Chapter 126
Bradley leaned closer. “You think the Enforcer training camp is just about learning pack laws? Your brother Aaron was sent to carry out special missions Derek’s dark orders that can’t be traced back to him.‘
1 gasped. Aaron, involved in dangerous or unethical things? I couldn’t–wouldn’t believe it.
“You’re lying,” I said, though uncertainty had already crept into my voice.
Bradley’s expression softened, becoming almost regretful. “I hope so. For your sake.” He pressed the USB flash drive into my palm. “Take it. You need these files.”
As his fingers closed over mine, he added softly, “I won’t give up on you, Erin. Someday you’ll thank me.”
He walked away, leaving me standing there with the USB in my hand, his disturbing words echoing in my mind.
In the evening light, Stone Group headquarters‘ sleek glass exterior gleamed as I approached. Normally, the building’s modern architecture would fill me with purpose and pride, but today, Bradley’s words about Derek and my brother cast a shadow over everything.
The lobby was busier than usual. What appeared to be a small fashion show was taking place in the atrium–models walking a temporary runway in striking outfits while photographers captured every moment.
As I walked toward the elevator, I spotted Claire among the crowd. When she saw me, her perfect features automatically adjusted into a practiced smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
Before I could respond, a tall woman in an impeccable black suit approached us. She moved with elegant confidence, effortlessly drawing attention.
“You must be Erin Blackwood,” she said, her voice cultured and smooth. “I’m Cassandra Morgan, a fashion designer collaborating with Stone Group on a new line. Derek is expecting me. Would you mind taking me to him?”
“Of course,” I replied professionally, though uncomfortable under her scrutiny.
In the elevator, Cassandra stood closer than necessary, her gaze never leaving my face. “Tell me, Erin, what is your family lineage? The Blackwoods have been part of the Darkwood Pack for generations, haven’t they?”
“Yes,” I answered cautiously. “My family has served the pack for many generations.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “I can see it in your features. Old bloodlines have… unique qualities.”
As the elevator ascended, Cassandra suddenly said, “Omega blood has a distinctive energy. Especially those with a Soul Bond to an Alpha.”
I nearly stumbled, steadying myself against the elevator wall. “I don’t know what you mean,” I managed to say, my heart racing.
Cassandra merely smiled, the knowing look in her eyes sending a chill through me.
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Chapter 126
When we entered, Derek’s office was unusually dim, the blinds half drawn against the setting sun. He stood smoking by the window, his back to us, shoulders tense beneath his perfectly tailored suit.
“Alpha,” Cassandra murmured, stepping into the room with familiar case. “I see you still enjoy contemplating by the window.”
Derek didn’t turn immediately. When he finally did, his expression was carefully controlled, though I caught a momentary nash of gold in his eyes–his wolf close to the surface.
“Cassandra,” he acknowledged with a brief nod. His gaze shifted briefly to me, unfathomable yet intense.
“I’ll leave if there’s nothing else,” I said softly, turning toward the door.
“Stay,” Derek commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Cassandra moved behind Derek, her hand lightly settling on his shoulder. She took the cigarette from his hand, lighting her own, her eyes never leaving my face throughout the exchange.
“Remember our nights at Darkwood Estate?” she asked Derek, exhaling a thin stream of smoke. “When we finished that bottle of 1942 whiskey in your bedroom with that beautiful view of the forest?”
Each casual reference to their shared past stung me. Derek remained silent, but I noticed the tightening of his jaw and the way his fingers curled into fists at his sides.
I tried to focus on setting up my notebook, pretending her words weren’t affecting me, but my hands trembled slightly as I arranged the pages.
“I think I should wait outside,” I said, unable to bear the tension any longer.
“I haven’t given you permission to leave,” Derek repeated, his voice hard. The dangerous light in his eyes made me pause.
She laughed, a musical sound with an edge of menace. “You’ve always been a coward about certain things, Alpha. Too afraid to admit you’ve found your Soul Bond.”
The atmosphere in the room instantly changed. Derek moved with supernatural speed, his hand encircling Cassandra’s throat, pinning her against the wall. “How dare you speak to your Alpha like that?” he growled, his voice hardly human.
I rushed forward without thinking. “Alpha, please! Don’t hurt her!”
But to my shock, despite Derek’s grip on her throat, Cassandra was smiling. More alarming still were her eyes–which I had thought were dark brown–now glowing with an unearthly violet light. Purple electricity danced between her fingers, energy swirling across her skin.
“She’s a witch,” I gasped.
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