Chapter Seven

Ryan Pov

“Let me drop you off,” I said, my tone firm but leaving no room for argument. After a brief hesitation, she nodded and said okay, her wariness evident.

We quietly walked to my car, Aurora was walking slowly because of her wounds. I opened the door for her and she said thank you, it was almost like a whisper.

Now, even in the dim glow of the streetlights, her tension was palpable. I noticed how she flinched every time I shifted in my seat, as if she expected me to lash out. It grated on my nerves more than I cared to admit.

I stole another glance at her. She was so fragile-looking, her frame almost too small for the oversized sweater Caleb had purchased in haste. And yet, there was a stubbornness in the way she held herself, a refusal to crumble despite her obvious weakness. I respected it, even if it annoyed me that she was too stubborn to accept the help she clearly needed.

Why is she so scared? I mused, my brows furrowing. I don’t look that intimidating. Do I? my wolf stirred in my chest, unsettled by her unease.

“Where exactly am I taking you?” I asked, breaking the silence. My voice was steady, though I kept it softer than usual. She startled slightly at my question but quickly composed herself.

“Just take me near the bar,” she replied quietly, her gaze still fixed out the window. “I can direct you from there.”

I resisted the urge to scowl. She had no idea where she was, and yet she insisted on being independent. *Stubborn little thing.* But I simply nodded. “Alright.”

The drive continued in silence for a few more minutes before I decided to try again. “How old are you?” I asked, keeping my tone casual.

Aurora turned to me, her brows furrowed slightly in confusion. “Nineteen,” she replied after a moment. There was a slight tremor in her voice, but she was making an effort to appear composed.

*So young,* I thought, a pang of something unfamiliar flickering in my chest. “Nineteen,” I repeated, as if testing the weight of the number. “That explains the stubbornness.”

She frowned at him, clearly unsure whether I was teasing her or being serious. I almost smiled at her expression but kept my face neutral. Is this what losing it feels like? I wondered briefly. I've never been this interested in anyone before, and the intensity of my feelings unsettled him.

When they were near the area Aurora had mentioned, she suddenly spoke up. “You can stop here. I can walk the rest of the way.”

I brought the car to a halt but turned to face her. “Are you sure? I can take you all the way.”

She shook her head firmly, already reaching for the door handle. “No, thank you. I’ll be fine.”

My wolf growled in protest, but I forced myself to remain calm. I reached into my jacket pocket and pulled out a sleek black card. “Take this,” I said, holding it out to her. “My number’s on it. If you ever need anything, call me. Or come to this address.”

Aurora hesitated before taking the card, her fingers brushing against mine briefly. The contact sent a jolt through me, but I kept my expression impassive. “Thank you,” she murmured before stepping out of the car.

I watched as she walked away, her steps quick and her shoulders hunched against the cold. I waited until she was out of sight before starting the car again, but instead of driving off, I followed her from a safe distance. My wolf was restless, urging me to ensure she was safe.

When she finally reached her destination, I felt my stomach drop. The building she entered was run-down, with peeling paint and broken windows. The surrounding area was dimly lit, the streets littered with trash.

‘This is where she lives?’ I thought, my fists clenching on the steering wheel.

I parked my car a block away and stepped out, my sharp eyes scanning the area. I didn’t like this. I didn’t like the idea of my little one living in such a place.

As I stood there, staring at the dilapidated building, I muttered under my breath, “This is where you stay, little one?” There was a possessive edge to my voice, one that his wolf echoed. I couldn’t comprehend what was happening to me

I made a mental note to do something about her living situation soon. For now, I would let her be, but not for long. I couldn’t leave her here, not in this condition and certainly not in a place like this. With one last glance at the building, I turned and walked back to his car, my mind already working on my next move.

As I walked back to this car, I couldn't believe who I saw. It was her Luna, Karen.

Karen just stood by the corner staring at me, her face Looking like she was about to tear up.

I walked across the street, when I got to her, I pulled her to my car.

“What are you doing here?” I asked straight up.

“I don't recall not having the permission to go wherever I want to go,” She said to me, not impressed with my question.

“You rarely come to this side, you're always with the pack,” I Argued.

“Who is she,” was what Karen said instead of answering my question.

“What are you talking about?” I asked, one of my eyebrows raised.

“Oh stop this, who is the girl that just stepped out of your car,” Karen answered, her anger already rising up.

“Oh, her name is Aurora,” I said, putting on his seat belt and ready to go.

“Aurora? What do you have with her, Ryan? I saw the way you stared at her and you've never stared at me that way. Who is she to you,” Karen asked, clearly waiting for a reasonable explanation to her question.

“She's nobody, I just helped her out from thugs, that's it,” I said, already fed up with her questions.

“You shouldn't have come here,” I added, before putting on my seat belt and started to drive, not giving room for any more questions from her.