Ace instantly spotted them from Hope’s flash light and jumped out of the van, alerting Harley who glanced out to him only to notice he was running after Hope.
A sigh of relief left his lips as he also stepped out of the van and smiled as he watched them walk back safe and sound.
“You okay?” Ace asked as he noticed Hope’s sad gaze. He shifted his eyes to Anna who rose her brows at him but failed to pull on a smile as she wanted to. “What happened out there?”
“Nothing to worry about.” Hope managed to pull on a smile as she glanced up at Ace who frowned, staring down at her. She then licked her dry lips before glancing towards the van, glancing at Harley who was also staring back at her.
He shifted his gaze towards the ground instead when their eyes met, feeling his heart thud at the now ridiculous promise he made to Ace.
There was no way he would fall out of love with Hope. He loved her dearly and he would love nothing else than to be with her.
But he already promised.
And it was rare for him to go back on his word after promising to someone else.
“Ace, I know you’d hate the idea but I really need to sit with Harley for the next ride, I need to talk to him at least.” She explained as she glanced up to Ace who clenched his jaw and thinned his lips, clearly agaisnt the idea when all he wants to do is spend time with her. He hated travelling especially on vehicles because of the long hours he’d have to wait to get to one place, but he only accepted it because he wanted Hope to focus on him and not Harley. He was afraid that leaving these two together for an entire three day trip all alone would make them quickly fall for each other. So he accepted to be a guard mostly for Hope as the alpha.
Hope didn’t know this, mostly because Ace didn’t tell her the main reason, not did he even refuse the offer.
“b-but I want to sit with Harley…” Anna frowned at Hope who glanced over her shoulder to her. “I want to get to know him-.”
“like I said before, Anna,” Hope started as she felt irritated with this new woman who thinks is madly in love with Harley. “You can’t fall in love with one person within almost ten minutes of meeting. That’s just infatuation. What you’re feeling is just a lie.” She said, getting Anna to frown deeply and clench her fingers into a tight fist. “besides, Harley is my best friend and I want to talk to him. You’re just a stranger to him.”
Ace glanced over his shoulder to Harley, begging through his eyes so that Harley can take the hint and do something about it.
Harley sighed out as he got the hint and tan a hand through his hair before stepping forwards nd walking towards them. He stood next to Anna who glanced up at him with hopeful eyes and adoration. He smiled down at her and she returned it joydullyt before he shofted his gaze to Hope who’s eyes lit up when their eyes met.
“uh… I was hoping to actually spend more time with Anna.” Harley said, causing Hope to chock on air for a moment as she stared at him in disbelief. Hope wasn’t the only one shocked, Anna was too. She clearly didn’t expect him to actually want to sit with her mostly because she was just a clingy stranger. “I mean… Anna thinks we’re soulmates and maybe shear right?”
“That’s completely not like you.” Hope chuckled out forcefully as she stared at him with furrowed worried brows. “did Ace tell you to say that?”
“no.” Harley sighed out and punched the bridge of his nose. “you’re my best friend. I know you’re just worried that I’m trying to be involved with a stranger but don’t worry, I’ll get to know her first before even thinking about it.” Anna grinned out at this and bit onto her lower lip as she laced her hands together.
“Where are you getting this from, Harley?” Hope asked as she stared at him in disbelief. “why are you acting so out of it?”
Harley was silent for a moment as he stared into Hope’s begging eyes. Begging him to drop the act and become the same Harley she remembered. Ace on the other hand sent him a pleading stare to continue what he was saying so she would end up giving up.
“Well.” He cleared his throat as he glanced around himself, trying to find a good reason. “well I’m giving up trying to force the woman I loved before to love me back. So if Anna is willing to love me despite being a total stranger, then I want to try it out.” He shrugged his shoulders, getting her to pressed her lips together as she stared at him deeply.
“I-I really do think so…” Anna said as she reached out and wrapped her hands his bulky arms, hugging onto it tightly as she laid her head on his shoulder. “because of your endless kindness, I promise I would be the best mate you would ever have. Your kindness is what made me think we were soulmates because I’ve been looking endlessly for a man who treats me like a woman and care so much about me.” She sighed out admirably as she glanced up at Harley who stared down at her with raised brows. “even though I came to steal your food, you still treated me and decided to let me join your pack.”
“You were just hungry and your story deserves to be understood. A woman shouldn’t have gone through the things you did.” Harley smiled as he reached out and patted her head stofly, getting Hope to frown as she knew he only did that to her. “besides, Anna doesn’t seem like she’s lying, Ace said she’s just like this and would probably be on my side as long as I take care of her and treat her right.” Harley said as he glanced towards Hope who had a deep frown on her face. “I’ve just reached a limit. I also need to find a mate now. People have been asking when I will. So what better way than to return with a mate I picked up in the bushes.” He chuckled out as Anna laughed lowly while Ace smiled at how convincing Harley sounded.
Almost as though he was telling the truth.