Chained By the Alpha (Cleo and Zayn) novel Chapter 9

• Cleo •

My pulse quickens as the heat rolls off Zayn’s broad chest and muscular arms, pulling my gaze back to him. Our bodies pressed together, his skin igniting the friction between us. His intense gray eyes bore into mine, setting off tremors that ripple through my entire body and cover me with goosebumps.

“Do you not hear your own words, Cleo?” Zayn’s husky whisper sends an intoxicating wave of his warm breath onto my earlobe. The sound of my name on his lips is like silk against bare skin, causing my nipples to harden. “You said it yourself, I don’t fuck with unshifted she-wolves, yet I can’t seem to stay away from you. I’m already breaking all my own rules. What’s one more?” My brows scrunch.

Confusion mars my sudden arousal momentarily. What is this game he’s playing? What interest could he possibly have in me except for revenge against my father?

Although before I can voice these doubts, Zayn’s lips are upon mine, silencing any further thoughts.

The kiss is completely unexpected. Zayn’s lips, full and soft, press firmly against mine, his face intense and focused as his fingers tangle in my hair. His eyes are closed, eyebrows slightly furrowed, as if he’s as surprised by our kiss as I am.

My eyes flutter closed in response, caught off guard by the unexpected sensation, and I kiss him back. His fingers tugging my hair gently as he deepens the kiss; strangled sounds escape him when I kiss him back. My core tightens at the roughness of his grasp, sending shivers of delight straight down to my throbbing heat.

His weight shifts. Strong hands move lower down my waist, then hips before seizing my thighs and lifting me effortlessly onto the kitchen counter.

My heart races as I struggle to process the whirlwind of emotions coursing through me. Guilt threatens to suffocate me; Deacon is missing, and here I am kissing another man. I think of how selfish I must be, betraying Deacon when he needs me most.

Yet, despite my inner turmoil, something about kissing Zayn feels so right, as if we’re two puzzle pieces finally clicking into place. Just as I start to lose myself in the moment, that same doubt creeps in like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over my bliss and smacking into me.

With a jolt, I push Zayn away, breaking the kiss. My breathing is ragged, my cheeks flushed, and my mind a chaotic mess. How could I let this happen? What am I thinking?

“Zayn,” I stammer, trying to regain some semblance of control over the situation. “We… we can’t do this. It’s wrong.”

“Is it really?” he questions softly, concern etched on his handsome face. “Or is it just that you’re afraid?”

I don’t know how to answer him. My heart aches for Deacon, though something about Zayn calls to me in a way I’ve never experienced before. Still, I can’t ignore the fact that Deacon is out there somewhere, possibly hurt or worse, and I need to find him.

“Zayn,” I say firmly, trying to shove my conflicting emotions aside. “This isn’t the time for this. We need to focus on finding Deacon.”

He studies me for a moment, then nods reluctantly, stepping back and giving me space. As much as I want to explore whatever is happening between us, I know we have more pressing matters at hand. I need to find Deacon, and only once he’s safe will I be able to sort through the tangled web of emotions Zayn has stirred within me.

Zayn sighs heavily.

My chest is tight, my heart aching with guilt and confusion. This is all too much. I barely know this man, yet this stupid sire bond makes me feel like I’ve always known him.

It lets him get under my skin and plagues my mind.

“Hey,” Zayn says softly, cupping my face in his hands and pressing his forehead against mine. “We’ll go try to find Deacon, okay?” Although he doesn’t seem too happy about it—more like he is trying to placate me.

“Thank you,” I whisper, forcing a small smile despite my turmoil.

As we head to the printer to collect the missing posters I’d designed for Deacon, I can’t shake the feeling of unease. Zayn walks beside me, his presence providing a strange sort of comfort, even as it adds to my internal battle.

As we are leaving the packhouse, Zayn shivers. “Are you okay?” I ask him.

“Storms coming,” he tells me, and I gaze at the clear sky.

“Weather looks fine to me,” I tell him, and he shakes his head while digging out his keys. “I’m driving in case we get caught in it,” he tells me, and I raise an eyebrow at him

“I’ve driven in the rain before,” he shrugs.

“I have better vision,” he smirks, pointing to the passenger seat. I really should drive myself. “Car, Cleo—now. I don’t want you driving in the rain,”

“What rain? It’s sunny,” I tell him, motioning to the sky.

“It’s coming, I can feel it,” he sniffs the air. “And smell it.”

I sniff the air and he snorts. “Wolf senses, now come on.” He opens the passenger door. I huff while sliding into the seat as he heads to the driver’s door.

Zayn lets me direct him to all the places I know Deacon frequents, and we park at the train station to start sticking the last of our signs on poles. He starts to get on my nerves.

“Deacon is probably just chilling somewhere, don’t get why you worry so much,” he jokes, trying to lighten the mood.

“Shut up, Zayn,” I snap, glaring at him. “My boyfriend is missing, and he could be hurt or worse! What if he’s dead?”

“Alright, alright, sorry,” Zayn sighs, raising his hands in surrender. “You’re probably right; he’s probably in some serial killer’s basement stuffed in a chest freezer.”

“Zayn!” I gasp, horrified by his crude joke. “That’s not funny! Now either help or leave me be!”

“Fine, I’ll help you,” he says. “Though I find it a little strange being the current boyfriend, looking for your ex-boyfriend. Strange times, can’t say I ever predicted this,” he mutters.

“I am not your girlfriend.”

“Keep telling yourself that, it’s cute when you’re in denial.”

“I am not in denial.”

“That’s why you kissed me back,” he tells me, sticking another sign on a pole.

“I kissed you back because you sired my wolf!” I whisper the last part not wanting anyone to overhear.

“So what, it doesn’t change anything.” This man is impossible.

Together, we put up the missing posters all around the city. The weight of my conflicted emotions and the fear for Deacon’s safety threaten to crush me, yet I can’t allow myself to break down now. I need to be strong for Deacon, and for myself.

As the day wears on, Zayn remains by my side, his teasing replaced by quiet. In those moments, I appreciate him for putting up with me for the past week. Moving to the next street we place the last sign, and we are about to head back to the car when I hear the first crack of thunder. Glancing at Zayn, he smirks. “Told ya,” he chuckles. And I stare up at the sky. Where did the sun go?

The downpour starts seemingly out of nowhere, drenching us in seconds. I shiver as the cold rain pelts my skin and soaks through my clothing. Zayn and I exchange a glance before hurriedly searching for somewhere to wait it out, knowing it’s a good twenty-minute trek back to the car.

“Over there!” I shout over the sound of the rain, pointing to an old library across the street. We sprint toward it.

Rain pours mercilessly from the dark, overcast sky as Zayn and I dash across the street. Cold raindrops splatter against my face, causing shivers to race through me. We reach the old library, its heavy wooden doors offering warmth from the downpour. The distinct smell of dust and aging books fills my nostrils. The sudden change in environment is jarring, but it offers us a temporary refuge from the storm outside. The sound of rain pouring on the library’s roof creates a soothing ambiance. I’ve always loved the sound of the rain, though the thunder can kindly leave.

“Damn,” Zayn mutters, shaking his head and sending droplets of water flying from his hair. “We’re soaked.”

“Tell me about it,” I reply, attempting to wring out my shirt to no avail. “Well, I guess we will wait here until it passes.”

“Yeah.” He runs a hand through his damp hair. “You’re right. Let’s find a quiet corner.”

We settle into an empty aisle between towering bookshelves, the dim lighting casting shadows across the space. Zayn shrugs off his jacket and drapes it around my shoulders, his touch igniting a spark within me I struggle to suppress, despite the outside being soaked, the inside is dry and warm.

“Better?” he asks, laying on his back.

“Thanks,” I whisper, pulling the jacket tighter around me.

“Of course,” he says softly, his gray eyes dark and intense as they lock onto mine. For a moment, I allow myself to get lost in them, wondering what it would be like to be this intimidating man’s girlfriend.

He sits up and moves closer, his wet clothes clinging to his muscular frame. I let my gaze linger on his broad shoulders and strong arms before meeting his stormy gray eyes. Their intensity draws me in like a moth to a flame.

After a while, I can’t stand his intense gaze, so I get up and wander through the towering bookshelves. The sound of rain pouring on the library’s roof and the windowpanes seems to calm my rattled nerves. I might as well get ahead on my reading list if I am going to be stuck here.

“Hey,” Zayn calls, drawing my attention from the book I’ve been scanning for my college reading list. “Of all the things you could read, you’re reading that?” he chuckles.

“It’s for school,” I tell him, looking over the back of the book making sure it’s the right volume.

“Why medicine?” he asks abruptly.

I glance back at him, startled by the sudden curiosity in his voice. “I want to help people,” I reply, tucking a damp strand of hair behind my ear. “I’ve always wanted to work in either the children’s hospital or the emergency department.”

“Those are pretty different areas,” he notes, stepping closer as he peruses the shelves alongside me. “Why those two areas?”

“I like children,” I admit. “And as for emergency… When my mother died, all I remember is feeling like there weren’t enough people to cater to all the injured. Maybe if they hadn’t been so understaffed, they could have saved her.” I shrug.

Zayn’s expression softens, his eyes filled with some emotion I can’t read. “I’ll have to drop out when I become Alpha,” I mutter quietly. I sigh, my chest tightening at the thought. “My father would never allow me to do both responsibilities.”

“Who says you can’t do both?” Zayn challenges, a spark of defiance lighting up his eyes. “You’ll be Alpha, you could do what you want, Cleo. You shouldn’t have to choose between your dreams and your pack.”

“Easy for you to say,” I murmur, running my fingers along the spine of a medical textbook. “It’s not just about what I want. It’s about what’s best for my pack.”

“Is it, though?” Zayn presses. “Or is it about what your father wants? Because the way I see it, wouldn’t being a doctor be an advantage to your pack alongside being Alpha?”

I hesitate, the truth of his words hitting me like a ton of bricks.

“Come on,” he says gently, guiding me to a cozy nook in the back of the library.

We settle onto a plush couch, our legs tangled together as we lean against one another. The rain continues to drum against the roof above us, yet at this moment, with Zayn’s arm wrapped securely around me, I feel safe and content. I allow myself to believe in the possibility of a future where I don’t have to choose between my dreams and my pack.

Zayn’s words echo in my mind as we sit in silence, the library around us fading into the background. I stare at him, his gaze steady and encouraging, and for the first time, I feel a glimmer of hope. With a deep breath, I nod, deciding to face my fears head-on. “You’re right,” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the rain outside. “I need to talk to my father.”

It rains for hours. After being stuck for longer than intended, we decide to try to make a dash for the car. We both end up sopping wet, and once back at Zayn’s, I sigh heavily, knowing I have to go home.

“You’re not staying longer?” Zayn asks as I fish my keys out of my pocket. “No, I need to go home. And you need to work instead of babysitting me constantly,” I remind him, and he nods slowly.

After saying bye to Zayn, I jump in my car, turning the heat on. It’s freezing, and I now need to come up with an excuse of where I’ve been, while praying Alpha Dane hasn’t spoken with my father about last night.

Once home, I hesitate outside the front door of my house, steeling myself for the confrontation that is sure to come. My heart pounds in my chest as I turn the knob and push the door open.

“Where have you been?” my father demands as soon as I step inside, his piercing gaze boring into me.

“Out, and today I put up signs for Deacon,” I reply, trying to sound calm.

“In this weather, don’t lie to me. And why did I have Alpha Dane calling me last night about you turning down his son?” I already want to leave, I don’t feel like fighting with him, especially over Alpha Dane.

“And why did Zayn claim to be your boyfriend,” Dad growls, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “Is that true?”

“Of course not!” I exclaim, feeling my cheeks heat up. “He just said that to get Boyd to back off.”

“Then why do you have a new phone? Lydia told me all about it.” Dad’s voice is cold, and I knew she would rat me out. She could at least give me a chance to fucking enter the house for once without being questioned. I’m cold, wet, and I want to go to bed and start packing for school.

“Zayn gave it to me,” I admit, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt. “My old one got damaged, and he…”

“Give it to me,” he commands, holding out his hand.

“Excuse me?”

“Give it to me. Ever since you started hanging around that man you’ve been nothing but a defiant brat. Now give me the phone, Cleo!” Movement catches my eye and I look behind my father toward the kitchen, where I see Lydia peeking out watching with a smug smile on her face. Reluctantly, I hand over the phone, my heart sinking as he confiscates it. “You’re grounded, Cleo. You will not leave this house without me or Mitchel from now on, do you understand?” I grit my teeth.

“I thought better of you, but to find out you’ve been sneaking around behind my back with that man is the last straw, you do not go anywhere without permission until I say so!”

“What about school?!” I demand.

“Then you better behave, or I won’t pay your tuition!” he snarls, stomping off. I swallow, hating how easily he can manipulate me just because he holds my title over my head.

The following days feel like an eternity as I’m trapped at home with no phone and under constant scrutiny from my father. The only bright spot on the horizon is the prospect of starting school again next week. At least then, I will have something to distract me from all the drama at the moment, and I can escape my father.

I take a deep breath as I make my way toward the pack training grounds, most of the packs train here; it’s the largest space plus fully equipped. My father even decided to join us today, under the pretense of wanting to spend more time together before school started, however I know it is just another way for him to keep an eye on me. I can’t wait for school to start, so I can finally be away from all this drama and have some freedom.

As I approach the stadium, my eyes scan the field, I spot Zayn among his pack members. It’s strange to see him here, as he usually trains in his territory with his men, so I find it odd he moved his pack training here.

I blink. Is that what this arranged marriage is about? The reason my father’s handing this man control of my mother’s pack?

The ride home is silent and tense. My father tries to apologize, and I refuse to even look at him. As soon as we reach the house, I lock myself in my room, wishing I could erase this day.

Morning comes too soon—bringing with it a small glimmer of hope. My phone is back on my nightstand. Dad must be feeling guilty. I waste no time packing for college. I need to escape the suffocating grip of home and finally live on my own terms. I leave before he even gets the chance to speak to me.

At school, I move into my dorm and turn on my phone, surprised to find a barrage of messages from Zayn. I haven’t heard from him since training, and though I wanted to reach out, I didn’t know where to start. As I unpack, my phone rings. It’s Zayn. I let it ring out. It rings again—I answer.

“Cleo?”

I suck in a breath. “Yes. It’s me.”

“Thank God. I saw you read my messages, but you didn’t reply. I wasn’t sure if it was you or your father,” Zayn says, his voice full of concern.

I don’t answer. Emotion swells inside me. This man, who barely knows me, has shown more care than my own family. A tear slips down my cheek.

“Cleo?” he asks softly.

“I should go,” I whisper, trying to hold it together.

“What’s wrong? Where are you?”

“In my dorm,” I admit, sniffling.

“I’m on my way.”

He hangs up. I stare at the screen, stunned.

About thirty minutes later, there’s a knock. I hesitate, how would he know which room is mine? But when I open the door, there he is. His gray eyes brim with worry. He scoops me into his arms without a word, holding me tightly as I burst into tears.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay. I’ve got you,” he murmurs into my hair, kicking the door shut behind him. The intensity of his embrace is overwhelming. My body reacts to his touch, my heart racing. He holds me like he’s trying to breathe life back into me.

“Zayn,” I whisper.

His name on my lips sends another wave of longing crashing through me. Our eyes meet. For a moment, we’re lost in each other. I see the same need in his gaze—but also something more. Tenderness. Understanding.

“I’m right here. What happened?”

Despite the storm raging inside, his presence calms me. He guides me to the bed and sits.

“Are you going to tell me?” he asks gently.

My face burns. Remembering the humiliation and worse, knowing my father stood by only deepens the shame.

Zayn watches me, waiting.

“My father and Alpha Dane… made me take a pelvic exam. They tested my slick to confirm I was a virgin.”

Zayn tenses. A low growl rumbles in his chest. He doesn’t speak, just pulls me closer, like his arms alone can protect me from what they did.

“Everything will be alright, Cleo,” he whispers, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. Drained, I fall asleep in his arms feeling safer than I have in a long time.

The next morning, Zayn is gone. A strange emptiness settles over me that I don’t have time to dwell on. One glance at the clock and I’m bolting upright. I’m late for my first class. Great.

I throw on clothes and race to my science lecture, sprinting down the corridors. Not exactly the first day I imagined. I manage to slip in unnoticed, except by Maya, Lydia’s friend. She nods at me.

Without Lydia around, Maya feels different. Familiar. I settle into my seat, heart slowly calming.

Despite the rough start, the day turns out okay. I even feel a little normal. However, walking through campus, I notice the whispers. The looks. Uneasy, I spot Maya again and hurry toward her.

“Maya!” I call. She waits as I catch up.

“Do you know what’s going on? Why is everyone whispering?” She stops, looking at me like I’ve grown two heads.

“You haven’t heard?”

“Heard what?”

She blinks, then rolls her eyes. “Where have you been? Under a rock?” I frown, anxiety rising.

“It’s all over the radio. Social media!”

“What is? Just tell me.”

I brace myself, wondering if Deacon’s been found. But her next words hit harder.

“Alpha Zayn declared war on the Alpha of Claymore. He pulled all his men from their protection posts. Broke every treaty.”

My breath catches. “Wh-what? Why?”

“Apparently, he punched Alpha Dane. At the council meeting. In front of everyone.”

My world tilts. Everything is different now. The consequences. Mine, and Zayn’s will ripple through our packs.

And yet, buried deep in the chaos and dread, a part of me wonders… Is this my fault for telling him what they did?

Fuck.