Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 61

Erin’s POV

Time seemed frozen as we stood locked together, the Soul Bond between us humming with energy, demanding acknowledgment. In that moment, I caught a fleeting glimpse of gold in Derek’s eyes– his wolf responding to mine–before it disappeared under his iron control.

“I” I began, but my voice failed me, the words dying in my throat as Derek’s grip on my waist tightened almost imperceptibly.

His thumb pressed against the thin fabric of my blouse, the heat of his skin burning all the way through to mine. I swallowed hard, my pulse quickening, a tingling sensation spreading outward from where his fingers pressed into my flesh.

As I breathed in his scent–cedar and leather, with something uniquely his–the strangest thing happened. Instead of anxiety or fear, a sense of calm washed over me.

My wolf, restless all day, suddenly quieted, whimpering with something close to contentment. My muscles relaxed involuntarily, causing me to lean further into his solid chest. It made no sense. How could this man, who caused me so much stress, now make me feel so… safe?

I wanted nothing more than to remain in those strong arms forever, my body going soft in his embrace. His solid chest pressed against mine, sending electricity through every nerve ending in my body. I stiffened immediately, berating myself for allowing such thoughts to form. Yet my traitorous body refused to pull away completely.

“Always so careless when you walk, Blackwood?” Derek’s cold voice broke through my momentary lapse in judgment, snapping me back to reality. His breath fanned across my face as he spoke, warm

with subtle hints of tobacco and coffee.

I looked up, making the mistake of meeting his deep gray eyes directly. A shiver ran through my body. My chest tightened, breathing suddenly difficult as awareness crackled between us.

My fingers curled against the fabric of his shirt, feeling the solid muscle beneath. My wolf surged forward again, her presence in my mind almost overwhelming, pushing heat into my limbs until my skin felt too tight,

Mine, she insisted firmly, causing my fingers to grip his shirt more tightly.

He will never be mine, I silently/countered, forcing myself to loosen my hold. He was Bradley’s brother.

Despite my internal protests, I couldn’t help noticing how handsome Derek looked up close. The strong line of his jaw, that slight shadow of stubble that gave him a dangerous edge, the subtle lines

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Chapter 61

around his eyes that hinted at rare smiles.

As my heartbeat accelerated, his scent intensified with it, filling my senses until I could taste him on my tongue. Everything about him radiated power and control, wrapped in a cloak of indifference that somehow made him even more magnetic.

“If you’re done staring, we should head to the meeting room,” Derek said dryly. “I’m already late, and I have no interest in holding you all day.”

I realized I’d been staring, heat suddenly rushing to my cheeks. I quickly stepped backward, creating much–needed distance. With his touch gone, I felt strangely bereft, my skin cooling where his hand

had been. I pressed my thighs together tightly, unsettled by the lingering warmth low in my

abdomen.

“Th–thank you, Alpha,” I stammered, smoothing down my skirt with trembling hands. My fingers

caught on a crease, and I realized my knuckles had gone white from gripping too tightly.

Derek completely ignored my thanks, turning to stride down the hallway without a backward glance.

My eyes followed the broad line of his shoulders, the confident line of his spine, and the way his

tailored pants hugged his form. I shook my head violently, biting the inside of my cheek until I

tasted blood, forcing my gaze to the floor.

I hurried to keep up with his long strides, my heart still beating irregularly. My heels clicked sharply

against the polished floor, each step unsteady as my legs hadn’t quite regained their strength. The