The Alpha and The Rogue

2) delay

(Day 1)

      I open my eyes, and for once my back doesn't ache and I'm comfortable. Comfort and security is an odd feeling when I haven't felt it in so long. I slowly look around the spacious room I'm in just to realize that the comfort is being supplied by a bed. An actual bed. I remember blacking out after a panic attack when I was talking to Tyler. He must have carried me here, which doesn't make any sense to me. I should be in a cell, or somewhere much less pleasant. 

      I quickly sit up and look to my right to see a clock reading 2:00pm. Worried thoughts race through my head when I realize that I won't make it to Ember today. I sit up and run a hand through my long, dark brown hair. My fingers curl around the split ends as I try to plan how to get out unnoticed. The last thing I need is that Alpha questioning me again, wasting more of my precious time.

      I pull the heavy cream colored comforter off of my legs, sliding them out from underneath it to the side of the bed. Standing up, I slowly move towards the sliding glass balcony doors. I figure I can climb out without being noticed and make it to Ember by dawn. Perhaps this isn't the most well thought out plan, but it's better than no plan at all.

      Before I can even reach the balcony, the door opens revealing Tyler. He stands in the doorway with a hand in each pocket of his Hollister jeans, a smirk spread across his face. He seems more amused than I would like him to be, as if this entire thing is a joke to him. Of course someone like him would find humor in my attempt at freedom. A look of guilt and annoyance washes over my face, knowing that being caught is not one of my best moments.

      "Good thing I came and checked on you when I did, huh?" Tyler lets out a short laugh, but I don't think it's funny. I sigh, biting my lip so that I don't say anything that I'll regret.

      "Can I just go? I really don't want any trouble and I've had enough time wasted," I say, trying to sound firm but my voice coming out in more of a whine. Sometimes it's hard for me to remain strong, but hope is something I like to cling to. 

      "It's pretty rare that we get a rogue. But when we do, the rogue is required to stay for a week's time while we decide if they need to be imprisoned, killed, or released," he tells me, making my eyes widen at the mention of a whole week.

   "This is really time sensitive, please! You don't understand, my future depends on this. I'll be stuck in this hell forever if I don't get to Ember!" I yell at him, losing my temper which I happen to have the habit of doing.

   "See, normally I'd be furious with a rogue thinking they could yell at me in my home," he begins, making my heart drop, "But your temper is almost Alpha-like. You radiate power. What the hell is your story?"

   "I-I don't have one, uh, just a rogue, you know... stealing and killing and uh-" I stutter, feeling nervousness for the first time in a long, long time. Lying clearly isn't my best skill.

   "Don't lie, what's with you?" He moves closer and closer to me, trapping me against the wall.

   "None of your goddamn business." I say finally, mustering up some courage. Alphas command attention, something I'm great at sadly.

   We stare at each other for a long time, not looking away. Our eyes challenge each other, energy filling up the room. My wolf is getting excited, finally being met with someone powerful. I tell her to calm down, as I hold his gaze.

     "You'll tell me eventually," Tyler says, narrowing his eyes.

     "There is no 'eventually.' This is a very time sensitive matter and I need to get to Ember if I want to get to London." I explain, becoming frustrated.

     "The policy is policy. It's not my problem if it affects your little trip," Tyler says decisively. I roll my eyes, and my wolf is seething. Both her and I know that this trip is crucial.

      I struggle to contain her. I know if I allow an outburst to happen that I'll just end up dead or imprisoned. "Fine." I agree, trying to control my breathing. Deep breath in, deep breath out. Alphas have too much arrogance- arguing with one is pointless. Honestly, that's probably why few people choose to argue with me.

     "This will be your room. You will be guarded at all times, whether it's by me or someone else that I assign," He explains, "If you have any needs that aren't being met you can come to me."

     This all just reminds me of how much I despise packs and pack life. I'd rather be out there on my own, not depending on anyone else to meet my needs- whatever that means. 

     "Can I borrow a phone?" I ask. I need to contact Melanie and her father to let them know that there's been a delay. They've waited two months already, so I hope that a week won't affect how much he's willing to give me.

     "Absolutely not. I can't take the risk of you calling other rogues and planning an attack against my pack. Or any sort of escape," Tyler explains.

     "I need to tell my friend that the delivery will be late," I tell him. I can tell he enjoys his power a little too much.

     "That's a risk I cannot take." A smirk seems to be permanently drawn on his face. My suffering is incredibly comical to him. Still, I try not to let it anger me, because then he would win. 

     I decide to just roll my eyes and stop giving him the attention he wants. When he sees that I have nothing more to say, he leaves, but not far. I can sense him right outside my door, prepared to burst in if he hears even the slightest indication that I might be leaving. 

      The rest of the day rolls by so slowly, with nothing to do but sleep and think. Tyler brings me dinner around 7:00, and I eat it all in under five minutes. The food looks delicious, but I'm so hungry that I eat it so quickly that I can hardly taste it. This delay has proved to be incredibly boring and irritating.