My Fated Alphas Cruel Game novel Chapter 7

7 Chapter 7 Broken Mate Bond

Elena’s POVO

My heart pounded as I rushed through the sterile hospital corridors, my sneakers squeaking against the polished floor. The emergency department buzzed with controlled chaos, but I only had eyes for the pale figure lying motionless on the gurney near the far wall.

My mother looked fragile beyond recognition. The vibrant woman who had raised me single–handedly now appeared translucent, her skin stretched thin over sharp cheekbones. Shadow circles shadowed her closed eyes, and her breathing came in shallow, uneven gasps.

“Are you her daughter?” A middle–aged doctor approached, his expression carefully

neutral.

“Yes.” My voice came out stronger than I felt. “What’s wrong with her?”

The doctor glanced at his clipboard, then back at me with a mixture of professional concern and something deeper. “We’re still running comprehensive tests, but I suspect the results won’t reveal the true cause.”

I frowned, anxiety twisting in my stomach. “I don’t understand what you’re trying to

say.”

“She lost her mate, didn’t she?” The doctor’s question hit like a physical blow.

“Years ago.” The words tasted bitter on my tongue.

The doctor nodded grimly. “Then I have to tell you that your mother is remarkably fortunate to have survived this long. Most wolves don’t last long after their mate

passes.”

I felt the blood drain from my face, “What do you mean by that?”

“The mate bond is more powerful than most people realize. When one half of a mated pair dies, the surviving wolf typically follows within a very short period. Your mother has defied those odds for years. I suspect you’ve been her anchor.” His eyes softened slightly. “She’s an extraordinarily strong woman, but her body is failing more rapidly

now.”

“She’s been working double shifts. I assumed she was just exhausted.” My hands

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clenched into fists at my sides.

“It goes far beyond exhaustion. You need to prepare yourself for what’s coming.” The doctor’s voice remained gentle but firm.

My chest tightened. “You’re telling me she’s dying.”

“I believe she is. The timeline depends entirely on her will to keep fighting. If she chooses to hold on, she might have weeks or even months left.” He paused. “But the decline is irreversible.”

“She won’t give up.” My voice cracked with desperate conviction. “She’s the strongest person I know. She’s not going anywhere yet.”

Before long, my mother had been transferred to a private room on the third floor. IV lines snaked from her arms, delivering vital nutrients her weakened body could no longer process from food. I settled into the uncomfortable chair beside the bed, determined not to leave until my mother opened her eyes.

The private accommodations surprised me. Our insurance certainly didn’t cover luxury hospital stays. When I stepped into the hallway for fresh air, I found Beta Hugo stationed like a sentinel near the elevator bank, his imposing frame impossible to miss.

My frustration boiled over. I needed nicotine and answers. Outside, the cool evening air provided little relief from the emotional storm raging inside me.

Beta Hugo followed at a respectful distance, his presence both comforting and irritating.

“Did you arrange for the private room?” I lit my cigarette with shaking fingers.

“I was simply following orders.” His response was measured, diplomatic.

“Marcus’s orders?” I took a long drag, trying to calm my nerves. “His mood swings are giving me whiplash.”

Beta Hugo’s expression remained carefully blank. “Alpha Marcus can be… complex.”

I studied his face, noting how he avoided direct eye contact. “You should know better than anyone. You’re the Beta of this pack, yet he has you playing bodyguard to me. Either I mean more to him than he admits, or you seriously ticked him off.”

“I haven’t done anything to anger the Alpha.” But his defensive tone suggested

otherwise.

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7 Chapter 7 Broken Mate Bond

“Sure you haven’t.” I flicked ash onto the pavement, unconvinced.

My mother remained unconscious throughout the night. I eventually returned to our trailer late at night, my body exhausted but my mind racing. The cupboards yielded barely enough ingredients for a peanut butter sandwich, a stark reminder of our financial struggles.

After a quick shower, I changed into an oversized t–shirt and cotton shorts, then settled at the kitchen table with my homework. The normalcy of trigonometry problems felt surreal after the day’s emotional upheaval.

Movement outside caught my attention. Two massive wolves sat perfectly still beneath the streetlight, their golden eyes fixed directly on me through the thin trailer walls. I recognized them from previous patrol rounds, but tonight they made no attempt at discretion.

Their message was crystal clear: I was being watched.

I glared back defiantly. Let them report to Marcus that I spent my evening doing math homework and eating cheap sandwiches. The arrogant Alpha might not want me, but he apparently refused to let me go either.

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