Eye Spy 

Catching her bottom lip between her teeth Harper glanced over her shoulder for any sign of pedestrians before she gripped the metal bars with both hands. Huffing out a breath she mustered all her strength and very slowly pulled herself off the ground. Gritting her teeth she ignored the aching in her triceps and continued to pull herself up as her legs kicked wildly in the hopes of getting her further over the metal gates.

"I really need to hit the gym." She grunted. Squeezing her eyes shut she pressed both feet against the iron gates and leapt forward. Not anticipating to get far with the leap Harper didn't prepare herself to actually get across on the first try. Her eyes widened into saucers as she felt her body tumble over the gate like a sack of potatoes. With a thud she landed face first into the perfectly mowed lawn.

"Fück, that hurt." Harper mumbled as she sat up.

Rubbing at the dull ache in her chest Harper stood wondering when she would be able to breathe normally again. Since Kiev had gone all ape shít on her five days ago her chest would hurt and sometimes like now breathing would be much more difficult than it should be. Kiev offered to heal her claiming that would be the only way she'd feel better but she wasn't ready for that level of intimacy with him. If she was being honest a part of her still feared him, the part of her that couldn't forget the bottomless pits that were his eyes. She didn't tell him as much but she was sure Kiev knew why she continued to turn him away and he hasn't pushed her on the matter. He shows up, reaches for her only to have her shrug his touch away and remains in her apartment watching as she pretends to keep busy. He wouldn't say a word, wouldn't move from whatever seat he's taken. He would just sit in complete silence and watch her with a closed off expression. It was strange and part of her wondered if this was some sort of trick or if he was genuinely sorry for what he did.

Focus Harper! Shaking all thoughts of Kiev away Harper turned back to the task at hand, sneaking into her father's house.

Shoving her hand in her back pocket she switched her phone to silent and slid it back in place. She watched enough moves to know that your phone was your enemy when you're trying to sneak in anywhere and she did not want to get caught, especially since this wasn't a social visit. At the reminder Harper pulled the small tracker from the front pocket of her jeans. If things didn't go as she hoped they would with Olivia she would have to place a bug on her sister. It was a last resort but she didn't have much choice. The lockdown was called off three days ago and she still hadn't heard a word from Olivia.

  In a desperate attempt to receive a response Harper asked to meet her about the 'pest' problem she had. Olivia didn't reply, not a single word. Harper didn't know why but the way her sister ignored her recently gave her a feeling something was not right. So here she was sneaking into her childhood home at nine thirty in the morning on a Saturday morning.

Returning the small bug back into her pocket she sprinted across the grass and not the walkway as a small 'fück you' to her father. Reaching the left wing of the luxurious one family home Harper pressed herself against the brick wall and walked to the back where Olivia's room was. Glancing up at the column that stood a bit to the left of Olivia's bedroom window Harper groaned.

"I should have brought a ladder." She mumbled miserably and hugged the pillar.

Recalling her training days as a huntress she wrapped her legs around the pillar and with her arms jerked forward. After an agonizing five minutes Harper had finally reached the top, her arms ached, her thighs throbbed and she was sure she tore her jeans from behind but she had made it. With a deep breath she swung forward and gripped the edge of the windowsill. Releasing her hold on the pillar she swung her body towards the window only to feel her body drop slightly.

"Holy..." she bit a curse back as her gaze dropped to the ground below.

Regretting her decision to sneak in Harper took a few calming breaths and pulled her dangling body up. Using her legs to relieve some of the stress from her arms she found herself half standing, half hanging off the edge of the window when said window opened.

Ignoring the startled gasp Harper jerked forward causing herself to tumble ungracefully onto the blue carpet floor. With a groan she turned to lay on her back wondering when climbing had gotten so difficult for her. When your ass grew and all you did was eat sweets and never work out, a voice sneered.

"What are you doing here Harper?"

Blinking at Olivia standing above her Harper sighed and took a moment to relax as that ache in her chest started again. She really needed to see a doctor about that. Sitting up she rubbed at her chest as Olivia assisted her onto her bed.

"Oh you know just dropping by, literally." Harper laughed.

Olivia's brows knitted together "You could have called."

Dropping her hand Harper arched a brow. "I did, for the past week that's all I've been doing and you haven't responded."

"Oh." She averted her gaze, an action Harper hadn't missed. "Dad confiscated my phone."

"As a part of lockdown protocol?"

Her head snapped up, her face draining of all color "How do you know about the lockdown?"

That same voice that convinced her to sneak into the house was screaming like a banshee in her head. Narrowing her eyes Harper found the guilty expression on her sister's face suspicious only convincing her that perhaps she needed to keep a closer eye on her half sister.

"It doesn't matter how I know. What matters is why have you been ignoring me?"

Clearing her throats Olivia turned towards the dresser and only then did Harper notice she was tightly wrapped in a bathrobe. But from beneath the plush pink fabric Harper spotted denim. The huntress within her perked, joining sides with the voice that continued to argue something fishy was going on and at the moment Harper didn't disagree.

With her back to Harper Olivia responded in a shaky voice. "It's been busy around here and I just haven't had time to check in with you."

Shifting on the comforter Harper noticed the bed was made- scratch that the bed was wrinkle free and cool to the touch. Olivia hadn't spent the night in her own bed. Hardening her resolve Harper realized her sister might not be the good girl she thought she was.

"Well I came by so we could talk."

Grabbing a brush from on top of the dresser she started to brush her shoulder length chestnut colored hair as she turned to face her with a shaky smile on her lips. "About what?" She knows what.

"About your connection to Kiev."

Olivia's hand stilled, her soft brown eyes filling with shock at Harper's carelessness. She knew she shouldn't say the demon prince/ should be King's name so freely but she couldn't help it. She wanted to see Olivia's reaction and the startled look spoke volumes. Sitting forward Harper narrowed her gaze at her younger sister as she composed her features once more.

"I want to know everything about that night Olivia."

Dropping her gaze she continued to brush her hair. "I told you already, he started dancing with me and before I knew it we were upstairs and he pulled out the contract."

"Do you know how demon contracts work?" Harper asked watching her shoulders stiffen as she stood up off the bed. Closing the distance between them Harper noted the way she angled her body away from her.  "You need to sign with your blood so that its binding. Did you sign with your blood Olivia?"

Nodding she walked towards the mirror with the brush in hand. "Of course I did."

  This signature is in ink, as in pen ink. Elena's words echoed in her head as she recalled to faint black ink on the contract. That was the first lie her sister has told. Biting back a snarky retort Harper continued, she wanted to see how deep the lies went.

"Okay and what happened afterwards?" Harper asked, recalling the bands that wrapped around her body.

"There was this light and next thing I know he's on top of me."

Lie number two.

"Kiev?"

"Yeah." Olivia finally turned to face her, her eyes filling with tears. "He said he was going to get some either way and before I could fight him off he was pushing me onto the couch crawling on top of me but then you came." She smiled as a lone tear trickled down her cheek.

  Balling her fists at her sides Harper felt her frustration as she recalled Olivia wasn't on any couch when she saved her, in fact her sister was hanging in mid air with almost no sign of a struggle other then the cut on her lip. Her story was changing or perhaps she couldn't reminder that night? Then why not just admit she isn't sure? Why continue this charade?

"Did he say anything to you? Maybe explain why he picked you?"

  Shrugging she wiped the tear from her cheek as the others completely disappeared from sight. "He just said he thought I was pretty and he wanted a bit of privacy."

  Images of Kiev whispering in her sister's ear flashed through Harper's mind, of his large hands on her waist as he ushered her up the stairs. His green eyes twinkling with mischief as he finally had her alone. His full lips pressing against her skin as his skillful hands slid across her thighs in search for her most womanly area. Despite her best efforts Harper couldn't ignore the pang of jealousy she felt as she thought of Kiev's hands roaming Olivia's body. She knew she shouldn't be feeling this way about Kiev especially since he was forbidden fruit and dangerous but it seemed like the green eyed monster didn't know that.

  Heat filled her cheeks at her wayward thoughts and she found herself growing frustrated with herself. Ignoring her last thought she tried to concentrate on Olivia.

"Do you know who he is?"

"A demon." She laughed and sent her a 'you okay' look.

"I meant who exactly he is."

  Shaking her head she walked across the spacious room and grabbed a small towel. "Does it really matter?"

To me and the rest of the Hunter leaders, yes! Yes it fücking matters?!

"He's a prince Olivia. That means I'm facing a demon prince who I have no idea what he wants with me."

  Without missing a step Olivia pulled open a drawer and pulled out a floral sundress, her expression more or less bored as if Harper was explaining a math problem. Her frustration twisted into anger at her lack of concern for her or the position she was in because of her carelessness. Or has she forgotten that this whole demon deal was her fault!

  Oblivious to Harper's thinning patience Olivia padded across the carpeted floor towards a row of shoes and pulled out a pair of pink flats. "I don't know what to say Harper, I made a mistake and I hope you can forgive me." She said in a voice void of any genuine sincerity.

"You could be a bit more grateful since I saved your sorry ass from a deal you never really signed." Harper spat darkly. "We are Hunters or have you forgotten that? Any interaction with demons especially a prince is punishable by death, Olivia. Don't you care at all?"

   Twisting around Harper could see the guilt shining in her eyes but refused to fall for that puppy dog eyes. Her life was on the line here and with the latest attack on the Hunters base someone would be sniffing around her and discover the deal. Too much was at stake for her to cut Olivia any more slack.

"I'm sorry Harper, really I am. I wish I could help you but I don't know anything that could help you." Sighing she ran a hand through her short locks. "There's this event I have to get ready for but please don't be too mad at me, I really don't know anything else."

   Squeezing her eyes shut against the tears prickling her vision Harper nodded. "It's fine Liv. Go get ready for the event, I'll leave the way I came."

"Thank you Harper."

  Olivia's small arms circled her waist for a brief hug before she walked towards the bathroom. Harper slowly crept towards the window before slamming it shut to make it appear as if she had left. Holding her breath Harper listened carefully as the sound of clothing hit the tiled ground before the shower switched on. Seizing the opportunity Harper rushed towards Olivia's shoes to attack the tiny circular tracker when she spotted a familiar pink bedazzled case.

Lie number three.

Picking up Olivia's phone Harper pulled the case off and carefully placed the sticky side against the inside the case. Crossing her fingers she slid the gem adjourned case back in place and nearly laughed when the tracker didn't move or drop. With a sigh of relief she turned the phone over and punched in the six digit password and proceeded to step two.

Pausing she listened for the shower and was pleased to hear the soft singing along with the steady sprays. Returning her attention back to the phone Harper downloaded a gps app for tracking a phone number. In seconds she had the app fully downloaded and hidden amongst a few apps she was sure Olivia only downloaded for show, most likely for her father's sake.

Satisfied with where she hid the app Harper returned the phone back in its exact position and started toward the window. Gripping both sides she stared down at the two story drop and groaned. Reluctantly she wrapped both arms around the column from earlier and swung her legs forward before wrapping them around the smooth pillar. Slowly she slid down the pillar ignoring the burning of her thighs.

Note to self never do this again.

When her sneaker clad feet touched the grassy ground Harper sighed in relief, that was one obstacle down. Scanning the area for any signs of her father or any other person Harper sprinted across the grass purposely hoping to destroy her father's precious lawn. When she arrived by the iron gates she huffed out in annoyance before gripping the bars and once more struggled to climb across. It took longer than before due to the fact that she was physically exhausted but after two failed attempts she finally made it to the top. Swinging both legs over Harper took a moment to catch her breath when she heard someone call her name.

Startled Harper released her hold on the gate and made the mistake of glancing down toward the voice. Losing her balance she wobbled backwards before trying to catch herself when suddenly her body shifted forward. With a yelp she fell, crashing face first into the ground. Moaning in pain she rolled onto her back, her eyes shut in pain.

"Are you out of your fücking mind?"

  Propping herself on both elbows she tilted her head up, squinting against the glare of the sun as Elena bent down and grabbed her by the shoulders. Mumbling her thanks Harper leaned against the gate, her right hand pressed against the pain in her chest. The hallow area in her chest made calming her uneven breathing difficult.

"What are you doing here?"

  Blinking, it took Harper a moment to understand what Elena meant. Maybe she fell harder then she thought? Shaking her head in an attempt to clear her foggy mind she turned to find the short woman glaring, her arms crossed over her chest.

"Umm..." For a moment she thought about lying but decided against it. Elena already found her as she was sneaking out of the house. "I was sort of sneaking out of the house." She replied timidly.

"You what?!"

Raising her hands up Harper backed the woman so they were under the shadow of the tree and spared a quick glance over her shoulder before turning back to face a furious Elena. "It's not what you're thinking."

"I think you're sneaking around a Hunter home after there was a very serious security breech."

"Well yes, but it's for a good reason."

Setting her with a deadpan expression Elena jolted her chin up. "And that would be?"

Harper tried to phrase what she was doing as lightly as possible and found there was no other way to around the truth. "I chipped Olivia."

Wincing Harper watched as Elena dropped her arms from her chest and stomped forward forcing Harper to step out of the shadows. Although she was only five two Elena was terrifying when she was angry, her features twisting her youthful face into something horrific. Her small fists were clenched at her sides, a small gust of wind circling her petite figure and reminding Harper that Elena is a witch.

"Did it not occur to you that spying on Olivia would not seem suspicious to anyone? Or if Olivia or Merlin forbid your father discovered the tracker and traced it back to you?"

"They can't trace it back to me." Harper shot back feeling a twinge of regret after Elena's comment. "It's a Hunters' tracker." One she had stolen when she left the business as well as a few other trinkets but she wasn't going to add that minor detail to Elena. She didn't think the witch would be able to handle any more stupid actions, not with the large green vein pulsing at her temple.

"With your fingerprints all over it." She hissed, her hands raising. "Oh I could just strangle you for being so fücking reckless."

Sinking her teeth into her bottom lip Harper turned towards her former home with a new sense of feelings towards what she had done. She hadn't thought about being caught by her father or the other Hunters, she had considered Olivia would discover she had been spying on her and be pissed. Naturally Harper would play the guilt card and slip out of that situation but that wouldn't work for her father or any of the leaders. Crap on a cracker. Gnawing her bottom lip Harper realized her plan had some major flaws which she hadn't even thought of. Well honestly she had thought the plan was pretty decent when it had crossed her mind while she was in the shower this morning, it seemed simple. Get in, place the tracker, leave. Simple. Now she realized that the plan wasn't fully thought out, okay maybe she didn't think past place the tracker on her phone.

"I just needed to know the truth. Olivia is lying and I want to know what she's lying about and why."

Huffing out a breath Elena lowered her balled fists back to her sides. "I understand your frustration during this time but you can't keep doing these stupid things. This isn't a game Harper, if the leaders discover your deal there will be no mercy."

Nodding Harper felt like a child being scolded for snatching a cookie from the cookie jar. As much as she hated to admit it Elena was right. This wasn't a game. This was her life on the line here and maybe that's why she was acting so reckless. All this chaotic mess was whirling around her; Kiev, the attack, Olivia, her father, Liam and she was just watching from the sidelines. Watching as other people held her fate in their hands as she remained in the dark, she couldn't just sit by as her life hangs on other people's actions. She couldn't stand being so damn helpless as everything speeds by her. She was desperate and that meant she was sloppy. She didn't have the luxury to make any mistakes, not now.

Running a hand over her ponytail she shook her head wondering how she could have made such a rookie mistake when a chorus of male laughter pulled her from her thoughts. Head snapping up Harper stared backing up against the gate when she heard an all to familiar laughter. No, it couldn't be? Could it? Her heart paused mid beat as she slowly crept forward and took a small peak at the group of men crossing the front lawn of her father's house, her father amongst the group of four. Her wide caramel eyes glided from her father to the two silver haired men she recognized as apart of the leaders when her gaze rested on a familiar face. Her knees buckled as she slowly walked out of the shadows and passed Elena as she attempted in vain to pull her back into the secluded area by the gate. Shrugging her touch away Harper felt she couldn't breathe as she walked in the path of the four men.

Her father was the first to spot her, he stilled, his smile dropping as he took in her form. The other two leaders followed in suit as the conversation came to an abrupt halt causing the fourth man to turn his attention towards her. Leaning against the crutches under his pits the man lifted his gaze and only then did she notice the crimson patch covering his left eye. His uninjured eye widened, the soft caramel color shimmering with shock as his mouth parted. "Harper."

Biting back a sob Harper jogged forward, her legs closing the space between her and her twin. Throwing her arms around his neck she squeezed him close recalling how she had nearly lost him only a few days ago. Squeezing her eyes shut she felt an arm wrap around her shoulder and press her further against the rigid chest of her brother's. The mixture of relief and gratefulness filled her aching heart as a new pain settled in her chest, this one of pure happiness. Liam is alive!!! Hot tears spilled down her cheeks as she tightened her hold around her brother, the weight lifting off her chest ever since she had learned of the attack. A part of her hadn't fully believed Kiev, the huntress part of her who couldn't shake her distain towards him.

Burying her face against his chest she couldn't help the smile that split on her face, her heart swelling with love for her twin. Other than a couple of times they face timed this was the first time she has seen her twin in years. He was as much a part of her as her right arm.

"I missed you so much." He mumbled against her hair.

Pulling back she couldn't resist the soft giggle that past her lips as she stared at the identical caramel eyes, her gaze shifting to the path covering his left eye. Tentatively she reached her hand out and brushed her fingertips across the smooth fabric, her brows pulling together as she thought of the pain her brother must have endured. Sending her empathy Liam released his hold on her shoulder and circle around her wrist.

"It's not as bad as it looks, really."

"Are you..."

"Going to be a one eyed pirate?" He teased, his attempt at a joke didn't faze Harper. She knew he was trying to distract her from the painful truth.

Arching a brow she lowered her hand back to her side, her features schooled proving she was in no mood for his games. With a sigh Liam wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her back to him. "It's only temporarily. The doctors say I'll be fully healed in another week."

"And your leg?" She asked.

"Just a minor break. It's nearly healed but dad insists I keep my weight off of it a bit longer." He answered with a shrug.

Glancing over her twin one last time Harper felt satisfied with his answers and convinced he wasn't downplaying his injury. As hunters they could heal quicker than humans but a severe injury couldn't be healed like other supernatural creatures. Wrapping her arm around his waist she leaned her head against him silently thanking God for protecting him.

"I was worried when I heard about the attack." She sighed. "I thought that you didn't make it."

"How did you know about the attack?"

Angling her head so she could meet his puzzled expression Harper didn't know if she had just messed up. Liam was her brother but also a hunter and she didn't now which came first. Taking a moment to reel in her emotions Harper was reminded of her situation and her recent reckless action. She had to step away from this on a emotional level so she could navigate the mine field that lay ahead logically.

"Elena told me. I was concerned when I didn't hear from you." She responded with a soft smile, content with her half truth reply.

His forehead smoothed out, his brows no longer pulled together but she could sense her twin wasn't fully convinced. "Sorry, I lost it during the fight."

"It doesn't matter as long as you're alright."

"I agree."

Despite the voice that told her to remain impassive Harper tensed as her father interrupted the moment. She couldn't help her body's first instinct whether that be due to their history of constant arguing or the fact that she was currently sleeping with a demon prince. Clearing her throat she pulled away from her twin, her arm dropping back to her side as she was reminded of her rather unique scent courtesy of Kiev. Before she left her apartment she drank a large cup of sage water and rubbed the herb all over herself as a precaution but one couldn't be too careful. Besides she hadn't expected to run into anyone.

Reminding herself to play it cool Harper lifted her head, her gaze falling on her father's fit physic. Dressed in black from head to toe he stood directly in front of the twins, his light brown eyes hardening as they set on her. "Dad."

"Harper." He nodded in her direction and turned to Liam, his eyes softening as he turned his attention toward her twin. "Liam has just returned from a very long trip and we were just heading to an important meeting."

Grinding her teeth Harper tried to calm herself as his gaze returned to her and once again hardened. His lips turned downwards in a firm frown as he looked her over disapprovingly. Dressed in a pair of dark wash jeans and a short sleeved navy blue shirt Harper knew there was nothing wrong with her attire, it was her presence that brought the sour look on his face.

"I'm sure you gentlemen can spare my brother and I a moment together." She said in a clipped tone directed solely at her father.

"Actually we can't. We have urgent matters to..."

"It's too bad I don't care." Harper said, setting the silver haired man with an icy glare.

  The old man's face flushed red whether that was in appall at her lack of respect or in anger for the attitude towards him. The man beside him turned towards her father, his eyes darting between Harper and her father.

"Show the Elders respect." Her father all but shouted, his mouth pressed firmly together.

  Rolling her eyes Harper faced her father, her battle face firmly in place as she met his intimidating stare with one of her own. "Why? None of you have shown any for me?"

"Because you are a spoiled brat who couldn't remain loyal to her people." Her father hissed.

  She felt the sting from his words and she knew he was trying to crush her with the guilt card. Rather than show him how much his words affected her she narrowed her eyes and stepped forward so they were face to face.

"Why should I be loyal to people who won't be honest with me?" She shot back, knowing the mere mention of her mother's death would have the Elders as well as her father squirming.

  As expected her father shifted from one foot to the other, his features concealing his discomfort on the subject she purposely brought up but not the flash of guilt in his eyes. To this day she still didn't understand what happened that night. Why the Demon King killed her mother or why he begged Harper to kill him? No of it made sense and no one -not then or now- would help her get the closure she needed to move forward.

"Regardless of your personal feelings towards me you must show respect towards The Elders and this community." Her father finally replied, his tone much calmer. 

  The corners of her mouth whirled upwards into a mocking smile. "Yeah, I'm not gonna do that."

She nearly laughed when the muscle in his jaw ticked, his eyes shifting behind her to where the leaders remained watching their exchange. Her father took a step forward and gripped her upper arm as he leaned closer to her ear.

"I will not have you making a fool of me and this family in front of the Elders." He hissed as his fingers dug painfully into her skin. 

Pulling away from his touch Harper glanced down to where his fingers were a moment ago, her pale skin now a dark red blotch. Grinding her teeth she lifted her heated gaze up to his challenging one.

"You're a coward!" Her chest heaved with each word, the anger coiling in her chest intensifying when he glanced back at the Elders. "Here you are lecturing me on respect and loyalty when you can't even stand by your own daughter's side."

"Harper don't..."

  Ignoring Elena's warning tone Harper felt the same dull ache in her chest throbbing as she turned her full attention towards her father.

"You chose these assholes over me. You cowered to their demands and abandoned your own flesh and blood so don't fücking tell me to respect you or these old farts! Don't you fücking dare!"

  Shaking his head he looked her over once seeming unaffected by her outburst. "You're a disgrace to the family name." He said in disgust and without another word walked away leaving her shaking with anger and frustration.

  Squeezing her eyes shut she listened as the shuffling of feet sounded to keep her from following her father and continuing the argument but she knew better. Her father was playing the calm and collected leader for his peers. She didn't understand why she allowed him to get to her? Why she felt this unexplainable anger every time she saw his face. Or why she allowed her anger to get the best of her.

  Hugging out a breath she opened her eyes as a hand settled on her shoulder. Glancing over her shoulder she was met with a sympathetic look. "I've got to go but we'll catch up later."

  Biting her tongue on the matter Harper nodded, just because she was no longer an obedient Hunter solider didn't mean Liam had to be as well. With a sad smile he kissed the top of her head. "We'll talk soon Harp."

  With that promise Liam followed after the other Leaders reminding her of how alone she really was. Wrapping her arms around her midsection Harper turned to find Elena standing less than a foot away with her arms crossed over her chest.

"You okay?" She asked, her expression reflecting Liam's.

  Sucking in a calming breath she shook her head "They're all fückheads." She said referring to the three older men.

Cracking a smile Elena approached her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder she stared walking forward. "Seriously."

"I'm fine, really."

  Dropping her arms from her chest Harper leaned into Elena, at the moment she needed the support whether it was physical or emotional she wasn't sure but any company was appreciated at this moment.  As they crossed over to the front lawn Elena bent down and sniffed Harper's hair.

"Can I ask why you smell like a gang of cats pissed on you?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*

Well? There was no Kiev/Harper action but plenty of awkward family moments😬😬😬. Lol and it's official Liam is alive!!!

I can't wait to read your comments....