Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 170

Chapter 170

‘You want to make my brother jealous, right?” Bradley continued, his voice taking on a persuasive tone. “Want to escape this trap? Why not come with me to Stone Group? If I’m there, he won’t dare force you to do anything.”

I studied his face, noting the gleam of excitement and ambition in his eyes. This wasn’t about helping me this was about his own power play against his brother.

“When did I tell you I wanted that?” I asked carefully. “Why should I trust you?”

“You said it in class when I grabbed your wrist, remember?” Bradley smiled, all charm now. “You said you wanted to make him jealous.”

I shook my head firmly. “No, thank you. You’re just trying to use me against Derek, continuing your power games. I have other ways to solve this problem.”

As I walked away, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was caught in the middle of something much larger than a simple family rivalry. The Stone brothers‘ conflict had deep roots, and I was just the latest battlefield in their war.

The bus was nearly empty when I boarded, just a few human commuters who barely glanced my way. I settled into a seat near the back, acutely aware of the security cameras monitoring the interior. In a city controlled by werewolf packs, surveillance was everywhere.

I smoothed down my skirt, suddenly self–conscious. Is this too short? I wondered, eyeing the hem that fell just above my knees. I’d wanted to look professional yet attractive for tonight’s club meeting, but now I was second–guessing every

choice.

The truth I couldn’t admit even to myself was that I was afraid–afraid of being forced to accept the mating bond with

Derek, afraid of what refusing might mean for both of us.

According to werewolf legends, rejecting a Soul Bond brought suffering to both parties. Was Derek already feeling that pain? Was that why his wolf was so desperate to claim me, even if his human side refused to acknowledge any deeper

connection?

The bus pulled up to Stone Group’s imposing glass and steel headquarters, and I took a deep breath before stepping off. The building seemed to loom larger than usual, almost threatening in its grandeur.

The moment I entered Stone Group’s lobby, I sensed something had changed. The biometric security system recognized me immediately, displaying “Blackwood Family Omega Alpha’s Special Access” on the screen.

Several female employees stopped their conversations abruptly, watching me with nervous expressions. One even lowered her head slightly in a gesture that looked almost like deference.

“Miss Blackwood,” the receptionist greeted me with a bow that seemed deeper than usual, “the Alpha is waiting for you. Please go directly to the top floor.”

My stomach tightened with apprehension as I made my way to the executive elevator. Something was definitely different. Had Derek told people about our arrangement? Was I now being treated differently because they thought I was the

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Chapter 170

Alpha’s… what? Mistress? Future mate?

On the top floor, a female colleague approached me as I stepped out of the elevator.

“Good afternoon,” I said cautiously.

“I can see you’re dressed up for the club meeting,” she replied with a warm smile that surprised me. “Wearing your hair down makes you look more mature and beautiful.”

I blinked, unsure how to respond to this unexpected compliment. “Thank you, I-”

“You’re very pretty,” she continued, her eyes appraising my outfit. “Beautiful clothes showcase your beauty even better.”

I felt my cheeks warming at her praise. “That’s very kind of you. I should go to the Alpha’s office now.”

“But his office is empty,” she said, tilting her head.

“What? I mean, where is he?” I asked, trying not to sound too concerned.

“He was talking with his mother when he left his office, so I guess he went to see her.”

My heart skipped a beat. Derek’s mother, Judy Stone, had been ill recently–I’d overheard conversations about it. Despite everything that had happened between Derek and me, I couldn’t help feeling worried. Family was important to werewolves, and no matter how cold Derek seemed, I knew he cared deeply for his mother.

I went to my own small office, setting down my bag and checking my appearance in the compact mirror I kept in Should I call Derek? Ask about his mother? Would that be overstepping the boundaries of our arrangement?

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