Page 24 of Chained By the Alpha (Claimed Duet #1)

· Cleo ·

My hands grip the steering wheel tightly as my frustration and anger churn inside me like a storm.

I can’t believe my father would even think of marrying me off to Boyd, let alone question my virginity.

It feels like a betrayal, a disregard for my own choices, my life, and not to mention absolutely mortifying.

As I park outside Zayn’s club, I notice the flurry of activity in the beer garden where staff and caterers are setting up for what looks like a coming-of-age party.

I briefly wonder what the event is about, but my thoughts are quickly consumed by the need to see the video footage of last night and confront Deacon; more so now with my father trying to marry me off.

Deacon may get his wish to mark me sooner than he thinks.

I climb out of the car and make my way inside the club. The pulsating music hits me as soon as I step inside, surprising me with its intensity. The place is alive, even at this hour, and I make my way to the bar, perching on a stool where I wave down the bartender and order a can of Coke.

Taking a sip, I scan the increasingly crowded space, my nerves on edge as I wait for Alpha Zayn. When I spot Boyd weaving through the crowd, my heart sinks. Quickly, I turn back to the bar, hoping he hasn’t noticed me. Luck is clearly not on my side today, or this week, maybe ever it feels like.

“Hey there,” says a deep voice behind me, making me jump when I feel hands slide down my arms. I turn to find Boyd smirking down at me, his eyes roaming over my body with an unnerving hunger before falling on my breasts.

“Boyd,” I grit out, trying to keep my voice steady, despite how repulsed I feel right now. “Hi, I didn’t see you,” I state, knowing I can’t cause a scene here.

“Really, you didn’t notice me despite looking directly at me?” he chuckles. “Come on, Cleo, I just wanted to talk to my sexy future bride.”

“About that,” I say, feeling my cheeks flush with anger. “I have a boyfriend, Boyd. This marriage isn’t happening.”

“Really?” he taunts, one eyebrow raised. “Because the paperwork has already been drawn up.”

“Excuse me,” I snap, irritated by his arrogance. “You don’t get a say in this, I am not marrying you. I have a chosen mate.”

My heart races as Boyd’s unwanted presence looms over me, his smirk pushes my buttons. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves and find the right words.

“Boyd,” I say, attempting to keep my voice even, losing my temper right now will only worsen things. “It’s not what I want, and I don’t think it’s what’s best for either of us.”

Boyd leans in closer, his hot breath brushing against my ear as he slurs, “You know this would be good for both our packs. We’d be a power couple.” I almost scoff at his words. Power couple? At the cost of my future?

I suppress a shudder at the thought of being with him.

Still, I can’t deny the truth in his words.

Our packs would undoubtedly benefit from the alliance, but at what cost?

The thought of sacrificing my happiness, my dreams, and my self-worth for the good of the pack feels like a suffocating weight on my chest.

“Boyd, listen,” I start again, trying to maintain eye contact despite the intoxicating scent of alcohol wafting from his breath. “I have a boyfriend, someone I care about, I can’t just throw that away for an arranged marriage.”

“Is that so?” Boyd taunts, leaning in even closer until his lips are just a whisper away from mine. “You might be surprised by what you want, Cleo.” I fight the urge to punch him in his smug face.

Forcing myself to meet Boyd’s gaze, I try to project an air of confidence I don’t entirely feel. His eyes are glazed from liquor, yet there’s still a predatory gleam in them that chills me to the bone. I wish I wasn’t here beside him.

“Come on, Cleo,” he insists, dragging out my name as if it were the punchline to some private joke. “You can’t be serious about this boyfriend of yours, he’s not even Alpha blood.” Boyd reaches out and brushes his fingers along my arm, and I fight back a shudder at the unwanted contact.

“Boyd, stop,” I say firmly, pulling away from his repulsive touch. My heart races with a mix of anxiety and anger, however I refuse to let him see how much he’s getting to me.

“My relationship is none of your business.”

“Relax,” he coos, completely ignoring my protests. “This alliance is good for both our packs. Besides, what’s not to like about having me as your mate?” His smirk is infuriating, and I clench my fists at my sides, struggling to keep my temper in check.

“Boyd, I have a boyfriend,” I repeat for the hundredth time, enunciating each word carefully. Clearly, my words are not getting through to him. “I won’t marry you.”

“Ah, so it’s true,” he muses, his grin turning even more sinister. “He must be something special if you’re willing to defy your father and risk our pack’s future for him.”

“Boyd, it doesn’t matter how many times you repeat it, the fact remains I won’t marry you.” My voice wavers slightly despite my best efforts to remain composed.

My words are cut short as Alpha Dane strides toward us, his dark eyes assess the situation with a keen interest. “Ah, Cleo, so nice to see you again,” he says smoothly, extending his hand for me to shake.

“Alpha Dane,” I reply, forcing a smile onto my face as I place my hand in his. His grip is firm and unyielding, much like his son’s determination to see this alliance through.

“I take it the function being held here is yours?” I ask, wishing I’d waited in the car for Zayn.

Alpha Dane places his hand on my shoulder and nods toward the beer garden.

“Yes, my youngest daughter’s shift is tonight.

I suppose your father told you about the great news?

” he asks me, and my eyes dart to Boyd who smirks smugly.

Before I can answer, Alpha Dane starts leading me out to the beer garden where the function is being held.

“Please, allow me to introduce you to my wife. She’s been here since this morning setting everything up.

She’ll be excited to meet Boyd’s future wife.

” He gestures to a woman standing beside the fountains, her delicate features and sharp eyes immediately giving away her connection to Boyd. “This is Luna Grace, Boyd’s mother.”

Alpha Dane introduces us, and she steps forward, a smile on her lips.

“Nice to meet you, Cleo,” she says warmly, though there’s something in her gaze that suggests she’s already sizing me up as a potential daughter-in-law.

With pleasantries exchanged, Alpha Dane wastes no time in diving into the topic of the alliance.

“Boyd has told me how you seemed hesitant when he mentioned it at the Council meeting... that you have hesitations regarding this marriage, but surely you understand the importance of uniting our packs?” His tone is deceptively gentle.

“Of course,” I reply, struggling to keep my anger in check. “There’s more to consider than just politics…”

“Oh, hold on dear, that’s Alpha Grayson, I’ll be right back,” he tells me, and I grit my teeth.

The outdoor area is buzzing with activity, fairy lights casting a soft glow over the various tables and guests. I reach for a glass of wine from a passing tray, eager for a drink to calm my nerves.

My patience is wearing thin, and I glance at my phone, noticing it’s already past 7 PM. Zayn should have been here by now, and have I been here that long?

“Where the heck are you?” I mutter under my breath, my fingers gripping the wineglass tighter as I steel myself for whatever might come next. Then I see Boyd stepping closer.

“Excuse me, Boyd. I need to use the restroom,” I say, my voice strained as I attempt to maintain a polite demeanor.

“Of course, Cleo,” he replies, his eyes lingering on me before returning to his drink.

As I step back inside the club, the pulsating music washes over me like an invigorating wave. Desperate for some semblance of control, I make my way to the bar and ask one of the staff members if they’ve seen Zayn.

“Alpha Zayn? He’s not here yet. There was an accident on the highway, so he’s probably stuck in traffic,” the bartender informs me.

“Damn it.” I accept another drink from the bartender as I try to calm my nerves. The idea of waiting for Zayn while dealing with Boyd is less than appealing, however it looks like I don’t have many other options.

“Here you go,” the bartender says, sliding a glass toward me. “This should help take the edge off.”

“Thanks.” I take a sip in hopes it will help me keep my composure.

As I turn around, leaning against the bar and scanning the crowd, I hear Boyd’s voice cutting through the buzz of the club. My heart skips a beat, and my grip tightens around the glass. Oh, for fuck’s sake!

“Cleo, I thought you were going to the bathroom? My mother wanted to speak with you,” he says, irritation evident in his tone as he approaches.

“Boyd,” I say, struggling to keep my voice steady. “I’m not avoiding you, I’m just waiting for someone.”

“Who?” he questions, eyeing me skeptically. “I know this is all a lot to take in, and my father can be kinda pushy, but we can make this work,” he continues, and my gaze darts to the bartender who’s watching us closely.

I sigh inwardly, trying to come up with a plausible explanation. “Look, I appreciate your enthusiasm about this alliance. As I’ve told you before, I can’t marry you.”

His closeness is suffocating, and I feel the urge to flee, to find solace in Zayn’s arms—even if it’s only temporary.

For now, all I can do is wait hopelessly for Zayn to get here so I can leave.

Drinking the rest of my wine, I turn to the lady at the bar, who hands me another glass, leaning closer.

“He’s just pulled up in the parking lot.”I sigh in relief. Finally!

“Your father seems to think otherwise,” Boyd retorts, a smug grin spreading across his face.

“Boyd, I—” I start, and he interrupts me with a laugh.