Chapter eleven
1106 Words
Harper's POV
I slammed the door to Damon's quarters behind me, my heart pounding in my chest. The taste of his kiss still lingered on my lips, hot and demanding, making my skin flush with a mix of fury and something dangerously close to desire. How the hell did he keep pulling me in like that? One minute I wanted to rip his throat out, the next I was melting against him. But no more. I wouldn't let him toy with me again. I owned my secrets now –or at least, I was starting to remember them. Tristan's blood on my hands, his body going limp... Yeah, it was coming back in jagged pieces, and Damon was the only one who knew the full truth. That made him both my ally and my worst enemy.
I stormed down the hallway, ignoring the curious glances from a couple of pack guards. My wolf paced restlessly inside me, urging me to turn back and finish what that kiss started.
Shut up, I snapped at her inwardly. He's not worth it. But even as I thought it, a thrill shot through me. Damon's ruthlessness, his cold control‐-- they did something to me.
"Harper!" Glynn's voice cut through my haze as she rounded the corner, her eyes narrowing at my disheveled state. "What the hell happened? You look like you just fought a f*****g bear –and lost."
I forced a smirk, straightening my shirt. No way was I spilling about Damon. Not even to my best friend. "Nothing. Just... pack stuff. Why are you lurking around here?"
She crossed her arms, not buying it. "Pack stuff? In the Alpha's wing? Come on, spill. You've been acting weird ever since that night before you were arrested."
I glanced around, making sure no one was eavesdropping. "It's nothing, Glynn. Drop it."
She stepped closer, her voice dropping. "Is it Alpha Damon? I saw you heading this way earlier. If he's messing with you–"
"He's not," I cut her off sharply, my pulse spiking at the mention of his name. "And even if he was, I can handle it. I'm not some fragile puppy."
Glynn raised an eyebrow. "Fine, continue being mysterious. But if you need backup, you know where to find me." She punched my arm lightly and walked off, leaving me alone with my swirling thoughts.
I headed to my room, slamming that door too for good measure. But the peace didn't last. A sharp knock echoed five minutes later.
I yanked it open, ready to snap at whoever it was, and there he was. Damon, leaning against the frame like he owned the place, his eyes glinting with that predatory amusement.
"What the f**k do you want now?" I hissed, blocking the doorway. My body betrayed me instantly, heat pooling low in my belly at his proximity. Damn him.
He pushed past me without invitation, closing the door behind him. "We weren't done, Harper. You don't get to storm out mid-conversation."
"Conversation? That was you manipulating me again!" I shoved his chest, but he didn't budge. His muscles tensed under my hands, and I yanked them back like I'd been burned. "Get out before someone sees you here."
He smirked, that cold, ruthless curve of his lips making my knees weak. "Afraid of a little scandal? Or afraid you'll kiss me again?"
I scoffed, stepping into his space to prove I wasn't intimidated. "Kiss you? I'd rather kiss a silver blade. Now tell me why you're really here, or I'll scream for the guards."
His eyes darkened, and he grabbed my wrist, pulling me against him. "Scream, then. But we both know you won't. You like this game too much."
I twisted free, but stayed close, our breaths mingling. Anger surged through me, mixed with a lingering want. "Game? This isn't a game, Damon. You hold my secret over my head like a freaking noose. What the hell do you want from me?"
He backed me against the wall, his hands caging me in. "Admit it fully. No 'might have.' You killed Tristan. Say it, and maybe I'll share why I really helped you hide it."
Not this again.
My heart raced, memories flashing–Tristan's hands on me, forcing himself on me, my claws ripping through his flesh. Guilt twisted in my gut, but I still felt empowered. I had only defended myself. "Fine," I spat, meeting his gaze defiantly. "I killed him. He tried to force himself on me, and I fought back. Happy now, you bastard?"
Damon's expression didn't change, but something flickered in his eyes–approval? "There she is. The powerful killer I saw that night." He leaned in, his voice was a low rumble. "And I helped because I couldn't let them execute you. Not when you're... useful."
"Useful?" I laughed bitterly, pushing against his chest again. This time, he let me, but his hands slid to my waist, holding me there. Sparks ignited everywhere he touched. "I'm not your tool, Damon. Unlock whatever hold you think you have and leave me the f**k alone."
He tightened his grip, pulling me closer. "You think I want to let go? This pull between us–it's not just about the secret. Admit you feel it too."
I glared up at him, my breath hitching. "The only thing I feel is disgust. You're ruthless, manipulative –everything I hate."
"Liar," he murmured, his lips brushing my ear. Shivers raced down my spine. "Your pulse says otherwise."
"f**k you," I whispered, but my hands fisted in his shirt, pulling him nearer instead of pushing away.
He chuckled darkly. "That's the spirit. Fight me, Harper. It makes this so much sweeter."
Before I could retort, his mouth crashed down on mine again, hard and unyielding. I bit his lip in retaliation, drawing a growl from him that vibrated through me. But I kissed back, matching his intensity, my nails dug into his shoulders.
It was wrong–forbidden, dangerous-- but it felt like fire in my veins. We broke apart gasping for air, with his forehead against mine.
"This has to stop," I panted, even as my body screamed for more.
He traced my jaw with his thumb, his touch surprisingly gentle for a second before turning possessive. "It won't. Not until you beg me to."
I shoved him back, wiping my mouth like I could erase the taste. "Dream on. Now get out. If anyone finds out about... this, we're both dead."
He straightened, that cold mask slipping back into place. "Our secret, remember? Cross me, and it all comes out."
- Writer
