Chapter 3 A Car Accident

• Harper’s [POV]
• I hate the damn thing. My face burns from embarrassment. I’m tired, and this stupidly handsome Alpha is staring at me like I’m a disfigured freak.
• “What happened?” he whispers, but it’s as if he’s asking himself, not me.
• Which makes absolutely no sense.
• But my anxiety bubbles over, and I’ve had enough of the weirdness for tonight.
• “A car accident,” I say, my voice wavering. I will not cry in front of this stranger. Not after I’ve come this far. “Not that it’s your business.”
• He grows still. “A car accident,” he deadpans.
• What is going on?!
• “Yes,” I hiss. “A car accident.”
• The man is giving me the same look the receptionist gave me, one of suspicion and disbelief, and I want to tear my hair out.
• Why can’t I just go to my room? I don’t want the upgrade. I’d rather never see this Alpha again, and I’ll sleep on the loveseat for the next week if it means he will go away.
• “Alright, Harper,” he says with a sneer, and this time, he tugs my small suitcase from my hand. “I’ll show you to your room.”
• He flashes me a grin, one that doesn’t meet his eyes, and I cringe.
• Why did he say my name like that?
• But I follow him all the same, his essence of spice and rich citrus caressing my senses.
• Damn him.
• He shouldn’t smell so good. Not after the way he talked to me.
• As we make our way into the living room, I’m grateful he offered to take my suitcase. The light wood staircase that leads to the second floor is beautiful, but it would be a hassle to lug my bag up those steps.
• “Do you work here?” I blurt out, following him as he takes the stairs.
• Of course, he does! Why else would he take your bags?
• “No,” he says simply as I struggle to keep up with his pace.
• My brow furrows.
• “No?” I repeat as we reach the top of the stairs. He stops abruptly in front of me, and I lose my balance, stumbling into him.
• He turns and catches me with one arm, and I end up pressed against his chest for one terrifying moment. Embarrassment floods my cheeks as he lingers a second too long, his hand steadying me. His scent envelops me once again, and I do my best to not let it affect me.
• Contrary to what I expected, his momentary touch is welcomed, even comforting.
• It doesn’t make me instantly recoil, like when he touched me.
• But the shame does, and I quickly snap out of my stupor.
• “Sorry,” I mutter, staring at his massive chest, which must be nothing but hard muscle. I wonder if he’s just as sculpted underneath…
• I’m exhausted, and my brain is haywire.
• The Alpha looks down at me as if he read my mind, and his crooked grin returns.
• “You should watch your step,” he chides, amused. “Are you always this clumsy, Harper?”
• But before I can answer, he walks away with my suitcase and I’m left trailing after him.
• “Why do you say my name like that?” I mutter, hurrying to keep up with him. He takes a quick left down a hallway, then up two more flights of narrow stairs, and I almost get lost trying to keep up.
• He doesn’t reply, and I busy myself with taking in my surroundings, doing my best to ignore his tantalizing scent.
• Brass sconces light the cream-colored walls, and I catch my reflection in the silver antique mirrors.
• I look worse than I thought and I’m underdressed. The oversized sweatshirt and light baggy jeans clash with the elegance of the mansion.
• Perhaps that’s why the receptionist looked at me funny.
• And maybe that’s why the Alpha is glancing at me with a frown. He’s stopped in front of a white door with a brass handle, his attention entirely focused on me.
• “To answer your question from earlier,” he says, “I don’t work here. I own this place.”
• Oh.
• Interesting.
• “Well, thank you for the upgrade,” I say awkwardly. “You didn’t have to do that.”
• There’s something still off about the way he’s looking at me, and I don’t think it has to do with my scar.
• He pulls a key out of his pocket and hands it to me. Our fingers brush for a moment, his cool hand against mine, and my heart thuds in my chest.
• I clear my throat, hide my reaction, and examine the key. It’s intricate, with a unique design, that matches the lock on the door.
• “Thank you,” I murmur, but he continues to stand there. I can feel his eyes watching me and it takes all my willpower not to snap at him.
• Just go away, please. I’ve had enough of crazy men for the rest of my life.
• But before I can open the door, something gently rustles around my calves.
• “Mrow.”
• I look down to see a furry black creature circle me and then plop down on my sneakers. The cat is well-fed, and his round face gazes up at me, green eyes bright with interest. He sports a white mustache, giving him a regal look.
• He yawns, showing off glorious fangs and a tiny pink tongue.
• “That’s Wilson,” the Alpha confirms, and a low purr sounds from the feline’s chest. “He’s around here a lot.”
• “Hi Wilson,” I say softly, then shuffle my feet so he moves off me. He takes the hint, but merely plops inches from my sneakers on the wooden floor.
• “I’m allergic,” I murmur as Wilson rolls onto his back, exposing a glorious rotund stomach. “But I think it will be fine.”
• “Allergic?” he repeats, frowning. He tilts his head, and his icy eyes regard me curiously. “You’re allergic to cats?”
• Why is everything I say so difficult to comprehend?
• “Yes,” I confirm, turning the key but struggling with the lock.
• I just want this night to be over.
• Wilson blinks up at me, watching intently as the damn key won’t budge.
• My face flames as the Alpha leans over me, his hand covering mine. “Like this,” he murmurs, his voice inches from my ear. “It hasn’t been used in a while, so it might get stuck. You need to work it just right, so it opens.”
• Okay.
• It’s time for this guy to leave because my reaction to his words is embarrassing.
• Thank God I’m not an Omega because he would scent just how affected I am by him, regardless of how strange he is.
• Together, we open the door, my face still burning.
• But that embarrassment fades away as soon as I see where I’m staying.
• This room wasn’t even on their website.
• I take a step inside and my breath catches.