My Fated Alphas Cruel Game novel Chapter 26

26 Chapter 26 Fractured Awakening

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

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26 Chapter 26 Fractured Awakening

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.

“Taking care of you is my responsibility. You’re not supposed to be protecting me.” She reached for my free hand.

“You haven’t been yourself since Dad’s death.” The words hung heavy between us.

“Don’t concern yourself with that. I’ll manage just fine. I’m not abandoning you. Her reassurance felt forced.

Suffering, and I refused to add to that pain.” I squeezed her fingers weakly.

heart, focus on your recovery. We’re both survivors, remember?” She leaned own, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. “I need to report for my shift now.”

Her pointed glance toward Alpha Marcus before departing didn’t go unnoticed.

I sank back against the pillows, exhaustion claiming me once more. When awareness returned, Alpha Marcus remained stationed beside me, his hand still clasping mine. I studied his profile silently, uncertain how to navigate the conversation ahead.

His pattern never changed. One moment he’d assert his dominance, reminding me of his rank and threatening punishment at his discretion. The next, he’d spend hours at

my

bedside, facilitating my healing process.

His contradictory behavior left me completely bewildered. I couldn’t predict which version of him would surface from one interaction to the next.

Did he genuinely want our mate bond, or was Viviana still his priority? Her Alpha uncle’s influence seemed to complicate every decision he made.

“You appear troubled by something significant.” Alpha Marcus’s observation broke the

silence.

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26 Chapter 26 Fractured Awakening

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

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