Chapter 169
Erin’s POV
I pulled my wrist free, suddenly concerned that my provocation might have gone too far. The last thing I needed was to Ignite a full–blown conflict between the Stone brothers. If Derek found out I had deliberately antagonized Bradley using our Soul Bond connection, there was no telling how he might react.
The campus café on the edge of Silvermoon Academy was a haven specifically designed for werewolf students:
The walls were lined with sound–dampening materials to accommodate our sensitive hearing, and the menu featured dishes with ingredients known to help young werewolves manage their transformations.
After the nightmare of Professor Wilson’s class, I desperately needed the comfort of friends. Amy and Jack were already waiting at our usual corner table, their heads bent together in conversation.
They looked up as I approached, Jack’s expression shifting subtly as he caught Derek’s faint scent still clinging to me.
“Hey, sorry I’m late,” I said, sliding into the chair across from them. I knew my dejection must be obvious from my slumped shoulders and tired eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Jack asked, his nostrils flaring slightly. “You smell like the Stone family…”
Amy shot him a warning glare. “Jack! How can you ask her so directly? She just came from Bradley’s class, of course she’s upset. Pretend you didn’t smell anything!”
I managed a weak smile at Amy’s fierce defense. She always knew exactly what to say.
“Yes, she’s right,” I agreed softly. “She really knows me… thank you.”
I ordered a “Moonlight Special,” a drink rumored to help stabilize the emotions of newly transformed werewolves. The bitter herbal flavor was an acquired taste, but I needed all the help I could get.
Amy reached into her bag and discreetly passed me a small bottle containing a silvery liquid. “Use this,” she whispered. “It’s a special perfume that masks scents. My aunt makes it.”
I accepted the bottle gratefully, slipping it into my purse. “Thank you.”
“By the way,” Amy said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “you look sexy in that skirt today. The exposed neck will make it easier for an Alpha to notice you.”
I felt heat rush to my cheeks. “No, it’s not like that. There’s no dating relationship. We’re just going to the Stone Group social club together. This skirt is just…”
“Derek never brings secretaries to private social events,” Jack interrupted, watching my reaction carefully.
I fidgeted with my cup, uncomfortable under his scrutiny. “It’s a business function. I need to take notes and… help with introductions.”
Even to my own ears, the explanation sounded weak. The truth was, I had chosen this outfit with Derek in mind, wanting to look my best despite telling myself I didn’t care what he thought of me.
1/2
Bonded to My Ex’s Alpha Brother
Chapter 169
Erin’s POV
I pulled my wrist free, suddenly concerned that my provocation might have gone too far. The last thing I needed was to ignite a full–blown conflict between the Stone brothers. If Derek found out I had deliberately antagonized Bradley using our Soul Bond connection, there was no telling how he might react.
The campus café on the edge of Silvermoon Academy was a haven specifically designed for werewolf students.
The walls were lined with sound–dampening materials to accommodate our sensitive hearing, and the menu featured dishes with ingredients known to help young werewolves manage their transformations.
After the nightmare of Professor Wilson’s class, I desperately needed the comfort of friends. Amy and Jack were already waiting at our usual corner table, their heads bent together in conversation.
They looked up as I approached, Jack’s expression shifting subtly as he caught Derek’s faint scent still clinging to me.
“Hey, sorry I’m late,” I said, sliding into the chair across from them. I knew my dejection must be obvious from my slumped shoulders and tired eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Jack asked, his nostrils flaring slightly. “You smell like the Stone family…”
Amy shot him a warning glare. “Jack! How can you ask her so directly? She just came from Bradley’s class, of course she’s upset. Pretend you didn’t smell anything!”
I managed a weak smile at Amy’s fierce defense. She always knew exactly what to say.
“Yes, she’s right,” I agreed softly. “She really knows me… thank you.”
I ordered a “Moonlight Special,” a drink rumored to help stabilize the emotions of newly transformed werewolves. The bitter herbal flavor was an acquired taste, but I needed all the help I could get.
Amy reached into her bag and discreetly passed me a small bottle containing a silvery liquid. “Use this,” she whispered. “It’s a special perfume that masks scents. My aunt makes it.”
I accepted the bottle gratefully, slipping it into my purse. “Thank you.”
“By the way,” Amy said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “you look sexy in that skirt today. The exposed neck will make it easier for an Alpha to notice you.”
I felt heat rush to my cheeks. “No, it’s not like that. There’s no dating relationship. We’re just going to the Stone Group social club together. This skirt is just…”
“Derek never brings secretaries to private social events,” Jack interrupted, watching my reaction carefully.
I fidgeted with my cup, uncomfortable under his scrutiny. “It’s a business function. I need to take notes and… help with introductions.”
Even to my own ears, the explanation sounded weak. The truth was, I had chosen this outfit with Derek in mind, wanting to look my best despite telling myself I didn’t care what he thought of me.
1/2
Chapter 169
Around us, I could hear the whispers of other students, catching fragments of their conversations:
That’s the Blackwood girl who works for Alpha Stone…”
“I heard she was dating both brothers…”
“She must have special… talents… to keep the Alpha’s attention…”
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