Harper 6
596 Words
Darius POV
I stood at my office windows, watching rain streak the glass while my mind replayed the events of the previous night.
After Harper agreed to return with me, I carried her back through the forest. Dr. Graham waited in the medical wing with a sedative that would give her the rest she desperately needed.
While she slept, I mobilized my best men. The rescue operation took less than two hours. I killed their leader myself. Slowly. The others I left for my enforcer to handle.
Harper's mother suffered minor injuries but nothing permanent. I had her moved to a secure facility where she would remain until after tonight's ceremony.
I checked my watch. Eight o'clock. Time for the weekly breakfast meeting with Jax and his entourage. .
Beta Kael knocked on my office door. "Alpha, your son has arrived. Mrs. Victoria and Miss Morrison are with him."
Perfect. All the players were here.
"Have the kitchen prepare breakfast for five," I said. "Miss Vale will be joining us."
I made my way to the dining room where Victoria, Jax, and Lily had already seated themselves. Victoria looked impeccable as always, her blonde hair perfectly styled, wearing a designer dress. She was trying too hard, as usual, hoping to remind me of what I'd allegedly lost.
"Darius," she purred, rising to greet me with a kiss on the cheek that I tolerated but didn't return. "You look well. I was just telling Jax how proud I am of his engagement announcement."
Jax sat straighter, puffing up under his mother's praise. "Thanks, Mom. Lily and I are planning a spring wedding."
Lily beamed, "It's going to be absolutely perfect. Much better than some people deserve."
The dig at Harper was obvious. These people had no idea what was coming.
"Congratulations," I said mildly, taking my seat at the head of the table. "I'm sure it will be memorable."
"Did you see the coverage of Jax's rejection speech?" Victoria asked with obvious satisfaction. "It's been trending on social media. Such a mature way to handle an unfortunate relationship."
"Very public," I agreed neutrally.
"Well, sometimes you have to be firm with people who don't know their place," Lily said with false sympathy. "Poor Harper probably thought she actually had a chance with a real Alpha."
Jax laughed, the sound grating. "She was so desperate. Always trying so hard to fit in where she didn't belong."
"Speaking of Harper," I said casually, "she'll be joining us for breakfast this morning."
The room went dead silent.
"She'll be what?" Victoria's carefully modulated voice cracked slightly.
"Harper Vale. She's here, in my home. I thought it would be appropriate for you all to meet her properly."
"Dad, what are you talking about?" Jax looked confused and slightly panicked. "Why would Harper be here?"
Before I could answer, soft footsteps echoed in the hallway. Harper appeared in the doorway wearing an elegant navy dress that highlighted her natural grace. Even pale from exhaustion, she possessed a quiet dignity that made Victoria's calculated beauty look artificial.
"Good morning," Harper said calmly, her gaze sweeping over the shocked faces at the table.
Victoria recovered first, her social training kicking in. "Harper, dear. What a... surprise."
Jax just stared, his mouth hanging open like a fish. Lily's perfectly applied makeup couldn't hide the fury building in her eyes.
I stood and moved to Harper's side, placing my hand on the small of her back in a possessive gesture that left no room for misinterpretation.
"I'd like you all to meet my mate," I announced.
- Writer
