Tamed By My Alpha Step Brother

Chapter ten

Harper's POV

I really killed Tristan but why don't I feel any sting of regret? Why do I feel empowered all of a sudden?

But I shook my head vigorously in denial, fighting the fragments of that night surfacing back.

No, I'm not a killer---- Tristan's growl, his weight pinning me to the ground, my claws extending in panic.

My chest heaved up and down and I gave Damon a hateful look, "Why? Why did you help me? You don't help people and you hate me. You've made that clear since you stepped into this pack."

He leaned against the wall and replied in his usual tone cold, "Hate you? That's a strong word. Maybe I saw potential. A wolf who could kill her own mate without blinking? That's the kind of fire I'm looking. Or maybe..." He pushed off the wall and walked back to me. "Maybe I didn't want to see you executed. Not when there's so much more fun to be had."

"Fun?" I echoed, my voice rising with rage again. "This is your idea of fun? Chaining me up, dangling secrets over my head? Unlock me, Damon, or so help me, when I get free, I will make you regret it."

He crouched down to my level, his face now inches away from mine, that evil smirk returning. "Oh, we're using threats now? Adorable." His breath fanned my skin, sending shivers that I tried to ignore. "But go ahead. Tell me how you'd make me regret it. Paint the picture, Harper. I love a good fantasy." He said with a suggestive tone.

I met his gaze head-on. I refused to back down. I was not going to give him the satisfaction that he was affecting me.

"I'd start by wiping that smug look off your face. I would bring my claws out, just like you claim I did to Tristan. Then I'd chain you up, see how you like being toyed with, like you're doing to me. But unlike you, I wouldn't drag it out. I'd end it quick---" Then I shrugged, "....unless you begged."

His eyes darkened and a cold glint flashed as he grabbed the chain again, pulling me closer. "So that's what you're into? You like being the dominant one?"

This bastard. That's not----

He dropped his tone, "But unfortunately, Harper, I prefer you doing the begging. And here I thought it was only me who felt the pull between us."

"Pull?" I scoffed, but my pulse betrayed me again as it raced at his face close to mine. "The only pull I feel is me wanting to strangle you. Now unlock these damn chains before I scream the house down."

He laughed outright, a cold, echoing sound that sent a thrill through me despite everything. "Scream all you want. This room's soundproofed. Perks of being Alpha." He stood and fished a key from his pocket, dangling it teasingly in front of me. "But maybe I'll unlock you---- if you admit it. Say it, Harper. 'I killed Tristan.'"

"No," I shot back and yanked harder, the chains rattling loudly. "Because it's not true. I did not kill Tristan"

He smirked at me, "Even you don't believe that. You know you killed him. You have always felt that instinct, right? That killer instinct to just tear out the throat of any motherfucker who pissed you off."

I smiled tightly, "No, Damon. You're the only psychopath around here."

"Oh please. All werewolves are psychopaths, stop deceiving yourself. Except some of us are stronger than the others."

I had a feeling he was including me in the "us".

He stepped forward and unlocked one wrist with a swift motion, but still held my arm firm. "There. Partial freedom. Now talk. Why deny it? Are you afraid of what it makes you? A killer, like me?"

I rubbed my freed wrist, scowling as I tested the other chains. "Afraid? No, I'm disgusted. You disgust me, Damon. But if you're so sure, prove it. Show me evidence. Or is this all just hot air to keep me here, playing your cat and mouse bullshit?"

He unlocked the other wrist, his fingers deliberately brushing mine longer than necessary, igniting that damn spark again. "Evidence? Your own memories will do that soon enough. And I have a feeling, it has already started."

More flashes hit me immediately--- Tristan's voice, slurred with anger: "You're mine, Harper. Stop fighting it." My shove, his slap, my claws slashing out in reflex. Blood spraying all over my face. I gasped, pulling my legs free as he unlocked them, scrambling to my feet. "Stop. Just... stop."

He rose slowly and blocked my path to the door. "See? It's coming back. You did it. Self-defense, sure, but you killed him, Harper. And I helped hide it. That makes us partners in crime, sweetheart."

I shoved him hard, my hands on his chest, though his feet did not move from the spot. "What f*****g partners?! I didn't ask for your help! If this is true, why not let me face it? Why wipe my memory?"

He caught my wrists, holding them against him, his grip was not painful but firm. "Because you would have crumbled. You would have gone and confessed. And I couldn't have that. Not when I need your secret... intact." His voice dropped, eyes searching mine with that cold intensity. "Admit it, Harper. Say the words, and maybe I'll let you go. For now."

I twisted free, but didn't step back, "Fine. If it's true... I might have killed Tristan. Happy? Now get the f**k out of my way."

"Not yet." He grabbed my arm and pulled me close, his mouth hovering near mine. "We're not done talking.""

I pushed against him, but it was half-hearted. His mouth so close to mine made my resolve crumble, "Let go, Damon."

"Make me," he challenged, his warm breath fanning my face.

"I said let go of me." My voice was a pitch lower this time.

"And I said, make.....me," he grabbed my waist and pulled me closer to him.

His lips slightly brushed mine and my resolve completely crumbled.

"Damon...." I stopped myself from letting out a moan.

"Harper...." He echoed with a low, deep voice. "I want to kiss you."

And that was it for me.

Both of us acted at the same time and his mouth claimed mine in a fierce, ruthless kiss. I tried to fight it for a second because this was wrong, we shouldn't be doing this, but that didn't take long. In seconds, I was kissing him back, with an intensity almost matching his.

When we were both losing air in our lungs, we broke apart, breathing hard.

"That... This... needs to stop happening." I breathed out, still staring at his full lips.

"Well, the secret is ours," he said. "And so is the other."

I shoved him off, "Just unlock the door, Damon. I want to leave."

"Do not ever forget, Harper, I own your secret. Cross me, and it's over."

I snatched the key and unlocked the door. "f**k you, Damon." I scowled at him and stormed out.

I'm f****d. I said to myself as my lips still tingled from the kiss.