Chapter 200
Erin’s POV
The sound of Derek’s voice saying he was outside my house made my heart leap into my throat. I glanced at my mother, who was staring at me with wide eyes.
“You’re… outside? 1 stammered, moving quickly to the window and peering through the curtains.
Sure enough, a sleek black luxury car was parked in our driveway, its polished surface gleaming in the evening light, I could make out Derek’s silhouette in the driver’s seat, his phone pressed to his ear.
Til be right out,” I said, ending the call before turning to my mother. “Mom, he’s here.”
My mother’s face paled slightly. “The Pack Alpha is at our house? Why didn’t he send a driver?”
I shrugged, trying to appear casual despite the butterflies in my stomach. “I guess he wanted to come himself.”
Grabbing my suitcase, I took one last look around my room before heading downstairs with my mother following close behind. At the front door, I paused to take a deep breath, steeling myself for the business journey ahead.
As I stepped outside into the cool evening air, I saw Derek leaning against his car, phone in hand. He was dressed in a crisp navy suit that accentuated his broad shoulders, looking every bit the powerful businessman he was. When he spotted me, he slipped his phone into his pocket and straightened up.
My cheeks warmed as I approached him, memories of our last encounter flooding my mind. The way he’d held me in his lap, the intensity in Kis eyes when he looked at me…
“Pack Alpha,” I greeted him formally, aware that my mother would be watching.
Before Derek could respond, I heard the front door open wider behind me. My mother hurried down the steps and stopped a respectful distance from Derek before bowing her head.
“Alpha!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with deference. “It’s an honor to have you at our home.”
Derek’s demeanor shifted instantly. The man who had driven me to a small restaurant and indulged my whims was gone, replaced by the commanding presence of the Pack Alpha. His back straightened, his jaw set firmly, and his eyes took on that authoritative gleam I’d seen so many times at Stone Group.
“Mrs. Blackwood,” he acknowledged with a slight nod.
My mother kept her gaze lowered as she spoke. “I thank you for taking care of my daughter, Alpha Derek. I know this is a business trip, but I’m grateful she’ll be under your protection.”
“As the Darkwood Pack Alpha, it’s my responsibility,” Derek replied, his voice carrying that natural command that made even the wolves submit. “She will be fine.”
strongest
I watched this exchange with fascination, noting how easily Derek transitioned from the man I was getting to know privately to the powerful leader everyone else saw.
“Mom, I’ll be okay,” I assured her, giving her a quick hug. “I’ll be back in two days. Don’t forget about your heart medication.”
My mother nodded, her eyes still showing concern despite her formal demeanor in Derek’s presence. I picked up my suitcase, but Derek stepped forward and took it from my hands, placing it in the trunk of his car.
1/3
Chapter 200
He opened the passenger door for me, and as I slid into the leather seat, I caught one last glimpse of my mother standing on our driveway. Derek gave her a respectful nod before walking around to the driver’s side and getting in.
As we pulled away from my house, I couldn’t help but wonder what the weekend would bring.
Bradley’s POV
The day after my brother angrily took Erin, I paced the length of my bedroom, my phone clutched tightly in my hand. The call I’d just received from one of my contacts at Stone Group had sent me into a rage I could barely contain.
Are you absolutely certain?” I had demanded, my voice trembling with anger.
“Yes, Mr. Stone, the employee had confirmed. “Ms. Blackwood is accompanying your brother to the Silverpine Pack for the business meeting. They’re leaving tonight.”
The moment the call ended, something inside me snapped. With a roar of fury, I swept my arm across my desk, sending a crystal vase crashing to the floor. I kicked over the coffee table, scattering magazines and decorative items across the carpet.
“How could she go with him?” I snarled to the empty room, my eyes burning with the golden glow of my wolf. “She’s mine. She’s always been mine!”
I couldn’t stand the thought of Erin spending time alone with Derek. My brother, who had always taken everything that should have been mine. First the position of Pack Alpha, now Erin.
The sound of hurried footsteps in the hallway barely registered until my bedroom door flew open. Our family’s housekeeper stood there, his expression alarmed.
Mr. Bradley, is everything alright? I heard-
“Get out!” I shouted, and the man quickly retreated.
Minutes later, heavier footsteps approached, and my parents appeared in the doorway. My father Harry took in the destruction of my room with a frown, while my mother Judy gasped at the sight.
“Bradley, what’s happening?” my father demanded, stepping carefully over the broken glass on the floor.
I turned to face them, knowing my eyes were still glowing with the fury of my wolf. “Don’t touch me,” I warned as my father reached for my shoulder. “My wolf is close to losing control, Dad.”
My mother moved closer, her face creased with worry. “Bradley, dear, what’s upset you so much?”
“My brother, I spat the word like venom, “is taking her away from the pack territory.”
Understanding dawned on my mother’s face. “You mean Erin? She’s just going as his secretary, Bradley. It’s pack business.”
I laughed bitterly. “No, I can’t trust him. I know my brother too well. He’ll claim her.” My voice broke as I continued, “I can’t bear the thought of Erin being defiled by him.”
My father’s expression hardened, “That’s enough, Bradley. You need to forget about the Blackwood girl. She’s not for you anymore.”
“Your father’s right, my mother added gently. “There are plenty of other suitable wolves in the pack. And if Erin is truly Derek’s soul bond-
“Don’t say that!” I shouted, jerking away from her touch. “This is all your fault,” I turned to my father, pointing an accusing finger. “If you hadn’t handed the Alpha position directly to him, if you’d given me a chance to prove myself, I wouldn’t be in this position now.
2/3
Chapter 200
My father’s eyes Bashed with anger. Watch your tone, Bradley, I made the decision that was best for the pack. Derek has the strength and intelligence to lead-
And I don’t? I challenged.
“That’s not what I said,” my father replied, but his hesitation told me everything I needed to know.
I turned away from them both, staring out the window at the manicured grounds of Darkwood Estate. “Leave me alone, I said quietly, my rage giving way to a cold, calculated determination. “I need to think.”
As my parents reluctantly left my room, closing the door behind them, I made a silent vow.
I would not let my brother take Erin from me. One way or another, I would get her back.
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
<SHARE
