After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 212

Chapter 212

Elle’s POV

*.54%

Three days after returning from the cruise, I finally made my way to the main Rayne family estate. The old manor where Elizabeth lived was different from the modern villa where Brad and I stayed–this was the heart of Rayne power, steeped in generations of Alpha authority and werewolf tradition.

The moment I stepped through the massive iron gates, could feel the tension crackling in th electricity before a storm. The human servants moved with unusual urgency, their faces tig they hurried about their tasks. Even the werewolf guards, normally composed and confident, alert than usual, their amber eyes constantly scanning the grounds.

“Mrs. Elle,” the butler approached me. “Mrs. Victoria Rayne is back from the Hamilton family.”

y as

more

My stomach clenched. Victoria Rayne–Brad’s mother, the woman who had sacrificed so much to protect his position, and who had made it clear that my human blood was barely tolerable. I’d known this moment would come, but knowing didn’t make it any easier.

“I see,” I said carefully “Is she… expecting me?”

Martha’s expression was diplomatically neutral. “Mrs. Victoria has requested to speak with you privately, at your earliest convenience.”

Translation: now.

Amy appeared at my side. “If you need any assistance-”

“Thank you, Amy, but I think this is something I need to handle myself.” I squared my shoulders. “Where is Mrs. Victoria?”

“The main hall, ma’am,” the butler replied. “Shall I escort you?”

“Please.”

As we walked through the opulent corridors of the estate, I couldn’t help but notice how

place felt from Brad’s modern villa. Every portrait on the walls seemed to watch me with disapproving.

amber eyes, every piece of furniture spoke of centuries of werewolf nobility.

ent this

The main hall was as intimidating as I’d expected–high ceilings, massive stone fireplace. And there, in the

center of it all, sat Victoria Rayne.

三

1/4

18:38 Wed, Dec 24 W GD

Chapter 212

Her deep purple silk dress was perfectly tailored, and a silver–white fox fur coat draped elegantly over Ker shoulders. Her dark hair was styled in a sophisticated chignon, and those piercing amber eyes–10 like

Brad’s–fixed on me with laser intensity.

I approached slowly, acutely aware of how my simple maternity dress and modest appearance must look to her. But I’d learned something important from my time with Brad–respect had to be earned, not

demanded.

“Mrs. Victoria,” I said, offering a polite nod.

Her amber eyes swept over me from head to toe, lingering on my pregnant belly. For a momen

almost like satisfaction flickered across her features, but it was gone so quickly I might have imagined it.

“Everyone out,” she commanded without taking her eyes off me. “Now.”

The human servants scattered immediately. Amy hesitated for a moment, catching my eye, but I nodded slightly to let her know I’d be fine. He left with visible reluctance.

2/4

18:38 Wed, Dec 24 (7 CO.

something that might have been respect.

“Clever little human,” she murmured, almost to herself. Then, louder: “Both, if I’m being honest. B

seems to think you’re worth the risk,”

“And what do you think?”

She was quiet for a long moment, studying me with those penetrating eyes. “I think,” she said slowly, “that you’re more perceptive than I initially gave you credit for. And I think you understand that your position here isn’t about what you want–it’s about what this family needs.”

Before I could respond, she continued, her voice taking on a sharper edge. “Which brings me to why I really wanted to speak with you. Lucas Rayne is returning. Tomorrow.”

My blood ran cold. Brad had warned me about this, but hearing it confirmed still sent a chill down my

spine.

“I see,” I said carefully.

“No, you don’t,” Victoria said bluntly. “Not yet. Lucas isn’t the real threat–he’s weak, unfocused, more interested in his next fix than family politics. The real threat is his mother.”

Mary, Brad had told me about her, about how she’d deliberately provoked Victoria into losing control.

“Mary has been patient,” Victoria continued, her voice growing harder. “She’s waited years for this opportunity. And now that Lucas is coming back, she’s planning to formalize her position in this family. Elizabeth supported it.”

If Mary became an official member of the Rayne family, she’d have rights, influence, and legitimacy. Everything Victoria had fought to prevent would be undone.

mportantly,

“That’s why I need to know,” Victoria said, leaning forward in her wheelchair. “Can I count on you?”