CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
HARPER
From Wednesday evening through Sunday during my heat, I experienced the ultimate high.
I've never felt so completely loved. The bond we share now has made us even stronger as a unit.
We were already tight before everything fell apart, but now nothing can come between us.
Archer was the last to knot me against the purple wall in my nest on Thursday night.
Each of my handsome alphas knotted me multiple times over the weekend.
Waking up surrounded by all four of them brings a smile to my face. I feel deeply protected and loved.
Sawyer’s arm slides possessively around my neck as we step into the Econ building.
He looks fucking gorgeous. A black beanie rests atop his perfectly styled brown hair.
He’s wearing a puffy black jacket over a green hoodie that reads: Our Little Omega is the Queen of the Barclay Pack.
I love how his ass looks in his jeans. Black leather boots finish off his look.
As we approach the door, he pulls me into his embrace. His lips crush mine in a hungry kiss. My hands move over his ass and continue upward. Tangling my fingers in his brown hair at his nape I force his lips to press harder against mine.
“We better stop before we end up in the bathroom fucking on the counter.”
His hands grip my ass. “That’s not a bad idea.”
I pull back reluctantly. “I’m going to class, Sawyer.”
He smirks. “When we get home, I plan to fuck you from behind while you choke on Dustin’s cock.”
I kiss him again. “I can’t wait.”
“I have to handle some business, but I’ll be back to get you when your class ends. If I’m not here, just wait here for me.”
“Okay.” I smile.
In class, I hand my assignment over to Professor Hopkins. As I make my way to my seat, I pass two girls who glance up from their laptops, eyes fixed on the silver necklace resting against my green turtleneck. The charm reads: “The Barclay Packs Omega.”
The dark-haired girl curls her top lip. "I can't believe you’re the Barclay packs omega.”
"You can believe it or don’t believe it. They are my alphas,” I snarl.
I didn’t anticipate how many omegas would be jealous of me. It doesn’t matter, I’m ready for any of them if they want to attempt to get close to my alphas.
***
My phone vibrates on the desk. I glance at the text.
Rick: Hello Harper. I’m so sorry for running out of the diner the way I did. I’d like to make it up to you. Can we chat over coffee?
Sawyer didn’t have to scare Rick off.
Me: I feel terrible too. Can you meet now?
Rick: Yes, at Swish Coffee shop near campus?
Me: Meet you there in ten minutes.
I gather my things and dip out of class. I dart through the rear exit because if any of my alphas catch me meeting with Rick, they’ll beat him to death for no reason. We’ll have a quick coffee, and I’ll be back by the end of class. Just in time to meet Sawyer.
As I step into the coffee shop, Archer’s anger and unease about his father ripple through our bond. I blink a few times, then move further into the cozy café.
Rick grins, beckoning me over with a wave.
I smile back, strolling over to the corner table tucked at the back of the shop.
As Rick stands, I catch sight of his full figure and my eyes go wide.
“Good to see you, Harper. I’d hug you, but last time that didn’t end well.”
His lips kick up at one end. “You smell really good.”
“Thank you.” I grin.
“It’s great to see you too, Rick. I’m really sorry our date ended the way it did,” I reply.
“Have a seat.” He motions to the chair opposite him.
Frowning slightly, I sit down and fix my eyes on the cast encasing his arm. “What happened to your arm?”
“I’ll tell you. First, what would you like to drink?”
“A vanilla latte.”
He smiles warmly. “I’ll be right back.”
How’s he going to manage two coffees with that broken arm?
I wonder how he injured it, maybe a bike accident? He doesn’t strike me as the adventurous type.
“Here you go.” Rick sets the drink carrier on the table with ease—smart way to hold multiple drinks in one hand.
“One vanilla latte,” he says proudly.
“Thanks, Rick. Now, tell me what happened.” I take a sip.
He sips his own coffee and exhales deeply, sadness shadowing his handsome face.
“A guy who was my favorite football player broke my arm.”
I gasp. “What? Why?” I take another slow sip, suddenly feeling drained.
Probably from all the tension during my heat. I desperately needed this coffee.
He looks me in the eye. “Because of you.”
Did Sawyer attack him after that night? I blink slowly as I listen. My eyelids feel heavy.
“Dustin followed me to my dorm,” he tells me.
I gasp.
“He said you’re his fated mate and to stay away from you.”
I reach across the table and place my hand on top of his. “I’m so sorry, Rick.”
“He shouldn’t have done that.” My head lulls forward.
Rick is there in an instant pulling me against his body like we’re a couple.
“Are you okay?” He mutters against my cheek smelling like honey and lemon.
“I don’t know what’s happening.”
“I’ll get you back to campus.”
I sigh in relief. “Thank you.”
“Don’t want your alphas trying to kill me.”
Gosh, he must think each of my alphas are Satan reincarnated.
He helps me to my feet and tucks and arm around my body holding me up right.
“Nothing to see here. Just a student who pulled too many all nighters,” he says to the onlookers.
“I should call Sawyer.”
“Of course,” he says.
Once outside he opens his car door and places me in the front seat.
He’s muttering something to himself as he buckles me in. “Your alphas are evil.”
I can’t speak coherently. What’s… happ…ening… to… me?”
Think Harper. You didn’t feel drowsy until after you drunk the coffee Rick gave to you.
I try to unbuckle. “I need to get to Sawyer. He’ll be waiting…for me…” I slur.
Rick climbs into the driver seat. I hear his door shut and the engine roars to life.
“I’ve got you now. I’ll take care of you, Harper.”
He lifts my head and presses a wet kiss on my lips. “You’re fucking beautiful.”
His lips graze my cheek.
“You were promised to me,” he sneers.
My heart races in my chest. What the fuck is he talking about?
“All I had to do was get you away from the Wolves,” he bites out. Anger and animosity clear in his words.
I reach for his face and he happily lets me. Whatever drugs are in my system are pulling me under quickly.
I bite down on his cheek. And he hollers as blood trickles down his face. “You’re fucking crazy,” he yells hysterically.
Rick shoves my body against the door, and my head smacks the window.
“You’ll never see them again,” he snaps.
Those are the last words I hear before everything goes black.