Bound To The Broken Alpha (Amy and Daniel) novel Chapter 35

**Chapter 35: Just Lucky**

**AMY**

Becoming a doctor had always been the ultimate aspiration that flickered like a distant star in the back of my mind. The corporate world, with its endless meetings and tedious schedules, had merely served as a distraction—a way to fill the hours and maintain a semblance of usefulness. But medicine? That was my true calling, the one thing that felt authentically mine.

As I scrolled through the application details, a faint smile crept onto my lips. Summer school was set to begin in June, and if I acted swiftly, I could still secure my spot. My fingers danced over the keyboard as I filled out the online form, entering my details with a sense of purpose. When I clicked the submit button, a wave of satisfaction washed over me. It felt like I had taken a meaningful step toward a future that was solely my own.

Yet, a nagging thought lingered in the back of my mind—would Mrs. Carter approve of my decision? She had a penchant for controlling every aspect of her schedule and meticulously orchestrating her plans. But this time, I decided to keep it to myself for the moment. I didn’t owe her an explanation for every choice I made. I would share my good news only once I received my admission letter.

I closed my laptop and leaned back in my chair, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. Despite my fatigue, sleep felt like an unwelcome visitor. I glanced at the ceiling, my thoughts drifting to Daniel. It struck me as odd that he hadn’t uttered a single word to me since the morning. Usually, even if I didn’t reach out first, I could sense his presence, his thoughts brushing against my mind like a gentle breeze. But today? Today, there was nothing but a chilling silence that stretched on.

“Daniel,” I whispered softly, hoping for some sign of life from him. Silence enveloped me in response. I tried again, concentrating harder this time, willing him to respond. Yet, still, there was nothing. The absence of his voice began to gnaw at me, a growing worry taking root in my chest.

The last conversation we had played in my mind like a haunting melody—he had promised he would always be there if I just listened. So why was it that now, when I needed him most, I couldn’t hear him at all?

The clock on my desk ticked away, reading 3:45 p.m. I had reports to send before the day’s end, but my thoughts were miles away. Just then, my phone buzzed with a message from Cole:

“I’ll pick you up at 5.”

I typed back quickly: “Okay. Thank you.”

With that, I attempted to refocus on my work. I sent out the pending files, made a few calls, and forced myself to appear busy. Colleagues drifted past my door, some offering friendly smiles, while others pretended not to notice my presence. The atmosphere felt thick, as if everyone were treading carefully, unsure of what to say or do.

At precisely 5 p.m., my phone rang. It was Cole, letting me know he was outside. I gathered my belongings and exited the building quietly, the weight of the day still pressing down on me. The ride home was steeped in silence, mirroring the earlier part of my day. Cole’s gaze remained fixed on the road ahead, but I could sense a storm of thoughts brewing beneath his calm exterior.

“Cole,” I ventured, breaking the silence. “Thank you for saving me.” I hoped my gratitude would spark a conversation, a connection.

He nodded, his eyes still on the road. “It’s my job, Amy.”

“I know,” I replied, watching as his grip on the steering wheel tightened ever so slightly. “But still, thank you.”

For a few moments, he remained silent, the air thick with unspoken words. Then, in a quieter tone, he said, “You should rest more. The attack wasn’t random.”

I turned to him, my brow furrowing in concern. “What do you mean?” I asked, my ears straining to catch every nuance of his voice.

He shook his head, almost as if trying to dismiss the thought. “Nothing. Just… be careful. Not everyone who smiles at you means well.”

Dinner commenced in a tense silence. Cole’s absence loomed over the table, amplifying the discomfort. I could feel Elias’s cold, sharp eyes boring into me, his presence suffocating. He didn’t say much, but the few words he did utter dripped with enough venom to sap my appetite.

“You seem to recover fast,” he remarked flatly, slicing into his steak. “Almost too fast.”

Mrs. Carter shot him a disapproving look, yet I could sense a flicker of agreement in her demeanor.

“I guess I’m just lucky,” I replied, striving to keep my voice steady.

Elias let out a low chuckle that felt anything but friendly. “Lucky. Right.”

I pushed the food around on my plate for what felt like an eternity, pretending to be absorbed in my meal. But the tension at the table was palpable, a heavy weight pressing down on my chest. My wolf stirred restlessly beneath my skin, urging me to maintain my composure.

Finally, I looked up and spoke softly, “Mrs. Carter, I think I’ll excuse myself. I’m still a bit tired. I’d like to rest.”

She nodded gently, her expression softening. “Of course, dear. You’ve had a long few days.”

I stood, feeling Elias’s piercing gaze follow me as I left the room. All I wanted was to retreat upstairs, lock my door, and escape the presence of that man for the rest of the night.