Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 72

Erin’s POV

I entered the office to find the air thick with Alpha pheromones. Derek stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, hands behind his back, shoulders tense. Though his back was to the door, his voice came through clearly. "Close the door."

I gently closed the door, feeling the turbulence in Derek's emotions. Every time I was alone with him in this office, I became more aware of his physical presence, the space seeming both too large and too small.

"Alpha," I said tentatively.

Derek didn't immediately respond. He picked up a document from the desk, his voice distant. "I'm calling an emergency meeting. The negotiations with the Northern Pack have been moved up by two hours. Notify all department managers to gather in the conference room immediately. Prepare the boundary agreements and cooperation data from the past five years."

"But the Alpha's delegation hasn't—" I began.

Derek turned, gold flashing in his eyes. "I know they've arrived early. I can smell their presence. They're meeting with other investors in the city, trying to weaken our negotiating position."

I noticed that Derek's breakfast remained completely untouched, and his coffee had gone cold. The broken whiskey glass on the table and the faint smell of alcohol indicated that his conversation with Bradley had indeed been quite tense.

Derek walked toward me, stopping close enough that I could feel his heat. His proximity made my heart race, my body remembering his touch from earlier. He took my wrist, examining the burn with unexpected gentleness. His fingers made my skin tingle, and I had to suppress the urge to move closer to him.

"Who did this?" he asked again.

His perceptiveness and concern surprised me. "It really was just an accident, Alpha. I wasn't careful while making coffee."

Derek frowned but released my wrist. "Go to the medical office and have it treated. Then immediately begin preparing for the meeting. I want them to understand that doing business with the Darkwood Pack is not a casual social activity."

As I turned to leave, Derek suddenly called out. "Erin."

I looked back to find his expression unusually complex. "Don't believe anything Bradley told you. Especially about me. Do you understand?"

I nodded, feeling confused yet warmed by this moment—He called me my name, not "secretary" or "little wolf." The sound of my name on his lips sent a pleasurable shiver through me.

---

The executive conference room buzzed with activity as I coordinated the emergency preparations. My fingers moved quickly across the tablet, sending urgent meeting notifications to all department managers. Staff members busied themselves setting up projection equipment, organizing files, arranging refreshments.

Back in the conference room, I quickly organized all information regarding the Northern Pack. I discovered an interesting detail—the Northern Alpha had recently been frequently attending events hosted by the Silverpine Pack. I marked this information, prepared to remind Derek at the appropriate moment.

As I focused on my work, the young female employee from the break room approached me. "I heard you came to the company with the Alpha in his car this morning," she said softly. "Everyone's talking about it. Be careful, Erin."

"I'm just his secretary," I replied, keeping my tone neutral, though my body still remembered the intimacy of sitting beside him in the backseat of his car, the feeling of his thigh lightly touching mine with every turn.

She gave me a meaningful look. "I've worked at Stone Group for five years. Derek never lets anyone ride in his private car, and he never cares about anyone's injuries. If you're not special, why would he treat you this way?"

Before I could answer, there was a commotion at the entrance to the conference room as department managers arrived, each with expressions of tension and confusion on their faces.

I hurried into Derek's office, carrying my tablet and a stack of meeting materials. Despite the burn on my wrist having been treated, I felt energized and focused.

Derek stood by the window on the phone, his tone firm. "Tell the Silverpine Pack's emissary to come negotiate after the full moon. I don't have time to discuss boundary issues now." Sensing my presence, he turned and acknowledged me with a nod.

His gaze swept over me in a way that made me feel he was recording every detail of my appearance. I automatically straightened my posture, hoping to meet his standards.

"Alpha, everything is ready," I reported. "We're just waiting for the Northern Pack's delegation. I've reviewed their negotiation records from the past five years, compiled their weaknesses and bottom lines, all contained in these materials."

Derek browsed through the documents, flashing a satisfied look. "Good. The Northern Pack Alpha has been getting close to the Silverpine Pack recently. We need to be wary of their alliance."

I showed him the information on my tablet, standing a bit closer than necessary. "Yes, I noticed that. I've prepared three alternative strategies to address different scenarios. Here's the relevant data."

Derek suddenly turned toward the window, considering a new decision. His fingers tapped on the table—a rare sign of uncertainty from him. He turned back, his gaze sweeping over me intensely, making my skin heat under his scrutiny.

"You will attend the meeting with me. Record the Northern Pack's reactions."

"Yes, Alpha," I answered, surprised by this unexpected inclusion in such a high-level meeting.

Derek moved closer, his eyes locking with mine. I could smell his unique scent, and my wolf stirred in response, wanting to move closer.

"Remember, these negotiations are more than business discussions. They are displays of power between packs. The Northern Pack will try to use any perceived weakness against us. They've been investigating my family history, thinking they can use it as leverage."

I nodded, understanding the implications. "I'll be careful, Alpha."

---

The conference room radiated tension. The floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the city panorama—a reminder of the Darkwood Pack's territory. Catering had prepared a traditional wolf feast as negotiation etiquette—perfectly rare premium steaks, venison, and other foods symbolizing strength. I stood behind Derek's chair, organizing the final documents.

The Northern Pack Alpha arrived with his delegation. He was an older Alpha, powerfully built and noble in bearing, but with a cunning gleam in his eyes.

When he shook hands with Derek, the energy of both Alphas collided in the air, making it difficult for ordinary employees to breathe. I stood beside Derek with the files, noticing that Tomas was present as a technical advisor. He nodded to me, and I responded only with a professional smile.

After preliminary introductions, he tasted the wolf-specific brew, then addressed Derek directly. "Your demanded 70% profit share is too high. Though the Darkwood Pack is indeed providing the core technology, what substantial return will my pack receive? Money alone is not enough."

"Along with my name," Derek replied calmly. "The Darkwood Pack's support is value in itself."

He unexpectedly turned to me. "What do you think, young Omega?" he asked, clearly testing my position.

I remained composed, aware this was a test. I could feel Derek's gaze on me, and I was determined not to disappoint him.

"Alpha, what we're offering is more than the Darkwood Pack's support. This is the most important opportunity for your pack to explore new territories. Since the border conflicts of the last century, the Northern Pack has been restricted to the northern forests. This cooperation will open entirely new paths for your descendants. I believe this reason is sufficient for you to accept the deal."

His eyes brightened. "Your secretary is not only beautiful but extremely intelligent. She knows what to say in any situation and is familiar with our history. No wonder you keep her so close, Derek."

I felt a surge of pride at his assessment, while also noticing Derek's slight tension as the Alpha's appreciative gaze lingered on me.

Derek suddenly stood and walked to the window. Violating modern business etiquette, he lit a cigarette. This action visibly unsettled the Alpha.

"80% of the profits," Derek said, exhaling smoke.

He looked shocked. "What do you mean? We just agreed on 70%."

"I want 80% of the profits, plus patrol rights along your pack's northern border," Derek clarified.

"But we were discussing 70%, which you clearly agreed to!" the Alpha protested angrily.

Derek turned, his eyes completely golden. "Then what do you mean by spending twenty minutes asking me a secretarial question?"

He was shocked to discover Derek knew this information. "This was just basic business research. As an equal Alpha, don't you think you should convince me with reason rather than threats?"

Derek laughed, revealing sharp canines. "Do you really believe Alpha Derek needs to convince anyone? Other Alphas are eager for this deal. Go offer it to the Silverpine Pack, I hear they've been looking for allies recently."

Derek walked toward him, his voice low and threatening. "If you leave my territory without signing this deal, I will invoke the ancient law and close every border passage between Darkwood and the North. Let's see which pack will risk helping you when your pack members cannot enter the city, cannot access modern medicine and supplies."