After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 51

Chapter 51

Elle’s POV

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Breakfast the next morning was tense from the moment we arrived back at my family’s apartment. Brad sat

at our small kitchen table. Tony kept shooting suspicious glances at him while pretending to read the

newspaper, and Grandma Grace hovered nearby, eager to impress.

After tolerating about ten minutes of this charade, Brad set down his coffee cup and addressed my mother

directly. “Susan, I’d like to speak with you privately.”

Tony’s newspaper crinkled as his grip tightened. “Whatever you have to say can be said in front of me. I’m

the man of this house.” Despite his attempt at assertiveness, his voice wavered slightly under Brad’s steady

gaze.

“Susan has the right to decide if she wishes to participate in this conversation.” Brad replied evenly.

Mom looked uncertainly between Tony and Brad. “I… I would like to hear what Mr. Rayne has to say.”

Tony’s face darkened, but with Brad present, he didn’t dare object further. He muttered something about “checking on something” and left the room, slamming the door behind him.

“Perhaps we should continue this conversation elsewhere,” Brad suggested, standing. “There’s a café a few

blocks from here.”

Twenty minutes later, we were seated in a quiet corner of a small café near the district border.

“How long has it been going on?” Brad asked without preamble.

Mom looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“The gambling. The drinking,” Brad’s voice was calm bu direct. “The abuse.”

Her eyes widened, darting to me, then back to Brad. He shoulders slumped in defeat. “The gambling started when Elle was about thirteen. Small bets at first then bigger ones. The drinking… that’s been longer.” She absently rubbed her wrist where I’d noticed the bruise. “The money you brought… he promised to use it to start a business. Instead, he bet it all on horse races. Lost everything in three days.” Her voice trembled. “After that, he became more… volatile. There are people he owes now, dangerous people.”

My chest tightened painfully. All this time, I’d been worried about Mom dealing with Grandma’s criticism, never imagining things had gotten this much worse with Tony.

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Chapter 51

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Brad listened impassively, then reached into his jacket and pulled out a folder, sliding it across the table to my mother. “This is the deed to an apartment in the mixed district, on Willow Street. As of this morning,

it’s in your name.”

Mom’s mouth fell open in shock. I wasn’t far behind.

Brad made a brief call, and within minutes, Alex appeared, carrying additional documents. He nodded

respectfully to me before turning to my mother.

“Mrs. West, I’ve arranged a position for you at Crescent Valley Community Center,” Alex explained

professionally. “You’ll be working as a front desk coordinator, assisting community members with various services.” He placed a contract on the table. “The salary is modest but stable, with full health benefits. The

apartment is three blocks from the center, an easy walking distance.”

Mom’s hands trembled as she covered her mouth, tears spilling down her cheeks. “This… this is too much. I

can’t possibly-”

“You can,” I said firmly, grabbing her hand. “Mom, this is your chance to start over.”

“But your father-”

“Has made his choices,” Brad interrupted, his voice firm but not unkind. “Now you must make yours.”

Mom looked between us, decades of fear and uncertainty battling with the hope this unexpected opportunity offered. Finally, she nodded, wiping away tears. “Thank you. I don’t know how I can ever repay

such kindness.”

“Your daughter saved someone very important to me,” Brad said simply. “Consider it a debt repaid.”

When we returned to the apartment to gather Mom’s belongings, Tony was waiting, his face flushed with anger and alcohol despite the early hour. He blocked the doorway to the bedroom. “What the hell is going

on? Where have you been?”

“Susan is moving out,” Brad stated calmly. “I’ve arranged accommodation and employment for her.”

Tony’s face contorted with rage. “You fucking-” He caught himself mid-word, suddenly remembering who he was addressing. The Alpha’s presence seemed to physically push him back, though Brad hadn’t moved a muscle. “You can’t just come in here and break up my family,” he finished lamely.

Brad’s voice remained level, but his eyes flashed with something dangerous. “Susan has made her choice. As Elle’s mate, I have a responsibility to ensure her family is properly cared for.”

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Tony looked like he wanted to explode, but something in Brad’s posture-some primal warning that even humans could sense-kept him from crossing that line. Grandma Grace and Megan watched from the

kitchen doorway, neither daring to interfere but both burning with jealousy and resentment.

“Fine,” Tony spat. “Take her. But don’t think you can come back here, Susan. Ever.” He stormed past us,

grabbing his jacket. “I’m going out. Don’t expect me back until you’re gone.” The door slammed behind him.

Mom flinched at the sound but straightened her shoulders with new resolve. “I don’t need much. Just some

clothes and a few personal items.”

It took less than an hour to pack Mom’s life into two suitcases and a box. The pitiful amount of

possessions accumulated over decades made my heart ache.

The apartment in the mixed district was modest by werewolf standards but practically luxurious compared to where Mom had been living. Clean, bright, with new furniture and appliances, it felt like a palace to her. She walked through each room in wonder, touching surfaces as if to confirm they were real.

“This is really mine?” she asked softly, running her hand along the smooth kitchen counter.

“All yours,” I confirmed, watching her joy with a lump in my throat. “No one to yell at you, no one to take

your money.”

Alex had arranged for basic groceries to be stocked, and had left a detailed packet explaining Mom’s new job, which would start in three days-enough time for her to settle in.

When it was time for us to leave, Mom hugged me tightly. “Take care of yourself and that baby, okay?” she whispered. Then, more quietly: “Is he good to you? Really?”

I glanced at Brad, who was waiting by the door, giving us a moment of privacy. “He’s… better than I thought,” I admitted, surprised to find I meant it.

As we drove away, I watched Mom wave from her new doorwa. The emotional weight of the day pressed on me, and I leaned my head against the window, exhaustel.

After several minutes of silence, I finally spoke. “Thank you. For what you did for my mom.”

Brad kept his eyes on the road. “Alex handled the arrangements.”

“No,” I insisted. “This was more than just arrangements. You gave her a chance at a new life.” I turned to look at his profile. “Why?”

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He was quiet for so long I thought he might not answer “A person’s worth shouldn’t be determined by others,” he finally said. “Your mother deserves better.”

As we drove back, I found myself stealing glances at his face.

The warmth growing in my chest made me smile.

“I appreciate it, Brad. I mean it.” I said.

He smiled too.

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11:00 Tue, Dec 30 DR

After One Night with the Alpha