The Rogue's Territory

Layla's pov

It was quiet in the car. Feeling anxious I sat with my hands on my lap. Although my body was stiff, the leather seat was soft. Even now my heart beats too quickly.

The man I believed loved me, not the man I actually loved had just left me. I was now seated next to an unknown man. One that might be dangerous.

On the opposite side sat Del Morino. His towering frame filled the car. He had a powerful scent.

He avoided eye contact. All he could see was the road ahead. He said nothing. Neither did I.

I looked through the window at the trees. We had left the city. The air became cleaner and the roads quieter. With my mind focused on the unborn child inside of me, I gently held my belly.

Soon I would be a mother and I had no one.

“Are you afraid of me?” he abruptly asked in a deep rough voice.

“No.” I said quickly.

At last he looked at me and raised an eyebrow. “You ought to be.”

I took a deep breath. “Are you planning to harm me?”

He remained silent. He seemed to be thinking as his jaw moved slowly.

“I don't hurt what's mine,”he continued.

“I'm not yours,” I muttered.

He didn't dispute that. He remained composed.

All he said was, “ You will be.”

I bit my lip and turned my head away. Who was this man? He wanted me but why? The car finally came to a stop after what seemed like hours. A big iron gate stood in front of us. There were guards on either side. As soon as they saw him they opened the gate and nodded rapidly. Slowly the car rolled in.

Then I noticed it. There was a huge mansion in the center of the forest, dark tall walls, bright windows. It appeared robust despite its age. A house designed for war not peace. It made me feel insignificant.

The vehicle halted. The first to get down was Del Morino and then he unlocked my door.

“Please come,” he said.

After hesitating I exited. My face was brushed by the cool wind.

“Welcome to Black Fang pack.”

“Black Fang?” I said.

His nod was brief. “My people. My home.”

I went up the stone stairs after him. Before we got there the doors opened. As we entered the heads of two maids were bowed low as if they were scared to look up.

The house was silent inside and chilly. There were painted walls and marble floors. Wolves and battles were depicted in paintings.

Despite the long fireplaces, fire the space didn't feel cozy. A black-shirted man approached and bowed.

“Alpha.”

“Get her a room,” Del Morino said. “And food.”

“Yes Alpha”The man said and turned to face me after bowing.”Miss, kindly follow me.”

I glanced at Del Morino and he turned his head away. So I went with the man. The corridor was lengthy and dimly lit. After climbing stairs we arrived at a peaceful room. It was large but unadorned, a wardrobe, a chair and a bed. The trees could be seen outside a window.

“This belongs to you,” the man declared. “Dinner will arrive shortly. Feel free to ring this bell if you need anything.”

He gestured toward a tiny bell near the table.

“ I'm grateful,” I said quietly. Nodding he walked away. Grasping the sheets with my fingers I sat on the bed. Now it felt genuine. I wasn't close to home. Nothing like Drake and very little of what I knew.

Even though my heart hurt again I forced myself not to cry.

A knock came minutes later. A girl my age entered the room carrying a tray of bread soup and fruit as the door opened. She had light brown hair and gentle eyes.

“My name is Luma.” She said politely. “You will be looked after by me.”

“I’m grateful,” I answered.

Setting down the tray she turned to face me. “Are you alright?”

After a moment of hesitation I nodded slightly. “I suppose.”

She was sitting next to me. “You're confused I know that. Everyone is talking that the Alpha had never brings in a bride. It has never happened before.”

“ I didn't want this!” I blurted out.

With a smile she said, “I believe you. But, he's not as horrible as claimed. Although he defends his own, he can get cold sometimes.”

I turned to face her.

“Why did he pick me?”

Her smile dimmed. “I'm not sure about that. The Alpha will however ensure your safety if he desires you.”

Safety? Was I? I had forgotten. I ate the soup after she left. Compared to jail food it tasted better and was warm. Before I lay down I changed into the cozy clothes they had left on the bed. I couldn't sleep though. My mind was racing with thoughts about Drake, about Sofia. And also about my baby and about Del Morino. Who was he? Why was he helping me?

The door then squeaked open at midnight. Quickly I sat up.

Calmly and quietly Del Morino entered.

“You ought to be asleep,” he warned.

I kept quiet and watched him. “Why are you here?”

His piercing grey eyes were fixed on me. “In order to clarify something.”

Slowly I got out of bed. “What's it?”

He took a step toward me. “I didn't buy you out of sympathy. . Charity is not something I believe in. You were cast aside. I just saw what others couldn't see because they were too blind.”

“You bought me?” I stuttered in disbelief.

He gave a small nod. “Drake sold you. Didn't he tell you?”

My mouth shook. “I am expecting a child.”

“Yes,” he answered. “That child will also be protected.”

I just looked at him. “Why are you acting in this way? Why—”

For a while he was silent. “Because I need a Luna he continued. And you also need another chance. “

My eyes ached from tears..I didn't want to cry in his presence.Never again.

“You believe that I am weak,”I said.

He moved closer still. “No. I think you have been wounded. But wounds recover.”

I put my arms around my body shivering in the chilly air.

“Here,” he said. “ Take this,” he said removing his shirt before throwing it at me which I just managed to catch.

“You’ll need it.”

After that he turned and left without saying anything more. He closed the door behind him. My heart was pounding as I stood there wondering if I had just fallen into another trap or something else entirely.