Chained By the Alpha (Cleo and Zayn) novel Chapter 33

• Zayn •

The chill of the stone beneath me seeps through my clothes, a cold reminder of the bleak situation I’m in. My head throbs, a steady beat that syncs with the pulsing pain from the wounds inflicted by Alpha Dane’s men. Blood, warm and sticky, trickles down the side of my face, matting my hair. Despite the physical pain, my mind is alert and calculating.

The pain, the blood, it’s all part of the game now. I knew the risks when I let them capture me. My pack, Maya, Vance—they’re all positioned where they need to be, unbeknownst to Dane.

“Not long now. How are you holding up?” Vance’s voice echoes in my head through the mindlink.

“You know, just hanging around, being pummeled by these twits. No rush, brother, by all means, take your time,” I retort.

“Maya was able to get in. She’s accessed Dane’s office. We’ve got what we need,”

The thought of Maya sneaking around Dane’s packhouse brings a grim sort of joy that she got in okay with the catering company. She’s risking a lot, but she’s part of the plan. The data she’s downloading could change everything. It’s proof—proof Clara was coerced, her signature on that damning contract a product of duress, her handwriting shaky because Joseph was forcing her hand.

And then there’s the missing footage—old and grainy but clear enough.

“Zayn, I’ve also dug up some dirt on Alpha Samuel that changes everything. We now know his connection in all of this.”

“What did you find?”

“He’s been embezzling funds from the council. And there’s more, he rigged the council votes to secure his position as second in command. It should have been Greyson’s spot.”

“How certain are we about this?”

“Solid. Maya managed to download everything. We’ve got documents, transfers to hidden accounts belonging to rogues, and evidence of vote tampering. All linking back to Samuel, even voice recordings. Dane has been a busy man.”

“So, Dane has been blackmailing him with this, too? That’s why he’s pushing Lydia and the others into these alliances?”

“Exactly. Samuel’s been under Dane’s control to keep his secrets from coming out. If this gets exposed, he could lose his rank on the council, and his pack might revolt.”

“I’ll make sure our team is ready to move as soon as you give the go-ahead. Anything else on your mind?”

“Keep an extra watch on Cleo. With what we’re about to stir up, Dane might become unpredictable. We can’t afford to let our guard down. How was she?”

“Maya said she looked okay, shaken, but she couldn’t exactly approach her to ask.”

I swallow thickly.

I knew her father would hand her to Dane; I knew he’d do anything to save himself. It just sucks Cleo is being hurt once again by the man who raised her, and tomorrow, I am about to destroy her with everything we have gathered from the computer and what Greyson already had.

All this shows Dane’s true colors, his leverage over not just her father but Samuel as well. The implications are staggering, a web of blackmail and deceit that spans years.

“Everything’s ready,” Vance confirms. “We’re coming to get you.”

I cut the link, focusing back on the men, who watch me with a predator’s interest.

“Thinking of your next move?” one man taunts.

“Just counting down the minutes,” I reply. Suddenly, a surge of panic through the bond snaps my attention inward.

Cleo. Something is wrong.

I’ve kept her blocked out to spare her the pain, but this is different. It’s raw and terrifying, and it’s coming from her.

I feel through the bond, desperate for any hint of her situation.

No response, just escalating fear. My heart races, not just for me but for her. Dane’s men don’t notice my distraction, too caught up in their false victory as I hang limp from the chains still while they discuss wanting a break.

“Vance, something’s wrong with Cleo,” I mindlink. “Check on her.”

“No, it’ll blow our cover,” he replies, though I can hear the tension in his voice.

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