Chapter 35

Aurora's pov 

I was relieved that the beta had dropped the subject of Ryker. I began to scribble some notes on my pad, trying to appear thoughtful.

As I wrote, I couldn't help but think about Ryker's unexpected arrival. What was he doing here? And why did he seem to recognize me?

I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. I had to keep up the charade, at least for now.

"I think I remember something," I wrote, I remember he was very tall."

The beta's eyes lit up with interest. "That's a great lead," he said. "I'll make sure to investigate further."

I nodded,I had managed to deflect the beta's suspicions, at least for now. But I knew that I couldn't keep up the act forever. Eventually, the truth would come out, and I would have to face the consequences.

Let's go back to the alpha, the beta said, as we both turned to the alpha with a faded smile. We walked up to the alpha, as the alpha was expecting either one of us to say something.

"I think we have overstressed Aurora for today," the beta said with a smile. "I think we should allow her to have some rest, because of her condition."

"Okay, you can go now, Aurora," the alpha said.

I left the beta and alpha, as they both started some conversations, but I couldn't make out what they were saying, as their voices faded away with every step I took away from them.

I finally left the alpha's quarter, but I wasn't ready to go to the house they had prepared for me to live in yet. I needed to check my shop; at least it was something I had planned to do today. Before I was called by the alpha, I looked around to see if any of the alpha's guards were looking at me, but there were none, as they were all concentrated on one thing or another.

I walked fast, taking every opportunity I got not to be noticed by the guards. Then, suddenly, at a moment when one of the guards was about to look in my direction, and I was about to slip and fall, I was dragged to one corner into the shadows.

"You can't shout, as we all know you, mute girl," a voice covered with a hood spoke up to me.

He removed his hood, showing off his face, and behold, it was Ryker.

"So, you're running away, and this was the best city your legs could take you?" Ryker said, chuckling. "I am not impressed."

He collected my notepad, opening it and handing it over to me, expecting me to start explaining myself.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't tell any of them," Ryker said, pointing to my notepad for me to start writing. "We know each other, but I need answers from you."

I took a deep breath, trying to process the sudden turn of events. Ryker's eyes sparkled with amusement, but I could sense a hint of curiosity beneath the surface.

I took the notepad and pen from him, my hands shaking slightly as I began to write. I explained how I had been living in the city, trying to keep a low profile, and how the alpha had summoned me to investigate a crime.

Ryker's eyes scanned the pages, his expression growing more serious with each passing moment. When I finished writing, he looked up at me, his eyes searching for something.

"Why are you involved with the alpha?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about Ryker's expression made me trust him. I began to write again, explaining how I had been trying to gather information about the alpha's pack, and how I had stumbled upon a mysterious crime scene.

Ryker's eyes widened as he read, his face growing darker with each passing moment. When I finished writing, he looked up at me, his eyes blazing with intensity.

"I need to get you out of here," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Now."

"But what type of crime did you lie about?" Ryker asked, looking curious.

I looked away, dropping my pen on my notepad.

"Wait, and why is your tummy big, as if you are pregnant?" Ryker asked, pointing at my stomach.

I ignored him, as I wasn't ready to tell him about my pregnancy. I turned and looked away, holding my tummy.

Let me not forget, he is still one of Asher's pack, I thought to myself. There are things I shouldn't tell him. And the ones that I have told him, even if he went on and told Asher, there is nothing he would be able to do to me, as I am safe in this city.

Ryker's eyes narrowed, sensing that I was hiding something. He took a step closer to me, his voice low and persuasive. "Come on, tell me. What kind of crime did you lie about?" he asked, his eyes locked on mine.

I felt a bit of anxiety, unsure of how much to reveal. But Ryker's curious expression made me hesitate. Maybe I could trust him, just a little.

I picked up my pen and began to write, my hand moving slowly as I revealed the truth. "I lied about being raped," I wrote, my eyes avoiding Ryker's gaze.

Ryker's expression changed, his eyes widening in surprise. He looked at me with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Why would you lie about something like that?" he asked, his voice soft.

I shrugged,but I didn't know if I could trust Ryker, but something about him made me want to open up.

Ryker's eyes stayed on mine, as if searching for answers. Then, he looked away, his expression thoughtful. "We need to get you out of here," he repeated, his voice firm. "You're not safe in this city, especially if you're lying about something like that."

I felt fear, realizing that Ryker was right. I wasn't safe, not even in this city. And with one of Asher's pack involved, things just got a lot more complicated.