Chapter 118
Derek leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine. “Where were you before coming to the office? Who were you with?”
The sudden interrogation caught me off guard. “I was at school, Alpha. I had classes all morning.”
“And then?” he pressed, his tone casually conversational but with an undercurrent of possessiveness that made my pulse
race.
“I… Tomas drove me to work,” I admitted, unsure why sharing such mundane information made me so nervous.
Something flashed in Derek’s eyes–a momentary glimpse of gold that disappeared so quickly I might have imagined it. “Tomas again,” he said, his voice low and controlled. “You seem to be spending a lot of time with him.”
“We’re just friends,” I hurriedly explained. “He’s helping his mother celebrate her birthday tonight, and he asked for my help getting ready.”
“I could drive you,” he offered, though it sounded more like a command than a suggestion.
sound for
“That would be nice, Alpha, but Tomas is waiting for me in the lobby,” I explained. “We’re going shopping for decorations and then heading to his house.”
As if on cue, my phone rang. Tomas’s name flashed on the screen. I gave Derek an apologetic look. “It’s Tomas. He’s probably wondering where I am.”
Derek’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “Then go. Don’t keep him waiting.”
I hesitated for a moment, feeling like I should say something, but the dismissal in his tone was clear. “Thank you, Alpha. Have a good evening.”
As I turned to leave, I thought I heard a low growl emanate from behind me–a sound so primal and possessive it sent chills down my spine. But when I glanced back, Derek had already returned his attention to the documents on his desk, looking completely composed.
I hurried from the office, my heart racing, confused yet strangely, excitedly hopeful that perhaps Derek wasn’t as indifferent to me as he pretended to be.
“How about this one?” Tomas held up a delicate silver bracelet adorned with tiny sapphire charms. We stood in a busy department store, surrounded by jewelry displays and bustling shoppers.
I examined the bracelet critically. “It’s pretty, but didn’t you say your mom prefers gold jewelry?”
Tomas sighed, putting the bracelet back on the display. “I don’t know. I usually just get her gift cards and let her choose.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “That’s such a typical guy thing to do. Your mom deserves something special that shows you put thought into it.”
We moved to another counter where gold jewelry gleamed under bright display lights. I pointed to a simple but elegant gold bracelet with a heart–shaped charm. “What about this? It’s classic and versatile–she could wear it with any outfit.”
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Tomas’s face brightened. “That’s perfect! She’ll love fl!”
As the sales assistant removed the bracelet from the case, she smiled warmly at us. Shopping for a special occasion?
“It’s my mother’s birthday,” Tomas explained.
“How lovely,” the woman replied, looking meaningfully between us. “Your girlfriend has excellent taste. This bracelet will look beautiful on your mother.”
We didn’t correct her assumption, though I felt my neck grow warm. After purchasing the bracelet, we headed to the clothing section, where I helped Tomas select a stylish dress I knew his mother would appreciate.
“I would never have found these things without you,” Tomas admitted. “I’m absolutely hopeless at gift shopping.
I smiled, enjoying the simple pleasure of helping a friend. After the tension with Derek and the confrontation with Bradley, this ordinary activity felt delightfully uncomplicated.
“Happy to help,” I said sincerely. “Your mom has always been kind to me.”
Tomas smiled. “That’s what makes you special, Erin. You’re always thinking of others.”
With our shopping complete, we headed to Tomas’s home to prepare for the party. His mother would be home in an hour, giving us enough time to set up decorations and prepare food for the small gathering of family and friends.
“Surprise!” we all shouted in unison as Tomas’s mother opened the front door, her eyes widening at the sight of the
decorated living room and the small group of loved ones.
“My goodness!” she exclaimed, one hand flying to her heart. “What is this?”
Tomas stepped forward, giving his mother a warm hug. “Happy birthday, Mom. I wanted to do something special for you this year.”
Tears of joy glistened in her eyes as she looked around at the decorated room. “This is wonderful! Did you do all this yourself?”
Tomas shook his head, smiling. “I had help. Erin was my party planning expert.”
His mother immediately came over to embrace me. “Erin! It’s so good to see you. Thank you for helping my son put together this wonderful surprise.”
The small gathering was exactly as Tomas had described–just family and close friends, creating an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy. I found myself relaxing, enjoying the normalcy of a simple birthday celebration after the emotional turbulence of my interactions with the Stone brothers.
Tomas’s mother insisted I stay for cake, dismissing my weak protests that I should head home. “I won’t hear of it. You helped create this lovely evening, you must stay to enjoy it.”
Just as I opened my mouth to respond, my phone rang in my bag. I pulled it out, expecting to see my mother’s number, but it turned out to be an unfamiliar one.
Curiosity and nervousness battled within me as I excused myself to answer the call in a quiet corner of the room.
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“Hello?” I answered tentatively.
There was a moment of silence, then a deep, unmistakable voice came through, sending chills down my spine.
“Get out. Now.” The voice was low and dangerous, barely controlled anger vibrating through it. “I don’t want you in that house for one more second.”
Chapter Comments
Cherie A
if the secret admirer I’d Thomas I’m going to be annoyed
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