After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 27

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

Brad sat at the grand piano, his tall and imposing figure framed by the soft glow of the setting sun. The light danced across the polished surface of the piano, casting a warm hue over the room. His fingers glided across the keys with an unexpected elegance, coaxing forth a melody that enveloped the space in a hauntingly beautiful embrace. In that moment, I was struck by a profound realization: I had never seen him appear so… human. The usual icy demeanor that cloaked him like armor had melted away, replaced by an expression of deep concentration that seemed to reveal a side of him I had never encountered before.

I remained seated, rooted to the spot, hesitant to disrupt the enchanting spell that had transformed the once-intimidating Alpha into this captivating musician. A part of me longed to retreat quietly, to escape the vulnerability of the moment, yet I found myself unable to tear my gaze away from him. It was as if the music held me captive, binding my heart to this unexpected scene.

From the periphery of my vision, I caught sight of Martha and Alex engaged in a whispered conversation near one of the elegantly set side tables. Their hushed tones were filled with curiosity and concern.

“Alpha is home early today,” Martha murmured, glancing toward Brad with a mix of surprise and intrigue. “Isn’t the Council still in session?”

Alex’s lips curled into a knowing smile, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. “I suspect Alpha will be making a habit of coming home on time from now on.”

A frown creased my brow as I pondered the implications of his words. What could this mean for us? My thoughts were abruptly interrupted as I recognized the melody Brad was playing. It was “Love Story”—the very song I had been humming earlier that morning while tending to the plants on the terrace. A shiver raced down my spine. Had he heard me? I had thought I was alone in my quiet reverie.

As if sensing my presence, Brad lifted his gaze, his amber eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sent my heart racing. I expected him to halt his playing, to acknowledge my intrusion, but instead, he continued, his fingers dancing effortlessly over the keys, his focus unwavering.

“You missed a note this morning,” he remarked casually, his tone light yet tinged with an undercurrent of seriousness. “The bridge goes like this.”

He played the section again, and I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me. He was right; I had indeed sung it incorrectly.

“I didn’t realize werewolves had a taste for pop music,” I said, stepping tentatively into the room, my curiosity piqued.

“We’re not entirely uncivilized,” he replied, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of his mouth, betraying the stoic facade he often wore.

I noticed the human staff exchanging glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and disbelief at witnessing their Alpha engage in such a relaxed conversation, especially with someone like me—a mere human.

Brad’s hands came to a halt on the keys, and he turned to me with a probing gaze. “Why did you learn to play the piano if you didn’t enjoy it?”

His question caught me off guard, and I hesitated before answering. “How did you know I didn’t enjoy it?”

“Your fingers,” he replied, his voice steady. “They tense up incorrectly when you sit at the instrument. It’s the tension of obligation, not passion.”

I glanced down at my hands, astonished by his keen observation. “In the human community, my life has always revolved around being chosen for things, not making choices for myself.”

Brad’s amber eyes bore into mine, filled with an intensity that made my heart flutter. “So, you’ll try to be a good mate too? Out of obligation?”

His question hung heavy in the air, and a pang of disappointment pierced through me. I forced a smile, one that didn’t quite reach my eyes. What else could I say? The concept of being a ‘mate’ still eluded me, reduced to the simplistic notions of bearing his child and wearing his mark.

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