Chained By The Alpha Jessica Hall

The day wore on, each second stretching out like a lifetime. The sun slowly sunk in the sky, casting an orange glow over the city. As darkness fell, we made our way to a restaurant in the heart of the bustling city streets not too far from the city center, and I recognize the restaurant as being owned by Alpha Dane

Despite the tense situation surrounding us, the restaurant atmosphere was surprisingly warm and welcoming

The aroma of roasted venison and wild herbs filled the dining room, enveloping us 1n the rich scents of the countryside which 1s far from the city. Surprisingly Boyd didn't seem that hostile, almost eager for tonight when we met them in the restaurant's foyer. Linda chatting happily to

his mother like this dinner isn't about me apologizing to Alpha Dane

Alpha Dane led us to a table made of polished mahogany, his presence dominating the space

As we took our seats, the waiter approached our table, a polite smile on his face. He took our orders and disappeared into the kitchen. As we waited for our food, Alpha Dane turned to meConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

For a few moments things are awkward and I keep my head bowed, letting my father take the lead because I really don't want to apologize to a man that is trying to force my hand to marry, and who also violated me. Trying to steady my breathing, my father gently nudges me forward in my seat drawing my attention. With a hesitant nod, I look at Alpha Dane, feeling his cold eyes trace the lines of my face and I suddenly want leave or slap him, but I choose civility over violence knowing this is not the

place or time

"I'm sorry, Alpha Dane," I manage to say, the words crawling out of my throat as 1f they're coated in thorns. "About the drama I caused and the shame I've brought to both packs. I apologize for my actions and for leaving the pack." There is a tense silence as Alpha Dane takes in my words. My heart pounds in my chest as I wait for his response. Finally, he speaks, his voice as unforgiving as steel

"Very well," he says after a pause. "You're back now, and that's what matters."

Relief washes over me and I let out a shaky breath. The tension in the room disperses slightly at Alpha Dane's acceptance of my

apology

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The waiter brings out our food-plates filled with succulent venison steaks and roasted vegetables. Despite the tempting aromas wafting towards me, my appetite has vanished under the weight of guilt at everything with Zayn and unease at this entire dinner

As we eat in silence, I can feel Alpha Dane's eyes on me occasionally. It's clear that he still holds some resentment towards me and is choosing not to voice it yet

My father gives me a reassuring smile and puts his hand on my shoulder before following Alpha Dane out of the restaurant to have a smoke, and I use that chance to escape to the restroom, so I don't have to try to make small talk with Boyd, who has done nothing but stare all night

As I return to my chair, the tension in the room seems to have dissipated. The waiter brings out

a platter of decadent desserts, but I have no appetite for them. As much as I try to distract myself with the boring conversation with Linda and Boyd's mother, my mind keeps wandering back to the conversation between my father and Alpha Dane who I can see talking through the windows

I can only imagine what they are discussing my return, my apology, the current state of our packs. I wonder if Alpha Dane is considering punishing me for my actions or if he will let it go and not force my hand, though dad promised it would be my choice

Linda's voice cuts through my thoughts as she excitedly talks about her latest project with the city museum fundraiser. I give her a half-hearted smile and nod, pretending to be interested. But inside, all I can think about is how much I want this night to be over

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I glance over at Boyd, who has been eerily quiet throughout dinner. His eyes are fixed on me, his expression unreadable. It makes me uneasy knowing that he has been watching me this whole time

As my father and Alpha Dane return, Dane's voice cuts through the tension. "I must say, Cleo, your return... It's commendable. Your mother would be proud." He pauses, letting the words sink in. "Your pack going back into a woman's hands- it's a powerful statement."

"Thank you," I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper. Yet, I don't like where this conversation is shifting or how the tone of the dinner has changed

My father beams beside me, nodding in agreement. "Her mother always wanted Cleo to run the pack. And I'm glad things worked out,"

he adds, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that feels like a silent command and my brows furrow in confusion as I wonder what is going on, what happened outside in the time he and Alpha Dane were speaking

Dane nods solemnly before turning to address the rest of the group. "I believe it is time for us to discuss the future of our pack." His eyes sweep over each person at the table before landing back on me. "Cleo's return has brought some... complications. None that can't be fixed, of course."

I swallow hard, the weight of their expectations pressing down on me. I haven't agreed to marry Boyd yet. What is he talking about? But as I look at my father, the man who has shaped much of my destiny, I know that this path is the only way to secure my pack's future. The rest- I'll have to figure out later