Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 111

Chapter 111

Erin’s POV

Sunlight streamed through the windows of the Silvermoon Academy cafeteria as I pushed salad around my plate with my fork, my mind continuously replaying fragments from last night. The feel of Derek’s body pressed against mine on the dance floor, his teeth grazing my earlobe, and the protective way he’d held me… these memories made my cheeks burn.

“Erin, earth to Erin,” Amy’s voice pulled me back to reality. “You’ve been staring at that piece of lettuce for five minutes.”

I blinked, noticing the amused expressions on my friends‘ faces. “Sorry, I was just thinking.”

“About a certain Alpha?” Amy teased, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Jack nudged her gently. “Leave her alone. She’s probably just tired from balancing school and her work at Stone Group.”

I nodded gratefully. My stomach fluttered whenever I thought about Derek’s behavior this morning–how different he’d seemed, the way his fingers had touched my chin at breakfast, that hint of teasing in his voice. It was so unlike the cold, distant Alpha I knew.

“Are you heading straight to work after class?” Jack asked.

I glanced at my watch, calculating how much time I had. “I should. There’s a project I need to complete for the Alpha.”

“Come on,” Amy protested, “you work all the time. At least eat a proper lunch first.”

As we chatted about upcoming exams and campus events, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out, expecting a message from Derek or my mother. But the screen displayed a number I didn’t recognize.

[Are you busy?]

I frowned, quickly typing back: [Who is this?]

The reply came almost instantly: [Your admirer.]

“What is it?” Jack noticed my confusion and asked.

I showed them the messages. “I don’t know who this is.”

Amy’s eyes widened with excitement. “Call them! Maybe you have a secret admirer.”

“It’s probably just a wrong number,” I said, but curiosity got the better of me. I pressed the call button, holding the phone to my ear, listening as it rang several times before going to voicemail.

“No answer,” I said, slipping my phone back into my pocket. “It’s nothing.”

Amy looked disappointed. “Maybe they’re shy.”

I checked the time and stood up. “I should go. Alpha Derek is expecting me.”

After saying goodbye, I walked toward the campus exit, pondering the strange texts. As I walked, my phone vibrated again.

1/3

Chapter 111

[Where are you?]

I hesitated before replying: I don’t talk to strangers.]

[But I’m not a stranger to you.]

I snorted, rolling my eyes. Probably just some random person texting for attention. I didn’t reply again, putting my phone back in my pocket and quickening my pace toward the bus stop.

When I walked into the gleaming lobby of Stone Group, I noticed the way people’s gazes immediately changed. Their eyes lingered on my purple floral dress and the designer shoes Tom had given me.

A female receptionist I’d seen but never spoken to suddenly smiled warmly. “Good afternoon, Erin. You look lovely today.

“Thank you,” I answered, surprised by her friendliness.

In the elevator, a group of employees whispered among themselves, occasionally stealing glances at me. I pretended not to notice, but their words carried clearly to my werewolf hearing.

“How can she afford those shoes? They cost more than my monthly rent.”

“Haven’t you heard? The Alpha pays her a special salary.”

Their speculation made me uncomfortable. Is this how they saw me now? The highly–paid secretary who could suddenly afford luxury brands? If they knew the truth–that Derek had purchased these clothes only because he thought my wardrobe inadequate to represent him.