After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 176

Chapter 176

Elle’s POV

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The Stone Claw pack’s gathering hall was unlike anything I’d ever seen. Ancient wooden beams stretched across the vaulted ceiling, and the warm glow of countless candles created dancing shadows on the walls. The moment we stepped through the massive oak doors I was greeted by something that took my breath

away.

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Several young female werewolves, dressed in traditional wolf pack regalia with intricate silver embroidery

and flowing fabrics, stood in a semicircle near the entrance.

One of them stepped forward with a silver chalice filled with what looked like luminescent liquid.

“Honored guests,” she said, her voice melodic and warm! “please, try it.”

Smiling warmly, I stepped forward and accepted the chalice. “Thank you,” I said, taking a small sip of the wine. It tasted like honey and starlight, if starlight had a flavor – something ethereal and otherworldly that

made my tongue tingle pleasantly.

Abigail followed my example, taking a polite sip and offering gracious thanks. She looked slightly nervous

but handled the ritual with characteristic poise.

But then came Mira.

I watched in growing dismay as she approached the welcoming circle. Her green eyes swept over the young female werewolves with obvious disdain, taking in their appearances with the calculating gaze of someone sizing up competition. Whatever she saw apparently didn’t impress her, because she lifted her chin haughtily and walked right past them without acknowledgment.

Inside the main hall, the seating arrangements became source of tension. I was seated at the head table – a position that still felt surreal to me. Brad took the seat to my right, his presence both comforting and

commanding, while Raymond settled on my left.

But then Mira made her move.

Just as Lester was approaching the seat next to Sophia, Mira slipped in with fluid werewolf speed and claimed the chair. She settled herself between Sophia and Lester with a satisfied smile, effectively cutting

off any chance for them to sit together.

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Chapter 176

“Oops,” she said with false innocence, her green eyes sparkling with malicious amusement. “Sorry, did I

take someone’s spot?”

Lester’s jaw tightened slightly. “Not at all,” he replied smoothly, though I caught the flash of irritation in

his eyes..

I glanced at Sophia, whose expression had gone carefully neutral. But I knew her well enough now to recognize the storm brewing beneath her calm exterior.

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The arrival of Martin Blair, Stella Blair, and Stone Claw pack Alpha Jackson Grey provided a welcome distraction from the seating drama. Martin looked tired but pleased to be here, and I caught him glancing

at me with that same warm affection I’d grown to cherish.

“I’m afraid I’ll miss this year’s full moon celebration,” Martin said as he took his seat.

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The meal proceeded pleasantly enough, with Alpha Grey proving to be a gracious host. But I found myself growing increasingly tired as the evening wore on. Pregnancy fatigue was hitting me harder than usual,

and I finally had to excuse myself.

“I’m sorry,” I said, rising carefully from my chair. “I need to step out for a moment.”

Brad immediately started to rise, but I placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “It’s fine, I’ll just be a minute.”

Sophia caught my eye and stood as well. “I’ll come with you, Elle. I could use some fresh air myself.”

But before we could take more than two steps, Mira was on her feet, that same false innocent smile

plastered across her face.

“What a coincidence,” she said brightly. “I need to visit the ladies’ room too. Since I’m not familiar with this place, I hope you don’t mind if I tag along, Sophia?”

I saw Sophia’s jaw tighten almost imperceptibly. “Of course,” she replied evenly.

Abigail glanced at Raymond, who gave her a subtle nod “Actually,” she said with a laugh, “I’ve had way too much water tonight. Mind if I join this little expedition”

And just like that, all four of us were walking away from the table together. As we stepped outside the

main hall, Abigail fell into step beside me.

“Just so you know,” she said quietly, “I think Mira has something she wants to say to Sophia. And honestly? I’m curious as hell, and I don’t want you dealing with wolves without backup.”

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Chapter 176

Her frank honesty made me smile despite my growing unease. “Thanks, Abigail. I appreciate having someone in my corner.”

We deliberately slowed our pace, letting Sophia and Mir get a bit ahead of us. The cool night air was a welcome relief after the warmth of the hall, but I found myself straining to hear what was happening up

ahead.

Sure enough, Sophia stopped abruptly and turned to face Mira. Even from our distance, I could see the tension in Sophia’s posture as she confronted the other woman.

Abigail and I exchanged a look and moved closer, positioning ourselves behind a decorative pillar where we could hear but remain out of sight.

“Alright, Sophia said, her mask finally slipping to reveal her irritation. “You followed me out here for a reason. What is it? I don’t have time to play games.”

Mira’s face immediately crumpled, and to my amazement, tears began to well up in her green eyes. She looked genuinely distressed, almost fragile – nothing like the confident, calculating woman I’d come to

know.

“I just…” she started, her voice trembling. “I need someone to talk to, and I thought maybe… I mean, we’re

both werewolves, and I don’t really know the humans well enough to…”

She trailed off, looking around our small group with apparent embarrassment. My chest tightened with

unexpected sympathy. Even though I had my own complicated history with Mira, seeing anyone this upset

triggered my protective instincts. 2

But Sophia remained unmoved. “Cut to the chase, Mira. What do you want?”

Mira’s tears flowed more freely now, and she wiped at them with shaking hands. “It’s about Lester,” she

whispered. “And I think… I think Elle might have said something to you about me that wasn’t true.”

I blinked in surprise. “What? I never-”

‘Please,” Mira interrupted, her voice taking on a pleading quality. “I know you probably think badly of me,

Sophia, but I need you to understand. Lester has been protecting me since we were children. He’s like a

brother to me.”

She took a shuddering breath, and her next words made my blood run cold.

“He told me not to be angry with him about tonight, about seeming to choose you over me at dinner. He

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said it was all part of the plan we agreed on – the plan o get Brad away from Elle so we could all figure

out what’s really best for everyone.”

“Lester cares about me,” Mira continued, seemingly oblivious to the devastation her words were causing.

“He always does. And I love Brad – I always have. I know you like Lester, Sophia, and I’m happy about that.

Really, I am. So even though he’ll always care about me most, he deserves someone nice like you. And Brad

deserves better than being trapped by an accidental pregnancy.”

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After One Night with the Alpha