After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 63

Chapter 63

Elle’s POV

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Suddenly, his voice turned to ice. “Let me remind you of something. If you do anything to betray me while carrying my child, remember that I can let your foster mother live… or I can let her die.”

The threat hit me like a physical blow. I felt the blood drain from my face as I stared at him in shock.

Just as suddenly as he had grabbed me, Brad released me and stepped back, adjusting his suit jacket with

casual elegance.

I rubbed my chin where his fingers had dug in, still trying to process the sudden shift from the man who

had helped my mother to this cold, threatening strange.

Brad turned toward the door, his hand already on the handle. Then he paused and looked back over his

shoulder, his gaze sharp and commanding.

“Tomorrow, 10 AM at Moonshade Bay Golf Club. I’ll be meeting Raymond Carter there to discuss our

partnership. You will attend.”

His tone left no room for argument. “As my mate, you need to present yourself appropriately.”

Before I could respond, he opened the door and walked out, leaving me alone in the break room, the echo of the closing door like a final punctuation to his commands.

I leaned against the wall, my legs suddenly weak. My heart was still racing, and I could feel a lump forming in my throat. What had just happened? Who was this person I’d just encountered?

I touched my chin again, feeling the lingering warmth of his fingers. This wasn’t the same man who had helped my mother escape, who had held me when I cried. This was someone else entirely-cold, possessive,

threatening.

I closed my eyes, trying to steady my breathing. I thought about the last few weeks, how Brad had shown moments of kindness and protection. Had I imagined all of that? Or was this the real Brad Rayne, finally showing his true colors?

I gathered myself enough to leave the break room, feeling the weight of curious stares as I returned to my desk. I couldn’t focus on work now; my mind was racing with confusion and fear.

“Are you okay?” a colleague whispered as she passed by

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Chapter 63

I nodded mechanically, not trusting my voice.

My phone rang, breaking through my thoughts. The screen displayed Marissa Hopkins’ name. After a moment’s hesitation, I answered.

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“Elle,” her voice sounded tired and strained. “I’m heading to the medical center for a check-up. Could you

meet me for coffee? I could use someone to talk to.”

I glanced at the clock. It was already late afternoon, and I wasn’t accomplishing anything here anyway.

“Sure,” I replied, suddenly desperate for an escape. “I’ll meet you.”

I gathered my things, told my colleagues I was leaving for the day, and headed out. Alex and a security guard accompanied me to the company car waiting outside.

As we drove to the café where Marissa wanted to meet, couldn’t stop replaying Brad’s words in my head. Each threat, each command echoed in my mind, leaving me more confused than ever.

When I arrived, I spotted Marissa sitting at a corner table. She looked pale, her usually perfect appearance slightly disheveled. As I approached, I saw something flicker across her face-something calculating that disappeared so quickly I thought I might have imagined it.

“Elle!” She reached for my hands as I sat down. “Finally!

“Marissa, are you alright?” I asked, studying her face.

She gave me a weak smile. “The doctors say my condition is progressing faster than they expected. I don’t

have much time left.”

I felt a pang of sympathy despite my suspicions. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”

“Seeing Brad find someone who can give him an heir,” she continued, her eyes downcast, “even if you’re human, it helps me accept what’s happening. I should be moving on.”

I noticed how she emphasized “human” but let it pass.

“Sometimes I just wish I could see Brad in his element again,” she said wistfully. “He’s always been so

commanding, so powerful when handling business matters.”

I hesitated, then found myself saying, “Brad seems… different lately. Today at the office, he was cold,

almost threatening.”

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Chapter 63

Marissa’s eyes widened with apparent concern. “What happened?”

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Before I could think better of it, I told her about our confrontation in the break room, omitting the most personal details. He ordered me to attend some golf meeting tomorrow with Raymond Carter.”

At the golf club? The exclusive one in the werewolf district?” Marissa leaned forward, her interest piqued.

I nodded. ‘Yes, 10 AM. He said I need to present myself appropriately,’ whatever that means.”

“That’s just Brad being Brad,” she said with a dismissive wave. “He’s always been particular about

appearances, especially in business settings.”

She paused, then added casually, “Will it just be a business meeting, or are other activities planned?”

“I think they’ll be golfing while discussing business,” I replied. “Raymond apparently prefers that

approach.

Marissa nodded thoughtfully. “Do you even know how to play golf?”

I gave a self-deprecating laugh. “No, but I don’t think I’ll be expected to play. I’ll probably just be there for

show.

“If you need someone to teach you golf, I’m happy to help,” Marissa offered, her smile seemingly genuine.

A sudden thought occurred to me. “Why don’t you come with us tomorrow? You know so much more about

these things than I do. I could use the support.”

Marissa’s eyes widened slightly, and she shook her head “Oh, I don’t think that would be a good idea.

Brad… he wouldn’t want to see me there.”

“Are you sure? I could talk to him-”

“No,” she interrupted quickly, then softened her tone. “Trust me, Elle. Brad has made it clear where things

stand between us. My presence would only complicate matters for everyone.” She smiled sadly. “Besides, I

have treatment scheduled tomorrow.”

I nodded, feeling foolish for suggesting it. “Of course. I understand.”

As the afternoon light began to fade, Marissa looked at her watch and sighed. “I should get to my medical appointment. She hesitated, then reached across the table and took my hand again. “Thank you for listening, Elle. It means more than you know.”

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I squeezed her hand back. “Anytime. And… good luck with your treatment today.”

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Her eyes glistened with what looked like genuine emotion. “Brad and I had our time. Now it’s your turn to be there for him, even when he’s difficult.” She gathered her things and stood. “Call me if you need anything before tomorrow’s meeting.”

By the time we parted ways, I felt both emotionally drained and strangely comforted. Despite our complicated connection through Brad, Marissa seemed genuinely interested in being friends. In a world where I had few allies, her kindness-however unexpected-was welcome.

As I headed back to the mansion, I couldn’t help but feel woefully unprepared for whatever awaited me.

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After One Night with the Alpha