Chained By The Alpha Jessica Hall

Chapter 44

"Please, allow me to introduce you to my wife, she's been here since this morning setting everything up, she'll be excited to meet Boyd's future wife. He gestures to a woman standing beside the fountains, her delicate features and sharp eyes immediately giving away her connection to Boyd. "This is Luna Grace, Boyd's mother."

Alpha Dane introduces us, and she steps forward, a smile on her lips

"Nice to meet you, Cleo," she says warmly, though there's something in her gaze that suggests she's already sizing me up as a potential daughter-in-law

With pleasantries exchanged, Alpha Dane wastes no time 1n diving into the topic of the alliance

"Boyd has told me how you seemed hesitant when he mentioned it at the alpha meeting..

that you have hesitations regarding this marriage, but surely you understand the importance of uniting our packs?" he asks, his tone deceptively gentle

"Of course," I reply, struggling to keep my anger in check. "But there's more to consider than just politics—"

"Oh, hold on dear, that's Alpha Grayson, I'll be right back," he tells me and I grit my teeth

The outdoor area is buzzing with activity, fairy lights casting a soft glow over the various tables and guests. I reach for a glass of wine from a

passing tray, hoping the liquid will help calm my frazzled nerves

My patience is wearing thin, and I glance at my phone, noticing it's already past 7 PM. Zayn should have been here by now, and have I really been here that long?

"Where the heck are you?" I mutter under my breath, my fingers gripping the wineglass tighter as I steel myself for whatever might come next, when I see Boyd stepping closer

"Excuse me, Boyd. I need to use the restroom," I say, my voice strained as I attempt to maintain a polite demeanor

"Of course, Cleo," he replies, his eyes lingering on me before returning to his drink

As I step back inside the club, the pulsating

music washes over me like an invigorating wave. Desperate for some semblance of control, I make my way to the bar and ask one of the staff members if they've seen Zayn

"Alpha Zayn? He's not here yet, there was an accident on the highway so he's probably stuck in traffic," the bartender informs me

"Damn it," I mutter under my breath, accepting another drink from the bartender as I try to calm my nerves. The idea of waiting for Zayn while dealing with Boyd is less than appealing, but I don't have many other options

"Here you go," the bartender says, sliding a glass toward me. "This should help take the edge off."

"Thanks," I reply, taking a sip and hoping it will help me keep my composure

As I turn around, leaning against the bar and scanning the crowd, I suddenly hear Boyd's voice cutting through the buzz of the club. My heart skips a beat, and my grip tightens around the glass. Oh for frig sake! I mentally curse

"Cleo, I thought you were going to the bathroom? My mother was wanting to speak with you," he asks, irritation evident in his tone as he approaches

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"Boyd," I say, struggling to keep my voice steady. "I'm not avoiding you, I'm just waiting for someone."

"Who?" he questions, eyeing me skeptically. "I know this is all a lot to take in, and my father can be kinda pushy but we can make this work," he continues, and my eyes dart to the bartender who's watching us closely

I sigh inwardly, trying to come up with a plausible explanation. "Look, I appreciate your enthusiasm about this alliance, but as I've told you before I can't marry you."

His closeness 1s suffocating, and I feel the urge to flee, to find solace in Zayn's arms-even if it's only temporary. But for now, all I can do is wait hopelessly for Zayn to get here so I can leave

Drinking the rest of my wine, I turn to the lady at the bar, she hands me another glass of wine, leaning closer

"He's just pulled up in the parking lot," I sigh in relief. Finally!

"Your father seems to think otherwise," Boyd retorts, a smug grin spreading across his face

"Boyd, "I start, but he interrupts me with a laugh

"Relax, Cleo. I'm just teasing, we'll figure it out," he says, reaching out to trail a finger down my arm. The sensation sends shivers down my spine, and I can't help but flinch away from his touch

"Please don't do that," I snap, unable to maintain my composure any longer. My heart races in my chest and I feel a wave of heat rush through me as frustration and repulsion collide within me

"Boyd, we need " My words falter as I try to formulate a response, but before I can continue, strong arms encircle my waist, pulling me away from Boyd and spinning me around. I find myself face-to-face with Zayn, his gray eyes blazing with intensity. His presence instantly transforms the atmosphere, sending a shiver down my spine

"Hey, baby," he purrs, his voice low and

seductive. My breath catches in my throat, and I'm momentarily frozen, shocked by his sudden appearance and the way he's acting

Boyd's expression shifts from irritation to horror as he takes in the scene before him. "Wait, he's your boyfriend?" he stammers, his composure

slipping

But Zayn ignores him. "Sorry, I'm late," he murmurs, his arm tightening around my waist possessively as he pulls me closer, I stare at him like he's grown two heads. What does he think

he's doing?

The heat of his body seeps through the fabric of my dress, igniting a fire within me that I struggle to control and my face flames knowing Boyd 1s watching this display

Zayn''s eyes hold mine, some unsaid message in

them when he leans closer burying his face in my neck. He groans, his hand sliding down my back to grab my ass. My heart races, threatening to burst from my chest as Zayn takes control of the situation in a way that's both exhilarating, and terrifying. The intensity of his touch, the determination in his gaze-it all sends shivers down my spine

"Zayn," I manage to whisper, my voice barely audible

"Play along," he whispers below my ear, and I barely hear him over the loud music