Tamed By My Alpha Step Brother

Chapter Twelve

Harper's POV

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."

"Threats again?" I rolled my eyes, hiding the fear twisting inside me. "You're predictable, Alpha."

He opened the door but paused. "Predict this, I'll be back. And next time, you won't push me away."

I slammed the door after him, leaning against it as my legs shook. What the hell was I doing? Hating him, wanting him–it was tearing me apart. But damn, that spark... I couldn't deny it anymore.

The next morning, I avoided the pack house like the plague, heading to the training grounds to blow off steam. Punching bags didn't judge, and I needed to punch something. Glynn found me there, mid-spar with a dummy.

"Harper, you okay? You vanished last night," she said, tossing me a water bottle.

I caught it, gulping down. "I'm fine. Just... dealing with shit."

She eyed me suspiciously. "AlphaDamon s**t? I heard he was seen near your room."

My stomach dropped. "Who said that?"

"Some guard. Relax, I shut it down as rumor." She punched the bag next to me. "But if he's harassing you–"

"He's not," I snapped, then softened. "It's complicated, Glynn. Trust me."

She nodded reluctantly. "Alright. But watch your back. That guy's ice cold."

If only she knew how hot he burned underneath.

Later that day, I couldn't avoid him forever. They called for a pack meeting in the hall– it was mandatory. I slipped in late, taking a seat far from the front where Damon stood, commanding the room with his charismatic presence. His eyes locked on mine instantly, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Listen up," he barked, his voice cutting through chatter. "We've got reports of rogue activity near the borders. Patrols, double up. No slacking."

Murmurs rippled, but I tuned out, fuming at how he owned the space. After, as everyone filed out, he cornered me by the door.

"Running late, Harper?" he said coolly, blocking my exit.

I crossed my arms. "Move, Damon. I'm not in the mood for your games."

He leaned in, voice low. "You were last night. Or was that moan I heard my imagination?"

Heat flooded my cheeks, anger flaring. "Shut up. Someone could hear."

"Let them." He grabbed my elbow, pulling me into a side room. "We need to talk. About the secret–and us."

I yanked free. "There is no 'us.' You're my stepbrother, the Alpha, and I'm the sacrifice. This ends badly."

His eyes narrowed coldly. "You think I care about rules? I make them."

"And break them for fun?" I shot back. "What do you want, really? Besides toying with me?"

He stepped closer, backing me up. "You. All of you. The fire, the fight. Admit you want it too."

My breath caught. "I want you gone, out of my sight."

"Liar." His hand cupped my neck, thumb stroking my pulse. "Say it."

I swallowed hard, emotions were warring inside me–fear, desire, hatred. "f**k you."

"Not yet." He kissed me then, slower this time, but still ruthless. I melted into it, hands roaming around his back, I hated how right it felt.

We broke apart at a noise outside. "Go," I whispered urgently.

He smirked. "Until next time."

I watched him leave, heart aching. This cat and mouse was destroying me, but I couldn't stop playing. I couldn't bring myself to.

That night, alone in my room, memories hit harder. Tristan's face, twisted in rage. My claws slashing on his flesh. Blood. Lots of blood.

I curled up, tears stinging my eyes. Guilt crashed over me– I had killed him. But self-defense... right? Damon knew, and he used it. But in his twisted way, he protected me. Why?

A knock rapped on my door. I wiped my eyes and opened the door to find him again.

"You," I said, exasperated but I felt relieved. I needed a distraction anyway. And Damon was one hell of a distraction.

"Me." He entered, locking the door. "Couldn't stay away."

I punched his arm. "Arrogant prick."

He caught my hand, pulling me close. "Your arrogant prick."

We kissed again, for the third time that day.

I needed to stop.

We needed to stop.

This was wrong and dangerous. But we don't always get what we want, right?