Chapter 168 Traps and Betrayals
Chapter 168 Traps and Betrayals
Amelia's POV
I slipped through the front door of our apartment as quietly as possible, wincing at the slight creak of hinges. The early morning light filtered through our thin curtains, casting long shadows across the worn carpet.
The thrill of standing up to Elaine faded, replaced by the familiar quiet of our small apartment.
After confirming Mom was still asleep, I tiptoed to the bathroom and turned on the shower, cranking the heat until steam filled the small space. As I stepped under the spray, I scrubbed my skin methodically, making sure to eliminate any trace of Alexander's scent.
Mom didn't need to know where I'd spent the night. She had enough to worry about.
The hot water pounded against my shoulders as the confrontation with Elaine earlier this morning replayed in my mind. The way her perfectly manicured hand had extended that check—like she was offering table scraps to a stray. The satisfying rip as I tore it to pieces.
"A million dollars to disappear," I muttered, watching water swirl down the drain. "As if I could be bought."
But beneath my defiance, Elaine's cruel words had found their target. No true Omega from your background could possibly be destined for Alexander Westbrook. Those words stung worse than any physical blow.
Was that how everyone saw Omegas? As inherently lesser? Unworthy?
I leaned my forehead against the cool tile, finding comfort in the memory of Alexander standing firm beside me. At least he didn't see me that way. But how many more Elaines would we face? How many more battles would we have to fight just to be together?
After drying off, I slipped into comfortable clothes and headed to the kitchen. The least I could do was make Mom a decent breakfast before heading to campus later.
I was whisking eggs when Mom shuffled in, her terry cloth robe hanging loose on her thinning frame.
"You're back," she said, her voice still raspy with sleep.
"Thought you might want some protein today." I poured the eggs into a sizzling pan. "Doctor said it might help with your energy levels."
She eased herself into a chair, watching me with eyes that missed nothing despite her physical weakness. I set a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of her, then took the seat opposite.
"Mom?" I asked, pushing eggs around my plate. "Do you think Omegas are really... less valuable to the pack?"
Her fork paused halfway to her mouth. "Where is this coming from?"
I shrugged, avoiding her gaze. "Just something we were discussing in my sociology class. About traditional pack hierarchies."
She set her fork down, her expression serious. "Amelia, being an Omega doesn't define your worth."
She reached across the table to squeeze my hand. "Why are you really asking this?"
"No reason." I forced a smile. "Just academic curiosity."
"How's work going?" she asked, clearly not believing me but allowing the subject change. "Is Head Alpha treating you well?"
"Work's fine," I said, relieved at the safer topic. "Everyone's been great."
I couldn't tell her about Elaine. Mom had enough battles to fight without taking on mine too. The cancer was enemy enough.
---
By early afternoon, I'd changed into jeans and a light sweater for my meeting with Jason. I checked my phone again, re-reading his messages with growing concern. Whatever Daniel had done to him, I was determined to help.
The taxi dropped me at the edge of campus, and I walked the rest of the way to the coffee shop, my mind racing with what Jason might need. Protection? Advice? A witness?
As I approached the café, I scanned the outdoor tables for Jason's familiar nervous posture and messy brown hair. Instead, my stomach dropped when I spotted a different figure—taller, broader, with that unmistakable swagger even while seated.
Daniel.
He spotted me at the same moment, lifting Jason's phone in a mocking wave. My steps faltered as rage and disbelief washed over me. I should have known better. I should have recognized the trap.
"You've got to be kidding me," I hissed as I reached his table.
"Hey, Amelia." His smile was as charming as ever, but now I could see the manipulation behind it. "Thanks for coming."
"Where's Jason? Why do you have his phone?"
Daniel gestured to the empty chair across from him. "Sit down, let me explain."
"I'm not sitting anywhere with you." People at nearby tables were starting to stare.
"Jason's fine. I borrowed his phone because I knew you wouldn't answer if I called." He had the audacity to look apologetic. "I didn't have a choice."
"You always have a choice, Daniel. You just make shitty ones."
He sighed dramatically. "Five minutes. Please."
Against my better judgment, I sat, keeping my bag on my lap—ready to leave at any moment. "Start talking."
"I've been thinking about us," he began, leaning forward. "About what went wrong."
I nearly choked. "What went wrong? You cheated on me with my friend, then tried to kill me when I found out. That's what went wrong."
"That was a mistake—"
"Which part?" I cut him off. "The cheating or the attempted murder?"
His jaw tightened. "I can't stand seeing you with my brother. It should be me. It's always been me."
"There is no 'us,' Daniel. There never will be again."
"We were good together, Amelia. Before all this mate bullshit." His voice softened. "I miss you."
"You don't miss me. You miss controlling me." I stood up, gathering my things. "Even if Alexander had never existed, even if he wasn't my mate, I would never come back to you. Especially after what you did with Vanessa."
His hand shot out, grabbing my wrist. "You don't mean that."
I yanked my arm free. "Don't touch me. And tell Jason I'm sorry I couldn't help him with whatever bullshit excuse you used to get his phone."
As I walked away, I didn't see Vanessa across the street, camera raised.
---
In the next morning, the office felt slightly different after missing one week for my exam. Employees smiled as I passed, some with knowing looks that made me wonder what rumors had circulated in my brief absence. My desk had a small pile of paperwork that had accumulated overnight, but Alexander needed to know about Daniel's latest stunt first.
I knocked on his office door, pushing it open at his gruff "Come in."
The moment I stepped inside, I knew something was wrong. Alexander stood behind his desk, his posture rigid, golden eyes blazing with anger. The air felt thick with his Alpha pheromones—suffocating, dominating.
"Alex, I need to talk to you—"
"Explain this." 'He shoved his phone across the desk, the screen lit up with a picture of me and Daniel at the coffee shop.