Page 29 of Chained By the Alpha (Claimed Duet #1)

· 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.”