Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136

“I’m not lying, Alpha. Perhaps he just can’t accept losing.”

Derek’s gaze briefly dropped to my lips, and I thought he might kiss me right there in the elevator. My body tensed in anticipation, heat spreading through me at the prospect. But he merely made a noncommittal sound and restarted the elevator.

1 leaned against the mirrored wall, my heart pounding, my thighs pressed tightly together to ease the ache forming between them.

Later that morning, I walked to the break room to prepare Derek’s preferred black coffee. Upon entering, I noticed several senior female employees gathered in the corner. Their conversation abruptly stopped when I came in.

I pretended not to notice, walking toward the coffee machine, but one senior staff member deliberately raised her voice.

“Did you see the scene this morning?” she asked, clearly intending for me to hear. “That Blackwood girl refused Bradley’s flowers, then followed Derek straight into the elevator. Who does she think she is?”

A younger employee responded, “I heard she’s an Omega, but how can an Omega be so bold?”

The older woman scoffed, “Today she arrived with the Pack Alpha in his private car. We all know what that means. The little wolf is sleeping with him for money. After all, spreading your legs is easier than interviewing.”

“But Derek never lets secretaries ride in his private car,” the younger female pointed out. “It’s not his style.”

“That’s because she must have some leverage on him,” the older woman replied, anger flashing in her eyes. “Maybe she stole confidential Stone Group files.”

Their cruel words stung more than I wanted to admit. My wolf growled angrily inside me, causing me to lose focus. My fingers accidentally touched the hot coffee machine, and I pulled back in pain. The coffee cup slipped from my hand, crashing to the floor and drawing everyone’s attention.

The younger employee immediately rushed to my side. “Erin! Are you okay? Let me see.” She examined whispering, “Don’t mind her. She’s just jealous of your relationship with the Alpha.”

burn,

The older woman approached with feigned concern. “Oh my! Erin, are you all right? Should I call the medical staff?”

I took a deep breath, feeling my eyes flash amber. Looking directly at her, I said clearly, “Rather than gossiping about who arrived with whom, I think you should focus more on your own work. If the Pack Alpha discovers someone spreading rumors that damage the pack’s reputation, the consequences might be more than just termination.”

The break room fell silent, the other employees looking at each other uncomfortably.

As I left, my hand still throbbing, I wondered if Derek would be as angry about these rumors as I imagined. The thought of him defending my honor made my wolf restless.

I knocked gently on Derek’s office door, waiting for his permission before entering. He stood before the floor–to–ceiling

Chapter 136

windows, his back to me, the morning light outlining his powerful frame. I could see the tension in his shoulders, his hands clasped behind his back. My werewolf senses told me the Alpha’s emotions were in turmoil.

I walked into the office, placing the coffee in Derek’s preferred exact position–on the right side of his desk, precisely three centimeters from the edge. This familiar routine did nothing to calm my racing heart. I noticed his open laptop displayed records of historical conflicts between the Darkwood Pack and the Northern Packs, clearly preparing for today’s meeting.

“Your black coffee, Alpha,” I announced softly.

Derek didn’t turn around, his voice distant. “What happened to your hand?”

His observation surprised me. “Just a minor burn, Alpha.”

Derek turned and walked toward me. “Let me see.”

He took my hand, frowning as he examined the burn. His fingers wrapped around my wrist with unexpected gentleness, and I couldn’t help but recall how these same hands had pulled me into his embrace for that kiss. The memory sent heat rushing through my body.

“Who did this?” he demanded, his thumb lightly stroking the uninjured part of my wrist.

I lowered my gaze, intensely aware of how close he stood. “There was some gossip in the break room. I got distracted. Alpha, I think you should eat something. The Northern Pack representatives will arrive soon.”

Derek released my hand and returned to his desk. “You don’t need to remind me of anything. I know how to handle my affairs. Finish your breakfast, then return to your office and continue working.”

His sudden coldness left me confused and unsettled. “Have I done something wrong? You seem angry.”