Ep. 4

Harper’s [POV]

Unlike the rest of the house, the walls are dark wood, and the ceiling has a high cream arch, making the space look massive. A dark wood canopy bed sits on the left side, with an abundance of light champagne pillows and curtains. There’s a reading nook to the side of the stone fireplace, and a chandelier crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. The nightstands match the bed, and each one has an antique lamp.

This is mine for the next week.

Tears fill my eyes.

It doesn’t even bother me that Wilson immediately makes himself comfortable, curling up onto the floral loveseat that sits in front of the fireplace.

“Welcome to your room,” the Alpha says softly behind me.

“This is incredible,” I breathe, my embarrassment from before all but forgotten. I hurry to the reading nook and pull open the heavy cream curtains, marveling at my view.

At the night, the gardens are only lit up by small lights, but a gasp still escapes my lips.

I’m in a fairytale.

I can only see so far out, but a stone path surrounded by flowers and trees leads to a small gazebo, then extends out into the woods.

There’s no way I have been here before and somehow hated it.

He’sa goddamn liar.

I would never want to leave this place!

When I finally turn around, the Alpha is staring at me, his expression blank. He’s placed my suitcase next to the bed, and now he stands in the room, his gaze intense.

“Do you like it?” he asks quietly, and I nod.

“How could I not?” I reply. “It’s lovely.”

He nods, then laughs.

It’s merely a chuckle, but it’s devoid of any amusement.

It’s cold and crazed, and I lean back into the reading nook, the back of my knees pushing against the soft cushion.

He shakes his head and the corner of his lip curls up. “Of course, you would like it.” His voice is low, and fear spikes in my chest.

This is a bad dream, I chide. This is a night terror.

Maybe I dreamt this whole thing up.

Maybe I’m not here.

“Breakfast is at nine sharp. Do you have any other allergies we should know about, Princess?”

What?

The pet name is so out of place that my head swims. But, like before, it makes my heart flutter, and I push those feelings aside.

The man in front of me is unhinged, and I can’t let him affect me like this.

“No,” I stammer, my hands clenching into fists. If I lean any further back into the nook, I’ll fall, so I plant my feet and meet his crazed eyes. “That’ll be it.”

We’re in a staring contest, and I catch Wilson out of the corner of my eye looking back and forth between us.

Please, just leave. I want to sleep. I can’t handle all the chaos that’s happened tonight.

He nods, briefly. “Right. Well, enjoy your stay.”

He exits the room, shutting the door behind him.

I’m frozen for a moment, my chest heaving as I replay our interaction.

But I won’t let a strange man with mood swings ruin this for me.

Besides, he’s the owner. It’s not like he’ll be around that much.

Right?

I glance at Wilson, who tilts his head at me.

“That man is a psychopath,” I mutter to the cat.

Heroes agree.

“I wish I wasn’t allergic to you,” I continue. “I could use the company, after all the craziness of tonight.”

He lifts his leg and licks his stomach.

Great. Now you’re talking to a cat, Harper.

But I’m not sniffly or itchy near him. My eyes haven’t watered once.

I can’t remember the last time I was around a cat but he assured me I was allergic.

I hate cats.

But I don’t understand what there is to hate about a black blob with a subtle white mustache around his face who is innocently licking his fur.

One morrow and I snap out of my stupor.

I’m here to make the most of this trip, damnit.

If I encounter a bleach-blonde weirdo again, I know how to handle it.

He may be the owner of the Inn, but I’m still a paying customer.

And nothing can be worse than what happened hours earlier.

A grumpy Alpha will not ruin this for me.

Sighing, I turn the brass lock on the door, then prepare for bed.

Showers make everything better.

The hot water cascades down my back, washing away the awful past day

And when I finally let my guard down, tears fall again, this time turning into full-body sobs.

I curl into a ball on the tile and bite my fist to quiet my cries.

I don’t know who else is staying in the Inn and the last thing I want is the Alpha or receptionist to hear me.

When I’m finally done crying, I sit under the spray and take deep, cleansing breaths.

But questions race through my mind, and I can’t stop the worry that plagues me.

Where do I go after this?

I blew most of my money and I can’t go back to him. Not after what happened.

My parents are gone.

I have no family.

No one to turn to.

All I have is my car, some clothes, toiletries, and my wallet.

It could be worse, I suppose.

Maybe I could stay at a shelter.

I’m sure there are resources in Aurora.

Along with exploring the town, I’ll make a plan.

I can do this.

When I step out of the shower, wrapped in the fluffiest towel I’ve ever felt, Wilson is passed out on the top of the duvet, baring his fluffy belly to me.

He’s too cute for his good, and it’s what prevents me from opening the door and shuffling him out of my room.

Hesitantly, I reach out and pet his head, my fingers dancing over the soft fur.

A rumble sounds in his chest, but he keeps his eyes closed as my finger drifts over the bridge of his black nose.

I wait for the telltale signs of allergies, but none come.

What if I’m not allergic?

What if he lied?

A sneaking suspicion racks my brain.

Ifhelied about this, what else could he have lied about?

Wilson’s green eyes open and he rolls onto his side, his head nuzzling into my hand.

None of that matters anymore.

I’m done with him.

When I’m dressed in my sleep shorts and top, I lift the covers and crawl into bed, a sigh of relief escapes my lips.

It’s as if I’m lying on a cloud. The pillows caress my head perfectly and the sheets and comforters cocoon me.

When has a bed ever felt this good?

Reaching over to turn off the lamp, I glance at the door again.

It’s locked.

He won’t find me here.

I’m safe.

And when I lay my head down and Wilson crawls on my chest, I fall asleep before I can push him off me.