Page 75 of Chained By the Alpha
“Ah, the sweet torture of waiting for the bond to snap,” Greyson says with a knowing smirk. “When it does, Zayn—you’ll know no bounds. Trust me.”
My jaw clenches. Just the thought of claiming her, marking her flesh, branding her soul—it’s maddening.
“Your secret’s safe with me,” he adds. “She’s safer that way. For now.”
“I know.” I nod, grateful.
“I’ll be ready when the time comes.” His expression darkens. “What if Joseph marries her off before she gets her wolf?”
My fists clench involuntarily, jaw grinding. The image of Cleo bound to Boyd turns my blood to fire.
“She won’t marry Boyd. They can make whatever arrangements they want—it’ll be their funeral.”
I turn back toward my car, the beast inside me pacing restlessly.
“So, what’s your plan?” Greyson’s voice is low, hesitant.
“I don’t have one yet,” I admit, pulling the door open.
“Well, when you do, let me know.”
I nod once, ready to leave, when he stops me again.
“Almost forgot—I was meaning to ask. What about Deacon? Lydia’s been snooping. I haven’t seen the kid since before he went missing, but I thought I felt…” His voice trails off.
Fuck. I forgot Deacon was technically part of Greyson’s pack.
Greyson eyes me, piecing it together. “Did he deserve it?”
“He drugged Cleo with Lydia’s help. He was going to…” The words stick in my throat.
Greyson’s face hardens. “Good enough for me. As long as it wasn’t cold blood.”
“He deserved it,” I say, steady.
He swallows thickly, expression unreadable. “Does Cleo know?” I shake my head. “Does she remember?”
Again, I shake my head.
“I’ll take care of things on my end. I’ll release a statement saying he went rogue.”
Relief slips through me. It could’ve gone badly. Luckily, Greyson understands. He always has.
“Thanks, Greyson. I owe you.”
“When the time comes, you know where to find me.”
I climb into the car, engine rumbling beneath me, I leave Greyson behind.
Chapter 14
• Cleo •
The moment Lydia’s face hits the brick, blood sprays, dark and wet against the wall. Her body crumples like paper, and a broken sound escapes her lips.
“Wha—” she gasps, voice gurgling through blood.
“Never speak of her again,” I growl, my voice no longer human.
