After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 123

Chapter 123

Elle’s POV

‘Get together with Raymond.”

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The words hit me like a physical blow. “What?”

Sophia’s silver hair caught the moonlight streaming through the window. “Think about it, Elle. If you’re with Raymond-another human-

you become safe. You can stay away from Brad.”

“Sophia, I can’t-”

“Roy told me something tonight,” she continued, ignoring my protest. “About how Brad remembers every single detail of Mira’s medical

needs. What medicine she needs when she’s sick, the exact dosages.”

Each word felt like a knife twisting in my chest. I pressed my hand harder against my belly, seeking comfort from the life growing inside

“As an Alpha, Brad’s not supposed to care that much about someone who isn’t his mate,” Sophia said quietly. “But he does.”

I closed my eyes, finally understanding. Finally seeing the truth I’d been too blind or too hopeful to acknowledge.

“That’s why he was so ruthless with Marissa,” I whispered. “That’s why he’s never told me he loves me.”

“Elle-

“Because his heart belongs to a werewolf I can never compete with.” The words tasted bitter in my mouth.

I sat up slowly, my hands shaking as I covered my face. The weight of my delusion crashed down on me-how naive I’d been to think an Alpha werewolf could love a human like me.

‘I need to be honest with you,” Sophia said gently. “I’m Roy’s friend, but I’m also your friend. I can’t bear to watch you get pulled deeper into werewolf politics and emotional games you’re not equipped to handle.”

I pressed my palms against my chest, feeling like I couldn’t breathe.

The pain in my chest intensified. I doubled over, gasping. “I can’t… I can’t do this anymore.”

*Elle, your hands are freezing.” Sophia was beside me instantly, her warm fingers wrapping around my ice-cold ones. “When did this

start?”

Sophia helped me lie down, pulling blankets around my shivering form. “Your body’s going into shock. This isn’t good for the baby.”

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Chapter 123

I laughed bitterly. The baby. That’s all I am to him, isn’t it? He doesn’t love me-he never could. And now that Mira’s back….

“Elle, you need to calm down-”

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“No.” I closed my eyes, feeling tears slip down my cheeks. “I need to stop lying to myself. I need to take my heart back before it destroys me completely.”

Dawn broke gray and unwelcoming through the curtains. Neither Sophia nor I had managed any real sleep, and the evidence showed in the dark circles under our eyes. I sat at the vanity, staring at my reflection while Amy worked to make me presentable for Roy’s werewolf

ceremony.

“Miss Elle, you look…” Amy paused, her brush hovering over my cheek. “Are you feeling alright? You look very pale.”

“I’m fine,” I lied, though even I could see how awful I looked. My face was drawn, my eyes hollow. “Just tired.”

Amy frowned, clearly unconvinced. “Your complexion… if you appear like this at the werewolf gathering, Alpha Brad will notice immediately.”

“Let him notice,” I said flatly. “I don’t care anymore.”

“But Miss Elle-”

“Just make me look decent enough not to embarrass anyone. That’s all that matters.”

Amy worked in worried silence, applying concealer and blush to hide the worst of my exhaustion. When she moved to the jewelry box, 1

waved her away.

“No need for all that,” I said. “Just simple earrings.”

“But this is a werewolf ceremony. The other females will be-”

‘I’m not a werewolf female.” The words came out harder than I intended. “I’m just a human. Simple earrings will do.”

Amy looked hurt but complied, selecting a pair of understated pearl studs. When she brought out an elaborate gown covered in beading and crystals, I shook my head again.

“Too much. What about that one?” I pointed to a simple pink chiffon dress hanging in the back.

“Miss Elle, that’s very plain for such an important-

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“It’s fine. I’m certainly not trying to impress anyone.” I stood up, smoothing down the flowing fabric when Amy helped me into it. “There.

Perfect.”

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Amy bit her lip. “If you’re certain…”

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“I am.” I looked at myself in the mirror-the soft pink fabric made me look ethereal, almost ghostlike. Fitting, considering how dead I felt

inside.

Sophia emerged from the bathroom wearing a stunning deep red gown that hugged her curves and showcased her werewolf grace. The contrast between us was stark-she looked like she belonged in this world of supernatural politics and power, while I looked like a lost

human girl playing dress-up.

“You look beautiful,” she said softly, though I caught the worry in her eyes.

“Thank you.” I turned away from the mirror.

We made our way through the mansion’s garden path-a shortcut Sophia suggested to save time. The morning air was crisp, and I pulled

my light shawl tighter around my shoulders.

We were halfway across the garden when I felt eyes on me. I looked up toward the mansion’s upper windows and saw a familiar silhouette. Brad stood at what must be his room’s window, his tall frame unmistakable even at this distance.

Even from here, I could feel the intensity of his gaze. My heart clenched painfully, but I forced myself to look away and keep walking.

“Elle?”

The voice made me look up. Raymond stood on the path ahead of us, and for a moment, his expression was so strange-shocked, almost-

that I wondered if something was wrong.

He was staring at me with an intensity that made me uncomfortable, his usually composed demeanor shaken. “You… you look…”

“Is everything alright?” I asked, offering him a gentle smile despite my own emotional turmoil. As a fellow human in this werewolf-

dominated world, Raymond felt like an ally.

That smile seemed to hit him like a physical force. His eyes widened, and I heard him draw in a sharp breath.

Sophia noticed his reaction too, shooting me a meaningful look. “Raymond, we’re heading to breakfast. Care to join us?”

“I…” Raymond seemed to struggle with words, his gaze never leaving my face. “Yes. Yes, I’d like that very much.”

The dining room buzzed with werewolf energy as pack members gathered for the pre-ceremony breakfast. The buffet was elaborate, with foods I’d never seen before-clearly catered to werewolf tastes and customs.

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Roy immediately swept Sophia away to discuss pack business, leaving me to navigate the social minefield alone. I’d barely settled at a table with my modest plate when I sensed someone approaching.

“Mind if 1 sit?”

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I looked up to find Mira standing beside me, her expression surprisingly apologetic. She looked perfectly healthy-no sign of the medical emergency that had kept Brad from our dinner. My chest tightened, but I kept my voice level.

“It’s a free table,” I said coolly.

Mira slid into the seat across from me, her werewolf presence making the air feel heavier. “Elle, I want to apologize.”