After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 148

Chapter 148

Elle’s POV

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I waved my hand dismissively, trying to ease the tension that had suddenly filled the private dining room.

The concerned faces stared back at me, and I realized I needed to explain what had just happened.

“The baby just kicked me,” I said with a small smile, gently rubbing my stomach. “Sorry for the scare.”

The relief that washed over their faces was immediate and almost comical. One of the mall managers, a

middle-aged man with graying temples, stood up quickly.

“Oh my goodness, Ms. West! You should be getting home to rest,” he said earnestly. “A pregnant woman

shouldn’t be working so late.”

Another executive nodded vigorously. “Absolutely! And please don’t worry about the Blair family’s jewelry

expansion into our malls. After what we’ve discussed tonight-and with Mr. Carter’s recommendation-

we’re more than happy to welcome the Blair brand into our locations.”

The third manager chimed in, “The contracts can be finalized by the end of the week if that works for your

family.”

I felt a genuine smile spread across my face. We’d actually done it. The Blair family’s jewelry business

would finally have the market presence they’d been hoping for in Moon Lake City. But even as I celebrated

internally, I knew this success wasn’t entirely my own doing. Raymond’s influence as one of the few

respected human businessmen in werewolf society had carried significant weight in these negotiations.

“Thank you all so much,” I said, standing slowly. “I really appreciate your support and understanding.”

As the business talk wound down, I made my decision. I think I should head home now. Sophia, would you

mind driving me back to the Blair estate? And maybe… would you consider staying the night? I could use

the company.”

Sophia, who had been quietly observing the successful conclusion of our business, looked surprised but

pleased. “Of course, Elle, I’d love to.”

I caught the slight concern that flickered across her expression. “What about…” she started, then seemed to

think better of it.

“What about what?” I asked, though I had a feeling I know what she meant.

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Chapter 148

“Nothing,” she said quickly. “It’s just won’t Brad-”

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I felt my expression harden slightly. “Sophia, I don’t want to talk about him anymore. What he does or

doesn’t wonder about isn’t my concern. Things are what they are, and I’m done pretending otherwise. I

just… I need someone to talk to tonight.”

The truth was, I felt drained from the whole evening-the meeting, the pregnancy symptoms, and the

underlying emotional turmoil I was trying so hard to suppress. Having Sophia’s company would be a

welcome distraction.

Sophia seemed to consider this, and then her face brightened. “Actually, that sounds perfect. I’ve been curious about the Blair family’s cooking. I heard they have some incredible recipes.”

I laughed for the first time all evening. “They do. Stella cooking is amazing.”

Raymond had been listening to our conversation, and as we prepared to leave, he stood up. “Let me walk

you both out to the car.”

“That’s not necessary,” I started to protest, but he was already moving toward the door.

“I insist. Besides, I should help wrap things up here.”

As we walked through the lobby, Raymond stayed close to my side, his eyes scanning the area with what seemed like casual observation but felt more like protective vigilance. Outside, he opened the car door for me, then leaned down slightly.

“Elle, are you sure you’re feeling alright? That looked like more than just a normal kick in there.”

I nodded. “I’m fine, really. Sometimes the baby just moves at the most inconvenient times.”

Raymond didn’t look entirely convinced, but he didn’t press. “Call me if you need anything. Anything at all.” His eyes met mine with an intensity that made me feel both comforted and slightly uncomfortable. “1 meant what I said earlier. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

After Raymond headed back inside, Sophia and I settled into her car. As she started the engine, I let out a long breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.

“You know,” Sophia said as we pulled out of the hotel parking lot, “I need to tell you something. These past few days… Brad hasn’t been doing anything inappropriate with Mira.”

I turned to look at her sharply. “Sophia-”

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Chapter 148

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“I’m not trying to give you false hope,” she said quickly I just thought you should know. They’ve been

together, but it’s been cold, even.”

I stared out the window at the city lights passing by. “I don’t want to talk about him anymore, Sophia. I

mean it. Whatever he’s doing or not doing with her doesn’t matter to me anymore.”

There was a pause, and then I found myself continuing anyway. “I’ve been having some issues at the Blair

estate, though. It’s about Ivy.”

“What kind of issues?”

I sighed. “Ever since I moved in, she’s been… distant. Cold, even. I think she sees me as a threat to her position in the family. Here I am, this human woman carrying a werewolf’s child, suddenly being welcomed into their home and treated like family. I can understand why that might make her uncomfortable.”

Sophia was quiet for a moment, and I noticed her glancing frequently at the rearview mirror, but I was too lost in my thoughts to pay much attention.

“The thing is,” I continued, “I don’t even care about the Blair family’s money or property or anything like that. I mean, I really haven’t thought about competing with anyone for anything. I just… I just wanted a place to belong. A real family.”

My voice caught slightly on the last words, and I felt tears threatening again. God, these pregnancy hormones were making me emotional about everything!

“Actually,” Sophia said thoughtfully, “I might have an idea about how to handle the Ivy situation.”

“Really? You do?”

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After One Night with the Alpha