5: A Hint of Something More

SIERRA

I was standing just inside the entrance, watching as a dark car pulled up. It was nighttime, which was fitting. Vampires, after all, are creatures of the night.

It’s not like I’d burst into flames in the sunlight, but it does make you feel sluggish. Sunburn is a very real thing for us, and biologically, we’re not built for bright daylight. If we have to venture out during the day, we better be covered head to toe in protective clothing and eyewear.

Any exposed skin better be slathered in ointment, or you’d be healing for days if you stayed out in the noon sun for too long. We’re extremely photosensitive. A large black car pulled up and stopped at the entrance.

This was a private entrance, and I exhaled as I watched three lycans step out of the car. My gaze was immediately drawn to the one who emerged from the front passenger side. That was Beta Harper.

I couldn’t help but take him in. He was tall and built stronger than most, as lycans tend to be. Vampires aren’t as muscular as werewolves or lycans.

We’re more lean, like runners, but damn, he was a good-looking man. I’d thought it before, but seeing him now, walking ahead of the others without Axel by his side, it was clear he had a presence all his own. Harper had a sharp gaze that seemed to miss nothing.

He was an alpha who had chosen to be a beta. He was dressed in a crisp dark blue shirt and black slacks. His hair was well-groomed, but with a slight disheveled look that seemed intentional.

Ever look at someone and think, ~damn, what a fine specimen of the male species~? That’s what I thought of him. Lycan or not, there was something about him that stirred something inside me.

It was a strange reaction, and I wasn’t sure why. My mouth went dry, and before I could step forward, a servant opened the door for the three approaching lycans. It spoke volumes that there were only three.

They clearly weren’t worried.

“We’re glad you made it safely, Beta Harper and company,” I said, giving a slight nod of my head. Our eyes met, and it felt incredibly intimate.

It was as if my brain was grappling with some elusive knowledge. I let my gaze drift from him for a moment, but I could feel his eyes on me. I suppressed a swallow and stood tall.

“I hope all is well with Alpha Axel and Luna Layla. I suppose congratulations are in order for them,” I said, knowing it was the right thing to acknowledge with wolves.

My father would probably ignore it, or not mention it kindly. It seemed I had to be the diplomatic one. Even though I was a woman, I was still his heir.

I was expected to play the part and know things. Just not run things, not challenge the men in my life, and live by their rules and codes.

“They are well and will appreciate the acknowledgment, Lady Sierra,” Harper replied.

I was surprised he knew my name. Or remembered it. I nodded at him but felt a shiver pass over me. His voice was deep, and he spoke eloquently.

He was clearly educated, and I was puzzled by my reactions to him. It was strange. I’d never reacted this way before, right? Then again, I’d never really made direct eye contact with him before.

For some reason, he really affected me.

“If you all will follow me, please.” I turned and let out a silent breath once my back was to them. I really hoped that my father and Kaven would remain civil and make this work.

Even if Axel wasn’t here, that didn’t mean anything. The fact that Axel had sent Harper alone spoke volumes about his trust in him. They better not do anything to piss him off or refuse to negotiate.

Anyone would have to be an idiot not to see that.

We walked through the side of the lounge. Soft music was playing, and the sound of low conversation filled the air. The place was decorated in black and silver, with dim lighting, and was quite full that evening.

It was a popular spot for the upper class. A place to drink or feed that made them feel privileged. I noticed a few couples dancing lightly.

I sighed silently, saddened that so few seemed to genuinely enjoy each other’s company. In my territory, relationships were about the value others brought, not love or compatibility.

I led them up a flight of stairs to a cream-colored hallway with wooden floors. My low heels made a slight sound, but not much. Behind me, just to the right, I could see Miguel in my peripheral vision.

Even though I couldn’t see him, I knew Harper was right behind me. I was hyper-aware of him for some reason. Again, I frowned at this. Why did he draw my attention so sharply?

“Here we are,” I said. Miguel already had the door held open, having smoothly stepped around to get it for us. I glanced at him and smiled.

He was often thoughtful like that. Not such a bad guy, in my opinion.

As we stepped in, the room was set up with a sitting area in the center. The room was decorated in blue and silver. Miguel and the two lycans with Harper moved to the sides of the doors and stood off to the side.

This was customary for the meeting requested. The other guards my father had provided as escorts waited out in the hall as the door closed.

Harper followed me to the center sitting area, which had four chairs and a large glass table. A bar was along the right wall. A woman in a tight green dress was behind it, and another woman stood next to it, silent.

“Beta Harper, pleasure,” Kaven said as I moved through the sitting area to stand to the left of the chair Kaven had just risen from. I didn’t see my father, and I frowned.

He should be here to greet them. This wasn’t a good look, and I wondered what had kept him.

“Lord Kaven, I presume,” Harper said.

Kaven nodded, seeming surprised that Harper knew who he was.

“Is Adis not joining us?”

“He’ll be back soon,” Kaven assured. “We’re dealing with some internal issues that needed immediate attention. Adis and I have been receiving threats lately.”

I wasn’t sure if I could trust Kaven’s words. I hadn’t been around, but I doubted my father would leave unless the situation was dire.

My father had a close call recently, which made me suspicious of Kaven. He was ambitious, eyeing the next-in-line position. Bonding with me would secure his place.

He usually followed my father’s orders to maintain his position, but lately, he had been more vocal about his opinions.

“I see.” Harper responded to Kaven, his tone revealing nothing.

Kaven moved to sit next to me, but I remained standing.

“Please, have a seat. It won’t be long. We have refreshments if you or your men need anything,” Kaven offered, gesturing around the room.

Harper’s eyes scanned the room before he responded. “We’re fine, thank you,” Harper replied, his tone neutral. He remained standing, and I wondered if he intended to sit at all.

“I understand it’s a long journey. If you need anything, just let us know. Maybe we can chat a bit. Like you, I’m second-in-command. It’s good to have an understanding between us,” Kaven suggested.

He did a good job hiding his disdain for wolves, sounding almost genuine. But I knew he looked down on lycans and werewolves.

“I’m here to finalize our deals, not make friends. We’ll do as we say, and we mean what we say. Keeping it professional is best, in my opinion. No room for misunderstandings,” Harper stated.

He was Axel’s man, straight to the point. We weren’t here because we liked each other, but because we needed each other. I appreciated Harper’s straightforwardness.

“Professionalism is appreciated. There’s no need for hostility,” Kaven retorted, clearly disappointed that Harper wasn’t engaging in small talk.

Harper shrugged slightly. I was staring at the other side of the room, not looking at them, just listening. But I could feel his gaze on me.

“Aren’t you going to sit?”

I didn’t realize the question was directed at me until I met Harper’s hazel gaze. I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks. ~What a silly reaction~ I thought.

“Sierra will…,” Kaven began, but Harper cut him off. “I wasn’t talking to you. I was talking to her,” Harper stated calmly.

His forwardness took us by surprise. His tone was neutral but firm. He clearly didn’t appreciate Kaven speaking for me.

“In our custom, a female waits until those of higher standing are present and seated. Then, once allowed, I will sit,” I explained.

His eyebrow raised slightly, and his gaze shifted back to Kaven. “Aren’t you Adis’ heir? Doesn’t that make you of higher standing than him?” Harper asked, gesturing to Kaven.

His comment surprised me as much as it did Kaven. Technically, I was of higher standing, but my father had practically announced Kaven as my betrothed.

“We do things differently here, Beta Harper,” Kaven replied, his voice edged.

Harper seemed unfazed. I glanced at the two lycans with him. One of them was smirking. These lycans didn’t bend to anyone, did they? I found their attitude appealing.

“We don’t let our females control things with their emotions. Territories would crumble if females were in charge,” Kaven stated.

Harper smirked, a sexy little smirk. He chuckled, and another lycan laughed.

“So you don’t value the ones who carry life? Who continue our lines and endure so much for us? As men, the least we can do is respect females for this alone. Many females are more capable than males to lead or teach. As for emotions, it seems to me that you’re getting emotional right now about my comment. I have no shame in respecting females and their skills. In fact, we have welcomed many female vampires into our society. They are very productive and thrive well on their own with the learning provided and respect given,” Harper said.

I knew they had taken in vampires. I had heard they were allowed freedoms regardless of their sex. The way he spoke, it sounded like they were equals. What was that like? Was it really true? Did the females in his territory get to practice and learn all they wanted?

I noticed the two female servers covertly looking at Harper. They were clearly listening intently to what he was saying.

“I didn’t realize you were coming here to criticize our way of life. Do our females look oppressed to you? What makes you think you can judge us when it’s been said you breed your females quickly when they hit their heats? Especially omegas. Isn’t your luna an omega?” Kaven asked.

I quickly looked at him, then at Harper. I could see a hint of darkness in Harper’s eyes, but he remained calm when he spoke.

“Just because something isn’t visible to the naked eye, doesn’t mean it’s non-existent. Mental scars are a prime example. And let’s get one thing straight—you and I both know that we don’t breed our females in our territory. Luna Layla is Alpha Axel’s true mate. If you have any doubts or comments about that, I’ll be sure to pass them on to Alpha Axel. I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to address your concerns as soon as he’s able,” Harper stated.

His threat was loud and clear. Damn Kaven and his inflated ego. It was bound to land us in trouble. I decided to intervene and defuse the situation.

“I appreciate your understanding, Beta Harper. I understand our customs differ and I’m grateful for your patience. I want to clarify that we harbor no ill thoughts about Luna Layla. We wish nothing but happiness and good health for her, Alpha Axel, and their children. I’m comfortable standing for now,” I said, hoping to steer the conversation away from potential conflict.

Harper gave me a once-over, then turned his gaze to Kaven.

“I’ve been cooped up in a car for quite some time. Standing suits me just fine,” Harper declared, his eyes on me, blatantly ignoring Kaven.

It was as if he was flipping Kaven off without uttering a word. I was certain Harper was aware of this, and he didn’t give a damn. His stance was clear—if she’s standing, so will I. I’m secure in my masculinity and have no issues with competency.

I never thought such a veiled statement could be so appealing. I admired his backbone, his nonchalant attitude, and I could see why Axel trusted him implicitly. I hadn’t met a man who was so straightforward about women.

He remained standing, and I found myself pondering over what I knew about him. Regardless of him being a lycan, he had certainly piqued my interest. I couldn’t help but wonder how different a lycan was from a vampire in many aspects. Harper’s attractiveness wasn’t just skin deep.

Our attention was diverted as the door to the room swung open and my father walked in. Good, we could finally get down to business. Or at least, initiate the final steps to finalize our agreement.

It would be ideal to have an agreement in place in the next day or two. Despite our differing customs, our territories were once again teetering on the brink of war.