After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 139

Chapter 139

Elle’s POV

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Brad and I climbed the stairs to our room. The lock on the door was indeed new-a digital keypad that

looked seriously high-tech.

Inside, the room had been completely transformed according to my preferences. The gaudy decorations

Mira had chosen were gone, replaced with simple, comfortable furnishings that actually felt like home.

Brad walked over to the desk where a neat stack of papers waited. His expression grew serious as he flipped

through them.

“Looks like we’re having an important meeting tomorrow,” he said, scanning the documents.

“Oh?” I kicked off my shoes and curled up on the bed, watching him work. “You’ll be busy then?”

Brad looked up from the papers, and that slow, devastating smile spread across his face again.

“Just waiting for you to ask that,” he said. “I was hoping you’d want to help.”

“You want me to help with business stuff?”

“I want you to be there. With me. As my partner.”

The word ‘partner’ sent warmth spreading through my chest. Not mate, not the mother of his child, not his

obligation. His partner.

“I’d like that,” I said softly.

Brad’s smile grew wider, and for a moment he looked almost boyish with happiness,

We spent the next hour going over the documents together, Brad explaining the various deals and

partnerships in terms I could understand. Being included in his work, seeing how his mind operated in

business mode-it was intimate in a completely different way than I’d expected.

When we finally went to sleep, it was with his arm around me and my head on his chest, listening to the

steady beat of his heart.

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Chapter 139

I woke to the sensation of soft lips pressing against my forehead.

“Good morning, beautiful.”

Brad’s voice was rough with sleep, his hair mussed from the pillow. The sight of him all rumpled and

relaxed was doing things to my insides that I wasn’t ready to examine too closely.

“Morning,” I mumbled, not quite ready to leave the warm cocoon of blankets and Brad’s embrace.

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“Time to get up,” he said gently, pressing another kiss to my temple. “Big day today. Important meetings.”

I groaned and burrowed deeper into his warmth. “Five more minutes?”

Brad chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest. “you don’t get up soon, there won’t be anyone to

take notes at the meeting. I need someone I trust to handle the minutes.”

That got my attention. I lifted my head to look at him. You want me to take meeting notes?”

His hand stroked through my hair. “I need you.”

“Okay,” I said, suddenly wide awake. “I’m up. I’m ready.”

Brad’s grin was blinding. “That’s my girl.”

Breakfast was an interesting affair. The dining room buzzed with different energies-Brad’s obvious

contentment, Sophia’s amusement, and Mira’s barely concealed misery.

I practically glowed as I buttered my toast, still riding the high of Brad’s trust and the memory of waking

up in his arms. Sophia kept catching my eye and smiling knowingly.

Mira, on the other hand, looked like she hadn’t slept at all. Her usually perfect appearance was slightly

disheveled, and there were dark circles under her eyes that even makeup couldn’t hide.

“You look tired, Mira,” Sophia observed with false concern. “Having trouble sleeping?”

“I’m fine,” Mira said stiffly.

“Maybe you should consider getting your own place,” Sophia continued innocently. “Living with a happy

couple can be… difficult.”

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Chapter 139

Brad didn’t even look up from his newspaper, but I saw the corner of his mouth twitch with what might

have been amusement.

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After breakfast, Sophia pulled me aside for a walk in the garden while Brad got ready for work.

“So,” she said with a grin, “how was your date?”

I felt my cheeks warm. “It was… really good. Great, actually.”

“I can tell. You’re practically glowing.” Sophia’s expression grew more serious. “And Brad looks like a completely different person. More relaxed, happier. Like he’s finally found what he was looking for.”

“It’s just one date,” I protested, but even I could hear how unconvincing I sounded.

“Elle,” Sophia said gently, “trust me when I say that getting Brad Rayne to change his entire worldview is not something that happens after ‘just one date.’ The man is completely gone for you.”

Her words sent a thrill through me that I couldn’t deny anymore.

Sophia let out a low whistle.

“Damn, Elle. That’s not just making a statement-that’s drawing a line in the sand. He’s telling everyone,

including his pack, that you’re his priority now.”

“Honey,” Sophia squeezed my arm. “That’s love.”

When we arrived at the Rayne Group Moon Lake City branch office, I was blown away by the sheer

efficiency of the operation. In less than 24 hours since Brad had decided to call this meeting, he had

somehow managed to set up an entire branch office from scratch.

“You set up an entire corporate branch AND took me or a date yesterday.” I whispered to Brad as we walked toward the elevators. “How is that even possible”

Brad’s smile was almost shy. “I wanted to give you my fl attention last night. So I made sure everything else was handled in advance.”

The elevator doors opened onto a floor buzzing with activity. People moved with purpose, carrying documents and checking tablets, all part of the careful orchestrated preparation for today’s meeting. It was hard to believe that less than 24 hours ago, this place probably didn’t even exist.

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Chapter 139

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The main conference room was already set up when we arrived, with a long polished table surrounded by

leather chairs. Brad guided me to a seat beside his at the head of the table, and I tried not to feel

intimidated by the formal setting.

Other executives began filing in, all looking serious and professional.

When everyone was seated, Brad stood up. The room immediately fell silent, all attention focused on him.

“Thank you all for gathering on short notice,” he began his voice carrying that natural Alpha authority.

“Before we begin today’s agenda, I have an announcement to make.”

“Effective immediately, Elle West will be responsible for helping me manage a range of executive functions.

All internal documents will require her review and approval.”

The room was dead silent. I could feel every eye on me, some curious, some calculating. A few of the

werewolves exchanged meaningful glances.

“I expect everyone to extend her the same respect and cooperation you would show me.” Brad continued,

his tone making it clear this wasn’t up for debate.

He sat down and looked at me with a warm smile that was just for me.

“Any questions?” he asked the room.

No one spoke.

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After One Night with the Alpha