Bonded to My Ex's Alpha Brother (by CalebWhite) novel Chapter 93

Chapter 93

Erin’s POV

As I organized the files, I noticed several projects involving different packs. I remembered sending emails to the leaders of those packs yesterday, following Derek’s instructions. The idea of interacting with other powerful wolf packs still intimidated me, but I was learning.

When I turned to get another file, I found Derek’s eyes still fixed on me. The intensity of his gaze as he drank his coffee made me hold my breath, the words of the women in the break room echoing in my mind.

His eyes seemed to study me, not just observing but truly seeing me. It made my skin grow warm, my heart beating faster. I wondered what he was thinking when he looked at me that way.

I forced myself to look away and continue working, though I remained acutely aware of his presence across the room. Every few minutes, I would feel his attention like an actual touch across the space

between us.

I found myself becoming increasingly conscious of my movements, the way I reached for files, the way I tucked my hair behind my ear. My wolf seemed pleased with his attention, stirring contentedly

within me.

The room fell into a comfortable silence, both of us working. Occasionally I would look up to find Derek focused on his computer, his brow furrowed in concentration, or reviewing his own documents. These stolen glances gave me the opportunity to observe him when he was unguarded- the way his jaw tightened when he read something he didn’t like, the slight relaxation around his eyes when he was pleased with what he read.

Once when I looked up, he was already watching me. Our eyes met, and he didn’t look away, holding my gaze for several seconds. My heart fluttered in my chest, my cheeks growing warmer. There was something in his eyes I couldn’t quite read. When he finally returned to his work, I realized I had

been holding my breath.

About an hour later, I approached his desk to report my findings on the project files. Standing beside him, I was enveloped in his scent–cedar, leather, and something uniquely Derek. It made it difficult to concentrate on what I needed to say.

“There are several inconsistencies in the budget allocations,” I explained, pointing to specific sections I had marked. My fingers trembled slightly as I leaned over the desk. “And the timeline doesn’t match the resource availability.”

Derek shifted in his chair, turning to face me more directly. The movement brought him closer, his

1

Chapter 93

shoulder almost touching my arm. He seemed unaware of our proximity, but I was hyperconscious of every inch of space between us.

He listened attentively, occasionally nodding as I explained each issue I had found. His focus was completely on my words now, rather than just observing me as before. When he asked follow–up questions, his voice was lower, more thoughtful. The way he valued my input made my wolf almost purr with satisfaction. It was strange to feel… respected. I had put effort into the analysis, and he was treating my findings as something important.

Our discussion was interrupted by a knock at the door. An employee entered with Derek’s lunch, placing it on a small side table near the window. I prepared to leave, assuming Derek would want privacy while eating.

“Join me,” Derek said, the phrase somewhere between an invitation and a command.

I hesitated. “I should go get my own lunch-”

“This is company–provided lunch,” Derek explained, his tone matter–of–fact. “There’s always enough

for two.”

Surprised but curious, I joined him at the small table. The food was exquisitely prepared–far better than anything offered in the company cafeteria. As we ate, I found myself observing Derek’s preferences. I noticed he avoided the more acidic dishes, favoring the meats and heartier sides.

“Is the food to your liking?” Derek unexpectedly broke the silence.

I looked up, surprised by the question. “Yes, it’s very good. Much better than what I usually have for