Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 224

Chapter 224

Erin’s POV

I looked down and felt my stomach drop. The photo showed Bradley and me entering a room together, looking far too cozy. But I recognized the setting immediately.

That picture was taken months ago, I explained desperately, “I told you I went to the university for a study project. That’s what it was.”

Derek said nothing, but his jaw was clenched so tight I could see a muscle twitching. His eyes were wild with something that looked like madness. Someone had sent him these photos deliberately, curating them to make me look unfaithful.

“I told him I couldn’t be with him, but he keeps pursuing me against my wishes,” I said, tears welling in my eyes. Please don’t misunderstand.”

“But he touched you, Derek said, his voice low and dangerous. “That’s a fact. You’re being very naughty, little Omega.”

I wiped at my eyes, determined to tell him the truth. “I want to tell you about him. He-”

My phone rang, interrupting me mid–sentence. Derek’s eyes narrowed as he saw the caller ID: “Admirer.”

“And who is this admirer?” he asked coldly. “You seem to have men lining up one after another.”

Before I could decline the call, Derek snatched the phone from my hand and answered, putting it on speaker.

“I love you, Erin, Bradley’s voice came through clearly.

Derek’s eyes turned glacial. Bradley continued, unaware of who was listening.

“Why are you so afraid of my brother? Don’t worry about him. I’ll take care of him. He’ll never know about our secret relationship. Just don’t be

mad at me.”

I grabbed the phone back, horrified. “Bradley, what are you talking about? I don’t love you. I don’t want to be with you. Please stay away from

me.”

“No, you’re mine,” Bradley insisted. “I can’t stand seeing you with anyone else. I love you. I’ll protect you.”

Derek leaned toward the phone, his voice deceptively calm. “I understand now. How brave of you. You’re going to protect her from me? Do you have what it takes, Bradley Stone?”

There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line. “B–bro? Derek?”

Derek ended the call and handed the phone back to me. His expression was unreadable as he picked up his desk phone and dialed a number.

“Freeze all of Bradley’s cards,” he ordered whoever answered. “Take back his car and sell it. Stop all pack benefits he’s been receiving.” After a pause, he added, “If our father tries to help him behind my back, contact me immediately.”

When he hung up, he reached for his cigarettes. I couldn’t help myself.

“Don’t smoke too much,” I said softly.

Derek looked at me then, really looked at me, and the coldness in his gaze sent a chill through my body. I didn’t understand why he was still angry. I hadn’t done anything wrong.

He lit his cigarette anyway, taking a long drag before exhaling a cloud of smoke. “Go back to work.”

His tone was dismissive, as if I were just another employee. I opened my mouth to explain further, to make him understand that Bradley had

1/3

Chapter 224

Micked me, bot are out

oi

Miss Blackwound, did you not heat what i said?

The formal address shing like a slap. 1 blinked back tears, straightening my shoulders. Yes, Alpha.”

I left his office with as much dignity as I could muster, but as soon as I closed my own office door behind me, I crumpled to the finor, tears Thowing freely

Why don’t you believe me when I tell you I’ve done nothing wrong?” I whispered to the empty room. “Why are you hurting me like this?”

After a few minutes. I wiped my tears away and stood up. This wasn’t helping anything.

Alright, Erin, pull yourself together, I told myself firmly, “If Derek doesn’t believe your words, prove it to him. Keep earning his trust until he believes you without question next time. I can do this.”

I checked Derek’s schedule, noting that he had pack meetings for the next two days. As his secretary, I would need to accompany him. Perhaps that would give us time to talk, to clear the air between us.

Mid–afternoon, I went to the break room for coffee and encountered a female colleague who worked on Derek’s floor.

Oh, Erin,” she said, surprised. “I thought you’d gone with the Alpha.”

“Gone where?” I asked, my stomach tightening.

“He left the building about an hour ago,” she said, looking confused. “I assumed you knew, being his secretary and all.”

I returned to my office and tried calling Derek, but he didn’t answer. Anxiety gnawed at me. Where had he gone? Was he still so angry that he couldn’t bear to be in the same building as me? Or had his mother said something else about me?

On a hunch, I called Delta Mark, who answered on the third ring.

The Alpha doesn’t want to talk right now,” he said without preamble. “But he’s fine. Don’t worry.”

I spent the rest of the day in my office, catching up on work and preparing for the upcoming pack meetings. Derek didn’t return, and I didn’t call again. If he needed space, I would give it to him.

By evening, I had tidied Derek’s office and organized everything for the next day. My heart felt heavy as I left the building, the weight of Derek’s distrust pressing down on me.

On my way to the bus stop, I couldn’t resist trying one more time. I called Derek, my heart leaping when he actually answered.

“Hello? Mate?” I said hopefully.

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