Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 197

Chapter 197

Erin’s POV

I looked at Derek as he closed the door behind us, still feeling the tension from the confrontation with his family. The cool evening ait hit my face, a welcome relief after the stifling atmosphere inside. Derek’s driver stood waiting by the sleek black car, his expression professionally neutral despite the obvious tension.

Ill drive, Derek said abruptly, startling the driver who had begun to open the back door for us.

The driver blinked in surprise but quickly recovered. “Of course, Alpha.”

Derek guided me to the passenger side, his hand still firm against the small of my back. The warmth of his touch sent tingles up my spine as he opened the door and practically pushed me into the seat. Everything was happening so fast that I barely had time to process it. One minute we were having the most uncomfortable family gathering imaginable, and the next, Derek was defending me against his own parents and brother.

As Derek slid into the driver’s seat beside me, I noticed how tightly he gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white. His jaw was clenched, eyes focused intently on the road ahead as he started the engine and pulled away from Darkwood Estate.

I studied his profile in the dim light, taking in the sharp line of his jaw, the slight flare of his nostrils as he breathed deeply, clearly trying to control his anger. The memory of how he’d defended me replayed in my mind. “Erin is under my protection now… She stays with me.” His words had been so definitive, so possessive.

A smile tugged at my lips as realization washed over me. My soul bond truly cared for me. Despite his intimidating exterior and all his efforts to maintain distance between us, Derek had stood up for me against his own family. The thought warmed me from within.

“What’s so amusing?” Derek’s sharp question cut through my thoughts.

I quickly turned my gaze away, surprised that he’d noticed my smile while keeping his eyes on the road. “Nothing,” I mumbled, fidgeting with the hem of my dress.

“Pack Alpha, you shouldn’t have left your estate,” I said softly, trying to change the subject. The title felt strangely formal after everything that had just happened between us.

“That’s not my home,” he corrected immediately, his voice tight!

I glanced at him, noting the tension in his shoulders. “You must be hungry,” I said, remembering that he hadn’t eaten dinner. “You didn’t get to finish your meal.”

Derek suddenly pulled the car over to the side of the road, the tires crunching on gravel as we came to an abrupt stop. He turned toward me, his dark eyes intense in the dim light of the car.

“You’re right,” he said, his voice dropping to a low, husky tone that made my heart skip a beat. “I am hungry now.”

I stared into his deep, mesmerizing eyes, feeling both terrified and exhilarated by their intensity. Something about his gaze gave me courage. I reached out, my hand trembling slightly as I touched his cheek.

“Don’t be angry with them; soul bond,” I whispered, using the intimate term that had been slipping more frequently from my lips. “They’re your

parents.”

His expression softened slightly at my touch, though the tension remained in his body,

“I’m grateful you stood up for me today,” 1 continued, my voice gaining strength. “You told your family I wasn’t an outsider. I want to tell you that you’re not an outsider to me either I feel the same way.”

Derek remained silent, his eyes searching mine. I wasn’t sure what he was looking for, but my heart pounded as I waited for his response. His

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Chapter 197

gaze dropped to my lips, making me suddenly self–conscious, I remembered how he’d kissed me in his office, how his touch had set my body on