Tamed By My Alpha Step Brother

Chapter nine

Harper's POV

I stared at Damon, my blood turning to ice in my veins as his words sank in. "You killed Tristan." The accusation hung between us like a f*****g rope tightening around my throat. I jerked against the chains, the metal biting into my wrists, but I refused to let the panic show. Bold, Harper. Stay bold.

"You're full of s**t," I spat, my voice steady even as my heart hammered like a war drum. "I didn't kill anyone. You're the one who reeks of lies and blood. If anyone's the murderer here, it's you, playing f*****g Alpha like some f*****g twisted game."

The cusses were flying out of my mouth now, I was seeing red.

He didn't flinch, just arched a brow, that cold smirk curling his lips as he paced slowly in front of me. "Deny it all you want, Harper. But I was there. Saw the whole thing. You, snapping like a wild thing, your claws were out, you were ripping into him. It was... impressive, actually. Ruthless. Just the way I like it. I knew you had it in you." He grinned evilly.

I let out a sharp and bitter laugh, forcing the sound out to mask the doubt that was starting to creep in.

By now, flashes started teasing in my mind---- Tristan's hands were on me, they felt too rough, his breath was hot and uncomfortable against my body---- I pushed them away.

"Impressive? f**k you, Damon?" I snapped at him to shake those memories off my mind. They had to be fake. "Unlock me, and we'll see how impressive I can be."

He stopped pacing and leaned in close, his dark eyes locking onto mine with that predatory gaze he always had. "Oh, I'd love to see that fire unleashed, Harper. But not yet. We're just getting started." He reached out, his fingers tracing the chain on my wrist lightly, sending an unwelcome spark up my arm.

I yanked away, but he held firm, his touch lingered just enough to piss me off---- and stir something deep, something I hated to admit.

"Get your stupid hands off me," I growled, but my voice cracked.

Why does his touch always do this? Make me want to fight and pull him closer at the same time?

What the f**k, Harper? Get it together!

He let out a low chuckle, then he released the chain but did not step back. "Touchy. But it's fine. Now let's talk. The night Tristan died---- you remember arguing with him, don't you? In the woods. He got too touchy, wanted to force you to sleep with him. And you... you defended yourself. You brought out your claws and stabbed his throat. It was quick, clean. Or it would have been, if you hadn't blacked out after." He actually did look impressed. f*****g psychopath.

I swallowed hard, the room feeling smaller, "Lies. If I did that, why don't I remember? And why the hell would you cover for me? You're not the hero type, Damon. You're the one who thrives on chaos."

He straightened, crossed his arms as his expression turned to ice. "Who said I covered for you out of kindness? Maybe I saw an opportunity. A way to keep you in check. That secret's mine now, Harper. One word from me, and the pack will tear you apart. Whether you are a former Alpha's daughter or not does not mean s**t, killing your own mate? They would execute you on the spot."

My stomach twisted in anger and I was seeing red again, "So that's it?! You're blackmailing me?! Using this bullshit story to toy with me like I'm your damn puppet?!" I leaned forward as far as the chains allowed, glaring at him. "Unlock me, Damon. Face me like a real Alpha, not this cowardly crap."

He tilted his head, amusement flickering in his cold eyes. "Cowardly? Coming from the girl who can't even admit what she did?" He moved to the table, picking up the glass of water from the tray, holding it just out of reach. "Thirsty? Beg for it, and maybe I'll share."

"f**k you," I snapped, but my throat was parched.

He was enjoying this, the f*****g bastard----- watching me squirm, pushing my buttons. He was having the time of his life.

He set the glass down, stepped closer again and his voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Careful, Harper. That mouth of yours is going to get you in more trouble."

His hand shot out, gripping my chin firmly, forcing my gaze to his. "Or maybe that's what you want. Trouble. With me."

I jerked my head away, but not before feeling that pull in his gaze that almost sucked me in. "You wish. Now tell me the truth---- what really happened? If you saw it all, why not turn me in? What's your point, Damon? Power? Control over the pack? Or is it just me you want to break?"

He had to have made up that stupid story about me killing Tristan. He had to have.

He released me with a scoff and turned to start pacing again, but I caught the brief flash of heat in his eyes. "Break you? Please. You're already cracked, Harper. You're denying your own kill. Literally living in delusion. But fine, I'll indulge your little game."

He stopped and faced me squarely. "Tristan cornered you in the woods. Tried to claim you by force----- that dirty piece of shit."

His face suddenly lit up with pride, "But you fought back, you slashed his throat and he bled out fast. Then you suddenly freaked out abd tried to run but you tripped, hit your head against a rock and passed out. I found you there, cleaned the whole kill up and dumped his body deeper in the forest, I wanted to make it look like a rogue attack. Then I wiped your memory with a little manipulation skill I learnt as an Alpha---- it was nothing permanent, just enough to bury the trauma. All the memories will come flooding back soon."

I stared at him in shock because all the memories had already come flooding back to my head.

I could see every f*****g image as Damon described it.

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