Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 169

Chapter 169

Erin’s POV

I pulled my wrist free, suddenly concerned that my provocation might have gone too far. The last thing I needed was to Ignite a full–blown conflict between the Stone brothers. If Derek found out I had deliberately antagonized Bradley using our Soul Bond connection, there was no telling how he might react.

The campus café on the edge of Silvermoon Academy was a haven specifically designed for werewolf students:

The walls were lined with sound–dampening materials to accommodate our sensitive hearing, and the menu featured dishes with ingredients known to help young werewolves manage their transformations.

After the nightmare of Professor Wilson’s class, I desperately needed the comfort of friends. Amy and Jack were already waiting at our usual corner table, their heads bent together in conversation.

They looked up as I approached, Jack’s expression shifting subtly as he caught Derek’s faint scent still clinging to me.

“Hey, sorry I’m late,” I said, sliding into the chair across from them. I knew my dejection must be obvious from my slumped shoulders and tired eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Jack asked, his nostrils flaring slightly. “You smell like the Stone family…”

Amy shot him a warning glare. “Jack! How can you ask her so directly? She just came from Bradley’s class, of course she’s upset. Pretend you didn’t smell anything!”

I managed a weak smile at Amy’s fierce defense. She always knew exactly what to say.

“Yes, she’s right,” I agreed softly. “She really knows me… thank you.”

I ordered a “Moonlight Special,” a drink rumored to help stabilize the emotions of newly transformed werewolves. The bitter herbal flavor was an acquired taste, but I needed all the help I could get.

Amy reached into her bag and discreetly passed me a small bottle containing a silvery liquid. “Use this,” she whispered. “It’s a special perfume that masks scents. My aunt makes it.”

I accepted the bottle gratefully, slipping it into my purse. “Thank you.”

“By the way,” Amy said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “you look sexy in that skirt today. The exposed neck will make it easier for an Alpha to notice you.”

I felt heat rush to my cheeks. “No, it’s not like that. There’s no dating relationship. We’re just going to the Stone Group social club together. This skirt is just…”

“Derek never brings secretaries to private social events,” Jack interrupted, watching my reaction carefully.

I fidgeted with my cup, uncomfortable under his scrutiny. “It’s a business function. I need to take notes and… help with introductions.”

Even to my own ears, the explanation sounded weak. The truth was, I had chosen this outfit with Derek in mind, wanting to look my best despite telling myself I didn’t care what he thought of me.

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Bonded to My Ex’s Alpha Brother

Chapter 169

Erin’s POV

I pulled my wrist free, suddenly concerned that my provocation might have gone too far. The last thing I needed was to ignite a full–blown conflict between the Stone brothers. If Derek found out I had deliberately antagonized Bradley using our Soul Bond connection, there was no telling how he might react.

The campus café on the edge of Silvermoon Academy was a haven specifically designed for werewolf students.

The walls were lined with sound–dampening materials to accommodate our sensitive hearing, and the menu featured dishes with ingredients known to help young werewolves manage their transformations.

After the nightmare of Professor Wilson’s class, I desperately needed the comfort of friends. Amy and Jack were already waiting at our usual corner table, their heads bent together in conversation.

They looked up as I approached, Jack’s expression shifting subtly as he caught Derek’s faint scent still clinging to me.

“Hey, sorry I’m late,” I said, sliding into the chair across from them. I knew my dejection must be obvious from my slumped shoulders and tired eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Jack asked, his nostrils flaring slightly. “You smell like the Stone family…”

Amy shot him a warning glare. “Jack! How can you ask her so directly? She just came from Bradley’s class, of course she’s upset. Pretend you didn’t smell anything!”

I managed a weak smile at Amy’s fierce defense. She always knew exactly what to say.

“Yes, she’s right,” I agreed softly. “She really knows me… thank you.”

I ordered a “Moonlight Special,” a drink rumored to help stabilize the emotions of newly transformed werewolves. The bitter herbal flavor was an acquired taste, but I needed all the help I could get.

Amy reached into her bag and discreetly passed me a small bottle containing a silvery liquid. “Use this,” she whispered. “It’s a special perfume that masks scents. My aunt makes it.”

I accepted the bottle gratefully, slipping it into my purse. “Thank you.”

“By the way,” Amy said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “you look sexy in that skirt today. The exposed neck will make it easier for an Alpha to notice you.”

I felt heat rush to my cheeks. “No, it’s not like that. There’s no dating relationship. We’re just going to the Stone Group social club together. This skirt is just…”

“Derek never brings secretaries to private social events,” Jack interrupted, watching my reaction carefully.

I fidgeted with my cup, uncomfortable under his scrutiny. “It’s a business function. I need to take notes and… help with introductions.”

Even to my own ears, the explanation sounded weak. The truth was, I had chosen this outfit with Derek in mind, wanting to look my best despite telling myself I didn’t care what he thought of me.

1/2

Chapter 169

Around us, I could hear the whispers of other students, catching fragments of their conversations:

That’s the Blackwood girl who works for Alpha Stone…”

“I heard she was dating both brothers…”

“She must have special… talents… to keep the Alpha’s attention…”

Each whispered comment felt like a needle piercing my skin. I wanted to stand up and shout the truth–that I wasn’t some ambitious social climber trying to sleep my way into the pack hilerarchy.

I was just a girl unfortunate enough to have the Alpha as her Soul Bond, a man who saw her as nothing more than a convenient outlet for his wolf’s desires.

The pathway leading from Silvermoon Academy to the bus stop was lined with ancient silver pine trees, their scent sharp and comforting in the afternoon air. As I walked, I became acutely aware of being followed. My werewolf senses, still new but growing stronger each day, picked up the sound of footsteps matching my pace.

I quickened my stride, heart rate accelerating, when a sleek black sports car pulled up beside me. Bradley’s car.

The tinted window slid down smoothly, revealing Bradley’s handsome but troubled face. “I thought I could give you a ride to Stone Group. After all, I’m also going to visit my dear brother.”

“No thanks,” I replied curtly. “I’ll take the bus.”

Bradley inhaled deeply, his eyes narrowing. “Why? Are you afraid I’ll discover something, Erin? You’re wearing perfume?”

I shifted uncomfortably, aware that Amy’s special perfume wasn’t completely masking Derek’s scent on me. “Because you’re neither my boyfriend nor my friend. You’re just trying to use me to provoke Derek.”

Something changed in Bradley’s expression then–a seriousness that made me pause. “You don’t understand, Erin. I know what he did to you.”

I froze, shock coursing through me like ice water. “How do you know…?”

The small surveillance drones I’d noticed lurking in the bushes suddenly seemed much more sinister. How much had been captured? How much did Bradley know about my arrangement with Derek?

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