Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 288

Chapter 288: Chapter 288 Taking His Hand

Jude stared at Timothy’s outstretched hand, frozen in place. Moving felt impossible when doubt clouded every thought.

"Come here," Timothy repeated, his tone soft as silk. No hint of the pain he’d endured showed on his face—if anything, he looked completely relaxed.

Jude chewed her bottom lip, torn between desire and fear. God, she craved his embrace. That single taste had left her addicted, but was surrendering to it the smart move?

Would Timothy truly accept both her and Harlow? Would he cherish them, or would the day come when he’d demand she abandon her daughter?

Honestly, the unknown terrified her. She refused to open her heart only to have him shatter it beyond repair.

Fear paralyzed her. That extended hand promised everything and threatened to become a noose around her neck.

Once the mate bond locked into place, stopping it would be impossible. Too powerful to break, too overwhelming to resist—she’d be completely at his mercy.

Walking away now made the most sense.

Yet the words wouldn’t come. Her tongue went dead when she looked at Timothy. She wanted him. Deep in her soul, she craved him.

"Mama?" Harlow cocked her head, puzzled by her mother’s hesitation. The gamma waited with endless patience, never rushing her decision.

This wasn’t just about holding hands—they both understood the deeper meaning. Acceptance. Commitment.

This moment would either begin something beautiful or end what never had the chance to start.

But Harlow saw only simplicity in the situation. "You should take his hand. His arm’s getting tired," she announced, wriggling from Timothy’s grip to grab her mother’s hand. "Take his hand, Mama."

With Harlow’s small fingers wrapped around hers, Jude’s mind still spun in chaos. Before she could decide, contact sparked between them. Timothy seized the opportunity, pulling her against him immediately.

The gamma’s arms encircled both of them. "I’m going to protect you both. No more worrying."

Tears poured down Jude’s cheeks. She had no clue why emotions hit her so hard, but relief crashed over her like a tidal wave.

Protected. Safe. No longer fighting alone.

The crushing weight of survival lifted from her shoulders, and the tears wouldn’t stop. Solitude was over.

Someone to depend on. Someone who wouldn’t hurt her or put her life at risk.

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