containing my new clothes were piled at my feet. I couldn't help wondering what Derek had been thinking as he waited until he was sure I was safely inside before leaving.

My mother's voice startled me from my thoughts. "Erin? Is that you?"

"Yes, Mom," I replied, gathering the packages in my arms and walking toward the kitchen where her voice had come from.

I found Mother standing by the stove, stirring a pot that filled the air with the aroma of her signature vegetable soup. Her eyes widened when she saw the numerous shopping bags in my arms.

"What are all these?" she asked, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel as she walked toward me.

"Just some clothes I need for work," I said vaguely, setting the packages on a chair.

My mother glanced out the window, frowning slightly. "Was that... was that the Alpha's car just leaving?"

I nodded, trying to appear casual. "Yes. Alpha Derek gave me a ride home after work."

My mother's expression immediately shifted from curiosity to alarm. "The Alpha personally drove you home? Why didn't you invite him in? He should have been offered at least a cup of coffee!"

"Mom!" I exclaimed, embarrassment washing over me. "He's the Pack Alpha. He's extremely busy. He doesn't have time for tea."

My mother clicked her tongue disapprovingly. "That's not the point, Erin. It's about proper respect. When our Pack's Alpha takes the time to drive you home, we should at least invite him in to show gratitude."

"I'm sorry," I said softly. "I didn't think about it."

My mother's expression softened. "Next time, you must invite him in. Even if he declines, the gesture matters."

I nodded, accepting her correction. "I promise. Next time I will."

During dinner, my mother brought up my late return the previous night, which surprised me. "I'm glad you were with Amy yesterday. You've been working so hard between school and Stone Group."

I nearly choked on my soup. "You... you weren't upset that I came home late?"

She smiled, reaching over to pat my hand. "Of course not, darling. You're a responsible young woman. I trust you." Her eyes twinkled with unexpected mischief. "Besides, Amy called and explained everything. It's good for you to relax occasionally, not just study and work."

I felt relieved. Amy had really come through for me. I made a mental note to thank her properly tomorrow.

---

The next morning, bright sunlight streamed through the windows of the Silvermoon Academy history classroom. I sat beside Amy, trying to focus on Professor Wilson's lecture about ancient werewolf migration patterns, but my thoughts kept returning to Derek's strange behavior yesterday.

My phone vibrated gently in my pocket. I glanced up to make sure the professor wasn't looking my way, then carefully slipped out my phone to check the screen. Another message from the mysterious number: [Your eyes shine like amber in the sunlight.]

I stared at the text, my cheeks warming. Who could be sending these messages? They were becoming increasingly personal.

Amy leaned over, my obvious reaction to the message piquing her curiosity. "What is it?" she whispered.

I showed her the text, watching her eyes widen and a smile spread across her face.

"It has to be Derek," she whispered excitedly. "Who else would send you romantic messages like this?"

I shook my head, though my heart raced at the possibility. "Impossible. He's the Pack Alpha. He wouldn't send anonymous romantic texts."

"Why not?" Amy countered. "He's obviously not good at expressing emotions directly. Maybe this is his way of testing the waters."

"That's ridiculous," I whispered back, though a small part of me hoped she was right. "And how would he even have my number?"

Amy rolled her eyes. "He's the Pack Alpha and your boss. Getting your number would be the easiest thing in the world for him."

I bit my lip, considering the possibility. Could it really be Derek? The thought sent a flutter through my stomach. But if it was him, why wouldn't he just talk to me directly? He never seemed like the type to play games.

"You're blushing," Amy pointed out with satisfaction. "Something is definitely going on between you two. You can't fool me."

"Nothing is happening," I insisted, though my heated cheeks betrayed me. "We're just—"

"Miss Blackwood, Miss Parker," the professor's stern voice cut through our whispered conversation. "Do you find your private discussion more important than the migration patterns of Nordic werewolf tribes?"

The entire class turned to look at us. I sank lower in my seat, mortified.

"No, Professor. Sorry," I mumbled, tucking my phone away.

The professor raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps you'd like to share with the class what was so urgent it couldn't wait until the end of my lecture?"

"No, sir," Amy and I said in unison.

Professor Wilson nodded, seemingly satisfied with our embarrassment. "Then I suggest you both pay attention. This will be on your midterm."

For the remainder of the class, I focused on the lecture, though my thoughts occasionally drifted to the mysterious text and its possible sender. When the class finally ended, Amy and I quickly gathered our books.

"So, are you going to reply to that message?" Amy asked as we walked down the hallway.

I sighed. "I don't know. What if it's not Derek? What if it's just someone playing a joke?"

"What if it is him?" Amy countered. "You'll never know unless you reply."

Before I could answer, we stepped outside into the bright midday sunshine. The campus was bustling with students moving between classes, enjoying the beautiful spring day. I was about to suggest getting lunch when a gleaming red sports car pulled up at the curb in front of us, its engine loud enough to draw everyone's attention.

My stomach sank as I recognized the car. The driver's door opened, and Bradley stepped out, dressed in designer jeans and a fitted shirt that accentuated his athletic build, looking as handsome and confident as ever. Several female students nearby immediately took notice, whispering and giggling among themselves.

I hadn't even turned to walk away when Bradley spotted me, striding over with that charming smile on his face that I would once have found irresistible.

"Erin!" he called out, as if we were still on excellent terms. "I was hoping to catch you between classes."

I planted my feet firmly, trying to keep my expression neutral despite my racing heart. "What do you want, Bradley?"

His smile didn't falter. "Let me give you a ride to Stone Group. We can talk on the way."

"No, thank you," I said firmly. "I'd rather walk there than ride in your car."

Bradley's smile wavered slightly. "Come on, Erin. Don't be like that. I just want to talk."

"We have nothing to talk about," I replied, clutching my bag tightly. "I need to get to class."

As I tried to walk past him, Bradley stepped into my path, his voice dropping lower. "Please, Erin. I miss you. I made a mistake, and I'm sorry."

I looked up at him, seeing the desperation behind his confident facade. I felt a twinge of sadness for him. But the pain of his betrayal remained fresh, made sharper by the knowledge that he had lied about me to the entire pack.

"I've moved on, Bradley," I said quietly but firmly. "You should too."

His expression darkened, jealousy flashing in his eyes. "Moved on? So quickly? With whom?" His voice grew harder as realization dawned on his face. "It's Derek, isn't it? My brother?"

I didn't answer, but my silence seemed confirmation enough for him. His hands clenched into fists at his sides.

"So that's why he made you his personal secretary," Bradley said bitterly. "I should have known."

"I'm going to be late for class," I said, stepping around him.

Bradley grabbed my arm, his grip tight enough to make me wince. "You can't seriously think he cares about you. You're just a novelty to him, a new plaything."

I yanked my arm free, anger flaring within me. "Don't touch me," I warned, my voice low. "And don't pretend to know anything about me or your brother."

As we walked away, I could feel Bradley's gaze burning into my back. The confrontation had shaken me, not because I still had feelings for him, but because his accusations hit uncomfortably close to the truth. What if Derek was only temporarily intrigued by our Soul Bond connection? What if his recent behavior was merely curiosity rather than genuine interest?

"Don't listen to him," Amy said firmly, seemingly reading my thoughts. "He's just jealous and trying to mess with your head."

I nodded, forcing a smile. "I know. I just need to get to my next class and forget about him."

But as we parted ways for different classes, Bradley's words still echoed in my mind.

---

After my final class ended, I headed toward the campus exit, mentally preparing myself for my shift at Stone Group. The confrontation with Bradley had left me unsettled, and I worried about the possibility of facing Derek while feeling so emotionally vulnerable.

"Erin! Wait up!" I turned to see Tomas jogging toward me.

"Hey, Tomas," I greeted him genuinely. "What brings you to this side of campus?"

He fell into step beside me, adjusting his messenger bag. "Meeting with a professor about a research project. Are you heading to Stone Group?"

I nodded. "Yes, I have a pile of work waiting for me there."

"I'm going in that direction too. Want a ride?" he offered.

After the confrontation with Bradley, the idea of friendly companionship was appealing. "That would be great, actually. Thanks."

As we walked toward his car—a modest sedan far less ostentatious than Bradley's flashy sports car—Tomas seemed unusually nervous, fidgeting with his keys.

"Is everything okay?" I asked as we settled into his car.

He nodded, starting the engine. "Actually, I wanted to ask you a favor."