Chained By The Alpha Jessica Hall

Book 2 Chapter 17

As I sit in the quiet of my car, eating robotically, I can't help but think about Vance. His actions tonight, though heavy-handed, came from a place of concern or so I want to believe. But the thought of owing him, being in his debt Wwot!ties

me

With each bite, I feel a bit less jittery, the immediate hunger pangs easing. The drive back home is quiet, as I pull into the driveway of my mansion, the enormity of my solitude hits me again. The large, empty house waiting to swallow me whole. Reluctantly I climb out of my car with the last piece of chicken I have left

Unlocking the door, I step inside and out of habit I search for the light switch only to find it and still be in darkness. Shaking my head at my

stupidity I wander into the living room, and fall onto the makeshift bed

Glancing at the fire 1t has burned out and I have no logs left. I tug the blanket around myself. I am not going to look for more tonight, it will have to wait until tomorrow. Opening the greasy paper bag, I pull the last piece of chicken out wondering if my new little pet is hungry. I leave it on the bag, setting it on the floor beside me

28 2k 2 2k ok

~Vance~

Neon lights flicker and pulse against the glass, casting a garish glow that dances across Leo's face as I pull back up at the club. He's waiting there, hands thrown up in exasperation, his frustration almost palpable even from a distance

"What the hell, man," Leo curses as he slides into the passenger seat, slamming the door shut behind him. The heavy bass from inside the club thrums in my ears, a muffled beat that echoes the tension coiling in my chest

I keep my eyes on the road ahead, grip tightening around the steering wheel. "Sorry bro, something came up," I mutter, firing up the engine and pulling away from the curb. The gravel crunches beneath my tires as we roll past the flashing signs and drunk patrons spilling out onto the street and I can sense Leo's gaze boring into me, searching for answers

My truck rattles as I accelerate down the road, tires crunching over the gravel, and for a moment. But Leo's voice slices through the silence

"Who was that dancer? You kicked me out like I

was some stray."

I can't help but clench my jaw, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. I steal a glance at Leo, his brow furrowed, curiosity mingling with a hint of annoyance

"It doesn't matter," I reply, trying to keep my tone steady, but the words come out harsher than intended

But even as I dismiss his question, the memory of her floods back-Maya, dancing with an effortless grace that felt almost magnetic. The way her body moved, confident yet tinged with vulnerability, sends an unwelcome shiver coursing through me. The scent of her despite the descenter she wore cutting through the heavy stench of smoke and sweat from the club

"Come on, man," Leo presses, his voice a

mixture of irritation and intrigue. "You didn't just kick me out for nothing."

I shake my head, trying to dismiss the images that crowd my thoughts her skin under the dim lights, the way she glided through the chaos like she belonged to another world. Another life

"Just drop it, will you?" I snap, feeling the tension coil tighter within the cab. But it's no use; I can't shake the pull she has on me, the darkness that seems to swirl around her, drawing me closer against my better judgment. I should hate her after what she helped put Cleo through yet after seeing her in the courtroom, hearing how Deacon rejected her, I feel sorry for her knowing that loss myself far too well

"Whatever you say," Leo mutters, but I sense he's not letting this go. His curiosity is a persistent itch, and I can't afford to scratch it. Not when I'

m still reeling from the encounter myself

I pull onto the main highway toward our pack, tires humming against the asphalt as the city lights blur past. Leo shifts in his seat, his gaze fixed on me, the corner of his mouth quirking up in that infuriating way he has when he knows something I don't want to admit