hapter 242 Not Today
AMY
+5 Pearis
I woke to a dull ache running through my back and hips, the kind of constant pain that had been gnawing at me for days. I forced myself to sit up and took a deep breath.
It hurt, but I could control it now. I focused, letting my healing energy flow through me. Gradually, the ache lessened, retreating until it was only a mild thrum.
Daniel stirred beside me and opened one eye. “Feeling better?” he asked, his voice hoarse from sleep.
“I am,” I said, flexing my fingers. “Still sore, but I can move without doubling over.”
He sat up fully and ran a hand over my shoulder. “Good. I hate seeing you like that.”
I smiled faintly. “I’ve been pushing myself, but I think I’m finally getting a handle on it. The powers are… stronger now. I can focus on them better.”
He observed me for a moment, then nodded. “I trust you. Just don’t overdo it.”
“I won’t,” I promised. “Not today.”
After breakfast, I insisted on going out. Daniel didn’t argue. I wanted to do something normal–something that reminded me life could exist outside the chaos of politics and pack intrigue. We headed to a small boutique Daniel had discovered in the city. Baby clothes, blankets, tiny shoes–nothing extravagant, just practical things.
When we arrived at the store, I walked around to have a look. My hands ran over a stack of pastel onesies, and I laughed softly when Daniel held up a tiny hoodie with wolf paw prints on it.
“That’s ridiculous,” I said. “You’re going to get our baby into werewolf fashion before they can even crawl?”
“Absolutely,” he said, grinning. “If the kid’s going to grow up around our kind, they might as well start early.”
I laughed and shook my head, feeling some of the tension leave me. For a few minutes, the world felt simple. Safe.
Daniel checked his phone, and I continued browsing. He stepped out to take a call, leaving me alone in the boutique. I picked up a soft cotton blanket and held it to my chest. The light ache in my stomach had returned slightly, but I pushed it aside, focusing on the small fabric and the feeling of normalcy.
Clara appeared suddenly, stepping out from behind a clothing rack like she had been hiding. Her eyes were sharp, her expression cruel. “Well, well, look at you,” she said, her voice dripping with contempt. “Playing house already?”
Before I could respond, she shoved me hard. I stumbled back, barely catching myself on the display table. The blankets and baby clothes fell around me.
“What the hell?” I gasped.
Clara laughed, a cold, hollow sound. “You think you’re clever, don’t you? Stealing Daniel’s attention, acting like the perfect little wife. You’re nothing but a slut.”
1/3
72
Chapter 242 Not Today
15 Pearls
Daniel returned at that exact moment. His eyes went wide, then darkened immediately when he saw Clara. His jaw clenched, and I could see the shift in him–the wolf beneath the surface ready to erupt.
“Stay back,” he said, his voice low, controlled. His hand brushed mine, “Don’t touch her again.”
Clara smirked, but I could see a flicker of uncertainty. Daniel’s presence changed the room. He stepped toward her, his posture rigid, every movement deliberate.
“Daniel, it’s fine,” I said through gritted teeth, holding his hand. “I’m okay. Don’t-”
“I won’t lose control,” he said, shaking his head slightly. “But you’re not dealing with this alone.”
Clara laughed again, but the sound faltered. “Oh, you think you can protect her? Let’s see how long that lasts.”
Daniel’s eyes narrowed, and I felt the power radiating from him–the control he had over his wolf and the ability to influence those around him. He didn’t act on instinct. He didn’t attack. He just stood there, a wall between Clara and me, and it was enough.
“I suggest you leave,” he said, his voice sharp. “Or I’ll see to it you regret this. Cole.”
I turned to see Cole step into the boutique from the back. He nodded at Daniel, understanding the command. Within minutes, Clara found herself surrounded. Cole’s tone was firm, professional.
“Clara, you’re coming with me,” he said. “You’re to be locked up in the pack dungeons until the council decides your fate.”
Clara’s smirk disappeared completely. She glared at Daniel, then at me, but she had no choice. She was escorted out of the boutique under close supervision.
I sagged against the counter, finally allowing myself to breathe fully. The sharp pain in my abdomen lingered briefly, but then I focused my healing energy again. Slowly, methodically, I pushed it back until it subsided entirely.
Daniel came to me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “Are you hurt?” he asked, his voice gentle now, though still tense.
“No,” I said, leaning into him. “I’m fine. The pain’s gone. Really.”
“You sure?” he asked. “I saw her shove you. That could have–“/
“I’m sure,” I interrupted softly, placing my hand on his chest. “I’m stronger now. You’ll see. I can handle more than before.”
He exhaled, holding me closer. “I don’t doubt it. I just… I can’t stand her touching you.”
“I know,” I said. “But she’s in the dungeon. She can’t hurt me anymore.”
He kissed the top of my head and whispered, “I swear, if she ever tries anything like that again, she won’t walk away.”
“I believe you,” I said. My hands rested on my stomach, feeling the tiny shifts of life inside me. “That’s why I can’t let her control me, or this baby, or Daniel’s focus. I need to stay strong.”
11:21 Wed, Jan 21 M
Chapter 242 Not Today
Daniel’s grip tightened, but not painfully. “And you will. You always do.”
I smiled faintly. “Thanks for believing in me. That’s half the battle.”
+5 Pearis
Cole returned a few minutes later. “Everything’s secured. Clara’s locked up. The pack dungeon team will keep her isolated until the council decides her punishment.”
“Good,” Daniel said. “We don’t need any surprises.”
I took a deep breath.
Daniel looked at me, his expression softening. “You should rest. We’ve got more ahead, but for now, just… breathe.”
“I will,” I said. “But we keep moving. We can’t let her or Elias think they’ve got any control over this family- or the pack.”
He nodded. “Agreed. And I’m right here with you, every step.”
7
198
ふ
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Bound To The Broken Alpha (Amy and Daniel)