Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 84

Erin's POV

The employees scattered like caught puppies, quickly returning to their workstations. "Nothing, we were just... trying to confirm the Alpha's mood today. You know, it's important for our work arrangements."

I walked slowly toward the coffee area, my thin heels making crisp sounds on the marble floor. "Why the sudden concern? Has Derek's mood affected anyone's work?"

A young female employee with short blonde hair boldly followed me, lowering her voice. "Last time he was in a terrible mood, the entire pack felt his anger. I heard from the management department that the Alpha was furious about something you did, even considering terminating your contract." She blinked curiously, "I just wanted to know what could make our usually calm Alpha so angry?"

My spirit was nearly at the breaking point—a night of tossing and turning had left faint dark circles under my eyes, and my brain felt shrouded in fog. All I wanted was to find a quiet corner to rest.

I took the special silver moon-patterned cup from under the premium coffee machine and asked expressionlessly. "If Alpha Derek truly wanted to terminate my position, do you think I would still be standing here making his coffee?"

The young female employee's face flashed with embarrassment. "Sorry, Miss Blackwood, I didn't mean to offend. It's just... there are so many rumors, I wanted to know the truth."

I looked around at all the employees who had perked up their ears, my voice not loud but exceptionally clear. "If you have any questions, I suggest you ask the Alpha directly." A cold smile hung at the corner of my lips, "But remember, spreading rumors about the Alpha's private affairs is not a wise move in the Darkwood Pack. Those who fabricate stories for attention will only embarrass themselves."

I paused, a dangerous light flashing in my eyes, "I will not be leaving this position, and the Alpha has no intention of firing me. That is the only fact."

My tone was as sharp and cold as a blade. The office immediately quieted down, everyone lowering their heads to focus on their work, understanding that my mood was exceptionally bad today.

I elegantly picked up the special coffee, ignoring the inquiring looks from several female werewolves who had previously gossiped about me in the break room, and walked straight back to the Alpha's office.

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"Alpha? Where are you?" I asked.

I heard a slight movement and turned to see Derek lazily leaning against the leather sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window, his long legs casually crossed, one hand holding a black titanium phone, the other resting on the sofa back, his entire being radiating a dangerous and alluring aura.

"Here's your coffee, Alpha," I said, gently placing the cup on the onyx side table next to the sofa, ensuring my voice wouldn't disturb him.

Derek slowly locked his phone screen, placed it on the coffee table, and unhurriedly raised his head, gray eyes flickering with an unfathomable light. "Come here."

My movements slightly stiffened. "W-what?"

Derek's long fingers lightly tapped the space beside him, his voice deep with an irrefusable command. "I said, come here. Literal meaning, little wolf."

My entire nervous system instantly tensed, doubt and fear intertwining as my thoughts raced—had I done something wrong? Why was he commanding me this way? Why could this wolf pack leader with absolute control so easily make my heart race and my breathing irregular?

I hesitantly stepped forward, but before I could fully approach, Derek moved with lightning speed—his long, powerful fingers suddenly gripped my slender wrist, pulling me forcefully toward him. Losing my balance, I gasped as I fell onto his broad lap, my black silk dress riding up slightly to reveal a glimpse of pale thigh.

My eyes widened in surprise like a startled deer, lips slightly parted, cheeks instantly heating as my palms pressed against his solid chest, trying to push myself up.

Derek's arm wrapped around my slender waist like an iron band, his movement containing a strength impossible to escape, firmly securing me in his embrace.

I felt the solid touch of his thigh muscles, involuntarily recalling a glimpse I'd once caught of him shirtless at the Darkwood Estate training grounds—perfectly sculpted abs, explosive arm definition, a powerful physique that would drive any female werewolf wild.

I squirmed slightly, my voice light as butterfly wings. "Alpha, I—"

Derek's hands intentionally tightened around my waist, a dangerous smile playing at his lips. "Why so nervous, little wolf? Is this your first time sitting on my lap?" His voice carried obvious teasing and subtle possessiveness.

I flashed back to my first day working at Stone Group, when I had accidentally fallen onto his lap.

I bit my lower lip lightly, my voice slightly trembling. "I have many files to organize, the pack financial statements need your signature... please let me handle this work first."

Derek raised one eyebrow, a dangerous light flashing in his gray eyes. "What work is so urgent? So important that it takes precedence over my request?"

I felt my throat tighten. "As the Alpha's personal secretary, it's my responsibility to ensure your schedule isn't affected, to make sure documents are delivered to each department on time..."

Derek's fingers, like someone appreciating a precious work of art, began at the nape of my neck and slowly traced down my spine, eventually stopping at the sensitive area of my lower back, slowly and attentively drawing small circles.

My back involuntarily straightened, like a startled deer, fingers tightly gripping the front of his suit, eyes instinctively closing, long eyelashes casting trembling shadows on my cheeks.

"Please wait... I'm not... I'm not ready for this," I said.

Time seemed to freeze as I waited for his response. Slowly opening my eyes, my amber orbs mixed with fear and unspeakable anticipation.

Derek's low laughter brushed past my ear like velvet. "You think I want to fuck you right now, my personal secretary?" His voice carried obvious teasing and subtle promise, "Here in the office? Before lunch time?"

I jerked my head up, pupils dilating in surprise. "You... what are you saying?" My earlobes were already red enough to nearly drip blood, my gaze involuntarily shifting elsewhere.

Derek firmly held my lower back with one hand, while the other gently caressed my cheek, pulling me closer until our noses nearly touched. I could smell the faint cedar fragrance in his breath.

My heart pounded like a drum, feeling his strong heartbeat beneath my palm, my entire body's blood seemingly turned to magma.

Derek gazed at me intensely. "Don't worry so much, little wolf. Everything will progress naturally, step by step." His voice was low and bewitching, "With time, you will adapt, learn, and eventually fully accept all of this."

His handsome face gradually moved closer. My gaze involuntarily fell on his perfect lips, as if drawn by a magnet.

"You can't even imagine what I'm going to do to you," Derek said, his voice as hot and dangerous as molten lava, "so I can only warn you..." he paused, his lips almost touching my earlobe, "prepare yourself for the coming storm."

An indescribable flutter rose in my abdomen. My breathing became rapid and shallow, my throat swallowing, eyes tightly closed, long lashes trembling slightly, my entire body seemingly waiting for some great impact.

When his lips finally touched mine, the contact brought an electric shock. Unlike our first impulsive kiss in his office, this one was calculated—a seal on our agreement. His lips moved against mine with practiced precision, firm yet surprisingly gentle. The pressure of his lips gradually increased, enticing rather than demanding a response.

I remained still for a moment, but then my body betrayed me. My lips softened under his, and though my mind hesitated, my body had already responded. His hand slid up to cradle the back of my neck, fingers tangling in my hair, deepening the kiss. The subtle taste of coffee and something uniquely Derek overwhelmed my senses, making me dizzy.

A small, involuntary sound escaped my throat—somewhere between a whimper and a sigh—and I felt him smile against my lips. His hand at my waist tightened possessively, pulling me closer until I could feel his solid chest against mine.

When he finally pulled away, his eyes had more golden flecks than before. His thumb brushed across my lower lip, slightly swollen from his kiss.

When his face finally moved away, I slowly opened my eyes, surprised to find a rare softness flash in Derek's eyes. He raised his hand, his large palm gently cradling my delicate jaw, his thumb lightly brushing the faint dark circles under my eyes.

Derek's expression remained serious but carried an uncommon concern. "Your complexion is much worse than usual, the shadows under your eyes are thicker than the meeting record book." His voice became softer yet still carried unquestionable authority, "It seems you haven't given yourself enough rest these past few days."

His fingers gently combed through my hair, his eyes flashing with rarely seen tenderness. "No more work today. Go home and rest, get some good sleep." Golden flecks flashed in the depths of his pupils, "I want to see you energetic tomorrow, not looking like you might collapse at any moment."