Chained By The Alpha Jessica Hall

I never thought I would spend my birthday picking out a wedding dress so I could marry someone I can't stand, and all for a marriage agreement because my father 1s being blackmailed. Yet, as I stand in the wedding dress shop, I feel overwhelmed. Linda offered to come with me, though I think more out of ensuring I pick a dress and not run off. I refused

This was hard enough without her flaunting it in my face. The only plus side of today 1s that sometime tonight, I will get my wolf, and maybe I won't feel so lonely in this decision

The chiffon of the wedding gown whispers against my skin like a lover's secret, and I spin slowly in front of the mirror, watching the fabric billow around me. Nightshade City buzzes just

beyond the boutique's windows, alive with a heartbeat that seems to mock my own erratic pulse

"Stunning," the assistant coos, clasping her hands together as 1f in prayer. "You look like an absolute vision, Cleo."

"Thank you," I murmur, but the words feel hollow. The reflection staring back at me is a carefully constructed facade - blonde hair cascading in soft waves. These green eyes should sparkle with joy but instead flicker with uncertainty, all hidden beneath layers of white, a symbol of freedom now ensnared

"Are you okay, honey?" The assistant asks, tilting her head, her brow furrowed in concern

I smile tightly and nod, trying to convince both the assistant and myself that I am fine. But the

truth is, Iam far from it. My heart is heavy with the weight of this decision, and the thought of spending the rest of my life with a man I don't love makes me feel sick

I force a smile, my teeth biting into my lip

"Just... overwhelmed."

The truth 1s more complicated, tangled like the intricate lace on the bodice of this dress. It's supposed to be the happiest day of a woman's life, isn't 1t? But how can it be when every choice feels like a betrayal?

"Would you like to try another one?" Her voice cuts through my reverie, and I nod, desperate for distraction

"You'll love this one, though it may need some adjustments."

I nod, feeling like an outsider observing my life unfold. Sarah leads me back to the dressing room where another dress is waiting for its final alterations

"It's going to be perfect," she assures me with a smile

But no matter how many times I hear those words, they do little to ease the knot in my stomach. As I stand there in my ill-fitting dress, surrounded by people who are planning a wedding that means nothing to me, I can't help but wonder how different things would be if I had just stood up to my father

But it's too late for regrets now. The deal has been made, and backing out would only bring more disgrace upon our family name something my father cannot afford

As I retreat to the changing room, the silkiness of the gown I slip off feels like an unearned caress. I'm playing dress-up, pretending to be a blushing bride when I'm anything but

Shadowcrest Pack - my pack - would never understand

"Beautiful dresses can't mask ugly truths," I whisper to my reflection, watching as another version of myself emerges in a dress with more beading, more promise

"Everything okay in there, Cleo?" The assistant's voice is muffled through the curtain

"Almost ready!" I call back, my voice steady despite the storm raging within

I step out once more, presenting myself for inspection. The new dress hugs my curves. I think of Boyd, the man I'm bound to marry, and

then, unbidden, Zayn's image flashes in my mind

"Your father will love this one," the assistant assures me, oblivious to the war waging in my chest

"Perhaps," I say, my thoughts spiraling

"Let's go with this one," I decide suddenly, surprising even myself. "It's perfect."

"Excellent choice," she beams, not noticing the way my hands tremble as I move to sign the check when she stops me. "No, Alpha Dane is covering it," she assures me and I chew my lip but nod

I'm stuck in the boutique for hours while she fixes the measurements of the dress, yet going home without it isn't a choice since Alpha Dane

1s speeding the wedding up to this weekend. He wants a prompt wedding now I've agreed so I can't try back out, leaving me little hope of my father finding me a way out of this mess

When I do leave, though, I can't bring myself to head straight home. Instead, I weave through the thrumming city streets, my freshly acquired wedding dress, a silken promise of a future I'm not sure I want. The cacophony of honking cars and chattering pedestrians is a welcome distraction until I barge into someone by accident

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"What do you think you're doing?" A voice growls from behind

My heart stutters to a stop as I whirl around

The world narrows to those silver eyes, burning into me with an intensity that leaves me breathless. Zayn

"Zayn," I gasp

"Running into you isn't exactly what I had planned, but it's fitting," he says. His tone is a sharp blade that cuts deeply. His black hair frames his face, and he has equally dark eyes, and I know Zarek is just below the surface

"Cleo." His voice is deep and rough, sending shivers down my spine

"Following me now?" My attempt at levity falls flat between us, the air charged with something dangerous. He steps closer to me and reaches out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear

My skin tingles at his touch, and my heart races even faster

His closeness is intoxicating, and for a fleeting moment, I forget about everything else - the arranged marriage, the pressure from my pack,

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