Harper pov
I stood on the balcony, my arm resting on the railing when a familiar voice broke the silence. “Hey, sweetheart.” I tightened my fist, preparing to turn around when she grasped my hand against the rail.
“Calm down, I’m not here to stir up trouble, just to ruin your moment like always,” she hissed, her tone sharp.
“Amelia, you’re in my pack, at my mate’s mansion, the alpha of the pack you and your foolish fiance, alpha Lucas, visited. So back off and face me,” I growled, struggling to maintain my composure.
I turned to face her, fury igniting in my eyes as I forcefully pushed her away.
“What’s wrong with you? Are you out of your mind, Amelia? You’re in my territory. Don’t provoke me. Lucas is my rejected mate, and Ethan is my true love, so tread carefully,” I sneered, my heart racing with anger.
Amelia’s eyes blazed with fury, her pupils narrowing as she stepped closer, her voice laced with venom. “You really think you’re still in the running for Lucas’s affection? Here’s a reality check: he rejected me, and now you’re just a sad afterthought.” Her gaze swept over the balcony, lingering on the extravagant decor.
My hands shook with rage, my nails digging into my skin. “You’re out of touch,” I retorted, my voice low and threatening. “Ethan loves me, not you. And Lucas… he’s just a chapter in my past.”
“Yes, Lucas belongs to me, while you can have your Ethan since he’s not special.”She shot back, glaring at me with palpable hatred.
“Come on, Amelia, who has an unfaithful partner? That would be you. Who feels insecure with her partner around other women? You, sweetheart,” I replied with a smirk, relishing the fury in her eyes. She’s like a rash on my skin, and I refuse to let her infect me. My heart raced with these thoughts.
She stepped closer, shoving me against the wall. Her hand gripped my neck as she leaned in, whispering in my ear, “Don’t you dare mock me, Harper.” Her breath was hot against my skin.
I felt Amelia’s fingers dig deeper into my neck, her breath sending chills through me.
“Don’t you dare mock me, Harper,” she hissed, her tone low and threatening.
I stood firm, unwilling to back down. “Or what, Amelia?” I retorted, my voice calm despite the fear rising in me. “You’ll hurt me? You’re already tearing Lucas apart from the inside.”
Her eyes blazed with fury, her face just inches from mine, rage bubbling beneath the surface.
“You think you’re so flawless, don’t you?” she spat, her grip tightening. “With your perfect skin and your self-righteous attitude.”
I struggled for air, my vision fading. “Amelia, please stop,” I gasped, trying to pry her fingers off.
But she only tightened her hold, her nails breaking the skin.
Just when I thought I might lose consciousness, Lucas appeared, yanking Amelia’s hands away from my neck.
“Amelia, what the hell is wrong with you?” he growled, his eyes filled with anger.
Amelia’s expression shifted instantly, her fury replaced by a feigned innocence. “Lucas, darling, I was just protecting myself,” she purred, fluttering her eyelashes.
Lucas’s eyes darted between us, his face conflicted. Yet, I understood the reality Amelia’s malice was profound.
I massaged my aching neck, my heart still pounding. “Lucas, you have to recognize her true nature, even if you two seem compatible,” I insisted, my voice trembling.
But Lucas’s demeanor stiffened, his defenses rising. “Harper, don’t get involved.”
A sharp pain shot through my chest, realizing the resentment I felt for him.
With a heavy heart, I turned and left, abandoning Lucas to his toxic situation.