Chapter 0062

Athena

Theodore gives me a warm smile as I slide into the car. Isabella introduces the other two women, but she thankfully doesn’t reveal my secret. I had hoped she would keep it to herself, even if just for a little while.

“You’ll be okay.” Isabella keeps her arm linked with mine when I start to fidget. “We’re all here with you.”

“I’ve never…” I could feel the other women staring.

“I know, that’s exactly why I suggested this. You can’t stay hidden in the pack forever. It’s good to meet new people. To learn there’s more out there than just us.”

“Though Obsidian Howl is definitely the superior pack.” Theodore winks at me.

Isabella pulls a small black card from her pocket and hands it to me. “This is from Alexander. He thought you wouldn’t take it directly from him, so he asked me to give it to you.”

“What is it?”

The other women giggle, amused by my ignorance, and Isabella shoots them a sharp look with her dark eyes.

“It’s a credit card.”

“Right.” I take the black card from her, turning it over in my fingers. I had never held one before. I never had any use for money.

“I’ll show you how to use it when you buy something.”

“I don’t need his money.”

Isabella snorts. “You should enjoy it. It’s not like he’s short on cash.”

For a moment, I wondered how he made his money. It wasn’t like he had a regular job.

"Taxes." Theodore mutters as he opens a book to read.

"Taxes?"

"From contracts." He confirms.

"Plus Alexander owns several businesses in the city." Isabella adds. "He has very deep pockets."

The other women in the car giggle again, and I see Theodore roll his eyes.

By the time we reached the city, the scents were overwhelming. Traffic, Wolves, food, others I couldn't identify. I wrinkled my nose.

"Like I said, it'll take some time to adjust." Theodore climbs out and stands beside me, scanning the area.

People were everywhere. Some moved quickly while others strolled slowly. "Welcome to the city." Isabella mutters, linking her arm with mine.

I could already feel my body trembling. "Get it together." I whisper to myself, hoping no one hears.

Theodore stays a few steps behind as Isabella drags me from store to store. She insists I pick out a few things and tells me I can't return empty-handed.

She was enjoying herself, but I hated every moment. I wanted to return to the safety of the pack. I wanted to escape the noise and the smells. I silently begged to go back to the car.

A hand closes around my wrist as Isabella rummages through a clothing rack. I look up and see Theodore.

He releases me immediately. "I know, personal space, but you're not enjoying this, are you?"

I shake my head.

"Come to the bookstore with me. It's usually quiet there."

I nod, and he tells Isabella, who pouts for a moment but makes Theodore swear not to let me out of his sight.

"I'm not stupid. Isn't that the whole reason I'm here?"

Isabella gives him a location to meet in one hour. "If you're not back..."

"You'll call Alexander." Theodore finishes her sentence. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

Following Theodore out of the store, he leads me through several streets and down a side alley to a small bookshop. Hidden away from the city's hustle.

He quickly moves through the shelves, searching for something as I trail behind, admiring the beautiful book covers. It made me wish I could read. So many stories here, and I could barely pronounce any of the words.