After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Elle’s POV

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Brad sat at the grand piano, his tall figure silhouetted against the fading light. His fingers moved across

the keys with surprising grace, drawing out a melody that filled the space with haunting beauty. I’d never

seen him look so… human. The usual cold mask he wore had softened, replaced by an expression of quiet

concentration.

I sat there, afraid to move, afraid to break whatever spell had transformed the intimidating Alpha into this

focused musician. Part of me wanted to back away quietly, but I couldn’t tear my eyes from him.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Martha and Alex speaking in hushed tones near one of the side tables.

“Alpha is home early today,” Martha whispered. “Isn’t the Council still in session?”

Alex’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “I expect Alpha will be coming home on time from now on.”

I frowned slightly, wondering what that meant, but my attention was drawn back to Brad when I

recognized the song he was playing. It was “Love Story” the same song I’d been humming that morning

while watering the plants on the terrace. A chill ran down my spine. Had he heard me from somewhere in

the house? I’d been alone, or so I thought.

As if sensing my presence, Brad looked up, his amber eyes finding mine immediately. I expected him to

stop playing, but instead, he continued, his gaze still fixed on me.

“You missed a note this morning,” he said casually, his ngers never faltering on the keys. “The bridge goes

like this.”

He played the section again, and I realized he was right I had been singing it incorrectly.

“I didn’t know werewolves listened to pop music,” I said taking a hesitant step into the room.

“We’re not completely uncivilized,” he replied, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.

I noticed the human staff exchanging surprised glances clearly unused to seeing their Alpha engage in

such casual conversation, especially with a human.

Brad’s hands stilled on the keys. “Why did you learn to lay piano if you didn’t enjoy it?”

The question caught me off guard. “How did you know didn’t enjoy it?”

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Chapter 27

“Your fingers. They tense incorrectly when you sit at the instrument. It’s the tension of obligation, not

passion.”

I looked down at my hands, surprised by his observation. “In the human community, my life has always been about being chosen for things, not choosing them myself.”

Brad’s amber eyes studied me with unexpected intensity “So, you’ll try to be a good mate too? Out of

obligation?”

The question hung in the air between us. I felt a stab of something like disappointment in my chest.

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“I’ll do my best,” I answered, forcing a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. What else could I say? I still didn’t understand what being a “mate” truly meant beyond carrying his child and wearing his mark.

Something flickered in Brad’s expression – frustration, perhaps? He abruptly stood from the piano.

“It’s time for dinner,” he announced, his voice returning to the commanding tone I was more familiar with.

I followed him to the dining room, careful to maintain a respectful distance. The table was elaborately set, and servers stood ready to attend to our needs. As we sat down, I stared at the rare steak placed before me, the center still visibly red and practically raw.

I poked at it tentatively with my fork, struggling to cut a piece with the proper technique Martha had taught me earlier. Brad watched me with those observant eyes of his.

“Is the meal not to your liking?” he asked after a moment.

“It’s fine,’ I lied, not wanting to seem ungrateful.

“You’re lying. Your heart rate increases when you lie.” His nostrils flared slightly.

I hesitated before answering honestly. “The meat is… less cooked than I’m used to.”

Without hesitation, Brad turned to Martha. “Prepare a well-done steak for Elle. She doesn’t need to follow my dietary customs.”

Martha’s eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly composed herself. “Right away, Alpha.”

Minutes later, a properly cooked steak arrived, along with vegetables that weren’t nearly raw. I relaxed visibly, grateful for the accommodation.

As we ate, Brad placed a specially prepared mushroom on my plate. “Try this. It’s good for the baby.”

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Chapter 27

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I noticed his expectant gaze and carefully took a bite. It was delicious. Feeling brave, I cut a small piece of my well-done steak and hesitantly offered it to him. “This is really good. Would you… like to try some?”

The room seemed to hold its breath.

To everyone’s shock, Brad accepted the offering, taking the piece from my fork and eating it without comment. The staff exchanged startled glances, and I felt a strange flutter in my chest.

After dinner, I found myself reflecting on the variety of beverages I’d been offered since arriving. So many types of milk, and I only seemed to like the Japanese royal family’s special import. Countless juice varieties, but only New Zealand freshly squeezed fruit juices appealed to me. Among all the bottled waters,

only Italian satisfied my taste.

“I never knew I was so picky,” I murmured, more to myself than to Brad. “I’m worried our child will inherit

your pickiness.”

Brad’s response came immediately, as if he’d read my thoughts. “My heir will naturally take after me. We

can afford it.”

I choked on my milk, sputtering in surprise.

As I cleaned myself up, embarrassed, I caught a glimpse of what might have been amusement in Brad’s eyes. It was gone so quickly I couldn’t be sure it was ever there.

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10:49 Tue, Dec 30 DR

After One Night with the Alpha