Chained By The Alpha Jessica Hall

Greyson's response is immediate and visceral; a laugh erupts from his throat, deep and resonant, filled with recognition

"Indeed." His eyes glint, and there's a fire there that wasn't present moments ago. "Because the only woman worth going to war over is your mate."

It's the truth that has been etched into my bones since the moment I recognized Cleo as mine

"Exactly," I respond, heat flooding my veins, thinking of Cleo with an intensity that borders on obsession. "And I'll tear apart anyone who tries to claim her."

"Love makes us do the unthinkable," Greyson

muses, his tone suggesting an old wisdom mingled with raw instinct. He knows the stakes, the unspoken rules of this game we're playing

It's more than just territories and power-it's about the heart's relentless drive to protect its counterpart

"Even before she's fully mine," I add, the admission rough in my throat. The thought of Cleo, untouched and unaware of the bond, ignites a ferocity within me that's hard to contain

"Ah, the sweet torture of waiting for the mating bond to snap into place," Greyson acknowledges, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. "But when it does, Zayn, you'll know no bounds. Trust me."

My jaw clenches at the mention of the bond

The mere idea of claiming Cleo, marking herContent bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

flesh with my teeth, branding her soul with my essence-it's intoxicating, maddening

"Your secret's safe with me," he says, a smirk forming on his lips. "Cleo is safer that way, for now."Greyson meets my gaze, the lines around his eyes deepening as he nods once

"T know it is," I reply

"Tll be ready when you need me." But then his brow furrows, a wrinkle of concern fracturing his otherwise hard expression. "But what if he makes her marry Boyd before she gets her wolf?"

My hands clench involuntarily, knuckles whitening as I imagine Cleo bound to another

"She won't be marrying Boyd. That will never happen. They can make all the wedding

arrangements they want; it will be their funeral," I state firmly, turning back to my car, eager to get back to Cleo

I can feel my wolf creeping beneath my skin, eager for a fight, while Greyson's piercing gaze holds a quiet determination that matches my own

"So what's your plan?" he finally breaks the silence, his voice low and almost hesitant

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the anger bubbling inside me before answering. "I don't have one yet," I admit. I open my door

"Well, when you do, let me know." I nod once about to climb into the car when he speaks again

"Almost forgot, I meant to ask you. What about

Deacon? I have had that bitch Lydia snooping around here. I haven't seen the kid since before he went missing, but I thought I felt-" Greyson's words trail off, and I can tell he's piecing it together

Fuck. I forgot Deacon was part of Greyson's pack

Greyson looks at me, searching for confirmation. "Did he deserve it?"

"He drugged Cleo with Lydia's help. He was going to..." I can't even finish the sentence, the thought making my blood boil

"Good enough for me. As long as it wasn't cold blood."

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"He deserved it, that I assure you," I say, feeling the weight of Greyson's gaze on me

Greyson swallows thickly, his expression pained yet understanding. "Does Cleo know?"

I shake my head

"Does she remember?" Again, I shake my head

"T'll make sure everything is cleaned up on my end. And will make a statement about him going rogue later today," Greyson decides, a plan forming between us

I sigh in relief, grateful this didn't turn ugly

Greyson knows I'm not a liar, and I had every reason and right to since she is my mate. Now, all that's left is to make sure Cleo is safe, no matter what it takes

"Thanks, Greyson. I owe you."

"When the time comes, you know where to find

me

I climb into my car, leaving Alpha Greyson feeling lighter and more determined than ever

2 2k 2k 2 2 2K 2

~Cleo~

The moment her face hits the brick, blood sprays, splattering the cold surface as her body slumps

"Wha--," she gasps, her voice gurgling through the blood of her broken nose

"Never speak of her again," I growl, my voice barely human

I don't know where it comes from, but it's like every little thing that has angered me over the

last couple of days chooses now to come pouring out. Rage engulfs me, white and hot, for a second I get this strange instinct that I know isn't me, but a more animalistic side that is yet to emerge, it wants more, and demands retribution for every poisoned word she's ever spoken. My nails elongate into claws. She tries to scramble away, but I'm quicker, my clawed hand swiping across her face. Fabric tears, skin parts, and her screams escalate into a wail of agony as J attack her, my fists pounding down on her while she screams, trying to cover her bleeding face

"Stop this, Cleo!" one of the guards shouts, his arms wrapping around my waist and pulling me back. The world snaps back into focus, and I see Lydia crumpled on the ground, both hands cupped over her face, blood seeping between her fingers

"Get off me!" I snap at the guard, still thrumming with residual anger

"Lydia!" Maya's voice cracks through the chaos, her steps hurried as she rushes to Lydia's side

"Look what you did!" Maya accuses, her eyes wide with shock

"Me?" I scoff, my chest heaving. "She brought this on herself."

"Enough, Cleo!" The guard's grip tightens on my arm, his voice a harsh whisper against the roar of my pulse. "You need to calm down, Cleo, or we'll be forced to call on your father."

The mention of my father 1s like a bucket of ice water over my head, dousing the flames of fury that had been consuming me. My hands tremble, the tips of my claws still extended, slick with

Lydia's blood