Page 115 of Chained By the Alpha


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The aroma of roasted venison and wild herbs fills the dining room, enveloping us in the rich scents of the countryside, which is far from the city. Surprisingly, Boyd doesn’t seem that hostile, almost eager for tonight when we meet them in the restaurant’s foyer. Linda chats happily to his mother like this dinner isn’t about me apologizing to Alpha Dane.

Alpha Dane leads us to a table made of polished mahogany, his presence dominating the space. As we take our seats, the waiter approaches our table with a polite smile on his face. He takes our orders and then disappears into the kitchen. As we wait for our food, Alpha Dane turns to me.

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 who 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, making me want to leave orslap him. Instead, 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 if 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 that in. My heart pounds 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.

The waiter brings out our food plates filled with succulent venison steaks and roasted vegetables. Despite the tempting aromas wafting toward 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 feel Alpha Dane’s eyes on me occasionally. It’s clear he still holds some resentment toward 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. I use the 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, however 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 theconversation between my father and Alpha Dane who I can see talking through the window.

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. Inside, all I can think about is how much I want this night to be over.

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 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. “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. 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. I furrow my brows 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 tablebefore 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? As I look at my father, the man who has shaped much of my destiny, I know this path is the only way to secure my pack’s future. The rest—I’ll have to figure out later.

Boyd stands next to my father, his broad shoulders and confident stance a stark contrast to how I feel. My father clears his throat, breaking the tense silence. “We have agreed on the betrothal of my daughter and Boyd.”

“Oh, this is wonderful news,” Linda and Boyd’s mother exclaim. What? I am about to stand and refuse when my father leans down, his hand clamping on my shoulder.

I turn my face to look at him. “You promised,” I whisper.

“I’m keeping it, just play along; we can push the wedding back until we know if Zayn is your mate,” he whispers. “I am biding your time; only Zayn can stop this wedding. It’s out of my hands.” I swallow thickly. “Agree for now; I need time to work something else out if he isn’t your mate.” I bite my tongue.

The words hang heavy in the air, suffocating me. Betrothal? I can’t even imagine a life with Boyd, let alone being tied to him forever.My duty to my pack and my family prevents me from protesting. As the only daughter of the Alpha, it is my responsibility to secure alliances and ensure the survival of our pack. Marrying Boyd is the only way to do that. I just need to pray my father comes up with another way out of this marriage.

“I want answers. Why is this out of your hands?” I hiss under my breath; if I am playing along, I want to know why.

“Once home, now go stand with your fiancé.” Boyd comes over, and I stare at his outstretched hand with disgust. My heart sinks as I take his hand and nod, the weight of my decisionsettling heavily on my shoulders. This is the path I must take for the sake of my pack. The rest—I’ll have to figure out later.

“I’m glad you made the right choice,” Boyd says. I want to rip my hand from his and punch his smug face. I refrain.

“Indeed,” I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper, my mind racing with thoughts of escape, of Zayn, and the life that could have been. Those dreams are slipping through my fingers, replaced by a reality I never chose.

Boyd leads me to a table filled with our families, where we are met with cheers and congratulations. I force a smile, trying to ignore the uncomfortable weight of Boyd’s arm draped over my shoulders.

“Congratulations, my dear,” Boyd’s mother gushes fakely as she pulls me into a hug. “I can’t wait for us to officially be family.”