After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 20

**TITLE: The Billionaire Who Claimed My Heart and Who Broke Fate for Me**

**Chapter 20**

**Elle’s POV**

The taste of that milk lingered unpleasantly in my mouth, a bizarre mix of gamey notes and strange additives that my sensitive pregnancy stomach simply could not tolerate. I hurriedly rinsed my mouth, the cool water offering a brief respite, and as I glanced around, I took in my surroundings for the first time. This bathroom was nothing like the mundane human facilities I had grown accustomed to downstairs.

The sink gleamed with pure silver accents, and the mirror frame sparkled as if it had been crafted by the hands of a master artisan. Moonstone tiles adorned the walls, their iridescent sheen catching the light and casting a soft glow that was said to soothe werewolf senses. It was a world apart from my own, a space that screamed privilege and power—a stark reminder of the elite society I had unwittingly become a part of, whether I welcomed it or not.

With unsteady legs, I made my way back to the office, where I found Brad standing tall by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his back straight as he spoke into the phone. He was gazing out at the sprawling city below, his expression a mask of focus and authority.

“I understand the concerns of the Frostclaw Pack,” he said, his voice resonating with that unmistakable Alpha authority that sent a shiver down my spine. “But Moonshade Bay has always honored our treaties.”

Just then, Alex Gray entered the room quietly, his presence almost ethereal. He caught my eye and offered a brief, sympathetic smile before approaching Brad. He waited patiently for Brad to finish his call, then leaned in slightly, speaking in a low, respectful tone.

“Alpha, the representatives from the Frostclaw Pack have arrived ahead of schedule. I’ve arranged for them to wait in the executive dining room.”

Brad nodded with a sense of purpose. “Excellent. Have Chef Miles prepare the specialty cuts they requested.” He pocketed his lighter, the motion smooth and practiced, before adjusting his already immaculate suit jacket. “We’ll join them in thirty minutes.”

I was almost to my desk when Brad’s voice sliced through the air, halting me in my tracks.

“You’re coming too,” he stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. It was a command that sent a jolt through me, making my spine stiffen in response.

I turned to face him, uncertainty flooding my veins like ice water. “Me? But I—”

“Is there a problem?” His amber eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of irritation crossing his features.

Alex stepped in seamlessly, sensing my hesitation. “Ms. West, the guest is Beta Sophia Luke from the Frostclaw Pack. She’s their lead negotiator for the timber rights agreement.” He glanced at his tablet, his expression serious. “Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences we should inform the kitchen about?”

My throat went dry at the mention of a high-ranking Beta werewolf. A formal business lunch? I was still adjusting to my role as Brad’s assistant, and now I was expected to dine with werewolf royalty?

“I’m not sure I should be there,” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. “I know nothing about timber rights or werewolf dining etiquette.”

Brad’s expression remained impassive, but I noticed the slightest flare of his nostrils—he was scenting my anxiety. “You’re carrying my child and wear my mark. As my mate, you’ll need to learn to navigate these situations.”

“Excuse me,” she said, her voice dripping with a false politeness that made my skin crawl. “I believe you’re lost. Human administrative staff aren’t permitted beyond the main dining area.”

I recognized Kayla Stone, the sales department manager who had always looked down on back-office staff like me.

“I’m heading to the executive dining room,” I replied evenly, attempting to sidestep her.

She blocked my path again, her posture rigid. “That area is reserved for executive leadership and special guests.” Her eyes narrowed as she scrutinized my identification badge. “We all know how you suddenly jumped from the back office to the executive floor. Not just sleeping your way to a promotion, but all the way to the Alpha’s office? How desperate and pathetic.”

Heat surged to my cheeks, but I fought to maintain a neutral expression. “Ms. Stone, I would suggest you reconsider your assumptions. I’m here at Alpha Rayne’s request.”

Kayla laughed mockingly, the sound grating against my nerves. “Listen, honey, whatever you did to get that badge, you’re still just a human. You don’t belong in the executive dining room, and you certainly don’t belong anywhere near the Alpha.”

A surge of anger mixed with humiliation coursed through me.

I looked directly into Kayla’s eyes, my voice steady. “I don’t think you understand the situation. If you have concerns about Alpha Rayne’s decisions regarding his staff, perhaps you should address them with him directly.”

Kayla’s expression hardened, her disdain palpable. “This is ridiculous! Even if you’ve somehow charmed your way into some temporary position, you can’t possibly think you’re authorized to enter the top-level dining area. That’s reserved for Alphas and their legitimate mates, not… whatever you are.”