Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother Chapter 94

Erin's POV

I sat on Derek's lap, my body pressed against his muscular thighs. Every point of contact sent tiny electric currents through my fingertips. The afternoon sunlight filled the office, warming my exposed legs beneath my dress, the hem riding up slightly from my position.

Derek's arm encircled my waist, his large hand possessively resting on my hip. His thumb traced slow circles on my skin through the thin fabric of my dress, the heat of his touch penetrating the material to reach my flesh.

"Two days," Derek said, his deep voice reverberating through his chest into me, each word a vibration I could feel. "The gathering requires my presence for a full two days. As my personal secretary, you should accompany me."

I froze, suddenly acutely aware of how close we were, his breath fanning across my neck. "Two days? In another pack's territory?"

Derek's gray eyes focused on my face, dipping briefly to my lips before meeting my gaze again. I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry.

"Is that a problem, little wolf?" he asked, his fingers tightening slightly on my hip.

I bit my lower lip, noticing his eyes tracking the movement. "My mother... her heart condition. I don't think she would allow me to be away for so long."

A muscle in Derek's jaw tightened. "This is pack business, Erin. Not a personal trip."

I shifted slightly on his lap, trying to create some distance. The movement created unexpected friction, and I felt heat pool in my lower abdomen. Derek immediately increased his grip on my waist, holding me firmly in place against him. I could feel the tension in his muscles.

"I understand, Alpha," I said softly, trying to ignore my body's response to his proximity. "But my mother's health is fragile. Being away for two days might worry her."

Derek's brow furrowed, a flash of gold appearing in his gray eyes. His wolf was rising to the surface. I wondered if he could smell my desire, if he knew how fast my heart was beating with him so close.

"This isn't a request that you have the option to decline, Miss Blackwood," his tone was colder than before. His other hand came up, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my cheek longer than necessary. "This is official Darkwood Pack business. The arrangements have been made."

I studied his face, noting the subtle changes in his expression. The dilation of his pupils when I shifted on his lap. The slight flaring of his nostrils as he inhaled my scent. The tension in his shoulders betraying his own struggle for control.

"Alpha," I said, placing my palm against his cheek. His stubble scratched against my skin, sending another wave of heat through my body. "I'll go with you."

The gold in his eyes flashed brighter. "Good," he said curtly, but his body relaxed beneath me.

I rested my head against his shoulder, breathing in his scent of cedar and leather. My lips dangerously close to his neck. I wondered what would happen if I pressed my lips to his skin there, if I tasted him just there.

We sat in silence, nothing but the sound of our breathing and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat in my ear. His hand continued its exploration, moving from my hair to trace the curve of my spine through my dress. Each touch left a trail of warmth on my body.

I suddenly remembered the marketing employee's request. I straightened slightly, reluctantly moving away from his touch, and cleared my throat.

"Something else?" Derek asked, noting my hesitation, his hand falling to my thigh.

I twisted my fingers together, acutely aware of his touch. "I was wondering if I could... ask for something."

Derek's eyes narrowed, gold flecks appearing in the gray. His thumb began stroking my inner thigh, barely moving but immensely distracting. "What would you like to ask for?"

I struggled to focus despite his touch sending warmth spreading through my body. "The marketing team," I began carefully, "their quarterly report deadline... it's too tight. I was wondering if you might consider giving them a few more days."

Derek's entire body stiffened. His hand stopped its movement on my thigh, his fingers digging slightly into my flesh. "Who put you up to asking this?"

"No one," I answered quickly, hearing the dangerous note in his voice.

"Don't lie to me, Erin," he growled. The vibration from his chest transferred to me, causing an involuntary shiver. "Someone from marketing approached you, using your position to try to get to me, didn't they?"

I swallowed hard, my pulse quickening. Derek's face was now just inches from mine, his breath warming my lips. "A junior employee mentioned her family is sick. She's struggling to balance work and caregiving. I just thought—"

"You thought you could use our connection to influence my business decisions," Derek interrupted, his voice dangerously soft. His hand slid higher on my thigh, stopping at the hem of my dress.

My heart raced, both from anxiety and his proximity. His scent surrounded me, making it difficult to think clearly. "No, I just wanted to help—"

"You should know better than to lie to your Alpha," Derek cut me off. His eyes were now more gold than gray, his wolf clearly just beneath the surface. "I can smell your deception." His nostrils flared slightly, and I couldn't help wondering if he could also smell my desire, the heat pooling between my legs despite the tension of our conversation.

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. I shifted on his lap to fully face him, my knees straddling his thighs. This new position brought my core directly against his, and I had to bite my lip to prevent a gasp at the contact. I placed my palms against his chest, feeling his strong, steady heartbeat that seemed to quicken under my touch.

"Please don't punish her," I whispered, leaning in until my breasts lightly brushed against his chest. "Give them more time, mate. For me?" I used the term he only allowed in private, and when his pupils dilated, I felt a surge of power course through me.

Something in Derek's expression changed. His hands moved to my waist, fingers gripping tightly, hard enough to leave marks. He took one of my hands and brought it to his mouth. His eyes never leaving mine as he kissed my palm, then turned my wrist over and pressed his lips to the sensitive skin there, his teeth lightly grazing my pulse point.

"Three days," he said, his voice deeper than before. "They can have three more days, not because they deserve it, but because you asked."

Relief and desire intertwined as I felt his lips on my skin. "Thank you."

"What do I get in return?" he asked. His hands slid down to grasp my backside, pulling me more firmly against him. I could feel his arousal pressing against me through our clothes, hard and insistent.

My heart pounded in my chest. Not allowing myself to overthink, I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his. I intended the kiss to be brief, but Derek's hand moved to the back of my neck, holding me in place as he deepened the contact.

His tongue traced the seam of my lips, and I sighed, opening for him. His taste—coffee and something uniquely Derek—filled my senses.

When he finally released me, we were both breathing hard. I slid off his lap, backing toward the door on unsteady legs, my body still humming with unfulfilled desire.

"I should get back to work," I said, my voice sounding breathless and low.

Derek's eyes were fully gold now, tracking my every movement. He adjusted himself in his chair, making no attempt to hide his desire. "Yes, you should," he agreed, his voice rough with need. "For now."

I hurried from his office, my heart racing, my body aching for more of his touch.

---

Alone in my office, I pressed cool fingertips to my heated cheeks, replaying what had just happened. I had kissed Derek. Initiated a kiss on his lips. The memory sent another wave of heat through my body.

My phone suddenly vibrated on the desk, jolting me from my thoughts. Bradley's name flashed on the screen. I hesitated a moment before answering.

"Hello?"

"Erin! Perfect timing," Bradley's voice came through, full of energy and enthusiasm. "Free for dinner tonight? We could go over the project notes before meeting the other group members at my dorm."

I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was already past 5 PM. "Bradley, you know I can't leave before 8 PM. I'm the Alpha's personal secretary."

"Come on, Erin, this is important," he insisted. "Professor Wilson emphasized our grades depend on this group report. You don't want to fail, do you?"

I sighed, knowing he was right. The project was due next week, and we still had a lot of work to do. "I'll see what I can do, but no promises."

"Great!" Bradley's voice brightened. "I'll come pick you up—"

"No," I cut him off firmly. "If I can leave early, I'll meet you at your dorm. I'll take the bus."

A brief pause. "Are you sure? It's no trouble for me to pick you up—"

"I'm sure," I insisted. "Text me your dorm number, and I'll let you know when I arrive."

After hanging up, I leaned back in my chair, contemplating the change in Bradley and me. Weeks ago, when he had approached me after class, extending his hand in friendship rather than romantic pursuit, I'd been skeptical but relieved. Surprisingly, he had kept his promise. Our interactions had become genuinely comfortable, focused on academic work rather than our complicated past.

Yet, the thought of asking Derek for permission to leave early formed a knot in my stomach. Worse, I hadn't told him that Bradley was in my project group. It wasn't exactly a lie... but it wasn't the whole truth either.

Guilt gnawed at me. Why wasn't I just telling Derek outright? Was I afraid of his reaction?

I pushed these thoughts aside, focusing on the report in front of me. Derek's trust had been hard-won, and I wouldn't risk losing it for a simple school project.

Later, I promised myself. I would tell him later.