Harper pov
I was still admiring how the dress fit when my hand accidentally snagged a hook, causing it to loosen. My eyes widened in horror; this was Alessia’s favorite red dress. I struggled to tighten it, aware that my breasts were already visible, revealing the outline of my nipple, just as Alessia stepped out to assist me.
“Alessia?” I heard a voice I didn’t recognize call out, echoing as it approached. I was trying to fix the dress, realizing it wasn’t Ethan’s voice, which meant someone else was coming, and I was practically exposed.
Panic surged through me as I desperately attempted to re-tie the bodice. My heart raced, and my hands shook. The delicate fabric seemed to taunt me, refusing to cooperate.
“Alessia?” the unfamiliar voice called again, how much closer.
I glanced toward the door, dread creeping up my spine. Who was this person? Why were they coming straight toward me?
Fueled by desperation, I yanked the fabric together, trying to cover myself, but it was too late.
The door swung open, revealing a tall, dark-haired stranger. His eyes locked onto mine.
Time seemed to stand still.
His gaze traveled over me, taking in the gaping dress, my exposed skin, and the panic on my face.
Heat rushed to my cheeks as I struggled to find my voice, my words caught in my throat.
The stranger’s expression shifted from shock to concern, and he quickly turned away, muttering, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude.”
Finally, I managed to ask, “W-wait, who are you?”
He hesitated, still turned away. “I’m Remus. I was supposed to meet… I didn’t know you were…”
His voice trailed off, and I realized I needed to act quickly.
“Leave now! Can’t you see I’m exposed? Alessia isn’t here, so just get out,” I snapped angrily, but he remained unfazed, licking his lips with a smirk.
“Get lost, I’m Alpha Ethan’s mate, and you really don’t want him to find you here.”
“I don’t care,” he replied, his gaze lingering on my body. “You look tempting,” he said, stepping closer, and I couldn’t understand his lack of fear.
Remus’s eyes sparkled with desire as he took in my bare skin. “So, you’re Alpha Ethan’s mate?” he said, his voice deep and sultry. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Harper.”
My anger flared, but a chill of fear crept in as he advanced. “You need to leave, right now,” I warned, trying to sound assertive despite my shaking.
He chuckled, his gaze fixed on me. “Ethan’s not around. Even if he were, I wouldn’t be scared.”
His boldness was unsettling. I stepped back, clutching my dress tightly. “You don’t get it,” I hissed.
His grin widened. “Oh, I get it. You’re stunning and exposed. I’m not leaving until I get what I want.”
My heart raced as he closed the distance. Panic surged, and I acted on instinct.
With a fierce growl, I called upon my wolf, sharpening my senses. Remus’s eyes widened in surprise, but he stood his ground.
Suddenly, the door flew open, and Ethan charged in, fury radiating from him. “Remus, back off. Now.”
Remus’s grin remained, but he stepped back, his gaze still on me. “This isn’t finished, Harper.”
Ethan positioned himself protectively in front of me, his chest rising and falling rapidly. “You’re lucky I don’t tear you apart.”
Remus laughed as he turned to leave. “We’ll cross paths again, Alpha.”
As the door clicked shut behind him, Ethan faced me, worry etched across his features. “Are you alright?”
I nodded, still feeling rattled. “Y-yes.”
Ethan’s eyes scanned me, his expression growing serious. “He’ll regret crossing me.”
I shivered as I let go of the gown, Ethan’s gaze drifting to my chest. “Do you need help?”
I nodded, feeling a bit bashful, but then remembered he was my husband.
Ethan’s eyes lingered on my bare skin, and for a brief moment, I forgot my fear and vulnerability. A flutter of warmth filled my chest as he reached out, his fingers grazing the edge of the gown.
“Let me assist you,” he murmured, his voice deep.
I nodded, a blush creeping onto my cheeks. Ethan’s touch sent tingles through me as he carefully tied the bodice, his fingers brushing my skin.
Once he finished the last knot, his eyes locked onto mine, revealing a mix of desire and concern.
“Are you really okay?” he asked softly.
I nodded again, my voice barely a whisper. “Y-yes.”
Ethan’s hands glided down my arms, pulling me into a tender embrace. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner.”
I melted into his warmth, feeling secure. “It’s not your fault.”
His lips brushed my forehead. “I’ll make sure Remus pays for what he did.”
I pulled back, meeting his gaze. “No, Ethan. Please don’t. I don’t want more trouble.”
Ethan’s expression softened as he cupped my face. “You’re my priority, Harper. Always.”
His thumbs gently stroked my cheeks, sending waves of comfort through me.
In that moment, I felt at home in Ethan’s embrace, where love and safety intertwined.
I just hoped this would be the last trouble I had to face. I looked up at him.
“Who is Remus to Alessia? Her boyfriend? He came looking for her.”
Ethan’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. “Remus is nobody to Alessia. Not anymore.”
I sensed there was more to the story, and my curiosity was piqued. “What do you mean?”
Ethan’s jaw tightened, his voice low. “Remus was Alessia’s ex. He’s trouble, Harper. Always has been.”