Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 148

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hapter 148

A waiter appeared silently at our table, pouring water into crystal glasses before presenting menus. The chef has prepared special selections for you tonight,” he explained. “May I bring the first course?”

Derek nodded his approval, and the waiter departed, returning moments later with appetizers that made my mouth water Rare venison sliced paper–thin and seasoned with juniper oil. Fresh forest mushrooms prepared with herbs that only grow during the full moon. Bread baked from carefully cultivated varieties of grain.

Following werewolf etiquette, I served Derek first, carefully placing food on his plate before serving myself. The gesture, deeply ingrained in werewolf culture, symbolized respect for his Alpha status. Only after he had taken his first bite did I begin my own meal.

Throughout dinner, I was acutely aware of Derek watching me, his eyes growing darker whenever I looked up to meet his gaze. The intensity of his focus made my skin heat, and I found myself taking smaller bites, hyper–conscious of every

movement.

When the waiters cleared our dessert plates, they brought two glasses of a deep red liquid that seemed to glow slightly in the ambient light.

“Blood Moon wine,” Derek explained, noticing my curious expression. “Extremely rare. Made from berries that grow only on the northern slopes of wolf territories, harvested exclusively during blood moons.”

I looked at the ruby liquid with concern. “I should probably skip the alcohol,” I said softly. “I want to remember every moment of tonight clearly.”

Something flashed in Derek’s eyes–approval, perhaps, or something warmer. He raised his own glass and drank it in one swallow. I couldn’t help but watch the movement of his throat as he swallowed, my gaze lingering on the strong column of

his neck.

After dinner, I rose from my seat to explore the garden more closely. Tiny lights floated among the leaves–not electrical,

but actual fireflies, their gentle glow creating a magical atmosphere.

“It’s beautiful,” I murmured, watching the insects dance in the air. “Like floating stars.”

I sensed Derek’s presence before I heard him, feeling his warmth radiating behind me as he approached. “Yes,” he said, his voice deeper than usual. “Beautiful.” But when I glanced back, I found his eyes fixed on me rather than the fireflies.

I held my breath as his arms encircled my waist from behind, gently pulling me back against his chest. The heat of his body penetrated the thin fabric of my dress, warming my skin and making me acutely aware of every point of contact

between us.

His lips brushed the sensitive skin of my neck, sending shivers down my spine. “Do you know how my wolf reacts every time I see you?” he whispered against my skin.

Before I could answer, he turned my body in his embrace, slowly backing me up until I felt the smooth bark of a silver birch tree behind me. His eyes had darkened, golden flecks now visible in their gray depths, evidence of his wolf close to

the surface.

One hand moved to cup my face, his thumb tracing the curve of my cheek with surprising tenderness. Then his lips were on mine, the kiss starting gentle but quickly becoming more insistent, more possessive.

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Chapter 148

My wolf responded eagerly, pushing against my skin, desperate to be closer to her mate, I found myself returning nik S with equal fervor, my hands gripping the lapels of his jacket, pulling him closer. Fils taste–coffee and something untrasty Derek–filled my senses, making me dizzy.

When we finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Derek rested his forehead against mine. His eyes, now more gold than gray, searched my face with an intensity that made my heart race.

“Be mine, Erin,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.

Hearing his words, joy surged through my heart. After all the uncertainty, all the doubts, Derek was finally acknowledging what I had known since I first saw him–we were meant to be together, bound by the Moon Goddess herself.

“The wolf inside me wants you,” he continued, his hands tightening on my waist. “Because you’re my Soul Bond, it can’t resist your pull.”

I closed my eyes, savoring his words, confirmation of our connection. But his next statement made my eyes snap open again, confusion replacing my joy.