Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 77

Chapter 77: When a Monster Believes

Phoebe’s Perspective

“What do you mean you’re going to handle this?” I demanded, my eyes narrowing as I stared at Reginald. His face was unreadable, his usual stoic mask hiding whatever plans churned behind those cold eyes. The silence that stretched between us was heavy, thick with unspoken threats, and a chill ran down my spine as I tried to guess what he intended to do.

“You don’t need to worry about it. You can leave now,” he said calmly, but there was something in his tone—a sharp edge that made my stomach twist into knots. Mason must have felt it too—the oppressive weight of impending disaster hanging in the air. Even without any proof, a deep, primal certainty settled inside me like a stone. “You’re not going to hurt her, right? She’s a good person,” I pressed, desperation creeping into my voice.

“Leave, Mason,” Reginald snapped, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere like a blade. There was impatience there, barely restrained, warning us to back off before things got worse. “Go before someone sees us and we end up with bigger problems.”

We were tucked away in a shadowed corner of the warriors’ quarters, a place hidden from casual view but awkward enough if anyone actually glanced our way. This wasn’t a spot for casual conversation—it felt secretive, like a meeting meant to stay buried.

“Okay, but please… don’t hurt her,” I said one last time, my voice trembling as I hurried away, heart pounding fiercely. The flicker of something dangerous in Reginald’s eyes when I kept pushing had scared me more than I wanted to admit.

Once Mason disappeared around the corner, Reginald’s thoughts turned cold and ruthless. There was no way he was going to let the healer live. The moment she connected that scent to Mason, their entire operation would unravel. He couldn’t gamble everything on a maybe.

He rubbed his temples, muttering curses under his breath as he made his way to his room. This was extra work he didn’t need—an ugly complication in an already messy situation.

But time was running out. There was no guarantee the healer wouldn’t spill everything to the royal beta if she put the pieces together first.

Killing a healer was complicated, but killing a royal beta? That was a nightmare on an entirely different level.

—

Phoebe’s Perspective

The visit to the orphanage had filled me with a lightness I hadn’t felt in a long time. I could tell Perry noticed the shift in me.

As we stepped outside into the crisp afternoon air, little Upton toddled up, clutching the ball we had played with earlier. His cheeks were flushed a rosy red as he shyly held the ball out to me.

“Thank you,” I said softly, bending down to press a gentle kiss to his forehead. He darted away immediately, a mix of embarrassment and awe flashing across his face as he caught sight of the king approaching, flanked by Alpha Phil and the other pack leaders.

“Happy?” Perry’s voice came from beside me, his gaze dropping to the ball in my hands. I caught the way he watched that tender moment I had shared with Upton.

“Yes. I’m happy,” I replied, the smile feeling genuine and warm on my lips. Perry nodded quietly, his expression softening.

Back at the pack house, exhaustion hit me like a freight train the moment we entered our bedroom. I carefully placed the ball into my suitcase, determined not to forget it when we returned to the palace.

“Will we visit the orphanage again?” I asked, my voice hesitant but hopeful.

“Do you want to go back?” Perry responded, watching me pack the ball away. The happiness that glowed inside me was unmistakable, especially shining through my eyes.

“Um, yes… if you can fit it into your schedule,” I admitted, feeling a bit self-conscious under his direct gaze.

“I can make room for it,” he said without hesitation, his voice steady and certain. Once he made a promise, he meant it. The thought of disappointing me clearly didn’t sit well with him.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

His hands gently cupped my face, and that familiar shy warmth washed over me once again.

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