22. Harper
TWENTY-TWO
HARPER
The days leading up to the gala passed in a haze as I did my best to keep out of everyone’s way. The mansion felt cramped, filled with extra bodies. A weird tension had taken over, as plans were drawn, discarded, and then redrawn. Everyone, including Wyatt, seemed to be on the edge and it was enough to make anyone go insane.
At night, the mansion thumped with the rich sounds of samba, continuing until the early hours of morning. If it wasn’t for the mattress sinking from his weight, I wouldn’t know what time Wyatt crawled into bed in each night, or morning.
I’d tossed and turned all night long. The neon red digits of the alarm clock flashed back at me. Accepting that I wouldn’t fall back asleep, I rolled over. Wyatt’s large hand reached out to stop me. “Stay,” he murmured, half asleep.
“It’s six a.m.,” I whispered. “I told Tim I’d start early.”
His heavy sigh seemed filled with all the unspoken things between us. Lately, it felt like we were two strangers sleeping under the same roof. I knew that Wyatt was under a lot of stress, and I was trying my best to be understanding. We just needed to make it to the gala, and then everything could go back to normal – whatever normal even was.
Wyatt’s eyes stayed shut. “I’m glad you’re keeping busy. Are you going to try to see your Mom later? Fiona can take you.”
I shook my head, then remembered he couldn’t see me. “No. They extended the quarantine for another week.”
His eyes shot open. “I’m so sorry, Harper. For everything. I—”
“Shh,” I whispered, putting my finger to his lip. “It’s not your fault. It’s the Carders’. And I appreciate everything you’re doing right now to try and end this nightmare.”
His eyes flashed guiltily. “I won’t stop trying. Even if those damn South Americans party way too hard,” he groaned. He paused, longer than necessary, and the silence made the gnawing in my belly grow. “You know you’re welcome to join us in the evenings if you want?”
“And what? Clink wineglasses with the woman who poisoned me? I’ll pass.” I kissed him gently on the cheek to show that I didn’t hold it against him. “Get some sleep, Mister. You need it.” His eyes were closed before I could finish my sentence.
I silently crawled from the bed, not wanting to wake him, and tiptoed to the walk-in closet. My gaze rested on the hanging garment bag, and I reached in to touch the delicate fabric that I would get to wear soon at the gala, with my handsome boyfriend at my side. It was a little glimmer of something good – a happy thought I could hold onto, amidst all the shit.
I threw on a T-shirt and pulled on a pair of leggings. The mansion’s heating system had been cranked up for the South Americans, and when I wasn’t hiding in my library, I hung out in the greenhouse with Tim, where it felt like the tropics. It was like being in perpetual summer.
Wyatt’s light snoring followed me from the bedroom and into the hallway. I tiptoed downstairs, though I knew it didn’t matter. The South Americans would be passed out in the carriage house until late afternoon. Gloria had to keep a batch of red tea on standby for their insatiable appetites. And hangovers.
The only other people up this early were Gloria and whatever security guard was posted at the door. That morning it was Denny, and he gave a courteous nod as I passed.
In the kitchen, a warm cup of coffee was waiting for me. But instead of Gloria’s smiling face, it was Fiona that greeted me. I eyed the mug suspiciously.
“Don’t worry,” she said, handing it to me. “Gloria taught me how to use the machine.” She gestured to the fancy espresso machine that had been installed, after Gloria had grown tired of spending so much time percolating. Fiona’s first attempt had been like sludge.
“I’m more worried about poison,” I said, sniffing the mug.
Fiona patted my arm. “She wouldn’t dare try anything under this roof, with all of us here.” Her eyes were bloodshot, and she stunk like an old western saloon.
“Don’t tell me you’ve been up all night, too,” I laughed.
She shook her head. “Those damn South Americans. There’s no reasoning with them,” she muttered. “I’d kill for my own bed. Or at least a decent bedtime.”
I took a sip from the mug, moaning in appreciation.
Fiona glanced out the kitchen window. The greenhouse glowed dimly against the darkness of the estate. “Are you hiding out in the greenhouse again today?”
It wasn’t a secret to anyone that I was avoiding Valentina. I nodded.
“Good call,” she said, stifling a yawn.
“You should get some sleep.”
“Another good call. Is your friend, what’s her name, coming for the meeting later today?”
I smiled. “Savannah.” I’d heard through the grapevine that Valentina and Wyatt had faced off in a dramatic showdown over Connor and Savannah’s involvement in the plan. In the end, Valentina had caved to Wyatt’s leadership, and agreed to meeting with the human and the biter, as she’d called him.
As the coordinator of the event, Savannah was more involved than I would have liked, and it made me uncomfortable that she was putting herself in danger. But we needed her. Either way, Savannah would have come by the mansion to keep me company, which would piss off Valentina and the South Americans. One human was bad enough, but two? One of whom was dating a wolf? I knew it ruffled her feathers, a fact I secretly loved.
I needed Savannah. I was going crazy after three days of being the only human, other than Gloria, in a house full of sasquatches including my arch nemesis, as I’d taken to thinking of Valentina.
“She’s coming with Connor,” I answered. “Wyatt asked her to brief everyone on the timeline.”
Fiona nodded, yawning. “It’ll be good for you to have some company.” She waved goodbye and disappeared down the hallway.
Alone again, I grabbed a jar of overnight oats from the fridge and a spoon, and headed out to the greenhouse.
“And this one?” Tim lifted the pot and pointed to the bright red petals.
“Easy,” I laughed. “Bromeliad.”
He nodded. “And the genus?”
I scrunched my eyebrows together, thinking back to the blackboard scribbles from our lesson earlier this morning. “Tillandsia.”
Tim smiled. “Very good, Harper.” With a tilt of his head, he said, “I don’t suppose you remember…”
“It’s epiphytic. It grows attached to other plants and surfaces.” My smile stretched wide.
Tim’s low chuckle carried through the space. “You’re an excellent student. You know more about plants than most of our kind. You’d give Fiona a run for her money.” He winked.
I could feel the warmth spread across my cheeks. “You’re a great teacher, Tim. I appreciate you letting me spend so much time in here.”
He grinned, and gestured for me to follow him down the aisle. “I’d like to show you something really special. But I should warn you, there’s a reason it’s hidden in the back.”
I followed him down the narrow aisle, the humidity clinging to my hair and clothes. The scent of damp earth was everywhere, mixed with the subtle sweetness of flowers. It was like being in the forest after a thunderstorm. It reminded me of Wyatt, which made me smile.
As we neared the back corner, I could feel my nausea from the other day returning. I pinched my nose and asked, “What’s that awful smell?” The foul odor intensified with each step, like rotting flesh.
Tim laughed. “Sorry, I guess I’m more used to it.” He stopped in front of a large clay pot, a proud grin on his face.
I gasped. “Rafflesia arnoldii.”
“Also known as…”
“The corpse flower,” I yelled, making sense of the rotten smell. “I can’t believe you have one.”
“Neither can I. It’s facing extinction, you know. One day, this might be the last of its kind.” He fiddled with the temperature settings on the wall, looking somber. “I think I’ll just shift it to the left here where it will get more sun.”
I lifted the giant pot, grunting. “Over here?”
Tim nodded, gaping. I carefully set the flower pot down into the sunbeam, and used my hand to brush away the sweat that had begun to creep onto my forehead.
Tim’s eyes narrowed. “You just lifted forty pounds without even straining. I wasn’t expecting that. No offence,” he added.
I laughed, shrugging my shoulders. “None taken. I guess I’m stronger than I look.” It was a surprise to me, also. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d worked out or lifted weights.
Morning sunlight filtered through the windows of the greenhouse, lighting up the deep burgundy of the petals. Tim smiled in appreciation. “I was thrilled that she chose to open for today’s lesson. The rafflesia blooms so unpredictably. It could be another decade before we see it again.”
“How many times have you seen it bloom?”
His eyes scrunched, and when they finally reopened, they were sparkling. “Maybe thirty times? I’ve been very fortunate.”
My gasp was louder than I intended and I covered my mouth. “Sorry,” I mumbled, embarrassed. “But… every decade? That would make you at least…”
Tim laughed and combed his hand through his thick head of hair. “It’s not like I chose this hair color, Harper. I’ve been around a very long time.”
“Are you giving away all of our secrets, Tim?” The thick Portuguese accent dripped with disdain. Both Tim and I shot our eyes toward the intrusion. “Oh, don’t stop on my account. I find your little botanical lesson…” Valentina smacked her lips together, enunciating each syllable. “Endearing.”
Standing in her jet-high heels, one hand on her hip, Valentina towered over the potted palms. The shade of her lipstick matched the color of the corpse flower. Fitting, since they had a lot in common. They might have both looked beautiful on the outside, but inside, they were ugly, hideous things.
Tim’s eyes hardened. “What can I do for you?”
The temperature seemed to shoot up by about ten degrees, and sweat prickled the back of my neck. I searched for the nearest exit, preparing for an escape.
As if she could read my mind, Valentina extended her palm. “No need to scamper away on my account, Harper.” Her eyes returned to Tim. “I’m here to see what you have available in terms of a corsage. Something that will match my emerald dress for the gala.”
“You’re going to the gala?” I shouldn’t have been surprised. The South Americans had come to help Wyatt stop the Carders, and the gala was an integral part of his plan. But hearing the words come from her mouth made it real, and I cringed at the thought of having to spend an entire evening in the company of my arch nemesis.
“But of course,” she smirked. “Wyatt needs some arm candy, so I agreed to be his date.”
My eyes narrowed. “You’re lying.”
“Oh Harper, I’d forgotten what a naive child you could be. Did you really think your boyfriend,” her voice lowered, laced in contempt, “would take you to an important event like this? I’m sure it’s been fun playing house, but at some point, Wyatt will grow sick of you and your…” she waved her hand like she was shooing away the smell of the corpse flower, and scrunched her nose. “Humanity. If he hasn’t already.”
Tim shuffled on his feet. “Allow me to show you some options, Valentina.” He crooked his elbow, and Valentina smiled slyly, linking her arm in his. Tim was tall, but in her heels, Valentina towered over him by a few inches.
As he led her down the aisle, his head turned briefly. Our eyes caught for a brief second, and it was enough to feel the apology contained within them.
I willed away the tear that threatened to fall as the two sasquatches disappeared into the lush greenery, focusing instead on the rage brewing inside me.
The glass door of the greenhouse swung shut behind me as I stormed across the lawn. I needed to find Wyatt.
Inside the kitchen, a group of men I didn’t recognize were seated around the marble island. Their loud chomping rivaled the sound of their voices.
“Have any of you seen Wyatt?” Their chatter came to an abrupt halt. It was the first time I’d spoken a word to any of the South Americans, aside from Valentina.
Crumbs flew from the mouth of a blond-haired man as he muttered, “Office.”
I stormed out of the kitchen without another word, and stomped up the stairs, my anger growing and peaking as I reached Wyatt’s office door. My hand froze on the doorknob, but before I could lose my nerve, I pushed inside.
Atticus and Tank were seated on the couch across from Wyatt, who sat in the leather wingback chair with his back to the door. Their eyes widened at my presence.
“What did I say about knocking,” Wyatt growled. His eyes softened as they connected with mine. “Sorry Harper, I wasn’t expecting you. Is everything okay?” His voice was gentle, yet hesitant.
I crossed my arms. “No, it’s not.”
Atticus and Tank moved faster than a bolt of lightning, brushing past me to disappear into the hall.
Confusion clouded Wyatt’s features. He slowly rose from his chair, coming to stand in front of me. His palms grazed my shoulders. “Tell me what’s wrong so I can make it better.”
I shook my head and turned to the side, not willing to meet his piercing gaze. “How could you agree to go to the gala with that… that vile woman,” I spit.
Wyatt’s shoulders dropped, betraying his guilt. “How did you…”
“Valentina dropped that bombshell on me when I was with Tim.”
“That bitch.” His eyes narrowed.
Deep down, I’d hoped it was all a big misunderstanding, that Valentina had just been trying to rile me up. But Wyatt’s words had confirmed the unthinkable. “So it’s true?”
He brushed his hand through his hair and sighed. “I tried to push it. I really did, Harper. But everyone, including Atticus and Tank, agreed it would be safer if you stayed behind. And I agree. Valley Girl is used to these things. She can handle herself.”
My eyes narrowed at hearing Wyatt’s nickname for Valentina. “And I can’t handle myself?”
“Harper—”
I held up my palm, cutting him off. “It’s bad enough that I’ve been trapped in this house while my dad is out there, alone and in danger. In a house that I have to share with the woman who fucking poisoned me, in case you all forgot.” Wyatt cringed, his large torso contracting. “But on top of that, you’re expecting me to just stay home alone on Halloween, while you take another woman on a date. A woman who happens to look like a supermodel, might I add.” I shook my head. “This whole situation is… fucked.”
A small laugh escaped from under his breath.
“What now?” I yelled, exasperated.
“It’s just… I’ve never heard you swear so much.” He grinned sheepishly, but the smile quickly faded as his expression turned serious.
A haunted look filled his eyes. It was as if guilt was shadowing his every decision, his every thought. “I’m sorry, Harper. I fucked up.”
“Yes, you did. You should have told me, Wyatt. I shouldn’t have had to hear it from Valentina.” I sighed heavily. “Is there anything else you’re not telling me? Anything I should know?”
He shifted on his feet. It felt like the chasm between us was growing with each breath, and I worried we would never get back to ‘us’.
“No.” He shook his head adamantly, and my shoulders sagged with relief. “I promise. Is there anything you’re keeping from me?”
Now was my chance to tell Wyatt about my dad’s secret message. I opened my mouth to speak, but the words didn’t come out. After I had just chastised Wyatt for keeping secrets, I couldn’t exactly admit to my own. “No,” I said quickly. Too quickly. “You need to stop keeping secrets and excluding me. It ends now, Wyatt. I want to be a part of whatever you’re planning.”
“Of course.” He rubbed my arms in a gentle, soothing motion. “I’m so sorry, Harper,” he said, bowing his head. “You deserve better. I promise I’ll make it up to you for the gala. Somehow.”
I nodded. “You can make it up to me after we take down the Carders.”
“After we take down the Carders,” he repeated. He crooked his elbow, his eyes shimmering in their vulnerability. “We still have a few hours before the meeting. Let’s get out of the house and go do something, just the two of us.”
Nodding, I tried to push away all thoughts of Valentina as I intertwined my arm through his.
Now, more than ever, Wyatt and I needed to present a united front, even if the first seedlings of doubt had been planted in my mind. Everything we’d been through the last few months had made us stronger, like my parents’ relationship. They’d fought too, over things Dad had kept from Mom. Yet they’d found ways to work through it, and it had only strengthened their relationship, solidifying their love for one another.
Surely Wyatt and I could do the same. I loved him, after all.
It would take more than Valentina’s icy grip to come between us.