Chapter 1: BECAUSE YOU’RE GOOD

BECAUSE YOU’RE GOOD

-Harper's POV-

My eyes shot open, and I jerked straight up. Fear gripped me as memories of last night slowly trickled back into my mind. I screamed as it felt like my soul was leaving my body. It was so long and hard with a force that made my lungs burn. I didn’t care to control the tears streaming down my face as my wailing continued to fill the dark space around me. Images flashed through my mind. My mother, my father, both gone. My cries pleading for mercy fell on deaf ears and hardened hearts. The sad eyes of my parents staring at me seared into my mind. The hollow feeling where my heart once beat was a constant reminder of how alone I am. There are no words to describe the man responsible for my heartache. He took my life from me in the most gruesome and sadistic way imaginable. A cold chill rolled over my bare chest and arms causing goosebumps to rise all over my body. I lifted my hands to wipe my eyes. The light of the moon was shining through a window too small for me to fit through. I’m in what looked like a prison cell. The shine of the moon light reflected off the thick metal bars to my left. The walls were gray, built from concrete or blocks. Cracks lined the walls, spreading in all different directions. A dank smell that reminded me of mildew made the air thick and stuffy. All I could hear was water dripping, causing a constant echo over and over. Where am I? The pain of the brutal happenings from last night reminded me of why I was here. I lifted my legs to sit up from my position. I slid my feet off what looked like a cot style bed, hard with no covers. Cold and heavy clinking sounded throughout the room, a harsh realization that I had shackles on my ankles. I felt a burn on my bottom lip. I licked it realizing it had a cut. Most likely that was from Alpha Thane striking my face when I refused to be his mate. Looking at my hands they were dirty. My clothes were torn to the point of almost falling off my body.

I cried for what seemed like hours on end. Now my emotions were numb, I was unable to feel anything. A loud squeaking sound as if a metal door was opening caught my attention. It was the first sign I had had of not being completely alone here. I lifted my head to look toward the footsteps headed my way. A lady who looked to be a servant smiled gently at me and slid a tray of food through an opening I could only assume was used for that purpose. She turned to walk away.

“WAIT!” I yelled. The lady stopped walking and turned to look at me. “What is going to happen to me?” The lady had sadness in her eyes.

“Alpha will see you shortly” then she turned and continued toward the exit. The metal door squeaked once more and latched closed. I thought about eating but my appetite wasn’t there. How could I eat right now? Maybe I can starve myself. Death is a welcome thought for me, as I can’t imagine my life being happy ever again. Hours passed by.

I am assuming it was the next morning as the sun peeked through the window. I was awake staring at the ceiling when I heard muffled talking. I recognized the squeak from the metal door. Realizing someone was coming my way caused me to shiver. I knew this was a man, his steps were much louder than the lady who was in here last. It must be him. Deciding I was not going to cower to this monster I stood up straight and prepared to meet my capture head on. Anger rose in my chest as his voice got louder. Finally appearing before me was three men. Two guards, and him. The first thing I always see when I am staring at the devil himself is his eyes. They were menacing deep and dark red eyes. Pure evil radiated from this man. He was tall, around 6’1. Light brown hair that was not long and not too short. It was styled messy on top. Over his right eye a scar was slid diagonal over his face. His body was built like an Alpha should be. Strong and chiseled with arms that threatened to tear his tight fitted tee shirt that was tucked into his blue jean pants. If he were anyone else, I would find him attractive. He stood tall with ruthless authority. This man ruled with fear. I wasn’t going to give him the pleasure of seeing me scared of him. I didn’t take my eyes off him, if looks could kill he would be dead right now. I straightened my shoulders and stood as tall as I could.

“Harper, you look beautiful as ever. The look of captivity suits you.”

His voice is low and seductive. He made me sick.

“What do you want with me, Alpha Thane?”

I spat the words out. His menacing smile curled over his white teeth. It is a terrible thing, how such a handsome man can be the devil reincarnated.

“It is no secret; I want you as my mate.”

“WHY ME… WHY DID YOU PICK ME?” I raised my voice and yelled at him

Tears swelled in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall in front of him. “Why couldn’t you pick someone as cruel as you?” Alpha Thane stepped to the side instructing one of the guards to unlock my cell door. More clinking sounds echoed off the walls as the cell door slid open. Alpha Thane walked in, stopping in front of me. I could feel his breath on my forehead. My body wanted to move away from him, but I forced myself to stand as tall and as confident as I possibly could. He was much taller than me. I was only 5’3 in height. I looked up at him. Our eyes locked. A low growl rumbled deep in his chest as he brought his mouth closer to my ear. His breath hot on my neck, caused my body to shiver. With a soft seductive voice, he answered my question

“I want you because you're good.” I took advantage of his proximity to me and slapped him across the face. It didn’t faze him. With a look of pure excitement his eyes fell dark and a nasty smirk curled over his teeth. “You’re going to be fun.” He rolled his fingers softly over my abdomen as he turned to exit the cell. He turned and looked at me once more. “Your 18th birthday is only a few moons away. I will make you my mate that night, and I look forward to claiming all of you.” He turned to the guards, “take her to her room and lock her in. make sure she is able to shower and eat well.”

A couple of weeks passed. I was in an actual bedroom now with a conjoined bathroom. I decided I was going to either escape or die trying. The last words my father said to me rang loud in my mind ‘never forget who you are. You are strong and a fighter. You will live through this. Remember that your mother and I love you so much…’ If I didn’t make It out for me, I would make it out for them. I decided it was best if I kept my head down and didn’t argue or fight. All those things go against my mind and body. Pride and stubbornness being the main driving force in my personality. I pretended to accept Alpha Thane and his plan for me. I had to force myself to act mean to the servants and guards. Purposefully yelling and breaking things then immediately making them clean it all up. I treated them like I was better than them. It was hard for me to do this because I was the exact opposite of all of this. When I got the chance, I apologized to the servants. They didn’t deserve any of it and I got close with a few of them. I eventually trusted them enough to tell them my plan. I was waiting for Alpha Thane to trust me that way I had more freedom to roam around the packhouse. Then I would wait for the right time and run. My plan was not something I wanted to do, but it was something I had to do. I was out of other options. I couldn’t fight my way out and my birthday was only a few days away. It fell on the day of the solar eclipse which I didn’t want to think about right now. If I didn’t escape soon, I was going to kill myself because I am not letting that monster make me his mate.

A few more days passed, and I was finally able to roam about the large packhouse freely. Guards would bow their heads at me as I passed by them as if I was their Luna. The servants knew that I wasn’t mean, so they were ok with going along with my act. Let’s just say they got a kick out of the few times I wacked a guard with a vase pretending to be angry. Tonight, Alpha Thane had planned to take some of his troops and raid a village. It was now or never. I didn’t have much left of home, so I was able to pack it all. The sun started going down. I watched as Alpha Thane and his warriors lined up outside preparing to leave. Alpha Thane walked over. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close to him.

“Seven more days Harper, then I will be able to claim you as mine.” He licked his lips and kissed me long and hard. Unable to wait for the kiss to be over I separated from him and forced myself to smile. He turned and walked toward his warriors, and I watched as they climbed into their vehicles and disappeared into the night. It was time to go.

I hugged all the servants who came to my room to see me off. I hate so much to leave them here. If I am ever given the chance, I will come back for them. They were each situated outside my room in different areas to keep watch. I slid from my bedroom window onto the roof of the pack house and shimmied down a drainpipe with little effort at all. By the light of the full moon, I kept to the shadows moving quietly but quickly. My direction was unknown. The only thing I could do was get far away from here. I turned back briefly to mourn the loss of my childhood home before continuing into the dense forest. I ran as fast as I could. I only stopped to rest briefly before moving again. I walked when I couldn’t run. I realized I had forgotten to pack food and water, so I stopped near a stream to have a drink but kept moving. It was the night of the third day when fatigue finally overcame me. I laid down to rest for only a moment. I couldn't fight sleep any longer.

***The next morning***

The sound of footsteps dissolving down the hallway outside my room invaded my train of thought as I stepped out of the shower. I tried to hurry and dry myself, wrapping my hair in a towel before I could soil the floor even more with water. The smell of my perfume scented shampoo filled the room along with steam that clouded the mirror. Taking a dry cloth, I slid it over the mirror to wipe it clear. I quickly brushed my teeth and applied a minimum amount of makeup. I looked at myself in the mirror, breathing out a sigh. I am so nervous today. I am hoping to be sworn in as an official member of the Harmony Moon Pack after I stumbled onto the edge of their territory by accident late last night. I consider myself blessed by the Moon Goddess for letting me find this pack. After my ordeal with my last pack… The Foul Moon Pack, I thought I would be forever a rogue on the run. I have fifteen minutes to be dressed and standing in front of the Alpha of this pack. I hurried and scrambled to dry my long black wavy hair.

I picked out some simple clothes that were provided to me by a kind Omega named Kelly. She was around my age with brown shoulder length hair. He was short, maybe 5’2. She had a slim frame that would make you think she was younger than she is. I could tell she has a bubbly personality that was infectious to those around her. If I get to stay here, maybe we can become friends. I slipped on the black fitted tee shirt and jean shorts, I made my way to the front door and put on my running shoes. I plan to get a job soon. I need money so I can provide for myself. I am seventeen years old with my eighteenth birthday being only a few days away. I didn’t want to think about that right now though. The thought of my parents not being there was too hard to accept.

Feeling my heart squeeze in my chest, I took a deep breath and made my way out into the hallway. I turned left out of my room and found myself in a long hallway with tan walls and white crown molding. The floor looked like shiny white marble tile. This is just a hallway, and it is still so much more elegant than anyplace I have ever been. I passed by a nice lady and man who looked deep in conversation. When they noticed me, they paused their conversation to greet me with a warm smile and wave. I shyly smiled and nodded at them on my way there. I heard her footsteps before I saw her.

“Good, looks like you are ready for your meeting with Alpha Titus.” I turned to see Kelly half running half walking toward me. She had a huge smile on her face, as if she was so excited for me. Her mood and excitement caught me off guard. This girl doesn’t know me, but she is so trusting and excited to welcome me into her pack with open arms. I didn’t have to walk far before I met her in the hallway.

“Thank you for meeting me. I have no idea where I am going.” I got here during the night. With my tired and groggy state, there is no way I could remember all the twists and turns we took to get me to the room that was assigned to me by the head Omega housekeeper. Kelly said she was responsible for assigning living quarters and handling packhouse gatherings… among other things. I have yet to meet her.

“That is no problem, I wanted to check on you this morning. You looked so tired when you arrived last night.” Kelly said with a warm frown that met her hickory-colored eyes. She seemed to have a way of comforting me. I was never good with new things. Here I am on my own, in a new place with no one that I know. I don’t even have my wolf yet to keep me company, not until my eighteenth birthday.

I am completely uncomfortable, but Kelly has helped make things a little easier. I thanked her and she gave me a friendly smile and turned to walk back down the hallway toward a flight of stairs. I walked next to her with a nervous feeling in my stomach. What if the alpha doesn’t like me? What if he denies my entry into the pack? I tried to shove those thoughts to the back of my head as we landed on the last step of the stairway. Looking up I found myself in a large dining hall, with lots of round tables with white tablecloths over top of them. Chairs were situated all around the tables where many pack members were enjoying their breakfast and conversations with their families and friends. Beautiful White drapes hung over the tops of long windows that ranged from the tall ceiling to the shiny marble floors. It would all remind you of a castle. I haven’t seen this pack house in its entirety, maybe it is a castle. The food smelled so good. I knew by the smell that the bar included bacon, sausage, and fresh rolls. All that reminded me of just how hungry I am. I haven’t eaten in a couple of days. I forgot to pack food of all things when I decided to run. Omega waitresses were walking about catering to everyone with kindness and hospitality. How nice it must be living here. Kelly turned to me with a knowing stare and guided me down another hallway to the right.

“I know you must be hungry. I thought I heard you say you had been on the run for two to three days. Once we meet with the alpha, you will be able to eat until you puke if you want.” I looked at her big bright smile. She was trying to lighten my mood. I giggled at her. How can she be so nice to a stranger? We came to the first door on the right once we entered the hallway. Kelly stopped and turned to me before she knocked. I was biting my lip, lost in my nervous thoughts.

“This is it.” Said Kelly.

“Oh! already?” There goes my heart rate. I couldn’t control my nervousness no matter how hard I tried. I wasn’t scared, but there was just something about meeting a new alpha. My life was literally in his hands at this moment. “What if he doesn’t accept me?” I whispered to Kelly.

“Oh! shush… you have nothing to worry about. If you are a good person alpha will sense that. The only ones he ever rejects are the ones with ill intent. I can tell you are a good person. Try not to worry and tell him your story.” Kelly didn’t know all of what I had been through the last few days. All I told her is that I was running from someone vile and awful. I gave Kelly a nod signaling her to go ahead and knock on the door.

Before the door opened all the way I paused to catch my breath and gather my nerves. Walking into the large office, I willed myself to look as calm and confident as possible. The first thing I noticed was the smell… cedar and pine? It was a natural smell that pulled my attention toward the source of this seductive scent. Instantly I was confused and afraid to look up, so I paused to gather my senses once more before continuing further into the room. Not wanting to look even more like a mad she wolf, I finally stilled myself enough to raise my head to greet the authority figure in front of me. Right away I knew that alpha Titus was not alone, he wasn’t the first person that I saw once I looked up. My eyes landed on a man with black hair cut short on the sides but slightly longer on the top. It was tossed in a sexy kind of way. Even messy his hair had a way of giving off a vibe of unkept confidence that screamed sex appeal. I got lost in his silver eyes, dangerously possessive. I didn’t know whether to turn and run or submit and stay. His tan skin and chiseled physique were evident through his white button up dress shirt and black pants to match. He had a sharp jawline that complemented his perfect white smile that instantly lit me on fire. Ugh… What am I doing? How long have I been staring?

I swallowed the drool that had gathered in my mouth while I was caught checking out the stranger in front of me. I scolded myself mentally. I have never…ever been so affected by a man wolf in all my life. I have had crushes but…. a light laugh snapped me back to my senses when I realized once again, I have totally dropped the ball in front of this alpha. I briefly allowed myself one more glance in the direction of the mouthwatering stranger in front of me. He returned my gaze with a naughty but amused smile. I managed to bring my attention to the other man in the room. He was sitting at a desk with his elbows propped and his hands standing in an interlaced position near his chin. His eyes were also gray but a darker shade that was more like coal. I could tell his hair was naturally black, but it had grayed with time. He kept it combed in a neat style to the side of his face. He was a large man. Despite his sitting position I could tell he was nearly the same height of the man next to him. He was at least 6’2. He had a warrior build, no doubt he has seen many battles. He must be the father of Mr. Sexy standing over to his left.

I managed to take the final steps to position myself in front of his desk. The smell of cedar and pine was growing stronger because I was so much closer to the source. I looked at Alpha Titus and finally gave him a warm smile and extended my hand. He returned my smile and shook my hand and invited me to take a seat. His welcoming demeanor instantly relaxed my nerves, but I never once forgot about what was standing next to me. Widening my smile, I accepted his offer to take a seat. I knew this would be a long and hard conversation we were about to have.

“Thank you for meeting with me, Alpha Titus. I am ever so grateful for your hospitality and willingness to offer me a room for the night.” He nodded the smile never leaving his face.

“It is my pleasure. I make it a priority to never turn away a wolf in need. My pack has been blessed by the Moon Goddess. It is the least I can do to thank her for all she has done for us here at Harmony Moon Pack.” Gesturing to his left he finally revealed the name of the man who was responsible for stopping my heart a moment ago. “This is my son and next in line to take my place as alpha of our beloved pack, Gabriel.” I turned to look at Gabriel. My increased heart rate instantly betrayed my plan to stay calm and confident. I smiled.

“It is nice to meet you, Gabriel. I am sure you will make a fine alpha when the time comes.” Not letting the smile leave my face and attempting to keep my tongue from falling out of my mouth, I waited on his response. He gave me a devilishly cocky yet seductive smile that caused me to melt.

“Thank you, Miss…” Oh! I forgot to tell them my name!

“Harper…. Um…Harper Rae.” He bit his bottom lip in a way that made my brain fuzz out for a minute.

“Thank you, Harper, it is an honor to have you. Hopefully it is still a while now before I have to take my father’s place. When that time comes, I am ready.” Giving him a smile and a nod, I turned my attention back to alpha Titus who was looking at him with a strange look on his face.

“Not before I meet my future daughter-in-law and the next Luna of this pack. A strong alpha must have a strong and capable Luna to support him. The Luna is the heart of this pack. She will play an important role in all of our lives.” Glancing toward Gabriel, he was now looking down with a hand seeming to rub the back of his neck in a nervus motion. With his head still tilted down and red tone now warmed his cheeks he raised his eyebrows to talk to his father.

“Now is not the time father. We can continue this conversation later.” He stone faced gave his father a look that silently said, “shut it!” This is not a conversation that I want to be caught in the middle of. Gabriel must have a mate…or a girlfriend that he has yet to introduce to his father. Knowing this caused me to frown a little. I tried to wipe my face clean of any emotion other than kindness and gratitude. I would like to finish this conversation and finally find out what my future with this pack is.

“Let’s continue, my apologies, Harper. I don’t want to trouble you with my fatherly responsibilities. Will you explain in detail why you were found on the edge of my territory?” There it was… the dreaded question. I only plan to go into detail with my story once, and this is it. I will never tell anyone else the full extent of the hell that I have been through.

“It is a long story; do you have time?” Alpha Titus gave me a caring smile and nodded to me.

“Of course, my dear. Knowing your whole story will be beneficial in knowing the extent of the help that you need.” He turned to stare at Gabriel “Gabe, if you want to stay, I suggest you find yourself a seat.” Gabriel shuffled from one foot to the other. He stepped closer to me, taking the seat to my right causing my senses to go into overdrive. Determined to not lose my train of thought again I cleared my throat and began….