Chained By The Alpha Jessica Hall

I know that I need to take the time to get to know if Zayn is my mate like he claims and my father is right. I'm safe here for now. We still have time to work this out

Thoughts swirl in my head, a maelstrom of doubts, fears, and conflicting emotions. I want to argue, to tell him that the idea of marrying someone other than Zayn terrifies me because Zayn 1s where my heart is. But my father's presence, his unwavering support, anchors me or maybe roots me in this idea that we can work out past grievances, that I can figure out everything about Deacon and Mom, and about where my place truly is. Maybe he's right

Perhaps this is my chance at redemption and at making Mom proud. I take a deep breath,

determined to make the best of this chance. I make a decision to trust my father's words and to take him up on the offer. It's my chance to make things right

"Okay," I choke out, swallowing the bile that threatens to rise in my throat. "I'll come home, but that isn't a yes to marrying Boyd."

"Good, that is fine." He releases me from the embrace and steps back, his gaze searching my face for any hint of hesitation. "Let's just get you home."

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Dad helps me pack everything up I have here, which isn't much, just one backpack, which makes it easier. We also cleaned up the little mess we made from dinner before walking down to his car, where I noticed Zayn's guard knocked

out cold. I slide into the passenger seat of my father's SUV, the leather cool and unwelcoming against my skin

"Will Linda be angry about you bringing me home?" I ask him

"Tt doesn't matter what she feels, I am alpha, and youre my daughter. She doesn't get a say in this." Inod slowly, and Dad places the key in the ignition. The engine roars to life, a growl that resonates with my own unease as we set off toward Shadowcrest territory. Trees blur past the window, each one larger than the last, as we near my old pack on the outskirts of the city, nearest the forest

"Everything will be alright, Cleo," my father reassures from behind the wheel, his voice steady like the constant thrum of the road beneath us. I take a deep breath, feeling the

anxiety knotting in my stomach. I'm not ready for this, but I don't have much of a choice. I just have to trust that Dad knows what he's doing

and won't hurt me again

The knot in my stomach tightens as images of Alpha Dane's stern face, and Boyd's expectant eyes invade my thoughts. I try to focus on the scenery, but the lush greenery of my childhood now feels like a backdrop to a stage where I'm forced to play a role I never auditioned for

"Remember, you're doing this for the pack," I murmur to myself, though the words taste bitter on my tongue

As we crossed the invisible line marking our territory, memories cascaded through my mind

The forest that surrounded our pack was once a place of joy and freedom, where I ran carefree as a young girl and laughter echoed off the trees

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But those days were long gone, replaced by the weight of responsibility and the sharp sting of betrayal

My father glanced at me, concern etched in the lines of his face. "Are you okay?" he askedExclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.

I forced a smile, knowing he could see right through it. "Fine," I replied, the lie slipping out easily. But in reality, I was far from fine. The events of the past week had left me reeling, and my heart felt heavy with the weight of it all

As we neared the pack house, my thoughts turned to the marriage treaty. And knowing I will have to see Alpha Dane, I just hope my father sticks to his word and doesn't force anything because if he does, I may have no choice but to go rogue and risk insanity. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding that had settled in my gut, a sense that this meeting

would not end well; how could it be after everything that happened?

But I push those thoughts aside and focus on the present. We were here, and there was no turning back now

The tension between us simmered, thick and palpable, as we drove the rest of the way in silence. The familiar gates leading into our small gated community finally came into view, and I couldn't help but feel like a lamb being led to the slaughter

My phone buzzed 1n my pocket, and I glanced at the screen to see Zayn's name illuminated. A pang of longing hit me, but I pushed it away. I couldn't afford to think about him right now

As we pulled into the driveway of my family's home, I took a deep breath and prepared myself

for the chaos that awaited me. It was going to be a long night

"Welcome home, Cleo." My father's voice breaks through my reverie as we pull up to the house. It looks just how I remember 1t: imposing, grand, and yet utterly lifeless

"Thanks," I mutter, stepping out of the car onto the concrete driveway and peering up at my childhood home. Despite the familiarity of it all, an unease rolls through me

I follow my father into the house, my gaze drifting over familiar surroundings. Every portrait hanging on the walls, every piece of furniture seems to whisper my life growing up here a life that now feels like it belongs to someone else entirely

The moment we step into the foyer, Lydia and

Linda are upon us, their eyes flashing with a mix of shock and anger that I'm back. Linda's hair is pulled back into a severe bun, and her black dress is pressed and impeccable as always