After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 168

Chapter 168

Elle’s POV

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I looked at Brad with a sly expression, an idea forming in my mind. “You know what? We don’t have to wait

until we get back. I can ask right now.”

Before Brad could respond, I pulled out my phone and dialed Martin Blair’s number. I hit the speaker

button so Brad could hear everything too.

“Martin, I’m in Moonvale Town right now,” I said when Martin picked up.

There was a pause on the other end.

I glanced at Brad, then dove straight into it. “I need to ask you about this bracelet you and Mom gave me. The town elder here recognized it immediately and said it represents some kind of ancient promise. And Martin…” I took a breath. “There’s a painting here in the memorial hall that looks exactly like Dakota. I

mean, exactly. Who is she?”

The silence stretched so long I thought the call had dropped.

“Martin?”

A deep sigh came through the speaker. “I was wondering when this conversation would happen.” His voice sounded tired, older somehow. “Elle, that bracelet was originally meant for Dakota, but now you’re like my daughter too. Same difference.”

My heart skipped. “What do you mean it was meant for Dakota?”

‘I knew you’d end up getting involved with Moonvale Town eventually – it was bothering you, I could tell. So I had your mother give you that bracelet, hoping it might help if you needed it.”

I felt Brad’s hand squeeze mine as Martin continued.

“The thing is, Elle… my generation, your mother and I, we’re done. We’ve had our time. The future of the Blair family isn’t in my hands anymore. You understand what I’m saying?”

The weight of his words hit me like a truck. I looked at Brad, whose expression had grown serious.

“Martin, who is the woman in the painting? She looks just like Dakota.”

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Chapter 168

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Martin’s voice grew heavy. “Iris died just a few years after becoming the Alpha king’s mate. Some say it was heartbreak. The Alpha king never took another mate after her death became a lone wolf for the rest of

his days.”

–

I was staring at the painting.

“Elle? You still there?”

“I’m here, Martin.” My voice was thick with emotion. “What does this have to do with Dakota?”

“The year Dakota was born, something strange happened. All six pack memorial halls reported the same

phenomenon – Iris’s eyes in the paintings seemed to come alive, almost like she was looking back at them.”

I shivered, remembering how the painted eyes had seemed to follow me.

“As Dakota grew up, she looked more and more like Iris. The people in Moonvale Town started thinking she

might be Iris reborn.”

“But Dakota died young,” I said softly.

“Exactly. Poor girl, taken too soon. How could she be Iris when she didn’t even get to live a full life?”

Brad wiped a tear from my cheek with his thumb, his touch gentle and warm.

“Martin, what about the bracelet? Where did it really come from?”

“When Iris left with the Alpha king, the pack representatives gave her that bracelet as a parting gift. It was their promise that as long as anyone wore it, the ancient peace agreement would be honored. The bracelet eventually made its way back to the Blair family and has been passed down through the generations.”

My throat tightened. “It was supposed to go to Dakota.”

“Yes, but Elle… you look so much like both Dakota and ris. Maybe that’s not a coincidence. Maybe you’re

exactly the person who should have that bracelet.”

I clutched the ancient piece of jewelry, understanding now that its value wasn’t in the metal or stones, but in the promise it represented. More than that, I understood what the Blair family was trying to tell me – that they loved me, that they saw me as their daughter, blood or no blood.

“Martin,” I managed through my tears, my voice breaking. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

“Hey now,” Martin’s voice was warm with emotion. “You understanding what we’re trying to do for you

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Chapter 168

that’s all the thanks we need. Elle, you’re a smart girl, so I won’t spell everything out. Just know that the

Blair family will always be your foundation, always have your back.”

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I pressed my free hand to my mouth, overwhelmed by the depth of their acceptance and love. For the first time in my twenty-three years, I felt like I truly belonged somewhere.

“I love you too, Martin,” I whispered.

Brad’s arm came around me, pulling me close as Martins pleased chuckle came through the phone.

“Good girl. Call if you need anything.”

After I hung up, I sat in Brad’s arms, holding the bracelet that represented not just ancient promises, but a

family’s unconditional love for the daughter they’d chosen.

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18:57 Wed, Dec 31

After One Night with the Alpha