Chapter 97
Erin’s POV
The weeks following that evening in Derek’s office passed in a dreamlike blur of activity. My new position as his personal secretary brought a wealth of responsibilities.
Each day presented fresh challenges–scheduling complex meetings, reviewing briefings for Derek, taking notes during high–level discussions, and serving as the primary liaison between the Pack Alpha and all Stone Group departments.
The workload was substantial, but I found myself thriving under pressure. Derek was a demanding boss who expected perfection in everything, but he was also an excellent mentor. I learned more in those weeks than in all my previous education combined.
“Always maintain eye contact when speaking with Pack leaders,” Derek instructed as we prepared for an important meeting. “It shows you respect their position while demonstrating your own
confidence.”
His teachings went beyond basic professionalism. He taught me the subtle power dynamics of
werewolf business interactions–when to show deference, when to stand firm, how to read the room
through scent and body language.
“When an Alpha’s words contradict their scent, trust the scent,” he advised. “Words can lie. Biology
rarely does.”
Working so closely with Derek created a strange intimacy between us. I began to recognize his moods through the slightest changes in his expression–the slight tightening around his eyes when he was displeased, the almost imperceptible/relaxation of his jaw when he approved of something.
And he, in turn, seemed increasingly attuned to me. He would order meals without asking, somehow always selecting dishes I enjoyed. When I entered his office, he would adjust the thermostat, noticing I preferred it slightly warmer.
The Soul Bond between us grew stronger with each passing day. My wolf, once so reluctant to acknowledge the connection, now eagerly anticipated every interaction with Derek. Whenever he entered a room, she would stir beneath my skin, nearly purring with satisfaction when he stood close enough for his scent to envelop me.
But something had changed since the night of Bradley’s visit to the office. Derek had become more distant, more formal in our interactions. He never mentioned Bradley’s visit, and I didn’t dare bring
it up.
Chapter 97
At Silvermoon Academy, my life grew equally complicated. Despite his conversation with Derek, Bradley hadn’t given up his pursuit of me; instead, his efforts became more public, harder to ignore.
On Monday, he sent a bouquet of red roses to my classroom, the card simply reading Forever yours.” The gesture caused excited whispers among my classmates, most of whom were unaware of our complicated history.
By Wednesday, he had somehow convinced the campus café to create a special drink named after me
-the “Erin Special,” a vanilla latte with honey and cinnamon. It was delicious, which only made it
more annoying.
“He’s trying too hard,” Amy observed as we sat in the campus courtyard, watching Bradley from a distance. He was talking with a group of students, occasionally glancing in our direction. “It’s actually kind of pathetic.”
Jack nodded in agreement, opening the expensive watch Bradley had sent him earlier that week- clearly an attempt to win my friends‘ support. “He keeps sending me gifts, but I’m planning to give them back the first chance I get.”
“He’s been telling everyone how much he loves you,” Amy added, rolling her eyes. “According to campus gossip, he’s ‘willing to do anything‘ to win you back.”
I sighed, deliberately avoiding looking in Bradley’s direction. “I wish he would stop. It’s embarrassing.”
Despite my irritation at Bradley’s relentless efforts, I couldn’t help feeling sympathy for him. I remembered how heartbroken I had been when I discovered his betrayal with Lily. If he was experiencing even a fraction of that heartache now, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him.
But sympathy wasn’t forgiveness, and it certainly wasn’t love. My feelings for Bradley had fundamentally changed. When I looked at him now, I felt only a distant affection, like remembering a childhood friend. The passionate love I once felt had been replaced by something else—something more intense, more consuming, directed at the other Stone brother.
The next morning, I arrived early at Stone Group. As I crossed the lobby, the receptionist greeted m
warmly.
“Good morning, Miss Blackwood,” the security guard said respectfully. “The Pack Alpha arrived abo twenty minutes ago.”
I thanked him for the information and headed directly to my office to check Derek’s schedule for th day. While reviewing his calendar, I noticed an important meeting with another pack scheduled for
10 AM.
Chapter 97
After organizing the necessary files, I decided to prepare Derek’s morning coffee. He’d never explicitly requested it, but I’d noticed his mood was better when coffee was waiting on his desk
when he arrived.
As I approached his office, I could hear him on the phone, his voice low and tense.
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