Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 181

Chapter 181

Erin’s POV

The morning sun filtered through the towering windows of Silvermoon Academy, casting golden streaks across the polished fonts. My heart hummed with a warmth I couldn’t suppress, a secret glow that made every step lighter.

Amy matched my pace, her dark curls bouncing as she leaned closer, eyes glinting with mischief. Erin, what’s got you grinning like you’ve w the pack lottery?”

Her voice was teasing, but her gaze was sharp, searching for answers. When I didn’t reply, just let my smile widen, she gasped dramatically, clutching my arm. “Oh, don’t tell me… did the Alpha finally make his move last night?”

The question hit like a spark, and I jolted, heat flooding my cheeks. My fingers fumbled with the strap of my bag, and I shot her a look, half exasperated, half–mortified. “Amy!” I hissed, but the blush creeping up my neck betrayed me.

She grinned, undeterred, skipping a step to keep up. “Come on, spill! I need details!*

I ducked my head, letting my hair fall like a curtain to hide my face. My voice dropped to a whisper, as if the walls themselves might eavesdrop. “He… he said I could call him Soul Bond. When we’re alone.”

Amy’s eyes widened, sparkling with delight. “No way! That’s huge, Erin! He’s letting you in–his heart’s practically yours.

My chest tightened, a mix of hope and conviction swirling within me. “I think so,” I murmured, my fingers twisting together.

If this isn’t love, what is? Derek’s guarded smiles, the way his eyes softened when he thought I wasn’t looking–it had to mean something. He’s just too stubborn to say it. But I’ll be the one he chooses. I will.

The classroom buzzed with chatter as I settled into my seat for our group project session. The professor’s instructions echoed in my mind, and I found myself assigned to a table with Bradley–Derek’s brother, of all people. I kept my expression neutral, determined not to let old tensions flare. To me, he was just a classmate now, nothing more.

But Bradley’s gaze was relentless, his dark eyes fixed on me as if I were a puzzle he couldn’t solve. My pen tapped restlessly against my notebook, the scratch of it drowned out by the professor’s lecture. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. “Bradley, can you stop staring?” My voice was sharper than I intended, and I crossed my arms, glaring.

He leaned back, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips. “Can’t help it, Erin. You’re… distracting.”

I rolled my eyes, forcing my attention back to the lecture, but his presence was like a thorn under my skin. When the class ended, our group lingered to plan the project. The other two members suggested meeting that afternoon.

“I can’t make it,” I said, keeping my tone even. “I’ve got work at the company this afternoon.”

The girl’s eyes flicked to the ceiling, her disinterest palpable. “Fine. Bradley, you coming?” she asked, tossing her hair.

Bradley’s gaze slid to me, then back to her. “If Erin’s not there, I’m out too.”

My jaw dropped, and I turned to him, incredulous. “What?”

He shrugged, unfazed. “Let’s split the work./Erin and I will take one half, you two take the other. I’ll work with her.”

“Excuse me?” I snapped, standing so fast/my chair scraped against the floor. “I’m part of this group too. You don’t get to just decide for me!”

Bradley’s smirk didn’t waver. “Majority rules, dear.”

1/2

Chapter 181

I clenched my fists, heat rising in my chest. “Whatever, I grabbed my bag, storming toward the door

Erin, wait, Bradley was on his feet, his voice softer now, almost pleading. I paused, reluctantly turning to face him. It ran ata hair, his usual confidence faltering. I only suggested it because I know your schedule’s tight. I was trying to help.

I sighed, my anger deflating slightly. “Fine. So how’s this supposed to work with your schedule?”

“Call me after work,” he said, his tone earnest. “We’ll figure it out then. He hesitated, then added, “I’ve been thinking a lot, Erin.