Page 30 of Chained By the Alpha (Claimed Duet #1)

“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.

Zayn catches sight of me and starts making his way toward me. Panic floods through my veins, knowing my father is watching from a distance. I quickly wave him off, silently telling him not to come any closer.

Thankfully, Zayn seems to understand and nods before turning back to join his pack’s training session. Relief washes over me as I continue toward the stands where other pack members are already gathered.

I take a seat next to Lydia and watch my father talk to the other pack members. She glances at me curiously yet doesn’t say anything with my father within earshot.

My father’s voice booms through the stadium, signaling the start of training. As always, we begin with physical exercises before moving on to combat training.

I try my best to focus on the drills and pay attention during combat demonstrations, but my mind keeps wandering back to Zayn. Why is he here? Is it just a coincidence or did he purposely come here knowing I would be here, too?

My thoughts are interrupted when one of the pack warriors accidentally knocks into me during a sparring match. My father quickly rushes over, apologizing profusely while also scolding the warrior.

I shake my head, assuring him I am fine. And my father finally calls it quits on training.

After training, I make my way to the locker rooms to change. However, the last thing I expect is to be grabbed from behind and pulled into a cleaning closet by Zayn.

“Zayn!” I gasp, my heart racing as I stare up at him in surprise. “What are you doing?”

“Where have you been?” he demands, his eyes searching mine with concern and frustration. “Why haven’t you answered any of my texts?”

“Shh,” I whisper, glancing nervously at the door. “My father, he’s been watching me like a hawk. I can’t risk being caught talking to you.”

“Damn it, Cleo.” Zayn curses under his breath, running a hand through his disheveled hair. With his close proximity, I struggle to keep my emotions in check. “I was wondering why I couldn’t get a hold of you,” he grumbles.

“What’s going on?” Zayn questions.

“I need to go,” I tell him, pushing him aside.

“He’s really got a leash on you, hasn’t he?” Zayn murmurs, his eyes darkening before quickly pulling me toward him. He wraps his arms around me. I sigh, relishing the contact. It’s nice to be touched when all week I’ve earned nothing but sneers from Lydia and criticism from my father.

“Zayn, I can’t be here with you,” I whisper, glancing towards the door.

My father has been watching me like a hawk, and I know it is only a matter of time before he realizes I’m not alone.

“He took my phone, and I’m in so much trouble already.

Deacon has not returned, and I have to focus on school now. ”

“School?” His brow furrowed. “When do you go back?”

“Tomorrow,” I reply, my voice cracking with anxiety. “Please, Zayn, I need to go. If my father catches us…”

“Alright.” He sighs, clearly frustrated yet understanding the gravity of the situation. “Come on,” he says softly, releasing me and cracking open the door to make sure the coast was clear. “You need to get back before your father notices you’re gone.”

I nod, swallowing hard as I step out of the closet and rush to the locker room into the harsh light of reality.

“Cleo!” My father’s voice cuts through the air like a knife as I exit the stadium, making me jump. He is waiting for me by his car, his expression unreadable. I approach cautiously, trying to act as casually as possible.

“Where is Lydia?” I ask him.

“Linda picked her up,” my father answers without explaining further. The ride home is tense and silent, my heart pounding in my chest as I wonder what my father is thinking.

“Where are we going?” I finally ask when it becomes clear we aren’t heading straight home. “I thought we were going home?”

“We will,” he replies cryptically, still not meeting my gaze. “Afterward.”