Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20

1 started in furn away, not wanting to hear more, when the doors swung open. Students began filing out, their excited chatter filling the hallway. I pressed myself against the wall, hoping to blend into the background, but I was immediately spotted

“There she is,” someone whispered loudly. The girl who tried to seduce both Stone brothers.”

“So pathetic,” another voice added.

I kept my head down, trying to ignore them, but then a familiar perfume wafted past, and unmistakably Lily’s. I looked up involuntarily to find her standing just feet away, surrounded by a group of admirers, clutching a crystal trophy. Her smile was dazzling as she accepted congratulations.

Our eyes met, and her smile deepened, triumph and malice gleaming in her eyes.

“Erin,” she said loudly, making sure everyone could hear. Tm so sorry about what happened with your… presentation. Perhaps you should have spent more Time on your research rather than chasing after men who are out of your league.”

Her friends ittered, exchanging knowing glances.

“You stole my project,” I said, the words bursting out before I could stop them. “That was months of my research, my analysis. You stole it!”

hush fell over the group Lily’s expression hardened for a split second before morphing into practiced concern.

You claim “Oh, Erin,” she sighed dramatically. “I know it must be difficult to see someone succeed where you failed, but these accusations are just sad. First, to be the Alpha’s Soul Bond, and now you’re saying I stole your work? When will the lies end?”

One of her friends stepped forward, her expression contemptuous. “Look who’s talking. The gold digger who tried to trap Bradley, and when that didn’t work, went after his brother. You’ve nothing but a desperate omega looking for a way to climb the Pack hierarchy.”

“That’s not true,” I protested, but my voice was drowned out by their laughter.

“Everyone knows you made up that Soul Bond claim,” another girl added. “As if the Alpha would ever choose someone like you.”

Lily stepped closer, lowering her voice to a stage whisper. “The sad thing is, Bradley was only with you because he felt sorry for you. He told me everything- wow clingy you were, how you’d do anything to keep him interested. It was embarrassing, really.”

Each word was precisely calculated to cause maximum pain. Lily knew all my insecurities, all my fears–I’d confided in her for years, never suspecting she’d use that knowledge against me.

“You’ll regret this,” I finally managed, my voice barely above a whisper. “What you did today–stealling my project, sabotaging my presentation–you’ll pay for

eventually

Lily’s smile never faltered. “Is that a threat, Erin? Because threatening a Beta wolf when you’re nothing but an Omega is a serious Pack offense. I’d be careful

I were you.”

I couldn’t take anymore. I pushed through the crowd, ignoring the continued whispers and stares, heading for the nearest exit. Each step felt heavier than the last, as if my body was being weighed down by the accumulating shame and anger.

Outside, the cool air hit my flushed skin like a slap. I gulped it down, trying to clear my head, but the rage and humiliation continued to build, a pressure inside my chest that threatened to explode.

by wolf was no longer content to stay hidden. She clawed at my insides, demanding release, demanding retribution, I could feel my control slipping as my vision sharpened, color becoming more vivid, scents more intense…

“Calm down,” I whispered to myself, ducking into a deserted corner of the campus. “Don’t shift. Not here. Not now.”

My nails lengthened into claws, sharp enough to leave gouges in the brick wall I was leaning against. My canines extended, pressing uncomfortably against my lower lip. I could feel the beginnings of the shift nippling under my skin, the painful precursor to full transformation

No, I gasped, pressing my forehead against the cool brick. “Stop. Please stop.”

I faved myself to take deep breaths, trying to find something to anchor myself, I focused on Mom’s face, on how devastated she would be if I were exis from the Pack. I thought of Aaron, working so hard to rebuild his reputation after I’d cost him his position.

Slowly, painfully, I regained control. The claws retracted, my teeth returned to normal, though my vision remained unnaturally sharp–a sign that my wolf was still close to the surface.

I pushed myself away from the wall, still trembling from the effort of containing the shift. I needed to get home before my control slipped again.

Avoiding the main paths where I might encounter other students, I headed for a seldom–used side exit that would let me leave campus without being seen.

The hallway was dimly lit and empty, perfect for my escape. I moved quickly, my footsteps echoing on the polished floor. Almost there. Just around this comer and 12 reach the door.

I turned the comer at full speed, not watching where I was going, and slammed hard into someone again. Strong hands gripped my shoulders to steady me, and a familiar scent engulfed me–cedar, leather, and something uniquely male that made my wolf instantly surge forward again.

“I’m so sorry I wasn’t looking-“The words died in my throat as I looked up into steel–gray eyes that had haunted my dreams for six months.

Derek Stone.

h–held me at arms length, his expression unreadable as he looked down at me. His fingers tightened slightly on my shoulders before he abruptly released me and stepped back.

seems your performance today left much to be desired, Miss Blackwood,” he said, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine despite the coldness of

his words.