Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Erin POV

Finally, Lily concluded her presentation. Thank you for your attention, I believe this model represents a significant step forward in how we masage our territories, balancing tradition with innovation. She gave the audience a dazzling smile. “Im happy to answer any questions.”

The applause was enthusiastic. Several students even stood, clearly impressed by what they believed was Lily’s work. I felt sick to my stomach.

“Excellent presentation, Miss Winters, Professor Williams said, joining her at the podium, “A fascinating approach to resource management. Judges, co you have any questions?”

Two judges asked a few technical questions, which Lily answered with practiced ease–using my answers, of course. Then all eyes turned to Derek

“I have no questions at this time,” he said, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine despite my anger.

Lily’s smile faltered slightly. She’d clearly been hoping for praise from the Alpha

“Very well,” Professor said. “Thank you, Miss Winters. Our next presenter is Erin Blackwood with her project on- he paused, glancing at his notes with a frown. It seems we have the same topic listed. Well, I’m sure Miss Blackwood’s approach will be different.”

A ripple of confused

murmurs spread through the audience. Several people turned to look at me, curiosity and suspicion in their eyes

Lily returned to her seat, shooting me a triumphant smirk as she passed. “Good luck following that,” she whispered, just loud enough for me to hear

I stood on shaky legs, my mind racing. What was I supposed to do now? My entire presentation had just been given by someone else. If I tried to present the same material, everyone would think I was the one who had copied.

“What should I do? I asked Amy, panic rising in my chest.

“Then go up there and tell them,” Amy urged.

But would anyone believe me? It would be my word against Lily’s, and she was from a prominent Pack family. I was just an Omega wolf from a family with no real standing.

As I walked toward the stage, I could feel the weight of dozens of eyes on me, including Derek’s. My wolf stirred restlessly, torn between the desire to fee and the urge to prove myself to my mate.

“Miss Blackwood,” Professor Williams said, gesturing toward the podium. The floor is yours.”

1 swallowed hard, stepping up to face the audience. My hands trembled as I plugged in my USB drive. I had to at least try. Maybe I could emphasize the differences in our approaches, highlight aspects of the research that Lily might have glossed mig. I couldn’t just give up without a fight.

“Good morning.” I began, my voice surprisingly steady despite the turmoil within. Today I’d like to discuss-

The screen behind me suddenly flickered to life, but instead of my carefully prepared slides, a photo appeared.

My heart stopped

It was a picture of Bradley and me from months ago, his arm around my waist as we smiled at the camera. Then another photo appeared, this one of us kissing beneath a tree at the Darkwood Estate during one of the Pack gatherings.

“What is this?” I whispered, tuming to look at the screen in confusion

More photos appeared in quick succession–private moments from my relationship with Bradley. Some I recognized, others must have been taken without my knowledge. With each new image, the whispers in the audience grew louder, shifting from confusion to amusement to outright mockery.

Then text appeared on the screen, superimposed over a particularly intimate photo

I love you, Bradley. Even though we broke up, I still love you. But I want your brother too. What Omega could resist the powerful Pack Alpha?|

The auditorium erupted into chaos. Laughter, gasps, and shocked exclamations filled the air. I stood frozen at the podium, unable to move, unable to speak, as my private life was displayed for everyone to see.

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