Page 26 of Chained By the Alpha (Claimed Duet #1)

Zayn sighs. “If it makes you feel better, tomorrow I will even help you put up missing person flyers. Fuck I’ll find a milk carton company if you want to plaster his ugly mug on that too, okay? So cheer up,” he tells me, and I smile knowing he’s only saying this to make me laugh.

“Deal?” he asks.

“I may take you up on the flyers if we can’t find him,” I chuckle.

“I’m sure he’s fine.”

I place a hand on the edge of a desk to steady myself, realizing the wine from earlier is affecting me more than I expected.

“Lightweight,” Zayn teases. He leans over, gripping my arm to steady me. The casual gesture somehow makes him even more desirable, and I have to force myself to focus on anything but the magnetic pull toward him.

“Never took you for a wine drinker,” Zayn comments, his voice tinged with amusement. “Are you always this much of a lightweight?”

“I don’t usually drink wine, okay?” I defend myself, rolling my eyes. I appreciate the distraction, though. It’s a brief reprieve from the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

“Relax, Cleo. I’m not judging you,” Zayn says, amusement dancing in his eyes. “If anything, it makes you more… endearing.”

“Endearing?” I scoff, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. “That’s one way to put it.”

“Would you prefer adorable?” he asks, his lips curving into a smirk.

“Definitely not,” I retort, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickens at the sight of his smile. The sire bond—it has to be that, right? There’s no other explanation for why I’m reacting this way to Zayn.

I roll my eyes, trying to suppress the flush creeping up my neck. “I needed something to calm my nerves after dealing with Alpha Dane and Boyd.”

“Fair enough,” Zayn replies, leaning against the desk with a smirk. “But you’re not driving,” he warns me.

“I’ll catch a cab,” I retort with a shrug, and Zayn huffs.

“Let’s get out of here,” Zayn suggests, sensing my irritation. “I’ll drive you home.”

“I don’t think I can go home just yet. My father will be furious.” I admit.

Zayn sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “Do you have any other places in mind? Your dorm, maybe?”

I take a deep breath, attempting to regain some semblance of control over my emotions.

My heart is a thunderous drumbeat, the heat from Zayn’s touch still lingers on my skin.

I am a hundred percent positive he has sired my wolf now.

I can’t ignore the fact that our chemistry is undeniable, but the thought of being bound by something so uncontrollable terrifies me.

As we make our way toward the stairs, I see the barrage of threatening messages from my father on my phone. My heart clenches with fear as I realize going home isn’t an option tonight. Zayn, sensing my distress, guides me gently down the stairs, his hand warm and steady on my lower back.

“Careful,” he murmurs as I stumble slightly. “I’ve got you,” he murmurs, his grip tightening on my arm slightly when someone calls out to him.

“Crap, Shana needs me to fix the safe, apparently it’s jammed again,” he grumbles, leading me down the last couple of steps.

We reach the bar, and Zayn insists on confiscating my clutch, teasing me about trying to drive home buzzed before shoving me down on a stool at the bar.

Zayn waves someone over. Annoyance flares within me, but it’s quickly overshadowed by the realization that I’m stuck without many options.

“Fine,” I huff, even though a part of me appreciates his protectiveness.

“Stay here,” he instructs, leaving me under the watchful eye of his massive security man. I recognize him immediately as Vance, Zayn’s brother. “Watch her, don’t let her out of your sight while I help Shana,” Zayn tells him.

I watch Vance step closer, the man is just as big as his brother, standing beside me with arms crossed tightly over his broad chest. His dark expression and muscular build make him appear even more imposing and intimidating.

“I don’t need a babysitter,” I huff. Vance chuckles, staring down at me.

“He’s just looking out for you after the other night,” Vance tells me, and I roll my eyes.

“Hey,” he leans in, lowering his voice, “Between you and me, I know how much of a pain in the ass Zayn can be. But trust me when I say he’s got your best interests at heart.”

“He’s certainly bossy,” I laugh when I see Alpha Dane approaching. He doesn’t look happy, and I sit up straighter when he stops next to me.

“Boyd told me you’re involved with Alpha Zayn. For now, I will turn a blind eye, but you will end it before the wedding,” he trails off, about to turn away when he stops again.

“Oh and, Cleo, after this little stunt, and knowing Zayn’s your boyfriend, you’ll be forced to ensure your virtue has remained intact.

I’ll have one of my pack doctors get in contact with you to arrange a sample of your slick to be taken.

Your father knows how strict I am on that rule,” he smiles coyly.

“And while Lydia’s virtue is long gone, he assured me you’re a virgin. That better still be true, or we’ll have issues. Your father owes me a considerable amount already,” Alpha Dane warns.

I glare at the man, and Alpha Dane leans closer.

“Do the right thing, Cleo, it’s not worth your pack.

I get you don’t like the idea, but you’ll learn to love my son.

This little thing you have going on with Alpha Zayn needs to come to an end,” then he turns abruptly and wanders off.

I move to get up, wanting some fresh air, when Vance grabs my arm, pushing me back down on the stool.

I look up at him, and he gives me an apologetic smile.

“Sorry Alpha orders, you need to remain,” he tells me, and tears threaten to burn my eyes when Vance speaks again. “He can’t force you, you know,” Vance says, his voice softening.

“Yeah, well by the looks of it he can. My father owes him money,” I growl and then sigh, reaching for my leftover drink. Before I can take another sip, Vance takes it from me, too.

“Seriously?” I glare at him, and he rolls his eyes. “You’ve had enough,” he tells me, reluctantly hands it back. “But I would need a drink after listening to that asshole, too,” he chuckles, sending me a wink.

I tip the glass to my lips and drink the rest of the glass when Zayn comes out, stopping beside me.

“I told you not to let her drink,” Zayn growls at his brother.

Vance leans in whispering something to Zayn, who’s entire demeanor changes, his eyes flash as he peers down at me, however he says nothing.

“Come on, I’ll take you home,” Zayn says, grabbing my hand and leading me out of the club. Alpha Zayn seems angry about something while he leads me to his car. He opens the passenger door, and I slide into the seat when an idea hits me.

Zayn climbs in and starts the car. “I don’t want to go home, I don’t want to deal with my father,” I tell him. “Where do you want me to take you then?” Zayn asks, pulling out of the parking spot.

“Friends place?” he asks, and I bite my lip.

“Can we go to your place?” I ask. Zayn stares at me for a second.

“Cleo, I don’t think that is a good idea. I’m assuming you are already in enough trouble with your father, and I don’t think I made it any better. What about your dorm?” he asks.

“Can’t get in for a few more days when school opens back up.” He sighs. “It’s fine, just drop me at a motel or something.” I tell him, Zayn scoffs.

“I’m not leaving you at a motel,” he growls at me. I huff, crossing my arms over my chest.

“I’m not a child, Zayn.”

He smirks, refusing to meet my gaze.

“I am not going home, so either drop me to a motel or I’ll sleep in my car,” I retort, and Zayn growls.

“Fine, you can stay at my place, but don’t come crying to me when you get in more trouble.”

I hesitate, considering my options. Going home was never an option tonight, however I would rather not impose on Zayn, either. The last thing he needs is more drama he didn’t ask for. Zayn hasn’t tried to hurt me, and he did save me from Boyd inside the club. I nod and he starts the car.

As we drive in silence, the city lights blur outside the window. I yawn and Zayn chuckles. “Stay awake for me, Cleo.” I nod, pressing my head against the cool glass window.

When we pull up out the front, he helps me out of the car and leads me up to his door. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I don’t know what I’m getting myself into.

Inside, Zayn takes off his jacket and offers me a glass of water. He moves around his kitchen, his muscles flexing under his shirt. I lean heavily on the counter, resting my head on my arms.

“Here, drink this, it will help,” Zayn says, and I lift my head, staring at him. I take the glass and sip the water, not realizing how thirsty I am. I watch Zayn over the glass.

“You’re not gonna be sick on me again, are you?” he asks, and I shake my head.

“Good you’ve puked on me once, let’s not go for another round,” he teases. My face heats as I think back to Alpha Dane suggesting my virtue will be checked.

“Alpha Dane said I have to prove my virtue is intact,” I tell him.

Alpha Zayn’s eyes darken. “His pack is religious, it’s seen as a bad omen to take an ‘impure’ mate.”

I pull a face when a revelation hits me. “So if I am not a virgin, it’s a bad omen to the pack and Boyd can’t marry me?” I ask him.

Zayn seems to think for a second. He shrugs. “I guess.” he takes my empty glass, and sets it in the dishwasher. “But you’ll find a way out of this. Don’t let it bother you.”I think I just did find a way out of it?

Zayn closes the dishwasher and turns around. “Are you okay, Cleo?” he asks when he notices me staring at him. I shake the thought away, reminding myself I have a boyfriend.

“Yep, just tired,” I tell him, and he sighs.