After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 22

**The Billionaire Who Claimed My Heart and Who Broke Fate for Me**

**Chapter 22**

Elle’s POV

A sharp intake of breath rippled through the room, a collective gasp that seemed to echo off the walls. If they were werewolves, they would have sensed it—the unmistakable mark he had left on me—but they were merely human employees, their faces painted with shock. Many of them averted their eyes, a clear sign of respect and deference. I caught fragments of hushed conversations swirling around me:

“…a human mate?”

*…carrying the Rayne heir…”

“…never thought the Alpha would…”

As Brad released his grip on my collar, the tension that had thickened the air began to lift, yet I was engulfed by a wave of embarrassment. This public display of claiming felt more significant than the marking ceremony itself. Now, everyone was aware of our bond. There was no retreating to the shadows, no maintaining a facade of professionalism or discretion.

“I’m sorry,” I murmured, my gaze dropping to the polished floor beneath my feet. “I embarrassed you just now.”

“Hmph,” Brad grunted, his tone dismissive. “If it weren’t for the child, I wouldn’t bother with such trivial matters.” His voice was cold, yet there was an underlying warmth in his eyes that contradicted his words. “You’re going to be the mother of an Alpha heir now. Make yourself look like one!”

I kept my head bowed, unable to meet his penetrating gaze. He was right; I was no longer the same Elle I used to be.

My baby was my only shield in this world. Without this pregnancy, I would still be in that back office, filing reports, invisible and vulnerable, just another face in the crowd.

Thank you, little one, I thought, placing a hand on my still-flat stomach. My fingertips grazed the spot where my baby was growing, a silent acknowledgment of the life blossoming within me. If not for you, I might be nursing a bruised cheek right now, or worse, packing up my desk like Kayla had done.

As I cast a glance at my contrite expression in a nearby reflective surface, I noticed a subtle shift in Brad’s demeanor. The rigid anger that had tightened his shoulders seemed to soften, if only for a heartbeat. For a fleeting moment, I thought I detected concern in his amber eyes before they hardened back into their customary impassivity.

“Come,” he commanded, his voice losing some of its earlier sharpness. “Let’s go.”

He placed a firm yet gentle hand on my back, guiding me toward the executive dining area, leaving Kayla still kneeling on the floor behind us. The warmth of his touch was unexpected—almost protective rather than merely possessive. I found myself leaning into his hand, drawn to the comfort it provided.

As we ascended the stairs to the third level, I couldn’t help but notice how the other diners instinctively averted their gazes. The werewolves subtly tilted their heads in a gesture of submission as Brad passed by. Some even rose from their seats, a show of respect that left me feeling both bewildered and strangely important. A few bolder souls dared to steal glances at me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and surprise.

The restaurant’s upper tier was a stark contrast to the main floor. The lighting was softer, casting a warm glow over the tables that were spaced farther apart, allowing for a sense of privacy. The air was filled with subtle, calming scents that I couldn’t identify but suspected were tailored to the sensitive noses of the werewolves. Crystal glasses sparkled under recessed lighting, and the silverware was actual silver—specially treated, I knew, to ensure it wouldn’t harm the werewolf diners.

At the far end of the room stood a tall, strikingly beautiful woman with flowing silver-gray hair. Despite the youthful contours of her face, there was an ancient wisdom in her eyes that made me instinctively want to retreat behind Brad. Her posture was impeccable, and her movements were fluid and graceful, a testament to her werewolf heritage.

“Alpha Rayne,” she greeted, her voice melodious yet laced with undeniable authority. “I see the rumors of your new mate are true.” Her gaze locked onto me with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. Her eyes were an unusual shade of blue—so pale they almost appeared silver in the dim light.

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