One Night. One Mistake. Ch 6

 

Chapter 6 

Elle’s POV 

I couldn’t bear to see Brad’s reaction, staring down at my trembling hands instead. 

Brad’s amber eyes locked with mine when I finally looked up. For a moment, I saw-something flicker there – guilt? Concern? But his voice was 

cold and controlled. 

“Grandmother, this requires a longer explanation than you might expect. 

I closed my eyes, overwhelmed. In minutes, I’d discovered I was pregnant, learned I wasn’t entirely what I thought I was. 

The hospital room fell into a tense silence after Brad’s statement. His grandmother looked between us, her calculating gaze making me feel like 

a specimen under examination. 

“Bradley, Elizabeth’s voice was razor-sharp, ‘I don’t have time for your evasiveness. Tell me exactly how this happened. 

Brad’s jaw clenched. “It was a misunderstanding. A hotel mix-up during the Full Moon Festival.” 

“A mix-up?” Elizabeth’s eyebrow arched perfectly. “You expect me to believe you accidentally slept with your mate?” 

“She’s not my- Brad started, then stopped, running a hand through his dark hair. “I didn’t know she was my mate until… until it happened.” 

Elizabeth turned her piercing gaze to me. I felt pinned under her stare, like a butterfly to a collection board. 

“Ms. West, did you have sexual relations with my grandson approximately six weeks ago?” 

The bluntness of her question made my face burn. I wanted to disappear into the hospital mattress. My mind raced through possible responses, but what was the point of lying? The evidence was growing inside me. 

Slowly, reluctantly, I nodded. 

“Verbal confirmation, please, Elizabeth insisted. 

“Yes,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “It was… a mistake. We both thought… it was someone else’s room.” 

Brad made a sound between a scoff and a groan. Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed at him. 

“And you knew, didn’t you? You sensed the mate bond the moment you touched her. 

Brad’s silence was confirmation enough. 

“Well?’ Elizabeth pressed. 

“Yes,” he finally admitted, his voice strained. “I felt it. But it couldn’t be real. She’s human! Mates are always werewolves. Always. He turned to look at me, frustration evident in his expression. ‘I convinced myself it was just… intense attraction. Nothing more.” 

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Chapter 6 

Elizabeth shook her head, disappointment evident. Your father would be ashamed. An Alpha ignoring a mate bond? And with a 

heterochromatic mate, no less.” 

“What does that even mean?’ I found my voice, tired of being talked about like I wasn’t there. “What is a heterochromatic mate?’ 

Elizabeth regarded me with a mix of fascination and concern. “In our oldest histories, there are accounts of mates born with eyes of different colors. They possess unique abilities – they can influence werewolf emotions, calm raging Alphas, even affect pack bonds. They’re extremely rare, thought to be extinct in modern times.” 

She leaned closer, studying my face. “But you’re human. That’s unprecedented. Your pregnancy has likely triggered the dormant abilities in your 

genetic makeup.” 

My hand unconsciously moved to my stomach. “So I’m… special because of my eyes? 

*Special and vulnerable, Elizabeth stated firmly. “If word gets out about an unbonded heterochromatic mate, especially one carrying an Alpha’s child, you’ll become the most hunted woman in the world. Every powerful pack will want you to strengthen their bloodlines, to gain your 

abilities for their pack.” 

The monitor beside me beeped faster as my heart rate spiked. 

“This complicates matters enormously,” Elizabeth continued, pacing the room now. “Bradley, as Alpha of Moonshade Bay, you have a responsibility. This woman carries your child, possesses rare abilities that are manifesting, and is your mate. You must formally mark and claim 

her. 

“What?” Brad and I said simultaneously. 

Elizabeth’s expression hardened. “If you refuse your responsibilities, the Council will take her under protection and arrange a suitable Alpha match. We cannot risk her falling into rival hands.” 

“You can’t just pass me around like property!” I protested, but Elizabeth continued as if I hadn’t spoken. 

“You’ve delayed finding a mate long enough, Bradley. Your position as Alpha requires an heir. Her words were merciless. “Your father secured his position through a strong mate bond and producing you as heir. Without both, your leadership will be challenged.” 

Brad’s shoulders tensed. 

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“Fine,” he finally said, his voice tight with resignation. I’ll arrange the marking ceremony.” 

“Good, Elizabeth nodded curtly. “The sooner the better. I’ll inform the Council privately.” 

“Wait a minute!” I suddenly found my courage, pushing myself upright in the hospital bed. “Are you seriously discussing me marrying him? 

Don’t I get a say in this?” 

They both turned to me, looking surprised – as if they’d forgotten I could speak for myself. 

“This isn’t about marriage in the human sense, Elizabeth explained condescendingly. “This is about protection. About survival.” 

“It’s about my life!” My voice rose despite my best efforts to stay calm. “I just found out I’m pregnant. I just learned I’m some kind of rare… 

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Chapter 6 

whatever you call it. And now you’re arranging my future without even asking me?” 

Elizabeth sat down at the edge of my bed, her expression softening just slightly. 

“Ms. West-Elle,’ she said, using my first name with clear effort. “Let me be completely transparent. There are three possible futures for you now.” 

She held up one finger. “First, you accept the mate bond with Bradley. You’ll be under his protection, your child will be legitimate, and you’ll have the full resources of our pack.” 

A second finger joined the first. “Second, you refuse, and word inevitably gets out. Other Alphas will come for you. They won’t ask nicely. They’ll fight over you like wolves over fresh meat-which is exactly what it would be.” 

Her third finger rose. “Or the Council takes custody of you. We arrange a match with another suitable Alpha candidate who will take Brad’s 

place. You’ll be separated from your child, as the baby is Rayne blood.” 

My stomach twisted at that final option. “You’d take my baby?” 

“Werewolf law is clear on bloodlines,” she said matter-of-factly. “The child belongs to the father’s pack unless formally released.” 

I looked at Brad, who wouldn’t meet my eyes. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides. 

The weight of what was happening crashed down on me all at once. Yesterday, I was just Elle West, ordinary human, processing forms in the 

HR department. 

Now my normal life was gone. Obliterated in an instant. 

What kind of life could I provide for a child-especially a half-werewolf child-on my own? And if Elizabeth was right about other Alphas 

wanting me… 

“You don’t have to decide this moment,” Brad said suddenly, his voice softer than before. “But my grandmother isn’t exaggerating the risks.” 

Elizabeth stood, smoothing her immaculate suit. “I’ve said what needed to be said. The choice is yours, Ms. West, but don’t delude yourself that refusing means freedom. It simply means a different kind of captivity.” 

So tell me, Elle West. Will you accept your position as Bradley’s mate?” 

I looked between them, my heart hammering in my chest, trapped between impossible choices. 

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Comments 

R Visitor 

5 Comments > 

great story. It will be interesting to see which path she will take, whether it’s her mate, council, or a alpha and lose her child 

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After One Night with the Alphe