Bound To The Broken Alpha (Amy and Daniel) novel Chapter 5

AMY

“Don’t collapse here,” Eve growled. “Get out. Get somewhere safe.”

I forced my body down the steps, one unsteady foot at a time. My thoughts raced, even as my vision blurred.

The Carters. Daniel Carter. His name cut through my mind like a lifeline. His wolf had responded to me before. He hadn’t judged me, hadn’t humiliated me. Even unconscious, his presence had been different. Why was I thinking so hard about him right now?

Mark would destroy me piece by piece if I stayed within his reach. Clara would never stop twisting the knife. And wolves like Clara lived for the kill when blood was already drawn.

But Daniel… Daniel was the only path left. Not out of love or choice but out of survival. Out of something deeper that I couldn’t name. Still in my thoughts, I felt my head spin as I reached the bottom of the stairs. My knees buckled. Eve snarled, trying to keep me calm from the inside.

And then I heard a howl echo across the city. ‘That wasn’t random,” Eve whispered. That was for us.

I gripped the railing, blood was dripping from my temple. My chest heaved because I was already having difficulty breathing. The last thing I remembered was the hate in hate in Mark and Clara’s eyes. Then, everything went dark.

By the time I regained consciousness, I wasn’t outside anymore. I was lying in a hospital bed. The sharp smell of disinfectant filled the air, mixed with faint traces of wolf scent that clung to the walls. My head ached, and when I tried to sit up, pain shot through the side of my skull.

There was a panic button fixed to the rail of my bed. I pressed it without a second thought.

In less than a minute, the door opened and a nurse hurried in. Her eyes widened when she saw me awake. “You’re conscious,” she said quickly, relief was etched in her voice. “Thank the Moon. You’ve been asleep for a while. We were worried that you weren’t healing well.”

I blinked at her, still disoriented. “How… How did I get here please?”

She shook her head gently. “You should rest. You’re healing well. That’s what matters now.” She gave me a small smile, then adjusted the drip attached to my arm. “I’ll let the others know you’re awake.”

Before I could ask more, she excused herself and stepped out of the room in a hurry. Everywhere went quiet again, but not for long. The door opened, and a woman walked in with calm steps. I recognized her instantly. Mrs. Carter. Alpha Daniel’s mother.

My stomach tightened. I pushed myself up a little straighter on the bed and forced myself to speak. “Good evening, Mrs. Carter.”

Her eyes scanned me with no warmth or sympathy at all. “Amy.” She didn’t waste time with pleasantries. She moved closer, her gaze was sharp.

I shifted under her stare, suddenly aware of how weak I looked with bandages on my head.

She crossed her arms. “Don’t mistake my visit for kindness. I’m not here because of affection or because I care about your health.” Her voice was cold, “I’m here to make one thing clear. Daniel’s safety is what matters. You are not to put him at risk. You are not to put the making ceremony and marriage at risk because of your personal troubles.”

Her words sank like stones in my chest. I clenched my fists beneath the sheets.

She narrowed her eyes. “Now, tell me. What happened to you last night?”

“Let go,” I said, trying to pull back.

He leaned closer. “I’m warning you, Amy. Don’t test me. Don’t test Mark.” His grip tightened even more.

Anger flared hot in my chest. “Leave me alone, you’re hurting me.” I snapped.

He didn’t. Instead, his hand pressed down harder, and I could feel the circulation of blood cutting off. His dominance pushed faintly into the air, testing, trying to make me cower.

Something inside me snapped. I lifted my leg and kicked sharply and straight into his groin.

Brian doubled over instantly, shock flashing across his face as he stumbled back a step.

I yanked my hand free and glared at him. My voice was steady, even though my body shook with the effort. “The time when you and Mark could bully me is over. Don’t ever try that again.”

He stared at me, stunned, pain was written across his face. His wolf flickered in his eyes for a second, but he didn’t move closer again.

I lay back against the pillows, still glaring at him. “Get out!” I yelled.

For a moment, he didn’t move. Then, slowly, he straightened up and adjusted his shirt, trying to regain his composure. His expression hardened again, but I saw the trace of hesitation now.