My Fated Alpha's Cruel Game (Elena and Marcus) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Chapter 26 Fractured Awakening

Elena’s POV

Consciousness crept back slowly, accompanied by familiar sounds that transported me to when I’d first awakened after the alley beating. My eyelids felt weighted down with lead, and every nerve in my body screamed that something terrible had happened.

Fragments of memory began reassembling themselves like scattered puzzle pieces.

The rogue assault. Mom trapped inside the trailer when they struck.

Two voices drifted above me, one familiar and comforting, the other commanding and unmistakable. Someone’s fingers were wrapped around mine.

"I don’t give a damn if you claim she’s your mate. Someone should have informed me about this entire situation." Mom’s voice carried a sharp edge I rarely heard.

"I am your Alpha. I answer to no one regarding my decisions. Don’t overstep your boundaries simply because I’ve shown your daughter mercy tonight." Alpha Marcus’s tone brooked no argument, dripping with authority.

"Stop talking to my mother that way." The words scraped past my throat like sandpaper.

"Elena." Mom’s relief was palpable as she moved closer.

I forced my eyes open to find Mom positioned on my right side while Alpha Marcus occupied the chair to my left. His large hand enveloped mine completely.

"Do you recall what transpired?" His voice had softened considerably.

"The rogues attacked." My gaze traveled to the monitoring equipment beside the bed, taking in the blood transfusion bag and IV drip suspended overhead.

"How severe are my injuries?" I managed to ask.

"Extensive stitches across your back. That’s why you’re positioned on your side." Mom’s explanation came with a gentle touch as I felt the pillows strategically placed behind me to prevent rolling onto my wounded back.

"You revealed everything to her?" I directed my question toward Alpha Marcus.

"She knows the complete truth now." He settled deeper into his chair while maintaining his grip on my hand.

"I wish you had confided in me sooner." Mom’s disappointment was evident.

"You understand exactly why I couldn’t." My response was barely audible.

"I realize that. But you were attacked, unconscious, and no one thought to contact me." Her voice cracked slightly.

"Mom, you exhaust yourself working constantly, and every night I hear you weeping into your pillow. You assume I’m unaware, but I notice everything. The absolute last burden you need is additional worry about me." The truth spilled out despite my weakened state.

"That’s putting it mildly." I shifted slightly, testing my range of motion.

"Perhaps I can offer assistance?" His tone seemed genuinely concerned.

"Doubtful." My honesty felt brutal but necessary.

"Why do you believe that?" He pressed.

"Because I’m attempting to understand your motivations." My directness clearly struck its target.

He nodded slowly, recognition flickering across his features. He comprehended exactly which contradictions I referenced. The constant push and pull that defined every interaction between us.

"Did Bane survive the attack?" I changed the subject, needing concrete information.

"No. He’s been eliminated. However, I’m certain numerous others will emerge to fill his position." Alpha Marcus’s response was matter-of-fact.

"Undoubtedly. I hoped none of those rogues escaped justice."