Chapter 3

 Oliver's POV

Over the past couple of days since I brought Harper to my home, I had endured endless scrutiny from some of my pack members who had caught wind of her presence. Their curious glances and whispered judgments lingered wherever I went. 

"How is she doing?" Matt, my closest friend and future beta, asked casually, though his smirk betrayed his genuine interest.

"Who are you talking about?" I replied, feigning ignorance, even as unease settled in my chest.

"Ahhh!" Matt exclaimed, throwing an arm around my neck as we walked back toward the house after a quick swim in the lake. His carefree demeanor clashed with the tension I felt brewing inside. 

"Do you really want to play that game now? Even though I haven’t seen her, I know you’ve got someone in there." He gestured toward my house, his teasing tone grating against my nerves. 

I sighed, my irritation bubbling to the surface. "Alright, fine. I may be living with Harper at the moment, but that doesn’t mean she’s my girlfriend or mate," I clarified, my voice stiff as I shuddered at the mere idea. The word "mate" burned like acid on my tongue, a sharp reminder of past betrayals. 

"Uwww! So that’s her name?" Matt asked, grinning like a Cheshire cat, his amusement only fueling my frustration.

"Are you even listening?" I shot back, my patience wearing thin.

"Of course I am," he said, his tone light. "But I’m curious: why is she still with you?" 

I hesitated, torn between honesty and pride. The truth felt too vulnerable to admit. "She… she needs tending to until she’s strong enough to continue her journey," I said at last, masking the tug of protectiveness I felt toward Harper. 

Matt arched a brow, unconvinced. "And when do you think she’ll be strong enough to leave?"

I opened my mouth to reply but faltered. The truth? I didn’t know. Something deeper kept me tethered to her presence. Thankfully, Matt continued, sparing me the need to answer.

"Now that’s a pathetic excuse. But you and I both know that’s not the real reason. So, start talking." 

Caught, I sighed deeply. "Fine, you got me," I admitted, my words heavy with resignation. "I feel like I’m attracted to her."

"You feel?" Matt’s eyes lit up with mischief. 

"Okay, I am attracted to her," I confessed, my voice laced with both defiance and vulnerability.

"And what have you done about it?" he pressed.

"Nothing," I said curtly.

Matt gaped at me like I’d grown a second head. "Are you crazy? She could be your mate."

"I’m not looking for a mate, remember?" I snapped, my anger flaring. The very thought churned up memories I’d rather bury. 

"Still hung up on that bullshit, huh?" Matt retorted, shaking his head. 

"Call it whatever you want, but that’s my decision. If I have anything to do with her, it’ll be for pleasure, not some fantasy of a destined mate," I declared, my tone sharp enough to cut.

Matt raised his hands in mock surrender. "Suit yourself, man."

As we approached our homes, I offered Matt a terse goodnight before heading inside. My heart felt heavier with every step, confusion and longing warring within me. 

"Harper?" I called as I climbed the stairs. Silence greeted me, stirring unease. Frowning, I detoured to the guest room opposite mine. 

A soft knock on the door went unanswered. Anxiety prickled at my skin as I pushed the door open. The sound of running water from the adjoining bathroom calmed me slightly, but curiosity stirred in its place. 

I should’ve left. I should’ve walked away. But something rooted me in place, a force beyond reason. I imagined her on the other side of the door, vulnerable and unguarded. My pulse quickened, my wolf stirring restlessly. 

Before I could retreat, the bathroom door creaked open, and Harper emerged. 

"Oliver?" she said, her voice startled yet soft. 

Time seemed to slow as my gaze fell on her. Her damp hair clung to her face, her skin glistening with droplets of water. The towel wrapped around her was modest, yet it did little to shield the curves that had haunted my thoughts. 

Desire roared to life within me, scorching and relentless. My breath hitched as I closed the distance between us, drawn like a moth to flame. Her wide eyes mirrored my intensity, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

"Oliver…" she whispered again, her voice trembling.

I reached for her hand, the one clutching the hem of her towel. Her resistance was brief, her strength faltering under my gaze. With a gentle tug, the towel slipped from her grasp, pooling at her feet.

Time stood still as I took in the sight before me. Harper’s beauty was raw, unfiltered, and it unraveled something primal within me. She moved to cover herself, but I caught her hands, my voice low and reverent.

"You’re so beautiful, Harper. You don’t need to hide from me."

Her lips parted, and before she could respond, I claimed them in a kiss that was slow and deliberate, pouring every ounce of longing I’d suppressed into that moment. Her hesitation melted as she leaned into me, her arms snaking around my neck.

"Come to bed with me," I murmured against her lips, lifting her effortlessly and laying her down. 

Every touch, every kiss, sent shivers coursing through me. When her hands tugged at my clothes, I chuckled softly, discarding them with a swiftness that left her breathless. 

"Harper," I began, my voice husky with restraint. 

"Shhh," she whispered, her finger pressing against my lips. Her eyes, dark with desire, locked onto mine. "I’m yours tonight. Let’s finish this."

Her words broke the last of my control. As I moved above her, our bodies joined, and it was as if the world ceased to exist. Each gasp, each sigh, tethered me closer to her, an unspoken bond forming in the haze of our passion.

But then it happened. A word I’d long despised echoed in my mind, carried by my wolf’s unmistakable voice.

Mine.

Panic seized me as Harper’s eyes flew open, her shock reflecting my own. I couldn’t stop it—the bond had been sealed. And though my release brought physical relief, the weight of what had just occurred crashed down on me.

What had I done?