Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Harley's POV

Harley.

I heard the name echo through my mind. That voice wasn't from my wolf.

My eyes snapped open to darkness. I blinked a few times, trying to clear my vision, but I was still met with the same heavy blackness.

My heart began to pound as my brows furrowed in confusion. I closed my eyes again—keeping them open felt harder than staring into the darkness behind my lids.

A dull pain throbbed in my head as I struggled to piece together what had happened.

Then, memories crashed into me.

This place didn't smell like the woods.

The vampire who had been chasing me—she didn't kill me.

Oh, fuck.

I felt dizzy as I tried to stand, but then I heard a voice.

"You can't escape," a soft, gentle voice spoke.

My heart sank.

Slowly, I turned my head. I heard the woman's footsteps just before the room was lit by a small candle. With that single flicker of light, the darkness finally eased.

My heartbeat slowed, and I glanced around. I couldn't tell where I was, but I spotted a small table and a chair not far from where I sat.

I tried to convince myself none of this was real. That my family wasn't dead. That I'd wake up soon and be surrounded by them again.

Karen is not dead.

"Are you alright?" the woman asked, holding the candle. She had long red hair and pale skin.

"Should I be?"

Should I be alright when I know nothing about my family? If they're okay? If they're even—

No.

No.

I refuse to believe what my mind is trying to make me believe.

Silence stretched between us.

How much time had passed? I tried to recall what happened when the vampire attacked me, but everything was blank.

What if my family is fine, and I was just kidnapped by this woman?

What if she's the vampire who tried to kill me?

At the thought, my eyes widened.

If she really was the vampire, then I needed to act fast. I had my wolf. I didn't need to be afraid anymore.

"Who are you?" I asked, glancing around. "And where am I?"

The woman shifted closer. "I'm Vivian. And we're on a ship."

"A ship?"

"You look just like anyone would imagine the Moon Goddess to be. If it weren't for the rumors, I'd think you were her," she said gently touching my hair.

Wait—

A ship?

No... No... No.

I looked around again, my eyes settling on a small curtain near the window. Then to the candle still in Vivian's hand.

"Why am I here?"

If she was the vampire who tried to kill me, why wasn't I restrained? Why had I been lying on a soft blanket instead?

Silence.

"You... you tried to kill me."

"That one is dead. But Vivian did try to kill you in your sleep when she found out you were a wolf," another voice interrupted—a voice too familiar.

Shivers lined my skin. My eyes widened as I slowly turned to face the figure now standing in front of me.

A steel mask covered his face. He was dressed all in black.

At the sight of him, hidden memories came rushing back. He had rescued me—after killing the female vampire. Then he knocked me unconscious.

The cursed vampire.

He stood too close, watching me.

I brought my hand to my chest and tried to speak, but the words wouldn't form.

Tears blurred my vision as the truth sank in.

My family really was dead.

The vampires had killed them.

"You," I croaked out.

"That's not the kind of reaction I expected from you," he said.

His words hit me, and I realized he was right. I jumped to my feet, but before I could act, he caught my hands and pinned me against the wall.

"You seem angry with me."

"Why am I here?" I demanded. "Are you going to kidnap and kill me like you did the rest of my pack?"

"I saved your life."

"You fucking bastard!"

"You shouldn't say that," Vivian said from her seat. "My cousin will kill you."

Rhain's eyes moved to her, but he said nothing.

"And to answer your question," Vivian added, "Rhain thinks you're the one."

"What?"

"Vivian," Rhain's voice was sharp. "Leave us."

"Brother—"

"Now."

Vivian stood slowly, placed the candle on the table, and walked away.

Rhain turned his full attention to me. His touch sent another wave of shivers down my spine.

"Let go of me."

"I don't think so, pet," he replied.

"Pet?" I scoffed at the nickname.

With his hand still gripping my wrist, I tried pulling away, but he was too strong.

"I can't hurt you. You're the King of Vampires."

I stared at the mask, wondering what kind of face was hidden behind it. Had the curse eaten away his flesh, leaving only bones behind?

"Sit," he said, nodding toward the bench. "Let me tell you a story—how it all began."