Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Erin’s POV

I turned around to find myself face–to–face with a stranger–a tall, powerfully built man with chestnut hair and striking green eyes. His scent hit me immediately–unmistakably Alpha, but with a fragrance I didn’t recognize, like a forest after rainfall, but not any forest I knew.

My wolf was

instantly on high alert, assessing this unknown Alpha in our territory.

“I’m the Pack Alpha’s assistant secretary,” I answered, maintaining a professional voice despite my wolf’s unease. “May I ask who you are?”

The man’s eyebrows rose slightly, his gaze sweeping over me with new interest. “Alpha Ethan,” he replied, his voice carrying the natural authority of his rank.

I nodded politely, maintaining eye contact even though my instinct as an Omega was to lower my gaze. “Erin Blackwood.”

“Ah,” he said, a smile spreading across his face. “The beautiful Omega who works directly under

Derek Stone.”

I blinked, surprised by both his familiarity with Derek and his direct compliment.

“I’m the Alpha of the Ridgeclaw Pack,” he continued, carefully observing my reaction.

“Alpha Ethan,” I acknowledged, bowing my head respectfully. “Alpha Derek’s office is at the end of this hallway.”

His smile widened, revealing teeth that seemed just a little too sharp. “Thank you, Erin. I look forward to seeing you again.”

As he walked away, his Alpha aura left a lingering pressure in the air, making normal breathing difficult. My wolf paced anxiously, unsettled by the encounter.

“Erin!”

I nearly jumped at Claire’s voice behind me. Turning, I found her watching me with narrowed eyes, her Delta aura pulsing aggressively.

“Claire,” I responded, feeling relieved despite her obvious displeasure. Now that Claire was back at work, I hoped I wouldn’t need to interact directly with Derek today.

“I see you’ve met our guest, she said, her tone neutral but her eyes keenly following Ethan’s retreating figure.

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Chapter 71.

Just now, I explained quickly. “He was asking for directions to Derek’s offices

Claire’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Be careful, Omega. You don’t know what fire you’re playing with. Stop seducing other Alphas; they won’t fall for your game.”

Before I could ask what she meant, she continued: “The Pack Alpha wants you to iron his suit again

today.”

I frowned, confused. “But you’re back. Isn’t that usually your job?”

A strange, almost smug expression flashed across Claire’s face. “Everyone knows he normally only asks me to do this, but today he specifically requested you. When you’re finished, bring it to my office. I’ll deliver it to the Alpha.”

Thirty minutes later, I stood outside Claire’s office with the freshly pressed suit carefully draped over my arm. I had just raised my hand to knock when I heard Claire’s voice from inside, speaking in an urgent, hushed tone.

“Congratulations on getting that project,” she said, her voice filled with satisfaction.

C

A male voice responded, too muffled for me to clearly distinguish the words, but the cadence was strangely familiar.

“It was because of the information I provided, wasn’t it?” Claire continued, pride evident in her

voice.

1 leaned closer, straining to hear more clearly when suddenly Claire’s voice cut off. There was a moment of silence, then the sound of a chair scraping against the floor.

Realizing she must have detected my scent, 1 quickly straightened and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” Claire called, her voice now perfectly composed.

I opened the door to find her standing by her desk, phone in hand, her expression guarded. But something flashed in her eyes–perhaps alarm, or annoyance.