Archer
The tunnel empties slowly.
Thatcher disappears first. Then Dustin. Sawyer is already gone—chasing something I’m not sure he’s ready to face.
I remain.
The candle flickers in its iron holder, wax pooling at the base like blood. The Wolves have sworn loyalty in these tunnels for decades. Power. Legacy. Obedience.
None of it steadies me when Harper’s face fills my thoughts.
It was hard to stand by Dustin. A man I’ve known since we were pups.
A part of me wanted him to tell her, he’d never fuck Sarah.
Honestly, I believe they could’ve worked it out if Harper’s voice hadn’t sounded overhead, telling the entire school Dustin cheated.
Losing her left a gaping hole in my heart.
Omegas and betas want to satisfy me during my ruts.
None of them are Harper. I’m the president of the Wolves and I won’t entertain other women. How pathetic am I?
To keep my mind off Harper I put my all into the Wolves. The times our football team played Lexington I stood on the football field ball in hand scanning the bleachers for her. I missed Harper.
Now she’s here. Her return unsettles me more than I expected.
The moment she stepped out of class I wanted to send her packing.
Harper can’t be here. She needs to return to Lexington even though I know that’s impossible.
She’s back because she had no choice—family, duty, responsibility.
Not because she wanted to face us again.
My eyes were glued to her as she stepped in front of Sawyer.
Who’s a fucking mess over Harper. He can’t think straight without her here.
Dustin has no idea he’s been stalking Harper at Lexington.
Sawyer has to move on. When I ripped Harper’s hand away from Sawyer's face, I felt the connection.
I wanted to grip her face and crush her fucking lips with mine.
Instead, I ordered her to go to class.
I have a class with Harper. Not a chance I’ll get lost in those brown eyes. Staying vigilant is the plan.
I pull my hood back over my hair and turn toward the narrow passage leading out of the cave.
I rub my brow. If the society realizes the Barclay pack makes Harper vulnerable, they’ll circle. They always do. Anything unguarded becomes leverage.
I won’t allow that.
Even if it means standing against our fathers. Even if it means dismantling traditions I was raised to protect. Even if it costs me my position as president.
It won’t come to that because I will find my pack a new mate. Come hell or high water.