Chapter 9

“This is the city’s theater. I’ve only attended once or twice so I’m not one to give reviews but I hear they have amazing shows during the weekends.” I peered my head out through the open window to look at the theater. Neon lights, arranged in intricate patterns, trace the contours of the building, and the entrance was framed by sleek glass doors that beckoned to passersby. I resisted the urge to gawk as I watched the magnificent scene, confused. “But… but…” I stammered, thinking of a polite way to tell him that I’d always thought rogues were savages and they ate out of a dumpster or something. I didn’t get a chance to form the words before Tyler’s driver sped off. Even the car we were in was luxurious. The plush leather seats were so soft and cozy, and the car had a freaking mini-bar. I could barely breathe. How rich was this man? “Do you want a drink?” Tyler asked me, pouring champagne into a wine flute. I couldn’t stomach anything right now so I shook my head. “No, thanks.” “Alright,” he said, sipping his champagne. The car slowed and Tyler pointed at a building with a cross in front of it. “This is the chapel. Some wolves here are religious and while it’s usually rare for others, humans as well, to visit the city, it does happen once or twice and we are all for inclusivity. Are you religious, Arya?” he looked at me. “I don’t think so,” I said, wetting my lips. That drink sounded nice right now. “I could say I’m spiritual though. Somehow, I believe there’s someone out there looking after me.” Tyler signaled to the driver to drive, though he kept his gaze on me. “How do you mean?” It was hard to explain. “Well, there were times in the past when I thought of ending it.” His eyes darkened at my words. “Because of your family?” I nodded. “And my previous pack too. During those times, something always stopped me. A voice or a force, I’m not really sure. But whatever it was kept me from making that decision. I’d like to believe I’m still here for a reason.” He gripped my hand possessively. “You’re here for me.” We stared at each other in silence, my hand in his, his eyes on me. Strangely, it did feel like he was right. That I was here for him. In the midst of my struggle, I’d found him and now he seemed like a protector. My savior. Nodding, I licked my lower lip. There wasn’t anything else to say to that. The drive continued in silence until Tyler had to show me some building or place he thought I would like to see. When he’d offered to give me a tour of the city, it had been at the tip of my tongue to decline. Some of the wolves at Crest whispered about how a so-called village for rogue wolves was full of sick and dying wolves and in abject poverty. I’d believed them but now that I was here, I realized they had no idea what they were saying. Rogue City was even better than Crest. The economy was certainly richer and there was abject poverty in sight. Not only that, the rogues were welcoming too, though I suspected it was because Tyler was with me. Everywhere we passed, people cheered and waved at us and it made me wonder if Tyler was just a good ruler or if it was all for show. My money was on the former, I decided, when Tyler waved back to a group of older women, a small smile on his face. As the car sped up again, he turned to see me looking at him, then smirked. “Don’t be jealous, Little One.” “I wasn’t,” I told him, blushing. “I don’t care.” “Sure, you don’t.” His voice was full of disbelief. “You have me all to yourself, Arya. I promise.” Blood rushed to my heart as it pounded loudly against my ribcage. I wasn’t sure if it was because of him or the fact that I wasn’t used to men flirting with me. I’d been made to believe that I was ugly and fat and Alison always said no man would want me. So, yes. I was struggling to reconcile with the thought of Tyler, a handsome man who could have any woman, wanting me. “Why are you doing this?” I suddenly asked him, fixing my gaze on our intertwined hands. “What do you stand to gain?” “That’s a difficult question to answer, Arya,” he said. “Look at me.” Tears rushed to my eyes. Even though I was far away from my father and sister, it was so hard not to think of the years of physical, mental and emotional abuse I’d gone through in their hands. It was so hard to be strong. The stigma of who I had been with them still remained and I suspected it would take forever to be finally free from it. Tyler placed a finger under my jaw, bringing my head up to look into his eyes. “Don’t ever believe you’re anything more than what you are. Exquisite,” he whispered. “I told you before. I don’t have bad intentions. At least not the kind that’ll hurt you.” I didn’t understand his mysterious wink, only knew that it made my abdomen flutter nervously. “But I’m fat and ugly,” I argued, not realizing that I was unintentionally trying to sabotage whatever this was because I didn’t think I deserved it. “You’re not fat, Little One,” his voice was stern. “Who the hell told you that? And even if you were, what difference does it make? You’re far from ugly. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” I stared at him, waiting for the laugh I knew was coming. But after ten good seconds, Tyler didn’t laugh. He didn’t even chuckle. His expression was firm but affectionate. “When you become my Luna—and you will, all of this will be yours to command.” We drove around the city for a little while longer and I wondered how Rogue City came to be and how Tyler became its leader. I thought to ask him but decided against it. Maybe some other time. Right now, he’d tucked me comfortably against his strong arm and I was breathing in his magnificent scent. He smelt like a mixture of wood and tobacco. The care he showed me was refreshing yet scary. I couldn’t remember the last time anyone had ever treated me with such respect and affection. My father hadn’t been able to stand being near me for too long and at home, I’d retreated to my room while he and Alison sat together. They even ate dinner together while I ate mine in my room. It had stung for a while, until I reasoned that eating with them wasn’t proof of their love. How stupid I’d been. Now, however, Tyler’s cook had served dinner and we ate together, side by side, while he asked me questions about my childhood. Nevertheless, I didn’t allow myself to become too lost in the moment. I’d been alive long enough to know that wolves were volatile. Tyler might say he wanted me now but what happened when the next Alison came by and he realized he wanted her instead of me?