After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Elle’s POV

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A collective intake of breath swept through the room. If they were werewolves, they should have known-

they could smell his mark on me-but they were human employees who all just looked shocked, many of

them averting their eyes in deference. I caught snippets of whispered conversations:

“…a human mate?”

“…carrying the Rayne heir…”

“…never thought the Alpha would…”

As Brad released my collar and the tension in the room began to dissipate, I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me. This public display, this claiming-it made our arrangement seem more real than the marking ceremony had. Everyone knew now. There was no going back, no keeping things professional or

discreet.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, looking down at my feet. “I embarrassed you just now.”

“Hmph,” Brad grunted. “If it weren’t for the child, I wouldn’t bother with such trivial matters.” His voice was icy, but there was something in his eyes that didn’t match his tone. “You’re going to be a mother of a Alpha heir now. Make yourself look like one!”

I kept my head down, unable to meet his gaze. He was right-I was not the same old Elle anymore.

My baby was the only reason I had any protection at all in this world. Without this pregnancy, I’d still be filing reports in the back office, invisible and vulnerable.

Thank you, little one, I thought, placing a hand over my still-flat stomach. My fingertips gently caressed the area where my baby was growing. If it weren’t for you, I’d probably be nursing a slapped face right now, or worse, packing up my desk like Kayla.

Looking at my contrite expression, something in Brad’s demeanor shifted. The rigid anger in his shoulders seemed to soften almost imperceptibly. For a brief moment, I thought I saw concern in his eyes before they hardened again into their usual impassive amber.

“Come,” he said, his voice losing some of its edge. “Let’s go.”

He placed his hand on my back, guiding me toward the executive dining area, leaving Kayla still kneeling

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Chapter 22

on the floor behind us. The gentle pressure of his touch was surprising-almost protective rather than merely possessive. His hand was warm through the thin material of my blouse, and I found myself unconsciously leaning into it slightly.

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As we ascended the stairs to the third level, I couldn’t help noticing how the other diners quickly averted their gazes, the werewolves subtly tilting their heads in a gesture of submission as Brad passed. Some even stood from their tables until he had walked by, a sign of respect I hadn’t witnessed before. A few braver souls stole glances at me, curiosity mingled with surprise in their expressions.

The restaurant’s top tier was dramatically different from the main floor-the lighting more subdued, the tables spaced much further apart for privacy, and the ai perfumed with subtle scents I couldn’t identify but assumed were calming to werewolf senses. Crystal glasses caught the light from recessed fixtures, the silverware was actual silver-specially treated, I knew, so it wouldn’t harm the werewolf diners.

and

At the far end of the room, a tall, strikingly beautiful woman with silver-gray hair stood as we approached. Despite her youthful face, there was something ancient in her eyes that made me instinctively want to step behind Brad. Her posture was perfect, her movements fluid and graceful in a way that no human could

match.

“Alpha Rayne,” she greeted, her voice melodious yet carrying undeniable authority. “I see the rumors of your new mate are true.” Her gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. Her eyes were an unusual shade of blue-so pale they almost looked silver in certain lights.

“Sophia Luke,” Brad acknowledged with a slight nod. “My mate, Elle West.”

I remembered my research on werewolf etiquette and kept my eyes slightly downcast, not meeting her gaze directly. I didn’t know if I should extend my hand or bow or what the proper greeting was for someone of

her rank.

“A human,” Sophia Luke observed, circling our table to approach me. She leaned in slightly, and I realized she was scenting me. The closeness made me uncomfortable, but I remained still, knowing this was normal behavior for werewolves. “But carrying your heir. How… unexpected.”

Brad’s hand tightened slightly at my waist.

“Please, sit,” he said, guiding me to a chair before taking his own seat at the head of the table.

As servers appeared with appetizers-raw meat for the werewolves and something more palatable for me-I felt Sophia’s calculating gaze on me. Her eyes lingered on my neck, where Brad’s mark was partially visible despite my attempts to adjust my collar to cover it.

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“I must say,” she continued, delicately lifting a piece of what looked like raw venison with her fork, “this is

quite the surprise. The Rayne family has always been sq.. traditional about bloodlines.”

Brad’s expression remained impassive as he replied, “Times change, Sophia. As do priorities.”

Sophia smiled, her canines slightly more prominent than a human’s. “Indeed they do.” She turned her attention to me. “And how are you adjusting to life as an Alpha’s mate, Ms. West? I imagine it must be

quite the transition for a human.”

The question felt like a test. I took a small sip of water, buying myself time to formulate a response that wouldn’t embarrass Brad or reveal how new and fragile our arrangement truly was.

“Every day brings new experiences,” I answered carefully. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn more

about werewolf culture firsthand.”

Brad’s eyes flickered to me, and I caught a hint of approval in his expression.

“How diplomatic,” Sophia remarked with a small laugh.

The conversation shifted to business matters-timber rights and territory boundaries-topics I knew nothing about. I remained quiet, focusing on my food and observing the subtle power dynamics between

Brad and Sophia.

Sophia carried herself with remarkable confidence. There was something in the way she occasionally glanced at Brad that suggested a history-or perhaps an interest-beyond business.

My hand unconsciously moved to my stomach, a protective gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by either

werewolf at the table.

“The child is well?” Sophia asked, her eyes following my movement.

“Yes,” I replied simply.

“A miracle,” she said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “The first Rayne heir of mixed blood in… how many generations, Alpha Rayne?”

“We’re making history,” Brad stated flatly, effectively ending that line of conversation.

As the lunch progressed, I became increasingly aware of how much I had to learn about this world I’d been

thrust into.

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After One Night with the Alpha