Bound To The Broken Alpha (Amy and Daniel) novel Chapter 68

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**When Dawn Breaks Slowly Hope Finds Space To Grow by Jin Rowan**
**Chapter 68: You Don’t Get To Show Up Like This**

**AMY**

The air felt lighter, almost as if the weight of the past few weeks had finally begun to lift. The chaos that had erupted with Clara seemed like a distant memory, one I was relieved to leave behind. Life had settled into a rhythm that allowed me to breathe again, to think clearly. I had received the admission letter from the university, the one I had applied to months ago for a short summer program focused on advanced studies in medicine for werewolves. It wasn’t a full degree yet, but it was a significant milestone on my journey toward becoming a healer—my first real step into a future I had long dreamed of.

When I shared the news with Mrs. Carter, I half-expected her to object, to voice her concerns about my safety or the implications of my choices. But to my surprise, she simply asked when I would be leaving. Then, with a surprising warmth in her voice, she declared, “I’ll have a house prepared near the campus. You’ll need a safe place to stay.”

True to her word, within a week, she had arranged for a cozy little house. It was nestled quietly near the woods, far enough from the bustling city so I could concentrate on my studies without distractions. I often wondered what motivated her—was it a genuine act of kindness or a calculated move to maintain control over my life? Regardless, I felt a sense of gratitude wash over me, and I chose not to dwell on the motives behind her generosity.

The first few days of classes were a blend of strangeness and exhilaration. It had been a while since I had donned the role of a student, and my mind felt a bit rusty, as if dust had settled on my curiosity. Yet, I was immersed in a world of knowledge that expanded my understanding of werewolf anatomy and healing—topics I had barely scratched the surface of during my upbringing.

The lessons were nothing short of captivating. We delved into how wolfsbane interacted with the bloodstream differently across various packs, the profound impact emotional states had on recovery times, and how the Alpha bond could dramatically influence physical healing. I found myself both fascinated and humbled by the complexity of it all.

For the first time in ages, I was free from the entanglements of drama, politics, or business. I was simply… learning.

Cole remained close by, as he always did. Mrs. Carter had made it clear that I was not to venture anywhere without him. Although he wasn’t permitted inside the classrooms, he waited outside, his presence a constant reminder of his protective nature. Sometimes, I felt he took his role a bit too seriously, but I appreciated his vigilance nonetheless.

Yet, there was an unsettling feeling that gnawed at me. It began with subtle signs—a rustling in the trees as I left class late, the faint scent of a wolf lingering in the air, a sensation that sent shivers down my spine. I confided in Cole, but each time he would check and return, shaking his head in dismissal.

“There’s no one,” he insisted, his voice steady and reassuring. “You’re safe.”

I wanted to believe him, but the feeling of being watched persisted, intensifying with each passing day. It was as if some unseen presence was mirroring my movements, lurking just out of sight.

One evening, I found myself lingering in the lab, engrossed in finishing a dissection report. By the time I stepped outside, the campus lights had dimmed, casting long shadows across the path. The sound of my shoes clicking against the pavement echoed in the stillness, and everything felt different, charged somehow.

That familiar unease crept back in, a tingling sensation prickling the back of my neck. I paused, glancing over my shoulder, but the path behind me remained empty. Yet, the feeling of a presence lingered, heavy in the air.

I quickly sent a text to Cole.

“Are you still nearby? Someone’s following me. I can feel it in my bones.”

His reply came almost instantly: “On my way. Don’t move.”

I turned toward the narrow path leading to the main road, knowing I shouldn’t be alone, yet the thought of standing still only heightened my anxiety. My heartbeat quickened, each rustle of leaves tightening my grip on reality, my hands clammy with fear.

Then, I heard it—low, deliberate footsteps, almost synchronized with my own. I halted, and the footsteps ceased too.

“Who’s there?” I called out, my voice trembling slightly, but the stillness that followed was deafening.

The silence wrapped around me like a shroud, suffocating in its intensity. I took another cautious step, and the sound returned, unmistakable. Someone was definitely following me.

I texted Cole again, my fingers moving rapidly over the screen: “It’s close, Cole.”

Before I could look up, a large, dark wolf emerged from the shadows of the trees, its eyes glowing eerily in the dim light. My heart raced, a jolt of adrenaline coursing through me.