After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 59

Chapter 59

Elle’s POV

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I woke with a start, my mind hazy as I blinked at the unfamiliar ceiling. For a moment, I couldn’t

remember where I was, then it all came rushing back the mansion, Brad, everything that had happened

over the past weeks.

Rolling over, I caught sight of the alarm clock on the nightstand: 8:17 AM. Shit! I sat bolt upright, my

heart racing. I was late for work. I’d been on what amounted to an extended leave, but I needed to get back

to normal – or whatever passed for normal in my life now.

I pushed back the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed. The cool air hit my skin, making me

shiver slightly. As I sat there, reality sank in. I needed to keep working. The time off had been necessary,

but I couldn’t stay idle forever.

My hand drifted unconsciously to my stomach, still flat but softer than before. Soon enough, it would start

to show. Soon enough, everything would change again.

My thoughts drifted to my mother, Susan, now safely in her new apartment away from Tony and Grandma

Grace. She was still adjusting, but at least she was safe. That was one worry off my shoulders, but I had

plenty more to replace it.

The truth was stark: I wasn’t part of Brad’s world, not really. Sooner or later, I’d have to leave.

A soft knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.

“Come in,” I called, expecting Martha with breakfast.

Instead, Alex poked his head in, his expression professionally neutral as always. “Good morning, Miss West.

I hope you slept well?”

“I did, thanks,” I lied. The truth was I’d tossed and turned all night, wondering where Brad was, who he was

with. But that wasn’t Alex’s problem.

Then, trying to sound casual, I asked, “Is… is Brad…” I hesitated, hating how uncertain my voice sounded.

Alex’s face softened almost imperceptibly. “Alpha Rayne left for the office early this morning. He had several meetings scheduled.”

So he hadn’t come home last night. I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. “Thank you, Alex. I’ll

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Chapter 59

be ready in thirty minutes.”

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Breakfast was a quiet affair. I ate quickly, eager to get to the office, to immerse myself in work rather than dwell on my complicated personal life. Brad was clearly sending me a message by staying away all night – I needed to remember my place, not get ideas above my station.

The driver took me to the Rayne Group headquarters in silence. As we pulled up to the imposing glass building, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever the day might bring.

The lobby was bustling with activity. As I walked through, I noticed people’s reactions – the respectful

nods, the curious glances.

I was heading toward the elevator when a familiar voice called out behind me.

“Well, look who’s back in the land of the living!”

I turned to find Sophia Luke approaching, dressed impeccably as always in a sleek gray suit, her silver- blonde hair pulled back in a sophisticated twist. Her Beta werewolf grace was evident in every step.

“Sophia?” I was genuinely surprised to see her. “What are you doing here?”

She grinned, casually adjusting her cuff links. “Sent by my Alpha, of course.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “Though between us, I’m mostly here for the show.”

“What show?” I frowned. “And I thought your… assignment was finished.”

Sophia laughed, the sound drawing several admiring glances from passersby. “Oh, honey. You mean you don’t know?” Her perfectly sculpted eyebrows rose in surprise. “Raymond Carter is here.”

The name triggered an immediate memory – the man who had rear-ended my car, who had mistaken me for someone else. The same man Brad seemed intensely suspicious of.

“Raymond Carter? Here at Rayne Group?” I must have looked completely confused because Sophia’s expression shifted to one of amusement.

“You really don’t know, do you?” She gestured toward the elevator. “Come on, let’s not discuss this in the

lobby.”

As we walked to the elevator, Sophia continued, “I’m actually surprised you’re here today. I figured you’d be

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Chapter 59

at home, you know…” she made a vague gesture with her hand, “growing the little Rayne pup.”

I felt my cheeks warm. “I was going stir-crazy at home. needed to get back to work.”

We stepped into an empty elevator, and Sophia pressed the button for the executive floor.

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“So,” she said, lowering her voice despite us being alone “how much do you know about the Carter family?”

I shook my head. “Nothing, really.”

Sophia’s eyes widened. “Interesting.” She studied me for a moment. “The Carters are… well, they’re one of the most powerful human families in our world. Not many humans can stand toe-to-toe with werewolf

families like the Raynes.”

“What do you mean?”

The elevator dinged, stopping to let more people in. Sophia paused our conversation as four employees entered. They all greeted us respectfully, though I noticed several curious glances exchanged.

When we exited on the executive floor, Sophia picked up where she left off, her voice hushed.

“The Carters rose to prominence about three generations ago. Raymond’s grandfather built their empire from nothing, which is remarkable for.humans in a werewolf-dominated world.This family has….

connections.”

“What kind of connections?” I asked, genuinely curious now.

“Military. Political.” Sophia’s voice dropped even lower. His grandfather still holds a position in the military – high up. One of the few humans with real power after The Revelation.”

I frowned, not quite understanding the significance. “And that’s… unusual?”

Sophia looked at me like I was missing something obvious. “For humans to have that kind of influence? Absolutely. Most humans don’t have any real power in our society. The Carters are different – they’ve managed to carve out significant influence despite being human.”

I was still confused. “But why would that matter to Brad or the Raynes?”

–

that’s

Sophia sighed, looking around before pulling me into a quiet corner. “The Raynes have traditionally kept their hands clean when it comes to domestic military ties. They have their overseas connections partly why Brad spent so many years abroad – but domestically? They’re strictly business.”

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Chapter 59

Suddenly, things started to click into place. “So Raymond Carter coming here… it’s more than just a

business meeting.”

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As we approached Brad’s office area, his assistants immediately straightened, offering respectful nods. “Ms.

West, Ms. Luke,” one greeted us formally. “Alpha Rayne asked that you both proceed directly to the main

conference room. The meeting is about to begin.”

Sophia raised an eyebrow at me. “Seems like your mate was expecting us both.”

I felt a twinge at the word “mate”.

As we walked toward the conference room, I couldn’t help but wonder what I was walking into.

I knocked firmly and opened the door. The tension in the room hit me like a physical wave as I stepped

inside.

“Good morning, Brad… Mr. Carter,” I said softly, my voice more hesitant than I intended.

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After One Night with the Alpha