After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 185

Chapter 185

Elle’s POV

“Why don’t we all go?” Sophia said, her voice brightening with forced cheerfulness. “We could use some

fresh air and a distraction.”

Abigail nodded immediately. “That sounds like a great idea.”

I looked around at their expectant faces and felt a wave of gratitude mixed with exhaustion. They were all trying so hard to help me move past the devastating revelation about my birth, about being the twin that Eleanor Blair had deliberately discarded.

“Sure,” I said quietly. “A walk sounds nice.”

As we stepped outside into the mixed district’s bustling street, Sophia fell into step beside me while Abigail and Susan walked slightly ahead, chatting about the local herb shops.

“Elle,” Sophia said carefully, “are you still angry about… everything? About your bloodline?”

I let out a bitter laugh. “Angry? I don’t even know if I have the right to be angry anymore.”

I paused, watching a group of human children playing in a small park while their parents kept watchful eyes on them. “I mean, what’s the point of being angry about it? My whole life has been one big mess from the start. I can’t even call it my life anymore-it feels like someone else’s discarded script.”

“But you understand now why you look so much like Dakota, why there was that blood connection you felt with her,” Sophia pressed gently.

“Yeah,” I said, my voice flat. “Because we’re identical twins. Because we shared the same womb until Eleanor Blair decided one of us had to go.”

Sophia studied my face. “Are you going to go back to the Blair family? Take their name?”

I shook my head firmly. “I’m fine being a West, Susan rased me, loved me when my biological family threw me away. Why would I want to chase after people who ever wanted me in the first place?”

Abigail had been listening and turned back with a sigh. Elle, you’re so strong. But I can see where that strength comes from now-growing up in that family, facing all those challenges from such a young age.” Before I could respond, Susan waved enthusiastically at a middle-aged woman approaching us. “Mrs.

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Chapter 185

Patterson!”

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The woman, wearing a floral dress and carrying a large anvas bag, hurried over with a warm smile. “Susan, dear! And you must be the daughter she mentioned.” She turned to us with sparkling eyes. “Oh my, what lovely young people! Especially you, dear,” she said to me, “you have such striking eyes!”

“Thank you,” I managed, feeling slightly overwhelmed by her enthusiasm.

“Now, Mrs. Patterson,” Susan said, “they are Sophia, and Abigail. They wanted to come along to the herb

shop.”

“Wonderful!” Mrs. Patterson clapped her hands togethe “The more the merrier!”

As we walked toward the herb shop, Mrs. Patterson chattered away, asking us about gift preferences because she was preparing for her son to bring his girlfriend home for the first time.

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When we arrived at the herb shop, I was surprised by its size and elegant appearance.

A young human girl at the reception greeted us politely. “Welcome to Moonhaven Herbs. How may I help

you today?”

“We have a reservation for moonlight grass tea,” Susan said. “Under Patterson.”

The girl checked her ledger and nodded. “Yes, everything is ready. But our proprietor would like to invite you to sample a new herbal blend we’ve been developing. Would you like to go upstairs to one of our

tasting rooms?”

Mrs. Patterson and Susan exchanged excited glances. “That sounds lovely!” Mrs. Patterson said.

We followed the girl up a beautifully carved wooden staircase to the third floor. She led us to an elegantly appointed room with comfortable seating and soft lighting.

As I settled into my chair, something about the room’s décor struck me as familiar, though I couldn’t place why. The color scheme, the patterns on the wallpaper, even the style of the furniture seemed to trigger

some distant memory.

“This is a beautiful room,” I commented to the girl. “The style is quite distinctive.”

“Thank you,” she said with a small smile. “Our propriete personally designed all our private rooms.” Abigail leaned forward, studying the intricate wooden panels on the walls. Her expression suddenly grew

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Chapter 185

alert, and I caught her shooting a meaningful look at Sophia.

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Sophia had been examining a decorative tapestry, but I noticed her posture stiffen slightly. As a werewolf, she would be more sensitive to scents and atmosphere han the rest of us.

Another young woman, this one wearing an elegant long dress, entered carrying a tea service. She moved with practiced grace, preparing the tea with what appeared to be a formal ceremony.

“This is our signature blend,” she said softly, pouring the fragrant tea into delicate cups. “It has calming properties and is particularly beneficial for expectant mothers.”

Mrs. Patterson and Susan looked increasingly uncomfortable as the service became more elaborate. I could see them mentally calculating how much this might cost.

But as the aroma of the tea reached my nose, my eyes sharpened with recognition. This wasn’t just any herbal blend-this was a specific formula I’d encountered before. The combination of herbs was designed for human women carrying mixed-blood children, meant to strengthen the mother and support the

pregnancy.

Only one family would have access to such a specialized blend.

I looked directly at the girl performing the tea ceremony. “Who is your proprietor? Since you’ve called me here, they must want to see me, right?”

The girl’s composed expression didn’t change, but she inclined her head respectfully. “Yes, Miss Blair.”

Susan went pale and started to rise. “I think we should probably-”

“Since this is about me,” I interrupted calmly, “it might be inconvenient for others to be present, don’t you

think?”

Susan immediately understood and grabbed Mrs. Patter on’s arm. “You know what, this seems much more expensive than we thought. Maybe we should just get our regular order downstairs.”

Mrs. Patterson, looking confused but trusting Susan’s judgment, allowed herself to be led toward the door. “Oh, of course, dear. We don’t want to overspend.”

After they left, I turned back to the tea ceremony girl. “Who wants to see me?”

Sophia and Abigail had both tensed, clearly wanting to give me privacy but unsure if they should leave.

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“No need to go anywhere,” I said coolly to them. “Theres nothing here that can’t be said in front of others, is there?”

The girl gestured toward the door. “If you would please follow me, Miss Blair. We have another room prepared.”

I stood, feeling Abigail discreetly trace letters on my palm as we walked. E-L-E-A-N-O-R.

The girl led us down a hallway to another door, outside of which stood several women in matching uniforms. They bowed to me respectfully, each one addressing me as “Miss Blair.”

We were about go what appeared to be a suite. The outer area was a sitting room, while the inner area was concealed behind beautiful silk curtains, creating an air of mystery and importance.

Here goes nothing.

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