Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 225

Chapter 225

Erin’s POV

It was Alex, the mysterious man who had helped me at Silver Pine Pack.

What are you doing in Darkwood Pack?” I finally managed to ask, my voice betraying my surprise.

Alex tilted his head, studying me with those penetrating eyes that seemed to see right through me. “I want to ask you the same question.‘

I frowned, taking a moment to really look at him. He was dressed differently than when I’d last seen him–today he wore an expensive tailored suit that fit his athletic frame perfectly. But there was something else about him, something I hadn’t noticed during our brief encounter before. A quiet power radiated from him, an aura of authority that I couldn’t quite place. It reminded me of someone, but I couldn’t figure out who.

“Who are you, exactly?” I asked. It reminded me of the question that Jack, Amy and I were investigating the meaning of his name

Alex’s lips curved into an amused smile as he noticed my scrutiny. “Don’t look at me like that. Or is it that you want to see me without clothes

on?

Heat rushed to my face. I took a step back, crossing my arms defensively. “Don’t be ridiculous,” I snapped, embarrassed and annoyed. “What are you doing here? You’re not from Darkwood Pack.”

“What, you’re not welcoming your savior?” Alex countered, his tone playful but with an edge. “Am I not allowed to visit your pack?”

I sighed, my shoulders dropping slightly. He had helped me before, and I was being rude. “You’re right. Thank you for helping me before. Welcome to Darkwood Pack.”

Alex leaned close, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered, “I haven’t reserved any woman here yet. Want to spend a lovely night together?”

I gasped, shoving him away with both hands. My anger flared hot and fast, making my hands shake. “How dare you?” I turned on my heel, walking away as quickly as I could, my heels clicking loudly on the pavement.

“Hey!” Alex called after me, his laughter carrying on the evening air. “I was just joking.”

I ignored him, continuing toward the bus stop. My cheeks burned with indignation. What was wrong with him? The man who had helped me at Silver Pine had seemed serious, almost concerned for my welfare. This man was… different. Playful. Inappropriate.

I reached the bench at the bus stop and sat down, pulling out my phone to check the schedule. To my dismay, Alex followed, settling beside me on the bench as if we were old friends.

“Why are you following me?” I demanded, edging away from him until I was pressed against the end of the bench.

“This isn’t your territory,” he replied smoothly. “I can sit wherever I want.”

I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, trying to reconcile the serious, almost protective man I’d met before with this teasing, boundary- pushing version. It was like he’d put on a different personality entirely.

Sighing, I looked down at my phone, debating whether to call Derek. My thumb hovered over his contact, which I’d labeled “Mate” in a moment of romantic foolishness. Now the sight of it made my chest ache. I bit my lip, wondering if he would even answer.

“Mate, huh?” Alex’s voice startled me. I looked up to find him reading my phone screen, his brows furrowed.

I quickly locked my phone, pressing it against my chest. “Don’t you know it’s rude to look at other people’s phones?”

Chapter 225

Something in Alex’s expression darkened, his eyes taking on a stormy quality that made me shift uncomfortality.

The bus was taking forever. I stood up, deciding to call a taxi instead. Alex rose with me.

All take you home,” he said, his hand closing around my wrist. “No need for a taxi.”

No, thank you, I replied firmly, pulling my arm free. His touch had been warm, but I didn’t want him thinking I needed his help.

He fell into step beside me as I walked away from the bus stop. “If you miss your mate so much, why don’t you call him?:

I kept walking, trying to ignore him. My fingers tightened around my phone.

What’s he busy with that he can’t make time for his mate? Alex pressed, his tone deceptively casual. I bet he doesn’t like you as much as you like him.

I stopped abruptly, turning to face him. My heart pounded in my chest, partly from anger and partly from fear that his words might be true.. How can you say that? You don’t even know my mate.”

Alex shrugged. “Just a guess, based on what happened last time.”

My heart stuttered. Did he know? Had he somehow figured out that Derek was my soul mate? That Derek was the pack Alpha? I swallowed hard, trying to keep my expression neutral.

What else have you guessed?” I asked cautiously.

Nothing to be afraid of,” Alex said, his eyes studying me intently. “If he loves you, he should tell the world you’re his soul bond. What’s there to bide?”

His words stung, hitting a raw nerve. Wasn’t that exactly what I’d been wondering myself? I looked down at my shoes, trying to hide the hurt that I knew must be visible on my face.

“Don’t mind me,” Alex added. “I’m just guessing your mate isn’t in a position to make you public.”

I felt a rush of relief. He didn’t know. He was just making assumptions based on what little he’d seen. I straightened my shoulders, trying to look more confident than I felt.

A sleek black car pulled up beside us, and the driver stepped out, bowing slightly to Alex before opening the passenger door. I stared at the display of deference, suspicion creeping back.

“It’s late, Alex said, holding the door open for me. “I can’t let you go back alone at this hour. It’s dangerous.”

3 hesitated, looking from Alex to the open car door. Something about Alex made me trust him despite his inappropriate jokes. He had helped me before, after all. And I was tired, emotionally drained from the day’s events with Derek. My feet hurt from standing all day, and the thought of waiting for another bus or taxi was exhausting.

“Thank you,” I said quietly, sliding into the back seat. Alex joined me, sitting close enough that I could smell his cologne–expensive and subtle.

I gave the driver my address, noticing how he glanced at Alex for confirmation before pulling away from the curb. That was odd. I turned to Alex, my curiosity overcoming my caution.

“Are you someone important? I blurted out,