Chapter 5: The Threats and Promises

Harper's POV

I'm leaving my home, the place where I grew up, for a year. Twelve months. I have no clue what I should pack to take with me, and what I should leave behind. Do I take the small statue of the Moon Goddess that has been sitting on my dresser for the past five years or do I take the stack of novels on the bedside table? I can't decide.

I fold the last piece of clothing into my suitcase, a small sigh leaving my lips. Am I making the right decision by fake marrying Asher? I know we both need each other's help to achieve our goals, but I'm not sure if I want to leave my pack. The members always have the best advice to give and comfort me when I'm feeling low. My support system will be fifty miles away. How will I cope?

I know I will have Asher, a stranger whom I know next to nothing about apart from the brief interactions we've had. I want to be able to trust him, and have his support, but it's going to take a long time. I'm leaving a pack who loves me and marrying into a pack that doesn't know I exist. Perfect.

Artemis storms into my bedroom, unannounced, and points a finger in my face.

"You," he seethes, "Are you trying to play games with me?"

I want to laugh, but that might set him off further, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Don't f*ck with me, Harper!" Artemis shouts, his face turning red.

I stand to my feet, shocked by his outburst. How dare he come in here and scream at me like that. He may be getting the Alpha title, but I'm his older sister and he needs to show some respect.

"How dare you speak to me like that," I state, trying to keep my temper in check, "I'm not playing any games with you, so calm down and get out of my room."

Artemis folds his arms across his chest, "Are you trying to find a way to make Father reconsider his decision by slumming it with some Alpha?"

I can't hold my laughter in anymore, and laugh in Artemis's face, "Are you an idiot? I'm not slumming it with Asher. We're in love and getting married." I turn around to finish packing the last of my belongings. "Besides, you're an immature child who wouldn't know anything about love."

Artemis is laughing now, "I'm immature? You're the one who is marrying a stranger."

"He's my Mate," I lie, "One day you will understand."

I hear him begin to pace the room behind me, "You're up to something, I know it. This is too sudden and quick for it to be a coincidence." He stops, I turn to face him, "You want to be Alpha so bad."

I shake my head, "Not anymore. Being Alpha wasn't meant to be, I was born to be a Luna. That's how I will live my life."

-----------------

Asher's POV

I kick a small rock down the pathway, watching it bounce in different directions until it lands in the grass. The moon illuminates ahead of me, guiding the way to Harper's secret hideaway. The dinner tonight was tense with both Harper and I's families being suspicious about the wedding. Alone time in the special spot is what I need before I take my pretend wife home to meet the pack and begin the twelve-month journey.

I'm about to take a right when I hear footsteps behind me. I freeze, instincts preparing to enter attack mode. If I'm in danger at least I will be ready to fight.

"Who's there?" I call out.

"Relax, it's just us you idiot." Dean's voice is raspy.

My body relaxes, and I turn around, "Are you following me?"

Julius laughs, "Of course not. We're taking a late-night stroll around the compound." He raises an eyebrow at me,

"Why are you out so late?"

I shrug, "Needed some time to myself."

They both look at me, suspicion lurking in their eyes. Julius places a hand on my shoulder, "Are you sure you're making the right decision marrying that girl?"

I nod my head, "Of course I am, she's my Mate."

"I know, but is now the right time?" Dean continues to question me, "Is this the right time to be bringing someone new into the pack?"

"What does the pack have anything to do with me marrying Harper?" Now I'm confused, "They'll accept her as their Luna."

Though the pack will be surprised by my sudden marriage, it won't affect the lives of the wolves under my command. As their Alpha, the pack trusts the decisions I make for them, and this is something that not only benefits me, but them as well.

"Isn't it too sudden? The pack might not be okay with such a big change," Julius takes his hand off my shoulder,

"As their leader you need to do right by them."

"I am doing right by them," I snap annoyed at the selfishness of my uncles, "I'm the Alpha, I'm the leader, so they will do as I say."

They both step back, shocked by my comment. I'm so frustrated and angry. The power my uncles have over me is becoming clearer by the day. I need to break free from the restraints they have me in and lead the pack however I see fit.

"Harper is amazing, she is kind and caring, which is something our pack needs." I turn away from them, done with the conversation, "Now, if you will excuse me, I'm going to continue on my walk."

I don't wait for their reply as I continue walking to the meadow. Fresh air will help calm my anger. I need to relax and keep my cool; I can't let my uncles see how frustrated they make me.

It's only a short walk to the meadow. The moon lights up the small space, creating an ambience feel. The tension in my shoulders disperse, and I feel I can breathe better now. I smile when I spot a dark silhouette seated in the center of the grass.

I sit on the ground next to Harper; she's staring up at the moon. I know why she's here, and it's the same reason as me.

"Sorry I keep coming to your special place whenever you're here." My voice is loud in the quiet space, "I feel safe here."

Harper smiles at me, "Don't be sorry. If you're happy here, then so am I."

We enjoy the silence together. A slight breeze picks up, tousling my hair. Harper closes her eyes and lies on the grass, I follow suit. I let the cool air take over my body, beginning to feel relaxed. I need to find a way to get my uncles off my back and take control of the pack.

I look at Harper, her fiery hair shining under the moonlight. I know she's going to be the one to help me.

"Are we doing the right thing?" Harper's voice is soft, floating with the wind.

"Who knows," I say, "We both have goals we want to accomplish, and this seems like the easiest way to achieve those goals."

Harper sighs, "You're right. If we stick to the plan, you will get your pack back and I will become Alpha."

"Stick to the plan, got it." What could go wrong?

Harper sits up and smiles at me, "Let's go finish packing, husband."

I laugh, standing to my feet, "Yes my wife."