Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 121

Bonded to My Ex’s Alpha Brother

Chapter 121

Erin’s POV

And Erin, I hope your mother likes that crystal necklace you bought her. It looks beautiful, and I know how many extra hours you worked for it.”

Derek’s eyes met mine, something resembling regret flickering across his face.

“She’s safely home now, Derek abruptly said. “Goodnight. He ended the call before Tomas could respond.

For a long moment, neither of us spoke. Derék stared at the crystal necklace in his hand, his expression unreadable.

“So that’s what this is about,” I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper. The realization of what he’d been implying hit me like a physical blow. “You thought I got this necklace from Thomas? That I… I couldn’t even finish the sentence.

Derek’s jaw tightened. “The timing was suspicious. You suddenly have an expensive gift after meeting with an unknown

male wolf.”

Tears welled in my eyes, blurring my vision. But beneath the hurt, anger began to rise – hot and fierce. I felt thoroughly humiliated by his accusations, wounded that after everything, he still thought so little of me.

“In your heart, is that who you think I am?” My voice shook with emotion. “Do you honestly believe I would be the kind of

woman who sleeps with a man for a necklace?”

Derek’s expression remained stoic, but something flickered in his eyes.

“Answer me!” I demanded, my voice rising. “After all these weeks working together, is that really who you think I am? Some cheap Omega who can be bought with trinkets?”

When he didn’t immediately respond, I reached for the door handle. I needed to get away from him, away from his distrust

and hurtful suspicions. I pushed the door open and stepped into the cool night air, not caring that we were at a remote lookout point far from home.

“Erin!” Derek called after me, but I ignored him, walking blindly away.

My high heels weren’t suited for the rough terrain, and I stumbled slightly on the gravel path. The night had grown colder, and I wrapped my arms around myself, wishing I’d brought a jacket.

I heard the car door slam shut, then Derek’s footsteps. I quickened my pace, though I knew trying to outrun him was

futile.

“Erin, stop,” he commanded, his voice carrying all the authority of an Alpha.

I whirled around, tears streaming down my face now. “No! I won’t be commanded by someone who thinks I have so little self–respect!” My voice broke. “In your eyes, I’ll always be just a disposable Omega, won’t I? Someone who would sell herself for a pretty bauble?”

Derek stood frozen, his usual composure faltering. For once, the mighty Alpha seemed at a loss for words.

“I saved for months to buy that necklace for my mother,” I continued, my voice thick with emotion. “I worked overtime, I skipped lunches. I wanted to give her something beautiful because she deserves it after everything she’s sacrificed for me.”

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Chapter 121

I wiped angrily at my tears. “But you wouldn’t understand that, would you? In your world, everyone has an angle, everyone can be bought.”

I heard a dull thud–the sound of his fist hitting something solid -followed by a low, frustrated growl. When I glanced back, I saw Derek standing beside his car, his fist pressed against the roof where a small dent had formed. His eyes glowed golden in the darkness.

“You can’t just walk around in the wilderness,” Derek called, his voice closer as he followed me. “It’s dangerous out here.

“More dangerous than your distrust of me?” I turned to face him, tears glistening in the moonlight. “You’d rather believe I’m that kind of person? Of all people, you should know me better!”

Derek’s face softened in the darkness, the gold receding from his eyes. “Get in the car, Erin. The temperature is dropping.”

“I’d rather walk home,” I said stubbornly, hugging my arms tightly across my chest.

“Please get in the car,” Derek said quietly.

I stood there, stunned. In all the time I’d known him, I’d never heard Derek say “please” to anyone. The unexpected word completely caught me off guard.

I stood there, wavering between pride and practicality. The cold night air bit at my exposed skin, and I knew walking home from here was impossible. But letting Derek drive me home after he had insinuated such things felt like defeat.

“Erin,” my name was softer on his lips this time, almost a sigh. He moved closer, his tall figure outlined in the moonlight. “I was wrong.”