After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 126

Chapter 126

Elle’s POV

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The realization hit me like a slap. Brad was pissed off because they’d wanted to introduce me to other human men. The thought that I

might be paired with someone else, someone who wasn’t him, had triggered his Alpha possessiveness.

I looked down at our intertwined fingers, still locked together from when he’d grabbed my hand earlier.

I tried to pull my hand free, but Brad’s grip tightened immediately. The harder I tried to withdraw, the more firmly he held on.

Frustration bubbled up inside me. I looked up at him directly.

Something flickered across Brad’s face as he stared down at me.

I wanted to scream.

Instead, I let out a resigned sigh. What was the point? I was never going to win a physical contest against an Alpha werewolf.

“Elle, you’re being so dramatic.

Mira’s voice made both of us look up. She was approaching with that deliberate, graceful stride that all werewolf women seemed to

master, positioning herself directly in front of us.

“You’re Brad’s mate,” she continued, her tone sickeningly sweet. “How can you be so intimate with other human men like that? It doesn’t

look good.”

Before I could respond, she turned to Brad with that same fake concern. “And Brad, you’re terrible too. Elle is still pregnant with your

child, and you’re just letting her stand here this whole time? Aren’t you worried about tiring her out? Both her and the little Alpha in her

belly?’

“Are you tired?” he asked, his voice carrying that Alpha authority that made it more command than question. “We’re about to start the

party activities. If you’re feeling worn out, you don’t have to participate. You should rest.”

I almost laughed. How thoughtful of him to give me permission to absent myself while he and Mira enjoyed their reunion.

Perfect, I thought bitterly. I’ll just go rest while you two werewolves have your little celebration. How convenient.

“That sounds reasonable,” I said, my voice carefully neutral. “After all, I didn’t sleep much last night. I should have seen this coming.”

The truth was, I had seen it coming. From the moment Mira walked back into his life, I knew how this would end. I was just the

placeholder. She was his heart.

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Chapter 126

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“Ill be tactful,’ I added, looking directly at Brad. ‘When werewolves need space, I know how to get out of the way. I’m very good at being

tactful.’

This time when I pulled my hand free, he let me go. I turned and walked away without looking back, my movements crisp and decisive.

Back inside the villa, the party preparations were in full swing. Roy had mentioned they’d be ‘partying for three days straight-typical werewolf celebration style. Since I was pregnant and human, I definitely wasn’t cut out for that kind of revelry.

I noticed my assistant Amy hovering near the windows, stealing glances at the outdoor preparations. His eyes were bright with curiosity, practically bouncing on his feet as he watched werewolves setting up sound equipment and arranging what looked like some kind of

ceremonial circle.

Poor guy. He was probably dying to see how werewolves actually celebrated.

“Amy,’ I called softly. He turned immediately, trying to look professional.

‘Yes?’

“I’m exhausted,” I said, settling onto one of the sofas. “I think I’m going to nap for a while. Why don’t you go join them outside? Watch the werewolf celebration. If I need anything, I’ll call you.”

His face lit up like I’d just given him Christmas morning. “Really? Are you sure you don’t need—”

“Go,” I laughed, the first genuine smile I’d managed all day. “Have fun.”

He practically bolted for the door, looking like a husky that had just escaped its fence. At least someone would enjoy this party.

I’d barely closed my eyes when my phone started ringing. The caller ID made me frown – Raymond Carter. Why wasn’t he with Roy and

the other groomsmen?

“Hello?” I answered.

‘Elle, I’m so sorry about today!” Raymond’s voice was full of genuine regret. “The whole thing with the Blair family it’s completely my fault. I should have communicated with them beforehand to prevent this misunderstanding.’

I sat up straighter. “Raymond, it’s okay. These things happen-

“No, it’s not okay,’ he interrupted. “Which is why the Blair family wants to make this right. They’d like to invite you to their home personally, to apologize properly for today’s confusion. What do you think about that?”

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Chapter 126

I blinked, completely taken aback. They want to invite me? To their house?

‘Yes. I know it might seem like a lot, but they feel terrible about the situation.”

“You don’t have to decide right now, Raymond added quickly, “Roy’s ceremony celebration will be going on for three days here in Moon

Lake City. So you have time to think about it.”

“I appreciate the offer,” I said carefully. “Can I get back to you?”

“Of course. Take all the time you need.”

20

After hanging up, I found myself wide awake despite my exhaustion. Why would the Blair family go to such lengths? I’d already explained clearly that I wasn’t their daughter. A simple apology through Raymond should have been sufficient.

Was there something else behind this invitation?

The thought made me uncomfortable. I looked enough like their lost daughter that multiple people had mistaken me for her. What if they thought I was deliberately trying to capitalize on that resemblance? What if they suspected I was some kind of opportunist looking to use my face to gain access to their influence in the human community?

I wasn’t that kind of person. I didn’t want to trade on some genetic coincidence to find a powerful human family to back me. That felt…

wrong.

But then again, maybe I was overthinking it. Maybe they really did just want to apologize properly.

I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache building. Too many questions, too many variables. And underneath it all, the persistent ache of watching Brad choose Mira over and over again.

Since sleep was clearly not happening, I decided to step outside for some air. Maybe a walk would clear my head and help me figure out what to do about the Blair family invitation.

I opened the front door and froze.

A young human girl was standing there, looking nervous and uncertain.

My sudden appearance seemed to startle her. She took a half-step back, her gaze darting around like she was considering tunning away. But something kept her rooted in place, some internal debate that played out across her expressive face.

I studied her more closely. She was probably in her early twenties, with dark hair pulled back in a simple ponytail and clothes that marked her as definitely human.

“You are?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

She opened her mouth, closed it, then seemed to steel herself for whatever she’d come here to say.

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After One Night with the Alpha