Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 76

Erin's POV

My heart skipped a beat as a second message followed: [If you're hungry, don't worry. I'll satisfy your needs. You're coming somewhere with me.]

I remembered his promise from yesterday—after the party, he would take me somewhere. The thought of being alone with him quickened my pulse.

"Sorry, Amy," I said, putting my phone back in my handbag. "I have to go. Derek is waiting for me."

Amy's eyes widened with understanding, and she quickly embraced me. "Good luck, baby," she whispered in my ear. "I can't wait to hear all about what happens with your Soul Bond."

I squeezed her hand gratefully before heading toward the exit, my heart racing with anticipation.

After the crowded hall, the cool night air was a relief. I paused at the top of the grand staircase leading to the circular driveway, searching for Derek.

I spotted him immediately—a tall, powerful figure leaning against his luxury black car, a cigarette glowing between his fingers. The moonlight cast silver highlights in his dark hair, accentuating the sharp lines of his face. The sight of him took my breath away.

Seeming to sense my presence, he looked up, our gazes meeting across the distance. Even from here, I could feel the intensity of his look. He straightened, dropped his cigarette and crushed it beneath his shoe, then walked to the passenger side of the car.

I descended the stairs, acutely aware of each step in my silver heels. Derek opened the car door for me, his hand lightly touching the small of my back as he guided me into the seat. The brief contact sent currents of electricity through my entire body.

"You're driving yourself?" I asked as he slid into the driver's seat, surprised that he wasn't using his usual driver.

Derek started the engine, the powerful motor emitting a low rumble. "Tonight is private," he said simply, his eyes meeting mine briefly before focusing on the road ahead.

As we pulled away from Darkwood Estate, the celebration lights fading behind us, I gathered my courage to ask, "Where are we going?"

Derek's lips curved into a small, mysterious smile. "You'll see when we arrive." There was a cryptic quality to his voice that sent a shiver of anticipation through me.

I settled into the luxurious leather seat, stealing glances at Derek's profile as he drove. The solid line of his jaw, the confident set of his shoulders, the casual authority with which he held the steering wheel—everything about him radiated power and control. And tonight, that power and control was focused entirely on me.

After about twenty minutes of driving, winding up roads that took us higher into the hills surrounding the city, Derek turned onto a private path partially hidden by ancient oak trees. The path was illuminated by gentle recessed lighting, guiding us toward a structure I could just make out in the darkness.

"Moonlight Restaurant," Derek noted, seeing my curious expression. "One of the most exclusive dining establishments in the region. Reserved for special occasions."

My heart couldn't help but flutter at the realization that tonight—that I—was special to him.

---

When we pulled up to the entrance, a valet approached, bowing respectfully as he opened my door. "Welcome to Moonlight Restaurant, Miss Blackwood."

Derek appeared at my side, offering his arm. I placed my hand on the crook of his elbow, feeling the solid muscle beneath his suit jacket. The warmth of his body seemed to radiate through the thin fabric, sending heat coursing through my veins.

The restaurant manager personally greeted us, bowing deeply to Derek. "Alpha Stone, everything has been prepared according to your specifications. Please follow me."

We were led through an elegant reception area, past scattered tables where other diners sat. I noticed several people who recognized Derek, their eyes widening slightly before quickly lowering their gazes in respect.

Rather than seating us in the main dining area, the manager led us through glass doors into an outdoor garden. I couldn't help the soft gasp that escaped me when I saw what awaited.

A single table stood in the center of the garden, elegantly set with fine china and crystal. The surrounding trees were hung with thousands of tiny silver lights, mimicking the glow of moonlight and creating an ethereal atmosphere. Soft music played from hidden speakers, the melody hauntingly beautiful.

"Alpha, this is breathtaking!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my wonder at the magical scene.

Derek's expression remained neutral, but I caught the gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. "Nothing special," he said dismissively, though his tone suggested otherwise.

The manager pulled out my chair, and I sat down, carefully arranging the folds of my silver-blue gown. Derek took his seat across from me, his gaze never leaving my face.

A waiter appeared silently at our table, pouring water into crystal glasses before presenting menus. "The chef has prepared special selections for you tonight," he explained. "May I bring the first course?"

Derek nodded his approval, and the waiter departed, returning moments later with appetizers that made my mouth water. Rare venison sliced paper-thin and seasoned with juniper oil. Fresh forest mushrooms prepared with herbs that only grow during the full moon. Bread baked from carefully cultivated varieties of grain.

Following werewolf etiquette, I served Derek first, carefully placing food on his plate before serving myself. The gesture, deeply ingrained in werewolf culture, symbolized respect for his Alpha status. Only after he had taken his first bite did I begin my own meal.

Throughout dinner, I was acutely aware of Derek watching me, his eyes growing darker whenever I looked up to meet his gaze. The intensity of his focus made my skin heat, and I found myself taking smaller bites, hyper-conscious of every movement.

When the waiters cleared our dessert plates, they brought two glasses of a deep red liquid that seemed to glow slightly in the ambient light.

"Blood Moon wine," Derek explained, noticing my curious expression. "Extremely rare. Made from berries that grow only on the northern slopes of wolf territories, harvested exclusively during blood moons."

I looked at the ruby liquid with concern. "I should probably skip the alcohol," I said softly. "I want to remember every moment of tonight clearly."

Something flashed in Derek's eyes—approval, perhaps, or something warmer. He raised his own glass and drank it in one swallow. I couldn't help but watch the movement of his throat as he swallowed, my gaze lingering on the strong column of his neck.

After dinner, I rose from my seat to explore the garden more closely. Tiny lights floated among the leaves—not electrical, but actual fireflies, their gentle glow creating a magical atmosphere.

"It's beautiful," I murmured, watching the insects dance in the air. "Like floating stars."

I sensed Derek's presence before I heard him, feeling his warmth radiating behind me as he approached. "Yes," he said, his voice deeper than usual. "Beautiful." But when I glanced back, I found his eyes fixed on me rather than the fireflies.

---

I held my breath as his arms encircled my waist from behind, gently pulling me back against his chest. The heat of his body penetrated the thin fabric of my dress, warming my skin and making me acutely aware of every point of contact between us.

His lips brushed the sensitive skin of my neck, sending shivers down my spine. "Do you know how my wolf reacts every time I see you?" he whispered against my skin.

Before I could answer, he turned my body in his embrace, slowly backing me up until I felt the smooth bark of a silver birch tree behind me. His eyes had darkened, golden flecks now visible in their gray depths, evidence of his wolf close to the surface.

One hand moved to cup my face, his thumb tracing the curve of my cheek with surprising tenderness. Then his lips were on mine, the kiss starting gentle but quickly becoming more insistent, more possessive.

My wolf responded eagerly, pushing against my skin, desperate to be closer to her mate. I found myself returning his kiss with equal fervor, my hands gripping the lapels of his jacket, pulling him closer. His taste—coffee and something uniquely Derek—filled my senses, making me dizzy.

When we finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Derek rested his forehead against mine. His eyes, now more gold than gray, searched my face with an intensity that made my heart race.

"Be mine, Erin," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.

Hearing his words, joy surged through my heart. After all the uncertainty, all the doubts, Derek was finally acknowledging what I had known since I first saw him—we were meant to be together, bound by the Moon Goddess herself.

"The wolf inside me wants you," he continued, his hands tightening on my waist. "Because you're my Soul Bond, it can't resist your pull."

I closed my eyes, savoring his words, confirmation of our connection. But his next statement made my eyes snap open again, confusion replacing my joy.

"Do you remember when I rescinded the order to expel your brother Aaron?" Derek asked, a different quality to his voice. "I told you that favor would come with conditions."

A cold feeling began to spread in my chest, replacing the warmth from before.

"It's time for you to return the favor," he said, his eyes still locked with mine. "Become a woman who can satisfy my needs. All you have to do is come to me when I need you. In exchange, I'll give you a privileged life that every Omega dreams of."