Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 145

Chapter 145

Erin’s POV

I stood outside Darkwood Estate, clutching my small handbag so tightly my knuckles turned white. The elaborate entranc loomed before me, illuminated by elegant outdoor lights casting warm glows across the manicured lawns. Music and laughter drifted from inside where the celebration was already in full swing.

“Are you ready to go in?” Amy asked, adjusting her emerald dress. She looked stunning, her blonde hair framing her face in loose waves that fell perfectly.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. “I don’t know if I’m ready to see… him.”

Amy squeezed my arm reassuringly. “Look at you! You look absolutely stunning. I must say, the Alpha has excellent taste. That silver–blue dress fits you perfectly, like it was custom–made just for you.”

I smoothed down the silken fabric of the dress Derek had sent me. The material caught the light with every movement, creating an ethereal effect. The neckline was lower than anything I typically wore, revealing my collarbone and a hint of cleavage, making me both nervous and excited.

“Thank you for helping me get ready,” I said, gratitude filling my voice. Amy had spent hours preparing me–styling my hair into an elegant updo with a few loose strands framing my face, applying makeup that enhanced my features without being too heavy.

“What are friends for?” Amy grinned. “Besides, I’m dying to see Derek’s face when he sees you in this dress.”

Jack walked over from the parking area, looking handsome in his dark suit. “The valet says the parking area is almost full. This must be quite the event.”

I took another deep breath to steady myself. “Alright, I’m ready. Let’s go.”

Inside Darkwood Estate, crystal chandeliers hung from high ceilings, casting prismatic light across marble floors. Exquisite floral arrangements including rare moon lilies adorned elaborate tables.

Pack members and business associates mingled in the grand hall, men in tailored suits and women in elegant gowns. Waiters circulated with trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

My eyes scanned the crowd for Derek, but he was nowhere to be seen. The intensity of my disappointment surprised even

1. me.

“Look at this place,” Amy whispered, her eyes wide with awe. “I’ve never seen anywhere so beautiful.”

Jack nodded in agreement. “The Darkwood Pack certainly knows how to display their power and wealth.”

As we moved further into the room, I noticed several male werewolves watching me with undisguised interest. Their gazes made me uncomfortable, and I instinctively moved closer to Amy and Jack.

“Erin Blackwood,” a deep voice came from behind me.

I turned to find Delta Mark approaching, dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit that emphasized his athletic build. He

Chapter 145

swept his gaze over me appreciatively.

“I almost thought I was looking at a famous model,” he said, a note of genuine surprise in his voice. “You’re as beautiful as a flower in morning dew.”

Heat crept up my neck at his unexpected compliment. “Thank you, Delta Mark. That’s very kind of you.”

I quickly introduced him to Amy and Jack, both of whom seemed impressed by his presence.

“The Pack Alpha hasn’t arrived yet,” Mark checked his watch as he told me. “But he should be here soon. The Alpha of the

Northern Pack is already waiting to speak with him.”

I nodded, trying to hide my disappointment. A part of me had hoped Derek would be waiting for me, eager to see how I

looked in the dress he had chosen.

“Would you like me to get you something while you wait?” Mark offered. “A drink, perhaps?”

Before I could answer, the crowd suddenly quieted. The double doors at the end of the hall opened, and a staff member announced in a clear, carrying voice:

“Pack Alpha Derek Stone.”

My heart involuntarily skipped a beat as Derek entered the hall, effortlessly commanding everyone’s attention. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit with a dark gray shirt that brought out the stormy color of his eyes. No tie, with the top button of his shirt casually undone, revealing an enticing glimpse of his throat.