Now I have three broken ribs, an arm in a cast, and a slice in my face that is going to leave a horrifying scar. One I’ll never be able to hide.
“Aunt Ela,” I start but she held a hand up stopping me from going any further.
“Harlow, sweetheart, I know. I saw it and I wish to God I could have prevented it from happening; however, nature has to take its course in this life. That being said, I want you to hear me when I say this. Those girls will not rule over who you are to become. Let what they did be a lesson and grow. Harness that hurt and pain as you learn.”
“I don’t understand,” I whisper, in confusion.
“I know you don’t right now, Harlow, but you will. You will understand when the time is right. Now due to circumstances, your uncle and I talked about what happened. We know you don’t want to stay here anymore. I for one do not want you leaving me, you are my baby girl just as Raven is. However, we are sending you to your other uncle in Virginia. He’ll look out for you and teach you what you want to know deep down.”
Sucking in a breath, I realize what she means. They’re letting me go live with my uncle Lark and his family. My cousin, Trevor, is my age and is crazy freakishly cool. Last time I’d seen him he’d showed me some moves in self-defense that were awesome. But I was too weak to be able to take on six girls at one time.
“Thank you, Aunt Ela,” I whisper.
“You’re welcome, Harlow. Just remember this, do not let the fury of the Harpy within control who you are to become in the end. Emotions are strong even when you think they’re gone. You let it consume you and the one you’re meant to be with will have a fight on his hands fighting back the fury to get to the heart of you.”
Closing my eyes, I let my aunt’s words soak in. It’s this moment in my life that everything changes, and I decide I will never be hurt again. I will become the Harpy and release my fury on the evil that decimates this world. I didn’t care whether some man could save me or not. I did not need that in my life, besides who would want someone as hideous as myself.
Chapter One
Ranger
Six Months Ago
The first time I saw her, I knew she was meant to be mine. Didn’t know her name at first. Only that the vibrant fire blazing from her gaze drew me in. I didn’t care about the scar that marred her face, to me it made her unique.
Second time I saw her, I realized to win her over, I had a fight on my hands. Not only was this woman reclusive, barely wanting to be around anyone unless it was demanded, she was also stubborn as they come.
I’d tried to ask her out once, only to have her turn me down. I’m not the type to chase after pussy, not when I have a slew of it at my command. Clubwhores and strippers alike.
Except for one problem when it comes to those bitches, they’re not her, and it seems my cock only wants the one who’s to be mine.
It sucked when she disappeared shortly after Tinsley was hurt. I thought I’d have to get Tracker and Nerd to find her for me; however, I heard Raven mention to Victoria, Harlow decided to go on vacation. At first, I figured it would be a simple week or so away from here. Didn’t expect it to be longer. Months longer at that.
Last night, I saw her for the first time in a dance club of all places, not acting like herself. I’d been livid, confronted her and when she tried to brush me off, I did something I had never done but now get why my brothers all get pissed and cart their women off. Throwing Harlow over my shoulder, I stormed out of the club we’d been at to help ease Cara back into wanting to do something fun again after the ordeal she went through.
I’d ended up driving my truck to the club due to the cold rain we’d been having all day which worked in favor for me as Harlow had been drunk off her ass. Something that seemed alarming to me. That and the women she’d been dancing with.
Shoving her into the passenger seat, I round the truck and hop in, start the engine and floor it out of the parking lot. The entire time, I could feel Harlow fuming silently in the seat next to me as I drove home. Considering my house was in the middle of five acres of nothing but fields and tree lines, I knew once getting her there she wouldn’t be able to leave without me taking her anywhere.
At least that’s what I thought until I woke up this morning on my couch to find her gone. After we’d gotten to my house, I opened the front door and Harlow stormed past me straight to my bedroom, slammed the door, locking it. I figured I would give her the night to calm down. She was here with me and it didn’t cross my mind she’d leave without me knowing. My security system on the house being top of the line.
Stupid of me to underestimate Harlow, especially since she’s related to Raven.
Sitting in an Adirondack chair, coffee in hand, legs kicked up on the railing, I debate on how to play this with Harlow being slippery as fuck. I grasped her long enough for her to slip through my fingers not once but twice now. First time was by letting her do her thing while she got
