Chapter 7
Aaliyah
We arrived at the airport and boarded the jet, flying to California. I fell asleep, and when I woke up, I was in the car. I looked around.
"Where are we?"
"Vlẽkrur," he replied. "We've arrived."
"Where?" I asked, looking through the window.
"Home," he said. As soon as he spoke, the door opened, revealing a chauffeur. The chauffeur bowed his head slightly, waiting for us to step out. I got out, looking down at my white tattered gown and feeling embarrassed. Tristan stepped down after me, his hand sliding around my waist.
Standing before us was a sleek, modern mansion, far from the homes I was familiar with. The structure, made of glass and steel, glittered under the sun. Its design was breathtaking, with numerous balconies.
Close to the mansion was a lush garden filled with flowers of various colors. My pulse quickened as we approached the house.
"This… this is your house?" I asked, letting out a long breath.
"Yes," he said. "This is where I live."
I looked around, feeling a bit nervous. My eyes fell on a group of men impaled against the wall. I gasped and took a step backward as Tristan gripped me. They were stripped bare, blood dripping down their bodies. They were still very much alive.
My stomach churned, and my hand instinctively clutched the sides of my gown.
"Why?" I asked, turning to Tristan. "Why are those people impaled on the fence?"
"They tried to kill me," he muttered.
"You already found them so quickly?" I asked.
"Yes," he replied. "They are here as a warning to others."
I stood there stunned. First, he had killed my brother and his men, and now he had his enemies impaled on the fence. Who was this man, really? It felt like every second a new version of him was revealing. I should be afraid of him and what he could do to me.
I didn't say anything as he turned me away from the men and led me to the house.
"I… I have so many questions," I said, feeling bile rise in my throat at the gruesome sight.
"I know," Tristan replied curtly, glancing down at the Lycan who walked toward us. "This is Noah. He's one of my trusted guards, like Marcus and Tyler."
I cleared my throat and met Noah's gaze. "Hello."
"Hi."
"I'm—"
"Aaliyah," he finished.
I raised a brow. "Have we met?"
"Of course not," he chuckled. "It's not hard to know the daughter of the famous Alpha of Dhùgak pack."
"He's dead," I said. "My father is dead."
"I heard that," Noah said. "I hope you are okay."
"I am."
Noah nodded, following us inside the house.
"I just wish not too many people would know of your presence. But I'm sure word has already spread since the moment I declared you as mine," he said. "Many will be curious about you. Just stay close to me. I know you are tired."
Tristan turned to Noah, glancing at him briefly. "She'll be introduced to everyone as my wife. Understood?"
"What about the Elders?"
"The Elders will understand."
There were so many questions going through my mind that I wanted to ask, but I remained quiet.
My heart pounded as Tristan opened the mansion door. My eyes widened with surprise at how beautiful the house looked from the inside. I gazed up at the sparkling chandeliers glowing with different lights.
"Come in," Tristan guided me forward. I took a step inside, stunned by the house's beauty. Two figures descended the long stairs and appeared in front of us.
They looked so unreal, as if they'd just walked out of a realistic painting. The woman was dressed in a long, tight-fitting gown, while the man was dressed like Tristan. The man's hair was dark blonde, falling on one side of his face, while the woman had curly hair. While the man had pale skin, the woman had a caramel complexion, lighter than me.
It was clear from the way their bodies rubbed against each other that they were lovers. My eyes fell on the wedding ring on the woman's finger.
"Hi there," the woman said, glancing at me before turning to Tristan. "Your grace?"
"Ryan, Sarah, this is Aaliyah."
"How did you know my name?" I whispered.
Tristan smirked before turning to them.
"You brought one of your night flings to your house?" the woman asked. "Interesting."
"She is not," Tristan said, his jaw clenching.
"Then who is she?"
"She is my wife," Tristan replied.
The couple stared at me in disbelief.
"I have a lot of questions," Sarah said. "Why does she look like she was forced here?"
"Did she agree to this?" Ryan asked. "Are you sure she's your wife?"
I smiled nervously, glancing at the gown, which had both blood and dirt on it. It really looked like I was being forced. Because I was. I didn't agree to marry Tristan.
"It is complicated," Tristan replied. "Do you have anything more to say? My wife is tired and needs to rest."
"Actually, we were about to go out," Ryan said, clutching his wife's hand.
"Let's go," he whispered to her.
Sarah smiled at me, closing the distance and leaning closer.
"Tell me you were forced into this, and I can help you escape."
I smiled and waved at her as she continued to stare.
"Sarah," Tristan scolded, and they walked away.
I sighed, turning to Noah, who was standing behind Tristan.
"What are you doing here?" Tristan asked.
"Figured you'd need me," Noah replied.
"Go," Tristan ordered. "If I need you, I will call for you."
Bowing his head, Noah walked away. I let out a long breath, turning to face Tristan, who was standing inches away from me.
"Shall I carry you upstairs to your room since you are tired, wifey?" he asked.
Heat crept to my cheeks.