Chained By The Alpha Jessica Hall

Chapter 26

Cleo leans heavily against me as I pull her closer, so she isn't drowning under the stream of water, letting it wash over us both. Her eyes are closed, and she takes deep breaths of the steamy air as I pour shampoo and massage it into her scalp with soothing motions

I take my time cleaning every inch of Cleo's body, rinsing away dirt and dried blood, when I notice her leg 1s still bleeding badly. Despite knowing that I shouldn't, I pull her legs up, so she 1s sitting across my lap. Leaning down, I trace my tongue along the wound before watching my saliva heal the jagged gash cutting across her thigh

I'm going to have fun explaining that tomorrow

It's taboo, and she may see it as a direct violation or assault. Werewolf saliva heals, but it also can make the healed's wolf sire to them, our DNA mingling, which is why it is supposed to be something reserved for mates. But even then, it is rare, and I learn why pretty quickly when my leg starts throbbing painfully. I suck in a breath at the pain she's been walking around with, but lucky it fades quickly. Though now I understand more clearly why, a more serious injury may kill the healer, yet I don't think I would be able to help myself

Cleo shivers, her skin prickling with goosebumps, and she mumbles incoherently as I sit up. Her face moves as she sniffs the air. "You smell nice... like chocolate and..." she trails off, mumbling incoherently

"Thanks," I chuckle, trying to keep things light despite the gravity of the situation. The tension

is palpable, as if one wrong move could send everything crashing down around us

"Ow!" I exclaim when she suddenly bites me, her teeth sinking into my chest. I look down at her, surprised by the sudden act of aggression

Her eyes are glazed over, and I realize whatever she was given is strong; I don't even think she realizes I am not her vile boyfriend

"I'm hungry, but you don't taste how you smell," she pouts

"Alright, alright," I laugh, a hint of relief washing over me. "I'll feed you, just don't eat

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me

She buries her face in my chest, leaning against me for support as the water cascades over both of us. Within seconds, she is completely passed out again. As I carefully support Cleo in the

shower, the sight of her leaves me momentarily breathless. Even in this vulnerable state, there's an undeniable beauty about her that's impossible to ignore. Her blonde hair, damp from the water, clings to her fair skin, framing her delicate features. Stray strands stick to her cheeks and forehead, and I find myself gently brushing them away, my touch as light as a feather

Her eyes, a striking shade of green that remind me of the lush forests surrounding our territory, are closed now, her long lashes casting shadows on her cheeks. Even when she's unconscious, she's still fierce, a sign of her Alpha lineage. It's this combination of vulnerability and strength that draws me to her, igniting a fire within me that I struggle to contain

As I wash her, my hands move with a gently, acutely aware of every curve and contour of her

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body. Her skin 1s soft under my touch, and I

can't help but admire the way she's built - strong yet undeniably feminine. The water cascades over her, tracing a path along her collarbone, down her chest, and over her toned stomach. I'm torn between my duty to care for her and the growing desire that's threatening to overwhelm my senses

Despite the heat stirring within me, I remind myself of the circumstances. She's hurt, and vulnerable. The thought of taking advantage of her in any way repulses me. She deserves respect, care, and consent things I'm determined to give her, regardless of how much my body aches to claim her as mine

Holding her like this, feeling her body against mine, is both a torment and a privilege. Every nerve in my body 1s acutely aware of her, of the softness of her skin and the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathes. But my role right

now is to protect her, not to give in to the primal urges that her presence evokes

Once she's clean, I wrap her in a towel and carry her back to the bedroom, taking care to avoid the soiled sheets. Not having any clothes for her, I slip one of my shirts over her head and place her on the chaise. I quickly strip the bed and remake it before laying her on the fresh linen. Tucking her into bed, I can't help but admire how peaceful she looks now, her breathing steady and even

"Rest now, Cleo," I murmur, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "T'll take care of

everything." I press my lips to her cheek and want nothing more than to climb in with her,

but I have to take care of the parasite in my trunk

I make my way downstairs, my thoughts a

whirlwind of concern and anger as I consider the events of the night. As soon as I reach the first floor, Vance appears in front of me. "Took care of the car," he says, his expression dark and unreadable. "It's gone."

"Good," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady

"T left her keys out in the kitchen for you

Retrieve her car and bring it back here." My brother nods, but there's a question in his eyes that I know won't go unanswered

"Zayn, why didn't you tell me? And are you going to tell her?" Vance asks, his voice low and urgent. "She deserves to know."

"Because firstly, she can't recognize me," I admit quietly, my chest tightening with unease. "And I would rather not put her in danger. At least not now, with all the drama going on between the

packs, they could use her against me." My resolve hardens as I consider the lengths I'll go to protect Cleo