28: When It All Goes To Hell

HARPER

“Harper, I need you and Grace to meet with Kane and Jasper. They’re asking for our help with their research. I’ve offered Grace’s assistance. Can you two handle this?” Axel asked.

I could tell he was trying to keep things under control, especially with the recent tension between Sierra and me.

“Sure,” Grace replied, understanding that now wasn’t the time to question Axel’s decisions. We were the pack’s leaders, and we knew what was expected of us when things got messy.

The situation with Sierra and me was about to explode, and I was grateful that Axel was handling it without involving Sierra.

“Let me take care of the hospital needs today. I might be a new mom, but I’m not suddenly incapable,” Layla said, turning to leave with Grace.

Axel watched her go but didn’t say anything. He might not have liked the idea of her running around, but with Grace and me leaving, someone needed to take charge of our medical facility.

Usually, that was Grace and me, but Axel was too busy to handle it.

“Do you need extra security?” Axel asked me.

I shook my head. The faster I could travel, the better.

“We’re on good terms with them. I just need to reassure them that we’re on the same side. It’s just a few hours’ drive. I can handle myself,” I assured him, trying to lighten the mood with a smile.

“What if they see you leave? Kaven is very vindictive. He didn’t want my father to agree to terms with you at all,” Sierra said, her voice filled with concern.

I moved closer to her, leaning down to kiss her softly.

“We’ve dealt with leaders pulling their support before. We know what to do. Just help Axel create some confusion in the Red Coven, and I’ll secure the support we need at the border,” I told her.

I glanced at Axel, who was wearing a half-smile.

“Who’s whipped now?” Axel teased.

I shrugged.

“I wasn’t the one complaining about it,” I retorted, not regretting my words.

“Harper,” Axel called out as I turned to leave.

I looked back at him.

“Be quick. If they follow through with their threats, you’re a prime target. I want you back here before nightfall. Understood?” Axel ordered.

“Understood,” I replied, nodding.

I didn’t want to be out when the vampires were at their strongest. I knew I was a target. I was sure I was about to be labeled a kidnapper, a beast who stole the Lady of Red Coven.

It would be smart of Kaven to spin the story that way to turn the Red Coven against us.

I met Grace in the hallway as she descended the stairs. I imagined Layla was now in the nursery, a computer on her lap and a phone in her hand, working away.

She and Axel were a perfect match.

“Ready?” I asked, heading toward the door.

Grace nodded curtly. “Yeah, I have no idea what Axel promised them, but let’s do this,” she said.

I smiled at her, and we headed out. The sky was a gloomy gray, threatening rain.

I was just glad we had gotten Sierra some daytime clothes for vampires since it was still early for her.

I knew where we were going, but I put in the coordinates Axel had given me anyway. We were meeting Kane and probably Jasper.

I drove quickly out of our territory, knowing it would be a couple of hours before we arrived. My mind was filled with thoughts.

“Look at you, Harper. Finally the one to piss off another territory and start a fight. Not Axel this time,” Grace teased, and I chuckled.

“Yeah, I guess it was bound to happen sometime,” I replied.

“You know, I always thought you’d end up with some Amazonian woman,” Grace said, glancing at me.

I shrugged. “Nah, not my type. I like strong women, just not ones who yell at me all the time,” I said, and Grace laughed.

“Yeah, I can see you crying in a corner,” Grace joked.

“I like Sierra, though. Wasn’t sure at first, since she’s a vampire. You two are bonded? She didn’t get cold feet?” Grace asked.

“No, we’re bonded. I just don’t like the idea of our potential children being used as bargaining chips,” I admitted.

The thought of our daughter being seen as less valuable than a son bothered me. But vampires didn’t see things the same way.

“Yeah, that’s messed up,” Grace agreed, shaking her head.

I nodded. We had a long drive ahead, and if my sister was going to ask personal questions, she was going to get some in return.

“So, what about you? You’re always telling me to settle down. Where’s your Mr. Right?” I asked, turning the tables on her.

Grace gave me a look. “Nowhere, and he can stay there. I like my independence,” she said, huffing.

I laughed. “Sure, Grace. I know you want a man to spoil you. I know your type,” I teased.

Grace shrugged. “So what if I like to be spoiled a little,” she admitted with a smile.

Then she sighed. “I think we both know what our wolf wants. Its true mate. That’s why I don’t date. Besides, most men can’t handle a woman who’s smarter than them. They want me to shut up, wear dresses, and hang on their arm,” Grace confided.

“Not all men are like that,” I told her. “I’m not.”

“You’re one in a million, Harper. The best brother a girl could ask for. But don’t worry. Maybe one day Mr. Right will walk through the door,” Grace said.

I thought about that and frowned. Maybe she should just stay single. In my opinion, no one was good enough for Grace anyway.

We were driving quickly through the forest. We were about halfway to our destination, the southern part of the fae territory.

In about twenty minutes, we would reach the gated section and enter the fae territory fully. This area was a bit of a no man’s land, but still owned by the fae.

The road was untamed, and the left turn we were about to take would lead us toward the mountains. That’s why we had to approach from the south.

Our plan was to rendezvous with Jasper at the gated crossing and then make our way into the city together.

“You know, I think…,” I began, turning my head to glance at Grace.

She was already looking at me. But I didn’t get to finish my thought. We were passing a side road and it was almost too late when I spotted the headlights.

Instinctively, I jerked the wheel as a much larger vehicle barreled into ours.

For a moment, everything was chaos. The harsh sound of metal on metal filled the air as the larger car hit us from behind, sending us into a spin. My head collided with the window.

I heard Grace’s terrified cry. Then we were tumbling down a hillside, crashing through trees. Our car was a whirlwind of flying objects as we rolled.

I lost consciousness, but not before a chilling thought crossed my mind. This could be the end. Grace and I might end up wrapped around a tree, lights out for both of us.

We were powerful beings, but even we had limits. I didn’t know if we had just reached ours.