Dean’s POVHarper is nothing like her family. And although I maintain a blank expression, my wolf and I both mentally frown at the contrast. Harper’s bubbly nature and broad beaming smile are nothing like the drab, ugly frowns that her stepmother and half-sister have on.Her father lacks all her softness as he storms up the path towards us, seething in fury. “You good for nothing idiot! I told you to do whatever it took to stay within those castle walls!”I see Harper succumb to her father’s rage, as if she has dealt with it many times before. “Just this once child, just this once could you have listened to me? I asked you one simple thing! To stay in that goddamn castle.”“But… but I do listen to you father-”“Shush girl, do not speak when your father is speaking,” her mother interjects, allowing her father to continue his malicious brigade.“You never do as I say! And now you will deal with the consequences by being expelled from my pack!”I watch the fear line her eyes with fresh t
Dean’s POV“Why did you suddenly mind link me to change the instruction I was meant to announce? There's no such thing as a maid selection competition. I came here to find you and announce the punishment placed on the Mystic Grey Pack,” Tyler says, perplexed.“Well, just organize one now.” I say with a casual air.But Tyler clearly isn’t comfortable about the change of plans, and sighs, “So what about you? I’ve found you now, come back with me, the old wizard is worried.”I shake my head sharply, already having decided what would be my plan of action. “No. I’m going back to Harper’s pack for a little while.”I witness both surprise and skepticism ignite in Tyler’s eyes as he questions me further. “You don’t really have a crush on her, do you?”I try to interrupt his absurd train of thought, but my Beta continues, “You altered the order, deciding to suddenly come up with this maid competition that doesn't even exist, and now you want to stay with her?”I scoff at his clear line of ques
Harper’s POVWith the little boy’s words, the people around me awaken from their trance, coming to their senses with words of praise, complimenting me on how pretty I look. I’m puzzled about how to feel about all of this, the attention is overwhelming, my fingers play with the material of my dress in hopes of quelling my anxiety.All my life I have been made fun of for my bland appearance, and suddenly, I’m being celebrated… Butterflies flutter around inside me, and I shyly smile in response to their kind words. I’m sure that my face is probably red as well, but I can’t help it. This is all new to me.Trying to avoid the hundreds of eyes upon me, I go to reach for the one thing that encompasses a sense of normality, my glasses. I pick them up, about to put them on in hopes that once I can see my surroundings again, things will return to normal.Just then, my hand is halted in its pursuit of calming my unease, a strong masculine hand rests upon it, slowly untwisting the glasses out of
Harper’s POVWith a quick click of the button, I blackout the torch in fright, and grab Dylan’s hand unconsciously. My eyes scan our surroundings, desperate for a place to hide. Even in darkness, the moon shines a soft light that I’m thankful for, and it illuminates a small pit near where we’re standing.“This way.” I whisper, pulling him towards the descending ground. It's damp, muddy and overwhelmed with weeds, but it will do. However, I make it but an inch till I’m lugging what feels like a boulder, unmoving. I turn back to Dylan, confused by his lack of haste.He frowns. “A King does not cower,” he grumbles quietly, clearly talking to himself.“Dylan, we must hurry!” I stress in a hushed voice.But the man seems caught up in his own thoughts, “What the hell. This is madness.” I watch him expel a defiant huff, running a hand through his hair trying to contain his frustration as he continues muttering. “I do not live in a shabby cabin. She shouldn’t be living in a shabby cabin. No o
Harper’s POVAlthough Dylan’s encouragement yesterday had induced confidence in me to stand up to Erin last night. Today I feel frail, gazing into Dylan’s serious gray orbs. Leaving me wanting to retreat like a balloon, escaping a child’s hand and fleeing into the atmosphere.I’m aware that the maid selection competition will involve testing skills in cooking and housework, which I am decent at. However, in the werewolf world, your rank matters heavily and your rank is classified by strength.I therefore fear there’ll be a test of strength. And as an alpha who is weaker than an omega, there’s no way my strength will carry me through the test. Not to mention, I haven’t shown an ounce of talent in learning those offensive attacks!I’m doomed!I’m fully aware of Dylan’s eyes on me, and eventually he interrupts my spiraling thoughts with his voice. “Where's all the confidence I saw within you yesterday Harper?”I swallow hard at his imposing presence, lowering my gaze sadly to finally exp
Harper’s POVI’m completely astonished by the fact I’ve just used the spell from the small note that Dylan dropped. And it generated that much power? This is insane.But I don’t have time to further comprehend what's just happened.Clearly, my spell cast and forceful attack have only enraged the bear even further. The forestry in the distance is physically thrashed about, implying movement from the bear. It rushes out again and towards me in more furious rage.Hoping twice is the charm, I try to use the spell again. But nothing expels from my fingertips. I can sense that my magic has been drained. I’m at a loss for what to do now. I’m completely exposed with nothing to defend myself with.Fear churns my gut as I suddenly feel hopeless. In the end, I close my eyes, timidly lifting my hand in a faint attempt to protect my face.I sense the large predator approaching, and I wince as a claw swipes across my arm. But that's all I feel. I’m confused, and I’m still afraid to look. But eventu
Harper's POVI feel completely dysfunctional, like a woolen sheep battling heatstroke. Fire scorches through my body while sweat dampens my skin and makes my dress cling to my breasts. It’s as if I’ve fallen into heat!My heart rapidly pounds against my chest as I brace my back against the door. Despite being locked, the man that has been chasing me continues to bang against it with clear intent to get in.Bang, Bang, Bang. My body throttles with each terrifying knock, knowing that it won’t take long for him to break through the wooden barrier. “Moon Goddess. Please protect me from harm. Save me!”As if the room hears my plea, one of the large windows unlatches with a sudden jolt. Thrusting open to allow an intense gust of wind into the room, bringing with it a dashing figure that leaps inside with spectacular ease.It’s Dylan! And suddenly, he’s all I can think about.The male stares at me with a considerable look of indifference. Completely unaware that my mind is spiraling out of
Harper’s POVThe numerous eyes on me remain haunting, and I do my best to ignore and act as confident as I can externally muster. But no one knows that I’m actually so, so nervous!!!My back aches from trying to keep it straight, and my arms are sore from forcing them to remain stiff at my sides. All I want to do is cower inwards, but no, I wouldn’t lose momentum now, because I promised Dylan!After providing my registration sheet, I stand on the side of the stage alongside the other registered participants. Watching as father gives his final speech of the day. And as he does so, my mind flickers back to what feels like hours ago.5 minutes ago… “The registration ceremony will be over in 5 minutes.” The statement from Dylan has me jolting in alarm. I’ve been gasping for air on the side of the pool, drenched and wet. I blink myself awake, “Oh yeah… oh my god, yes! Yes! The registration ceremony!” I echo his words but with a considerable amount of embarrassment attached.I find myself