Chained By The Alpha By Jessica Hall

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 le to me. And why did I have Alpha Dane ringing 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 but she could at least give me a chance to fucking enter the house for once without being questioned. I’m freaking 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 confiscated 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 and my father snatches my phone

“T 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 “But 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 felt like an eternity as I was trapped at home with no phone and under constant scrutiny from my father. The only bright spot on the horizon was the prospect of starting school again next week. At least then, I would have something to distract me from all the drama at the moment, and I could escape my father

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

As I approach the stadium, my eyes scan the field and I spot Zayn among his pack members

It’s strange to see him here, as he usually trains in his own territory with his men, so I find it odd he moved his pack training here

Zayn catches sight of me too and starts making his way towards me. Panic floods through my veins, knowing that 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 towards 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 looks at me curiously but 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 was

he here? Was it just a coincidence or did he purposely come here knowing that 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 that 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 1s 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. His close proximity sends a shiver down my spine, and I struggle to keep my emotions in check. “I was wondering why I couldn’t get a hold of you,” He grumbles