“Zayn,” I whisper.
His name on my lips sends another wave of longing crashing through me. Our eyes meet. For a moment, we’re lost in each other. I see the same need in his gaze—but also something more. Tenderness. Understanding.
“I’m right here. What happened?”
Despite the storm raging inside, his presence calms me. He guides me to the bed and sits.
“Are you going to tell me?” he asks gently.
My face burns. Remembering the humiliation and worse, knowing my father stood by only deepens the shame.
Zayn watches me, waiting.
“My father and Alpha Dane… made me take a pelvic exam. They tested my slick to confirm I was a virgin.”
Zayn tenses. A low growl rumbles in his chest. He doesn’t speak, just pulls me closer, like his arms alone can protect me from what they did.
“Everything will be alright, Cleo,” he whispers, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. Drained, I fall asleep in his arms feeling safer than I have in a long time.
The next morning, Zayn is gone. A strange emptiness settles over me that I don’t have time to dwell on. One glance at the clock and I’m bolting upright. I’m late for my first class. Great.
I throw on clothes and race to my science lecture, sprinting down the corridors. Not exactly the first day I imagined. I manage to slip in unnoticed, except by Maya, Lydia’s friend. She nods at me.
Without Lydia around, Maya feels different. Familiar. I settle into my seat, heart slowly calming.
Despite the rough start, the day turns out okay. I even feel a little normal. However, walking through campus, I notice the whispers. The looks. Uneasy, I spot Maya again and hurry toward her.
“Maya!” I call. She waits as I catch up.
“Do you know what’s going on? Why is everyone whispering?” She stops, looking at me like I’ve grown two heads.
“You haven’t heard?”
“Heard what?”
She blinks, then rolls her eyes. “Where have you been? Under a rock?” I frown, anxiety rising.
“It’s all over the radio. Social media!”
“What is? Just tell me.”
I brace myself, wondering if Deacon’s been found. But her next words hit harder.
“Alpha Zayn declared war on the Alpha of Claymore. He pulled all his men from their protection posts. Broke every treaty.”
My breath catches. “Wh-what? Why?”
“Apparently, he punched Alpha Dane. At the council meeting. In front of everyone.”
My world tilts. Everything is different now. The consequences. Mine, and Zayn’s will ripple through our packs.
And yet, buried deep in the chaos and dread, a part of me wonders… Is this my fault for telling him what they did?
Fuck.
Chapter 10
• Cleo •
