After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53

Elle’s POV

I studied Marissa’s face.

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“Alright,” I conceded. “But I still don’t entirely trust this sudden change of heart.”

“That’s fair.” She nodded, signaling a waiter for a glass of water. “I’d be suspicious too.”

An awkward silence fell between us until Marissa broke it with an unexpected topic.

“Did you know Brad used to be afraid of swimming?” she asked, a genuine smile lighting up her face.

we were kids, his family and mine would spend summers at Lake Silvermoon. All the wolf childre

took to water naturally, except Brad. He was terrified.”

I couldn’t help my curiosity. “Really? Brad? Afraid of anything?”

“Oh yes. He was about seven, I think. Refused to even put his feet in. Then one day, his cousin Lucas pushed him off the dock.” She laughed softly at the memory.

I tried to picture a young Brad. “Were you two close as children?”

“Inseparable until we were teenagers,” she admitted. “Then things got complicated. His mother started grooming him for leadership, and suddenly our friendship had political implications.” A shadow crossed her face. “That’s when the whispers about suitable mates began.”

“When did you realize you loved him?” I asked softly.

Marissa’s eyes grew distant. “I think I always did, in some way. But I recognized it for what it was when I was sixteen. Brad had just won his first challenge fight. He was magnificent, powerful…”

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. “You’ve known him almost your whole life. I’ve only known him for a few weeks. Sometimes I wonder if…” I trailed off, not sure why I was confiding in her of all people.

“If what?” she prompted gently.

“If what we have is real,” I admitted. “Everything happened so fast. Sometimes it feels like I barely know him. Maybe my relationship with Brad isn’t exactly what you think it is.”

Marissa studied me with unexpected sympathy.

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Chapter 53

“Elle West? What a coincidence.”

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I looked up, startled to hear my name, and found myself staring into familiar gray eyes. Raymond Carter, the man who had crashed into my car, stood beside our table looking as impeccably dressed as I

remembered him.

“Mr. Carter,” I said, genuinely surprised. “I didn’t expect to see you again.”

His eyebrows rose slightly. “You remember me. I’m flattered.”

“Hard to forget someone who totals your car,” I replied dryly.

A smile played at his lips. “Fair point. Though I believe my insurance handled that matter to your

satisfaction?”

“Raymond?” Marissa’s surprise seemed genuine as she looked between us. “You two know each other?”

“We had a minor traffic incident a few weeks ago,” Raymond explained smoothly. “Ms. West’s car came out

worse for it, I’m afraid.”

“Small world,” I murmured, studying him more carefully now.

“You know each other?” I asked, gesturing between him and Marissa.

“Raymond is the CEO of Carter Group,” Marissa explained. “His friend Dr. Everett is my doctor – he’s the geneticist who’s been treating me.”

“Carter Group,” I repeated, recognizing the name of one of the largest corporations in the region. Our first meeting suddenly seemed less coincidental.

“I was supposed to meet a colleague for lunch, but they just canceled,” Raymond said, his gaze shifting between us. “I couldn’t help noticing you two together. It’s… unexpected.”

“Would you like to join us?” Marissa offered. “Since your lunch plans fell through.”

He hesitated. “I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

“Not at all,” Marissa said. “Please, join us.”

As Raymond settled into a chair, I began, “So, Mr. Carte-”

“Raymond, please,” he corrected with a smile. “I think we’re past formalities after I destroyed your vehicle.”

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Chapter 53

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“Raymond,” I acknowledged. “How exactly do you know Marissa?”

“As she mentioned, my friend Dr. Everett is her physician,” he explained. “Carter Group has several investments in medical research, including the facility where Marissa is being treated.”

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The waiter arrived with my main course, and Raymond ordered coffee while Marissa picked at a small salad. The conversation shifted to safer topics-the restaurant’s renowned chef, the upcoming arts festival in the mixed district, Marissa’s recent photo shoot in the mountains.

As we finished our meal, Marissa checked her phone and grimaced slightly. “I need to go. I have an appointment at the clinic in thirty minutes.”

“With Dr. Everett?” Raymond asked quietly.

She nodded, a shadow crossing her face. “The treatments are still experimental, but he’s hopeful.”

“How are you getting there?” he inquired.

“I called a service. It should be waiting outside.” She turned to me with a small smile. “Elle, it was…unexpected but nice to talk with you. I hope we can do it again sometime.”

As she stood to leave, Raymond cleared his throat. “How are you getting home, Ms. West? I’d be happy to

drive you.”

“Oh, I was planning to call a taxi,” I said quickly.

Marissa’s eyes lit up. “That’s perfect! Raymond can give you a ride. He’s completely trustworthy, I promise.”

I hesitated, uncomfortable with the idea. Our previous encounter had been brief and professional, but something about Raymond made me wary despite his charm.

Sensing my reluctance, Marissa leaned closer. “Raymond is a good man.”

“Even though I’m what?” Raymond asked with a raised eyebrow.

Marissa flushed slightly. “I just meant you’re not exactly-”

“I assure you, Ms. West, I’m quite safe. I understand if you’d prefer a taxi, however.”

“No, it’s fine,” I found myself saying, curiosity getting the better of me. “If you’re sure it’s no trouble.”

“None whatsoever.” He stood, offering a polite hand to help me up. “It would be my pleasure.”

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Chapter 53

Marissa beamed, looking genuinely pleased. “Perfect! I’ll call you next, Elle. Maybe we can have coffee?” Her hopeful expression made it hard to refuse.

‘Sure, I agreed cautiously. “Text me.”

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Outside, Marissa gave me a quick, unexpected hug before heading toward a waiting car. Raymond led me to a sleek silver Audi parked nearby-different from the one he’d crashed into my old car.

The interior of his car was immaculate and smelled faintly of sandalwood. As we pulled into traffic, I

decided to address the elephant in the room.

When we neared the Rayne estate, I asked him to drop me off a block away. “I could use the fresh air,” I explained, though truthfully, I wasn’t sure how Brad would react to seeing me arrive with Raymond.

“Of course.” Raymond pulled over smoothly.

“Thank you for the ride,” I said, stepping out of the car.

As I approached the house, I noticed several broken flowerpots near the entrance. Inside, the tension was palpable. Staff members were scurrying about, avoiding eye contact, and Alex was standing in the foyer looking deeply concerned.

What’s going on?

A crash from the study answered my question. Brad emerged in the doorway, his face a mask of barely controlled fury. When he saw me, his eyes narrowed dangerously.

“Who did you meet after I was gone?’ he demanded, stalking toward me.

“Marissa stopped by the table after you left, I admitted. “We talked for a while.”

“Don’t lie to me,” he said, his voice deadly quiet. “I can smell him on you.”

My heart was beating so fast that I thought I was gonna die.

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After One Night with the Alpha