Bound To The Broken Alpha (Amy and Daniel) novel Chapter 279

Chapter 279 A Queen

AMY

I stared at my phone for a long minute after Mark’s last message sat there like a stain on my screen.

I didn’t want to talk to him. Everything inside me recoiled at the thought. But revenge had a way of twisting what was necessary.

And I needed him–his access, his files, his passwords, his blind spots. He’d always been careless with those, especially when he thought someone still loved him.

I swallowed the bitterness and tapped his name. He picked up almost instantly.

“Amy?” His voice jumped, hopeful in that annoying way that made my jaw clench.

“Yes.” My tone was calm. “Come to the office.”

“I… today?”

“Yes, today.”

He hesitated. “Alright. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

The line clicked.

I exhaled and tucked the phone away. My heart wasn’t beating fast out of fear. It was the rage pulsing under my ribcage the rage of a woman who’d held a child and lost it because people who claimed to love her had joined the side of monsters.

I straightened my blouse, checked my expression in the reflection of my office window, and chose neutrality. Not softness. Neutrality. The kind that made people talk more than they should.

Twenty–five minutes later, Bella knocked.

“He’s here,” she whispered.

I nodded. “Send him in.”

The door opened, and Mark stepped inside dressed like he wanted to look important – charcoal suit, clean. haircut, expensive cologne.

It irritated me how much effort he put into appearances that never matched the rot inside him.

He closed the door behind him slowly. “Amy…”

I didn’t stand. I didn’t soften. I didn’t offer a smile.

He sank into the chair across from me. “You look… better than I expected.”

“I’m alive.” I kept my face empty. “That’s enough.”

He swallowed, hands clasping together like he was rehearsing a prayer. “I heard about the attack. I swear I had no idea Clara was capable-”

“Stop.” My voice cut the air clean. “Every single time something happens, you defend her. Do you know how

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Chapter 279 A Queen

ridiculous you sound?”

His eyebrows drew together. “I’m not defending her. I’m just saying-”

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“That you don’t believe she’d hurt me?” I leaned back. “Mark, please. Ever since you dumped me for her, you’ve turned yourself into her spokesperson. It’s pathetic.”

He dropped his eyes to the floor like a scolded child. “I didn’t come here to argue.”

“Good. Then tell me why you’re here.”

He let out a slow breath. “I wanted to check on you. I wanted to see for myself that you’re okay.”

“Lie better,” I said flatly.

He blinked. “Amy-”

“Just say what you really came for.”

His voice lowered. “I also… wanted to apologize. For everything you’ve been through because of me. Because of us. I know it doesn’t change anything, but I needed to say it.”

It didn’t move me. Not even a fraction. Apologies meant nothing when a grave held your child.

I didn’t speak, so he forced himself to continue. “There’s something else too. But… Now isn’t the right moment. You’re still dealing with everything. I don’t want to overwhelm you.”

My wolf rose in my chest, teeth bared, growling to rip him apart for pretending to care. I tightened my fists under the desk to keep myself grounded.

“Say whatever you need to say,” I pushed.

He shook his head. “No. Another day. When you’re ready.”

I forced myself not to snap. If I showed my anger, he’d pull back. And I needed him to lean in.

I steadied my breathing. “Fine.”

He looked relieved, which made my stomach twist harder. “Amy… I’m glad I came. I’m glad you called. I’ve missed talking to you.”

That nearly made me laugh. Not from humor – from disbelief.

I forced myself to nod like I was allowing the sentiment to land. “I appreciate the visit.”

He smiled faintly, like he took that as an olive branch. “Can I come again? Maybe we can talk more.”

“We’ll see.”

His smile widened, stupidly hopeful.

After a beat, he rose. “Take care of yourself, okay?”

“I always do,” I said.

He left the office, closing the door with exaggerated softness, as if that made up for anything.

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Chapter 279 A Queen

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The second the latch clicked, my breath finally released pressed my palms into the desk until my knuckles whitened. Pretending to forgive him tasted like poison.

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