Harper pov
My heart raced with anticipation as soon as I got a message from Lucas saying he wanted to visit. Who does that? He’s trying to come see his ex, someone he was rejected by, someone he hurt with his words. I found myself pacing back and forth, unable to stay still. Piper, are you there? Can you hear me? I whispered, hoping my inner wolf would show up. She’s the only one who can offer me comfort right now.
Piper, please show yourself, maybe in the mirror. I can’t control my fate at this moment. How can Lucas think it’s okay to visit the pack of my new mate after all the warnings from Ethan? It’s so reckless of him to make this move.
Standing in my room, my heart felt like it was racing out of control. A whirlwind of emotions-anger, hurt, confusion-swirled within me, each one vying for attention. I continued to pace, my footsteps creating a rhythm on the wooden floor.
“Piper, I need you,” I whispered again, my voice barely rising above a murmur.
I looked at the mirror, hoping to see my inner wolf. The reflection showed my turmoil-flushed cheeks, wild eyes, and a deep frown. But Piper remained hidden, refusing to come forth.
A soft hum began to resonate within me, and I sensed Piper’s essence awakening. The mirror’s surface shimmered, reminiscent of water disturbed by a pebble. Piper’s striking yellow eyes, filled with ancient knowledge, emerged in the reflection. Her gaze met mine, bringing a wave of tranquility.
“What is troubling you, Harper?” Piper’s voice resonated in my mind, gentle and reassuring.
“Lucas,” I replied, the name bitter on my tongue. “He’s coming here. To see me. After everything that happened…”
Piper’s eyes narrowed, her expression one of understanding. “The boldness of some werewolves never fails to astonish me.”
I inhaled deeply, attempting to steady my racing thoughts. “Ethan told him to keep his distance. Why would Lucas take that risk? Is he trying to provoke Ethan? Or is he looking to rekindle old emotions?”
Piper’s presence intensified, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. “Perhaps Lucas is in search of closure, or he may be motivated by guilt. Regardless of his reasons, you must prioritize your own well-being and that of Ethan.”
I nodded, a sense of resolve building within me. “You’re right. I won’t allow Lucas to disrupt the harmony of our pack.”
As I spoke, the door to my room creaked open, revealing Ethan in the doorway, his eyes searching my face. “Harper, what’s wrong?”
I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the upcoming conversation. “Lucas is coming to visit.”
Ethan’s face darkened, his jaw tightening. “I’ll handle it.”
I moved closer, placing my hand on his arm. “No, Ethan. I need to confront him. Piper agrees.”
Ethan’s eyes darted to the mirror, though I knew he couldn’t see her; Piper’s watchful gaze was still on me. He nodded, understanding clear on his face. “Then we’ll confront him together.”
The fact that we have to prepare as if it’s a battlefield for Luca’s visit to our pack always confounds me. “Can you send him a message saying you’re ready to host people like him?” I asked, running my hands over his chest, my eyes locked on his as I blinked rapidly.
“Mmmm… I will, but first… he hesitated, clearing his throat. You’ve been eating all your meals in your room; can you come out for a change?” he said softly. My eyes flicked to the mirror where Piper was watching us. I raised my eyebrows to gauge her reaction, but she ignored me.
I wanted to avoid any issues with your childhood friend, Sarah, so I chose to stay in my room and keep out of trouble. I responded, playfully twisting my fingers as I made my way back to my mattress and lazily collapsed onto it. I knew he wouldn’t believe me if I said Sarah was a source of trouble for me.
Ethan’s eyes crinkled with a smile, his expression softening. “Trouble, huh? Are you trying to dodge Sarah?” He moved closer, his voice low and teasing.
I shrugged and flopped onto the mattress. “Maybe just a bit.”
Ethan laughed and sat down next to me. “Harper, you can’t hide forever. The pack needs to know you’re alright.”
I sighed, acknowledging his point. “I just want to avoid any drama with Sarah. She’s… relentless.”
Piper’s reflection in the mirror seemed to sharpen, her eyes sparkling with understanding. I felt her silent encouragement: Confront your fears, child.
Ethan’s hand brushed against mine, sending a shiver through me. “I’ll take care of Sarah. But you need to come out for your own good. We have a pack dinner tonight. You should be there.”
His words stirred a mix of feelings: anxiety, hesitation, and a touch of excitement. I hadn’t participated in pack meals since Lucas left, dreading the whispers and pitying looks.
“Alright,” I said, getting to my feet. “But if Sarah causes any trouble…”
Ethan’s gaze met mine, his intention unmistakable. “I’ll stand by you.”
We stepped out of my room and into the lively atmosphere of the pack’s headquarters. The aroma of grilled meat and warm bread filled the air, awakening my hunger.
Upon entering the dining hall, conversations halted, and all eyes were on us. I felt out of place, but Ethan’s hand resting on my back provided comfort.
Across the room, Sarah shot me a sugary smile. I tensed, recalling Piper’s warning: Be careful, Harper. Some scars run deep.
Ethan led me to our seats, his presence acting as a barrier against the murmurs and curious stares.
As we settled in, a nervous pack member delivered a message from Lucas to Ethan. He read the note, his expression darkening.
“What does it say?” I asked, my voice barely audible.
Ethan’s jaw tightened. “Lucas is bringing Amelia with him. He claims it’s a friendly visit, not just a pack gathering.”
My heart dropped, a cold shiver running through me. Why is Lucas coming with that insufferable girl?