Chapter 1

~ Harper's POV~

My eyes shot open, and I jerked straight up. Fear gripped me as memories of last night slowly trickled back into my mind. I screamed as it felt like my soul was leaving my body. It was so long and hard with a force that made my lungs burn. I didn’t care to control the tears streaming down my face as my wailing continued to fill the dark space around me. Images flashed through my mind. My mother and my father, both gone. My cries pleading for mercy fell on deaf ears and hardened hearts.

The sad eyes of my parents staring at me will forever remain a painful branded memory in my mind. The pain of brutal happenings from last night reminded me of why I was here, wherever here is. The hollow feeling where my heart once beat was a constant reminder of how alone I am. There are no words to describe the man responsible for my heartache. He took my life from me in the most gruesome and sadistic way imaginable.  A cold chill rolled over my bare chest and arms causing goosebumps to rise all over my body. I lifted my hands to wipe my eyes. The light of the moon was shining through a window too small for me to fit through. I’m in what looked like a prison cell. The shine of the moonlight reflected off thick metal bars to my left. The walls were gray, built from concrete or blocks. Cracks lined the walls, spreading in all different directions. A dank smell that reminded me of mildew made the air thick and stuffy. All I could hear was the sound of water dripping. It could drive the sanest person mad as the sound was seeming to grow louder with the never-ending echo.

I lifted my legs to sit up from my position. I slid my feet off what looked like a cot style bed, hard with no covers. Cold and heavy clinking sounded throughout the room, a harsh realization that I had shackles on my ankles. I felt a burn on my bottom lip. I licked it realizing I had a cut. Most likely that was from Alpha Thane striking my face when I refused to be his mate. Looking at my hands they were dirty. My clothes were torn to the point of almost falling off my body.

I cried for what seemed like hours on end. My emotions turned numb, and I felt nothing until a loud squeaking rang throughout the empty space around me. My adrenalin spiked! There’s no doubt, it’s a metal door being forced open. A sharp pain filled my head as the horrible sound of metal on metal echoed off the stone walls. I flinched, attempting to cover my ears as best as I could. I stood up quickly. My heartbeat pulsed throughout my entire body. I took a deep breath, attempting to calm my nerves. It was the first sign I had had of not being completely alone here. I angled my head to look toward the footsteps headed my way. A lady who looked to be a servant smiled gently at me and slid a tray of food through an opening I could only assume was used for that purpose. She turned to walk away.

“WAIT!” I yelled. The lady stopped walking and turned to look at me. “What is going to happen to me?” The lady had sadness in her eyes.

“Alpha will see you shortly” then she turned and continued toward the exit. The metal door squeaked once more and latched closed. I thought about eating but my appetite wasn’t there. How could I eat right now? Maybe I can starve myself. Death is a welcome thought for me, as I can’t imagine my life being happy ever again.

I don’t remember falling asleep, but it must have been early morning. I could tell only because the sun gave little hints with bright rays illuminating different parts of my prison cell. When I stood on the tips of my toes, I could see out the narrow window. Mist was rising into the air, another sign that it is certainly early morning. I was awake staring at the ceiling when I heard muffled talking. I recognized the squeak from the metal door. Realizing someone was coming my way caused me to shiver. I knew this was a man, his steps were much louder than the lady who was in here last. It must be him. Deciding I was not going to cower to this monster I stood up straight and prepared to meet my capture head on. Anger rose in my chest as his voice got louder.

Finally, three men appeared before me. Two guards, and him. The first thing I always see when I am staring at the devil himself is his eyes. They were menacing deep and dark red. Pure evil radiated from this man. He was tall, around 6’1. Light brown hair that was not long and not too short. An angry scar ran diagonally from the corner of his eye through his brow. The color already faded to a lighter version of his tan skin color, that injury happened a while ago. His body was built like an Alpha should be. Strong and chiseled with arms that threatened to tear his tight fitted tee shirt. If he were anyone else, I would find him attractive. He stood tall with ruthless authority. This man ruled with fear. I wasn’t going to give him the pleasure of seeing me scared of him. I didn’t take my eyes off him, if looks could kill he would be dead right now. I straightened my shoulders and stood as tall as I could.

“Harper, you look beautiful as ever. The look of captivity suits you.”

His voice is low and seductive.

“What do you want with me, Alpha Thane?”

I spat the words out. His menacing smile curled over his white teeth. It is a terrible thing, how such a handsome man can be the devil reincarnated.

“It is no secret; I want you as my mate.”

“WHY ME… WHY DID YOU PICK ME?” I raised my voice and yelled at him

Tears swelled in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall in front of him. “Why couldn’t you pick someone as cruel as you?” Alpha Thane stepped to the side instructing one of the guards to unlock my cell door. More clinking sounds echoed off the walls as the cell door slid open. Alpha Thane walked in, stopping in front of me.

I could feel his breath on my forehead. My body wanted to move away from him, but I forced myself to stand as tall and as confident as I possibly could. He was much taller than me. I was only 5’3 in height. I looked up at him. Our eyes locked. A low growl rumbled deep in his chest as he brought his mouth closer to my ear. His breath hot on my neck, caused my body to shiver. With a low but intimidating voice, he answered my question

“I want you because you're good.” I took advantage of his proximity to me and slapped him across the face. It didn’t faze him. With a look of pure excitement his eyes fell dark and a nasty smirk curled over his teeth. “You’re going to be fun.” He rolled his fingers softly over my abdomen as he turned to exit the cell. He turned and looked at me once more. “Your 18th birthday is only a few moons away. I will make you my mate that night, and I look forward to claiming all of you.” He turned to the guards, “take her to her room and lock her in. make sure she is comfortable and feed her.”