After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 66

Chapter 66

Brad’s POV

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I felt refreshed after the golf game with Raymond Carter.

“Mr. Carter, you played well,” I offered magnanimously as we walked off the eighteenth hole. “Care to join

me for a swim? The Rayne family pool is excellent for cooling down after a game.”

Raymond smiled, his expression carefully measured. “I’d be delighted, Mr. Rayne.”

We headed to the changing rooms, where the attendants quickly provided us with swimming trunks. I changed quickly, not missing how Raymond’s eyes widened slightly at my physique. It was a natural

reaction. Alpha werewolves were built differently – more muscle, more power, more everything.

“This way,” I directed, leading him toward the private pool area reserved for the Rayne family.

With a subtle gesture to the staff, they cleared the area immediately. No one would disturb us here. This

was my territory, and I wanted Raymond to understand that.

“Mr. Carter, we wolves have a particular affinity for water,” I said, rolling my shoulders casually. “Would you

mind if I take a few laps first?”

Raymond smiled, his eyes calculating. “Not at all. It’s an honor to be invited to the Rayne family’s private

pool.”

I dove in with minimal splash, feeling the cool water en brace my heated skin. There was something primal

about swimming – the sensation reminded me of running in wolf form. I cut through the water with

powerful strokes, my muscles working in perfect harmony.

After a few laps, I noticed Raymond had joined me in the pool. He was a strong swimmer for a human, his

technique refined and efficient. Something competitive stirred within me. Without a word, I picked up my

pace. He matched it. Soon we were racing across the pool, neither acknowledging the competition but both

fully committed to it.

I pushed harder, water churning around me. My wolf enjoyed the challenge, even from a human. Raymond kept pace remarkably well, though I could have easily outmatched him if I’d used my full werewolf

strength.

As we approached the far end of the pool for the third me, I sensed something beneath the surface. A

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disruption in the water pattern. Before I could react, something someone burst up directly in my path.

A female figure with golden hair shot up from below, colliding hard with my chest. A shrill scream pierced the air before she immediately went limp, her body rapidly sinking beneath the surface.

“Fuck!” I cursed internally. Who the hell was in my private pool?

I stopped immediately, my Alpha instincts kicking in. Someone was in danger. Without hesitation, I dove

beneath the surface.

The water was clear enough to see a woman’s unconscious form drifting downward, her golden hair billowing around her like a halo. Her body was completely still, bubbles escaping from her lips as she sank deeper toward the pool floor.

I recognized her immediately. Marissa.

What the hell was she doing here? This area was supposed to be cleared.

I swam to her quickly, powerful strokes propelling me through the water. Her face was pale, eyes closed. I wrapped an arm around her waist and kicked hard toward the surface, pulling her limp form against my

chest.

As we broke the water’s surface, I immediately checked for breathing. Nothing.

“Marissa?” I called out, genuine concern in my voice now. Her lips had taken on a bluish tint.

Raymond swam over quickly, helping me support her as we moved toward the pool’s edge. “Is she breathing?” he asked, his expression alarmed.

I didn’t answer him. Instead, I lifted Marissa’s limp body out of the pool and laid her on the tile surround. She wasn’t moving at all, but I could still hear her faint heartbeat. Weak, but there.

I immediately began chest compressions, forcing water from her lungs. “Marissa,” I said again, tapping her

face firmly. “Wake up!”

****

Elle’s POV

Sophia and I were sitting in the outdoor rest area, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation.

Our conversation was interrupted when a staff member rushed toward us, his face flushed with concern.

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Chapter 66

“Mrs. Rayne,” he said breathlessly. “There’s been an accident. Mr. Rayne collided with someone in the swimming pool. Should you… would you like to check

him?”

My heart dropped instantly. “Brad? Is he hurt?” I asked, jumping to my feet.

“I don’t have all the details, ma’am. It just happened.”

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I exchanged a quick look with Sophia, who nodded sharply. Without another word, we hurried toward the

private pool area.

As we approached the pool doors, I could hear coughing and sputtering from inside. Someone was alive at least. I pushed through the door, Sophia right behind me.

The scene before me stopped me cold. Brad was kneeling beside a woman sprawled on the pool deck. Her golden hair was plastered to her face and shoulders, water still dripping from her body. He was pressing on

her chest, his hands large against her ribcage.

I recognized her instantly. Marissa.

My stomach dropped to my feet. What the hell was Marissa doing here? Just yesterday she’d told me she wouldn’t be anywhere near the golf club. She’d specifically asked about who would be attending and then declined my invitation. The shock of seeing her here, with Brad hovering over her, made me feel like I’d

been slapped.

As I watched, frozen in place, she suddenly coughed up water, her body convulsing. Her eyes fluttered open, looking directly at Brad.

“Brad?” she whispered, her voice weak but somehow perfectly audible in the hushed room. “Is that you?”

Brad’s expression shifted from concern to something harder as she gazed up at him.

Before anyone could speak, Marissa suddenly threw her arms around Brad’s neck, clinging to him

desperately.

“Brad! Oh my god, I thought I was going to die!” she cried out, her voice breaking with emotion.

I stood frozen in the doorway, unable to move or speak Brad tried to push her away, but she held on tighter, pressing her wet body against his bare chest.

“Brad!” Marissa continued dramatically, “You still love me, right?” She pulled back slightly, her eyes fixed on his but her words clearly meant for me. “You’re only with her because of that baby. That’s the only

”

<

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reason you make her your mate, isn’t it?”

Each word hit me like a physical blow.

“Brad, I could see it in your eyes just now when you saved me. You still care about me, Brad. You can’t hide

it!”

She pressed closer, her lips near his ear but her voice still carrying. “I get it, okay? It’s just your Alpha

responsibilities and her pregnancy keeping us apart, right?”

Brad remained coldly silent, neither confirming nor denying her claims.

“I don’t have to be your mate, Brad,” she declared passionately. “I love you! Just come back by my side!”

My whole body felt numb as she suddenly moved forward, trying to press her lips against Brad’s.

I couldn’t watch anymore. I turned away, my legs barely supporting me as I stumbled from the room. I heard Sophia call my name, her footsteps following me, but I couldn’t stop.

I needed to get away from everything.

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After One Night with the Alpha