Bound To The Broken Alpha (Amy and Daniel) novel Chapter 349

Bound To The Broken Alpha

Chapter 349 He Is Coming Back

CLARA

I woke up without the sharp pressure in my chest for the first time in days.

+5 Pears

The nurse noticed it before I did. She said my vitals were stable, that my body had finally stopped fighting itself. I nodded and let her talk. I had learned that silence made people explain more.

By noon, the doctor came in with a clipboard and a neutral smile.

“You’re cleared to go home,” he said. “There’s no stree. No exertion. Follow–up in a week.”

I almost laughed. Stress was a luxury I didn’t have the option to avoid.

Mark arrived not long after. He stood by the door while I signed the discharge papers, his arms crossed, his face tired. He hadn’t shaved. His shirt smelled faintly of coffee and something sharper.

“You ready?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said.

He didn’t argue. He took the bag with my medication, held the door, and stayed close as we walked out. He didn’t touch me unless he had to. That was new.

The drive home was quiet. Not uncomfortable, just careful. He kept both hands on the wheel. I watched the road pass and tried to decide what version of him I was getting today.

When we got home, he helped me inside and set my bag on the couch.

“I’ll make soup,” he said. “Doctor’s orders.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You cook now?”

He shrugged. “I can follow instructions.”

He moved around the kitchen like he’d done it before. Not gracefully, but with intent. He checked labels. Set timers. Asked once if I was cold and brought me a blanket before I answered.

I didn’t thank him. I didn’t want to turn it into something sentimental. He didn’t seem to expect it anyway.

I sat on the couch and let my body rest. For the first time in a long while, I wasn’t planning three steps ahead. I was just there.

After we ate, I took my medication and lay down. Mark sat in the chair across from me, scrolling on his phone, glancing up every few minutes like he was counting breaths.

“You don’t have to babysit,” I said.

“I know,” he replied. “I’m choosing to.”

That should have meant something. I didn’t let it.

18204 Mon, FED 35

Chapter 349 He is Coming Back

Later that evening, my phone rang

The number wasn’t saved. I knew who it was anyway.

I answered without speaking

“I heard you were discharged Elias said

My stomach tightened. “Hospitals talk”

“They do,” he agreed. “I’ll be in the area in a few days”

I sat up slightly, “I don’t think that’s a good idea?

“That wasn’t a question,” he said,

I closed my eyes. “I don’t want to be seen with you”

“You don’t get to want things right now,” he replied calmly, “We’re past that?

I lowered my voice, “I told you before, I don’t want attention”

“You already have it,” Elias said, “Whether you like it or not.”

I swallowed, “Why are you calling now?”

“Because you’re useful again” he said. “And because my time isn’t mine?

That wasn’t a threat. It was a statement.

“I’ll be careful,” I said,

“You’ll be available,” he corrected, “Those aren’t the same.”

The line went dead,

I stared at my phone for a long moment before setting it down.

Mark looked up from his chair. “Who was that?”

“A friend,” I said.

He studied my face. “Didn’t sound like one.”

“I didn’t say he was kind.”

Mark stood and walked closer. “Is this about the mess we’re already in?”

1 hesitated. “It’s adjacent.”

He sighed and rubbed his face. “Clara, I’m tired of surprises.”

“So am I,” I said.

13:04 Mon, Feb 16

Chapter 349 He Is Coming Back-

He looked like he wanted to push. He didn’t. He nodded once and stepped back.

+5 Pearls

That night, I couldn’t sleep. My body was calm, but my mind wasn’t. Elias coming back into my space meant things were moving again. Whether I liked it or not.

I didn’t trust him. I never had. But trust wasn’t the currency here. Leverage was.

If his plans hurt Amy, then maybe this all had a point. I told myself that over and over until it stopped sounding forced.

The next morning, Mark made breakfast. Toast and eggs. Simple.

“You don’t have to go to work today,” he said.

“I know.”

“Stay home,” he said. “Rest.”

I nodded. “I will.”

He left after that, pausing at the door like he wanted to say something else. He didn’t.

Once I was alone, I walked through the house slowly. Everything felt too quiet. Too normal.

I picked up my phone and opened my messages. No new ones. Elias didn’t follow up. He never did. He liked leaving things unresolved.

I sat by the window and thought about Amy.

About her walking through offices with her head high. About Daniel standing beside her. About how the world kept bending in her favor no matter what I tried.

I didn’t want chaos. I wanted balance. I wanted her to feel what it was like to lose control.

If working with Elias meant that happened, then I would endure him.

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