Page 70 of Chained By the Alpha
I purse my lips. “What if my father declares war?”
“Then he’s more stupid than he looks. I’d annihilate his pack—probably singlehandedly. Sorry, your pack is kind of small,” Zayn chuckles.
“Exactly. He would declare war. He was already willing to risk us by refusing your protection. If he does it again, my pack will follow him… and they’ll get hurt.” I sigh, running a hand through my hair. This is such a mess.
Zayn watches me silently, eyes tracking my every move like a predator. Instead of acting, he leans back against the headboard, his dark hair tousled, a raw edge in his expression like he’s fighting some internal war.
“I don’t like you being away from me,” he says, voice rough.
“You say that like I’m your only friend.”
“If I say you are, will you stay?”
I roll my eyes and start looking for my clothes.
As I dress, I can feel the weight of his gaze, heat building with every layer I pull on.
I pause, glancing over my shoulder—my resolve falters for a second.
“Zayn…” I start, needing him to drive me or I’ll miss my first class. It’s clear he doesn’t want me to go. “Please. I need to get to school.”
“Fine. Since I’m not allowed to kidnap you, I’ll drive you back—” I smile. Then he adds, “For now. Your father keeps getting under my skin. I may not give you back next time.”
“And you said you weren’t a serial killer. I’m supposed to trust you?”
“I never said anything about killing you. I just wouldn’t give you back. I’d keep you all to myself.” He laughs, grabbing jeans and a black shirt.
We head downstairs. He grabs his keys—and my hand—and leads me out to his car. The ride is quiet. Neither of us wants to disturb what little peace remains between us.
When the engine stops outside my dorm, the world feels distant, and gray compared to the intensity inside the car. Zaynpulls me into him, kissing me with a heat that ignites something fierce between us.
“I’ll call you,” he says, his voice strained with the effort of parting.
“You better,” I reply, the taste of him still on my tongue. I don’t want to leave.
He brushes a thumb across my cheek. “When will you start working for me?”
“You’ll still protect the borders even after everything with my father?”
“If it means seeing you, then yes.”
I press my forehead to his. “I’ll check my class schedule. I might drop one or two.” The words are tight in my throat. I know what I’m risking. But once I’m Alpha, I’ll be able to form treaties without my father’s permission. This will have to do—for now.
“I need to go,” I whisper, even though my whole body protests.
“Wait,” he says, catching my hand. “Call me after class. We’ll get dinner.”
“Zayn… we’ll get caught.”
“I’ll pick you up,” he grins, wicked and unbothered.
I laugh softly, shaking my head. Sneaking out last night was reckless. Doing it again tonight? Probably stupid.
I climb out of the car and slip into the dorm building. The halls are quiet— students still asleep or just waking up. No one sees me.
I reach my room. The key turns in the lock with a soft click, the moment the door opens, a cold aura hits me like a slap. The energy is sharp. Angry.
My eyes lock onto the bed.
