Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 68

Erin's POV

His phrasing—part challenge, part invitation—sent a shiver down my spine. Before I could formulate a response, he had already turned away, speaking in low tones with Mark about the boundary situation. I watched his tall figure walk toward the SUV where the driver waited, my heart still pounding fiercely in my chest.

"Miss, please," Derek's personal driver bowed slightly as he opened the car door. "The Alpha has instructed me to see you safely home."

I nodded in thanks, sliding into the backseat, immediately surrounded by the rich scent of expensive leather. As the car pulled away from Stone Group, I found myself staring out at the city lights flashing by, replaying every moment of the day in my mind.

I shifted in my seat, still remembering the pressure of his hand at my waist, how his fingers had tightened possessively.

Every time I recalled how he had leaned against the window—his powerful frame tense, his gaze focused and burning as he looked at me—my breathing would quicken, my heartbeat intensifying.

The intimacy between us was developing at a pace that was both exhilarating and terrifying. Just weeks ago, I had been certain the Pack Alpha would never acknowledge our Soul Bond connection, let alone act on it. Now, his heated gaze followed me wherever I went, his touches lingering longer than necessary.

My thoughts drifted back to that moment in his office, his nose trailing lightly along my neck, sending currents of electricity throughout my body. Even now, my wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, anxious and pacing, as if calling out a name—the name of her mate.

I couldn't deny it to myself any longer. Despite my attempts to resist, I had fallen hopelessly in love with the proud Alpha.

More importantly, despite all the rumors about him, Derek had looked me in the eyes today and assured me they were lies—he had never been inappropriately involved with any other woman.

When he spoke those words, the golden glint in his eyes told me everything I needed to know. I had his full attention, and he had no intention of letting go.

"Miss Blackwood, we've arrived at your home," the driver's voice pulled me back to reality.

"Thank you," I answered, unable to hide the joy in my voice.

"Would you like me to escort you to the door?"

"No need, I can manage. Please give Mr. Stone my goodnight."

The driver nodded respectfully, and I stepped out of the car, my mood light despite the night's chill.

---

I pushed open the front door gently, immediately surrounded by warm light and the enticing aroma of home-cooked food. Mother emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel, her face brightening when she saw me.

"You're home late, I was beginning to worry," she said, though her eyes sparkled with something unusual.

She walked over to me, gently cupping my face. "You look well. More vibrant than before."

I nervously tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, suddenly self-conscious under her all-seeing gaze. "Do I? It must be because work is going well."

Mom shook her head, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "A mother always knows her daughter's heart. Especially when her scent changes."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Mom, what are you talking about?"

She simply smiled mysteriously, gesturing for me to join her in the dining room. "Dinner is ready. Oh, and your brother Aaron called today."

At the mention of my brother, my shoulders immediately tensed. "Oh? That's good news. What did he say?"

"He asked specifically about you. That boy is always so worried about you."

I swallowed. "Mom, did you tell him about..."

She shook her head firmly. "No, of course not. I told him you were working at a regular company as you requested. He scolded me for letting you work alone without considering safety concerns, so I told a little white lie that Tomas works at the same company and looks after you."

I squeezed her hand gratefully. "Thank you, Mom."

During dinner, I noticed Mother had prepared an unusually generous meal. She poured me a cup of a special herbal tea, steam rising in delicate curls, carrying an earthy aroma.

"This will help stabilize your emotions," she explained meaningfully.

I sipped the tea, tasting mint and some herbs I couldn't identify.

"Aaron mentioned that the Pack Alpha is taking a special interest in his training," Mom continued. "He was having difficulty with some advanced skill tests, but the Alpha personally promised to guide him. Such an honor."

I looked down at my plate, hiding my expression. "Yes, you're right. We're fortunate to have such a Pack Alpha."

Inwardly, I couldn't help thinking: More fortunate than you know, to have Derek as my Soul Bond... even if he hasn't fully accepted that fact himself.

---

I closed my bedroom door, leaning against it to steady myself with a deep breath. Slowly, I walked to my dresser and took out a leather-bound notebook—my secret diary I'd kept since childhood. I turned to a blank page and began recording my feelings from today, my pen lingering for several seconds on the words "Soul Bond."

After changing into my silk nightgown, I stood before the mirror, examining my reflection. The thin fabric clung to my curves more than I'd previously noticed.

My hand slid down my waist, wondering how Derek saw me when his eager gaze swept over my body in his office. Would he want to touch me here? Or here? My skin heated at the thought.

I took out the silk scarf Derek had given me from my drawer and held it to my nose. His scent still clung to it—cedar, leather, and something uniquely his. I closed my eyes, pressing the scarf against my neck, imagining it was his lips there instead.

Lying in bed, sleep refused to come. My mind kept replaying vivid details of our intimate moments—the feeling of his lips firmly claiming mine, his strong hands gripping my waist hard enough to leave marks, the heat of his bare skin against my palm.

I could still feel the way his tongue had invaded my mouth, taking what he wanted. The memory made my body respond, creating an indescribable longing between my thighs that had me pressing them tightly together.

The thought of seeing him tomorrow, alone in his home, accelerated my heartbeat. What if he kissed me again? What if he did more? I checked my alarm clock for the third time, terrified of being late.

Outside, an almost-full moon hung in the night sky, its light filtering through the curtains to cast silver patterns on the bed. My wolf was more restless than usual, seemingly sensing her mate calling from afar.

I awoke before my alarm went off, the first rays of dawn just beginning to filter through the curtains. I immediately checked the time on my phone, my heart quickening with nervous anticipation. "Still plenty of time," I sighed with relief.

I rushed to the bathroom, letting warm water wash away the remnants of last night's dreams. After showering, I stood before my closet for a long time, eventually choosing an elegant lake-blue dress—my favorite from the batch Derek had approved for purchase. I carefully brushed my hair, letting the soft waves fall loosely over my shoulders while pinning the sides back to keep it neat.

I applied subtle makeup and spritzed a touch of my treasured perfume. The woman in the mirror looked both professional and elegant—I hoped she would meet with the approval of the demanding Pack Alpha.

Mother was already busy in the kitchen, delicious aromas filling the air.

"Mom, I'm going directly to the Alpha's private residence to pick him up today," I announced as I hurried downstairs.

She turned, her eyes widening in surprise. "What? His residence? That's quite an honor, Erin."

I picked up my purse. "Yes, I'm his personal secretary, so... it's my duty."

Mom frowned with concern. "You look nervous. At least have some breakfast before you go."

I kissed her cheek. "No time, I'll grab coffee on the way. Bye, Mom, don't worry."

She sighed, handing me a small paper bag. "At least take the blueberry muffin."

I accepted the bag gratefully. "Thanks, Mom."

---

Standing before Derek's private residence, I gazed up at the modern structure. Unlike the elegant luxury of Darkwood Estate, his home was designed with minimalist, sharp lines, huge glass walls reflecting the morning light—much like Derek himself: sharp, powerful, and mysterious.

A tall werewolf emerged from the security booth, and I recognized him as one of the Darkwood Pack Enforcers. I pulled my Stone Group credentials from my bag.

He examined the ID carefully, surprise flashing in his eyes. "Miss Blackwood, we weren't expecting you this early."

I nervously adjusted my hair. "The Pack Alpha asked me to pick him up at seven. May I go in?"

The guard hesitated. "Of course. However..."

"What is it?" I asked.

The guard lowered his voice: "The Alpha returned very late last night and may still be resting. No one usually disturbs him at this hour."

I bit my lip. "He specifically instructed me to come here this morning. Where can I find him?"

The guard nodded. "I understand. The Alpha is resting in the master bedroom. You can go up the main staircase, it's the door at the end of the hallway."

"Thank you. Where are the maids? It seems quiet."

A flash of tension crossed the guard's face. "Mrs. Stone fell ill suddenly last night, and the Alpha urgently dispatched all the household staff to care for her."

My eyes widened in shock. "Judy is sick? Is it serious?"

The guard's expression was grave. "I don't have the details, but the Alpha seemed very concerned.

He personally went to see her before returning, looking extremely exhausted."

I walked slowly into the empty mansion, sunlight streaming through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows but unable to reach the shadows in the corners. I could feel Derek's presence everywhere.

I was both nervous and anxious about entering Derek's completely private space; I wondered why he had specifically asked me to pick him up here instead of meeting directly at the company. But beneath all these emotions was an excitement I couldn't deny.

I was about to enter the most intimate space of the man whose touch set my skin on fire, whose scent made my wolf restless, whose gaze could intoxicate me with just one look.