After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 129

Chapter 129

Elle’s POV

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Brad stepped closer, and I could feel the familiar pull of his Alpha presence, but this time it only made me want to retreat further.

“I think it’s a reasonable request,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “A few days away would be good for everyone.”

Something flickered across his face-panic, maybe? His hand shot out and gripped my wrist, tighter than necessary.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he said, his voice carrying that Alpha command that usually made everyone around him comply immediately.

But I wasn’t everyone else. I was tired, hurt, and done pretending everything was fine.

“Let go of me,” I said quietly, looking down at where his fingers were digging into my wrist. “You’re hurting me.”

Brad’s eyes widened as he realized what he was doing. His grip loosened immediately.

“I didn’t mean to-” he started, his voice rough.

“Oh my,” Mira interrupted smoothly, stepping between us with that graceful werewolf confidence. “Brad, you look so tense. Is everything

alright?”

She placed a gentle hand on his arm, and I watched as some of the wildness in his eyes calmed at her touch. It was like watching a storm settle, and I hated how easy it was for her to soothe him when I seemed to only make things worse.

“I don’t mind if Elle needs some space,” Mira continued, her tone generous and understanding. “Actually, I think it’s quite thoughtful of her to give us time to catch up without any… awkwardness.”

“Besides,” she added with a concerned smile, “pregnant women need their rest. All this excitement can’t be good for someone in her

condition.”

‘Well then,” I said, my voice coming out cooler than I’d intended. “I’m glad we’re all in agreement. I don’t need anyone to take care of me. I’m perfectly capable of handling things on my own. So I won’t keep you both from enjoying the rest of the celebration.”

I turned to leave, clutching the empty pastry box, but I caught the flash of satisfaction in Mira’s eyes as I walked away. She’d gotten exactly what she wanted-me gone, and Brad staying with her.

Behind me, I heard Brad start to follow, his footsteps heavy on the garden path.

“Elle, wait-

“Actually, Brad,” Mira’s voice interrupted again, “didn’t Roy ask us to go to the wine cellar? He wanted to show you those special bottles

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Chapter 129

from the pack’s private reserve. We shouldn’t keep him waiting.”

I didn’t look back, but I heard Brad’s footsteps stop. When I reached the villa’s entrance, I risked a glance over my shoulder and saw Mira’s hand on Brad’s arm, leading him in the opposite direction. He was looking after me with an expression I couldn’t read, but he wasn’t

following anymore.

Fine. That told me everything I needed to know.

Back in my room, I set the empty pastry box on the small table by the window and stared at it.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Elle? It’s Sophia. May I come in?”

I opened the door to find Sophia standing there with a werewolf servant carrying a tray of food.

“I brought you something more substantial than party canapés,” she said, ushering the servant inside.

The servant set down a tray with what looked like carefully prepared dishes-nothing too rich or spicy, just wholesome food that would be easy on my stomach. As she arranged everything, her eyes landed on the empty pastry box.

‘Oh my,” she breathed, “these are exquisite! Where did you get such beautiful pastries?”

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Sophia picked up the box, examining it closely. “Elle, this craftsmanship is incredible. Look at the detail work on these flower designs!”

“They’re from the Blair family,” I said, watching as both women studied the box with obvious appreciation.

“The Blair family?” Sophia’s eyebrows rose. “As in the family from yesterday who thought you were their daughter?”

I nodded, and Sophia carefully lifted one of the remaining crumbs, tasting it thoughtfully.

“This is extraordinary,” she said after a moment. “Elle, I’ve tasted pastries from the finest werewolf chefs across North America, and this is… this is something else entirely. The flavors are so complex, so perfectly balanced.”

She glanced toward the window where sounds of laughter and music drifted up from the ongoing celebration.

“Actually,” she said, standing up suddenly, “you know what? I’ve had enough of watching Lester and the others drink themselves stupid down there. Mind if I stay and keep you company instead?”

Relief flooded through me. “I’d love that.”

As Sophia settled in, I found myself saying, “Since you like the pastries so much, would you want to come with me tomorrow to visit the Blair family? I need to thank Mrs. Blair properly for her kindness.”

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Chapter 129

Sophia’s face lit up. Really? Yes, I’d love to come with you.”

Honestly, Sophia said with a laugh, I’ll be glad to get away from watching Brad and Mira’s reunion tour. That man has no idea how to

handle having his mate and his ex in the same place.”

The casual way she said ‘mate’ made my chest tighten, but I pushed the feeling aside. “Then it’s settled. We’ll go together.”

We spent the rest of the time talking and laughing, Sophia sharing stories from her pack while carefully avoiding any mention of Brad or

Mira. For the first time in days, I felt like I could breathe properly.

I could hear the party continuing outside, but neither of us made any move to rejoin the festivities. We were perfectly content in our little

bubble of friendship.

“I should probably get some sleep,” I said eventually. “Tomorrow’s going to be a big day.”

Sophia nodded.

After she left, I went for bed.

The next morning, I woke early and chose my outfit carefully-a soft rose-colored dress that flattered my growing bump, with delicate floral accessories that felt appropriate for visiting the Blair family. I wanted to look respectful and grateful, not like the confused,

heartbroken mess I felt like inside.

Sophia arrived as I was putting the finishing touches on my appearance, looking stunning in an elegant blue ensemble that complemented

her silver hair perfectly.

“You look lovely,” she said, helping me with a delicate bracelet. “Like a flower fairy.”

“That’s the look I was going for,” I said, managing a genuine smile.

My phone rang-Raymond, right on time.

“Good morning, Elle. I’m outside whenever you’re ready.”

“We’ll be right down,’ I said, then turned to Sophia. “Ready to meet the Blair family?’

“More than ready,’ she said with a grin. Raymond seems like the kind of man who could charm anyone into falling in love with him.”

I laughed despite everything. He’s definitely got that whole perfect gentleman’ thing down to an art form.”

“See? That’s exactly what I mean. Brad’s all Alpha dominance and werewolf intensity, but Raymond’s got that subtle, human warmth that just draws you in.”

We made our way downstairs and outside, where Raymond was waiting by a sleek car, looking impeccable as always. He opened both our

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Chapter 129

doors with that practiced courtesy that always made me feel like I was someone worth caring about.

“Ladies,” he said with a warm smile, ‘shall we go now?”

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10:25 Wed, Dec 31

After One Night with the Alpha