Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 16

The auditorium remained silent. No one had seen Lily all morning.

“Very well,” Professor Williams said after moment. “We’ll proceed with Miss Blackwood, and if Miss Winters arrives, we’ll adjust accordingly.”

Π

I took a deep breath and stood. Just as I started walking toward the aisle, the auditorium door at the back swung open with a bang that made everyone jump.

Lily strode in as if she owned the place, her high heels clicking against the polished floor. Her long blonde hair was pulled back in an elegant twist wore an expensive–looking navy suit that made my simple white blouse and black pants feel painfully inadequate.

I froze mid-step, caught in the awkward position of having half–risen from my

seat while Lily commanded everyone’s i

s attention.

“I apologize for my tardiness, Professor,” she announced, not sounding sorry at all as she approached the stage. “I had some last minute preparations to complete. I was so focused on perfecting my project that I seem to have lost track of time.”

Professor frowned, clearly displeased by the interruption. “Miss Winters, you’re just in time. We were about to move on to Miss Blackwood’s presentation in your absence.”

Lily’s eyes flickered to me. “Oh, I wouldn’t want to disrupt the schedule. I’m prepared to present now, as planned.”

I slowly sank back into my s seat, a strange sense of foreboding settling over me as Professor nodded.

Lily flashed him a dazzling smile. Of course, Professor. I just want to make sure my presentation materials are properly uploaded.” She held up a USB drive.

I watched, a knot forming in my stomach, as she handed her drive to the tech assistant. There was something about her confidence that felt off.

“She’s certainly making an entrance,” Jack muttered beside me.

“That’s Lily.” I replied, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice. “Everything’s always about her.”

As Lily took her seat across the aisle, her eyes met mine. Instead of the guilt or shame one might expect from someone who had betrayed their best friend. she gave me a small, smug smile before deliberately looking away.

My wolf growled in response, clawing at my insides. The same wolf who had been so focused on Derek now wanted to challenge Lily, to make her submit for her betrayal

Lily walked confidently to the podium, pausing to smooth her already perfect haib “Good morning, esteemed judges, Professor Williams, fellow students. Today I’m honored to present my innovative approach to resource management specifically designed for the unique needs of our pack.”

1 leaned forward, curious despite myself. Lily had never shown any interest in resource management before. In fact, she’d frequently complained about my “boring” research on sustainable practices for werewolf territories.

I watched with growing anticipation, curious about what Lily would present. My own project had taken months of research and analysis, exploring sustainable resource management models that could benefit werewolf territories without compromising our traditional ways. It was something I was genuinely proud of, and I couldn’t wait for my turn to share it with everyone–especially Derek.

As the first slide appeared on the screen, I felt the blood drain from my face.

“That’s my project,” I whispered, shock giving way to rage that burned through me like wildfire. “She stole my project!”

Amy glanced at me in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

me like a

“Everything she’s presenting–it’s all mine. I’ve been working on this for months. She must have” I stopped suddenly, the realization hitting me physical blow. “The USB drive. She must have copied my files when I submitted them this morning.”

The volunteer who had taken my drive–she’d reacted to my name. She must have been working with Lily.

My eyes darted to Derek, wondering if he could somehow sense the deception. But his expression remained neutral as he watched Lily’s presentation, occasionally making notes on the pad in front of him.

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Chapter 16

Every word she spoke was like a knife twisting in my chest. This wasn’t just academic theft–it was personal. Lily had already taken Bradley from me. Now she was stealing my work, my future, my chance at building something for myself beyond Pack politics.

“Tcan’t believe this,” I muttered, my hands curling into fists. I could feel my wolf rising to the surface, responding to my rage. My vision sharpened, colors becoming more vivid as my wall’s perceptions began to bleed into my own.

“Erin,” Sarah whispered urgently from in front of me, turning around with wide, frightened eyes. “Your eyes are changing. Calm down! The Alpha will notice.

I forced myself to take deep breaths, struggling to push my wolf back down. The last thing I needed was to shift–or even partially shift–in the middle of the auditorium. And Sarah was right–drawing Derek’s attention this way would only make things worse.

“That’s my project,” I repeated, my voice shaking with the effort of controlling myself. “She stole it from me, just like she stole Bradley.