Like Father Like Son

  Lowering the camera from her face Harper offered the couple before her a soft smile. "All right, I think I have enough to create that collage you wanted."

  The short petite woman beamed, her hand falling across her swollen belly as she spared a glance at her boyfriend. "We can't wait to see it."

  Harper wasn't sure if she meant the collage or the child. Placing the camera down she scribbled down their order and enclosed the payment they gave her earlier. Tearing the sheet from the pad she handed over to the couple noticing their loving glazes were on each other. A comet could have came crashing into her apartment and those two would be none of the wiser.

  Clearing her throat Harper ignored their embarrassed laugh and handed them their receipt. "I should have it ready by the end of the week."

Thanking her once more the couple gathered their things and left with an arm wrapped around the others waist. When the front door shut with a soft click Harper shook her head as the polite smile dropped, those two were overly romantic she nearly puked. Caressing each other with those knowing smiles, trading tender looks and that awful moment when the man touched her belly from behind. Harper rolled her eyes recalling the way he gasped when the child kicked.

She hoped she wouldn't be as nauseating as those two if cupid's death arrow ever hit her.

With a sigh she reached for her cellphone from the front of her jeans and frowned. No replies from either of her siblings. Tucking the phone back in its place she turned toward the background scenery she had laid out for the couple and started clearing the many pillows and silk cover from on top of the small sofa bed. Busying herself in clearing the mess Harper attempted and failed to keep her mind clear of any thoughts of Liam.

She released a breath as the tears stung her vision. It was only yesterday that she was informed about the attack and the lockdown but it felt like weeks had pasted. Filled with the possibility of losing her twin Harper hadn't been able to eat or sleep much, her mind wouldn't shut down. Rolling the satin sheet up she tossed it in the storage bin beside her with more force than necessary. To say she was frustrated over being in the dark was an understatement but what could she do?

The Hunters remained in lockdown, not a soul gets in or out. If she recalled from the two lockdowns she experienced that meant no privacy at all. Everyone would be in one room together with the leaders interrogating each person. Two meals would be prepared and served by two leaders while the others continue with the interrogations. All cell phones would be confiscated and searched for any clues. No one would be allowed to venture to the bathroom alone.

It wouldn't surprise her in the least if she wouldn't here from Olivia for the next week. These lockdowns took time and due to the recent events it would be thorough.

Although she knew all the protocols it didn't make her feel any better. Not about Liam or herself.

If whoever betrayed the Hunters was clever enough to hid their tracks just enough to complicate the investigation Harper would soon find herself in the middle of the shít storm. Although she was confident in her innocence regarding the mole situation she doubted the Hunters would turn a blind eye to the fact that she was sleeping with a demon- a should-be king demon. Besides sleeping with him the contract would seal her fate, it would seem as if she were feeding Kiev information about her people which she'd never do. She might not like what the Hunters do but they are still her family and you don't betray family.

Tossing the last fluffy pillow aside Harper returned her equipment back into their cases and preceded to the kitchen where she would try in vain to eat something. Pulling open the fridge door she spotted the half eaten donuts from yesterday and pulled them out. If she recalled there were two Boston creme donuts still in there and that was her favorite. Grabbing a bottle of milk chocolate she placed everything down on the counter.

Twisting the cap of the bottle Harper brought it up to her mouth when she felt something slid across her waist. Her gaze dropped to the arm around her waist. Before the shock could register in her mind Harper whipped around and swung her hand that still held the bottle. The brown liquid splashed forward as her fist was dodged effortlessly.

"You almost had me." Kiev chuckled as the chocolate seeped into the front of his dress shirt.

  Her shoulders sagged with relief. "Don't sneak up on me like that!"

  He arched a brow. "Or what you'll hurt me?"

"Yes." She answered and set him with a glare. "I was attacked once but I'll be damned if I will again."

  The corners of his mouth quirked upwards into a amused smirk. His pitch black eyes lightened to a rich Forrest green as they dropped to the dagger strapped to her hip. "I can see you're better prepared."

  Despite his expression Harper sensed the underline genuine compliment behind his words. There was no mocking tone just pure uncensored praise, a first from Kiev. A part of her perked at the thought but she quickly squashed the feeling down.

  Clearing her throat she turned away from Kiev and reached for a donut when she found a cool hand glide across the nape of her neck. An excited shiver skittered down her spine as his warm breath fanned across her bare shoulder. She felt him step forward, his heat at her back as his extended hands caressed her neck and jawbone. His warm hands rested on her round hips and tugged her back so her ass was in line with his erect member. His cöck throbbed against her butt as his right hand slid across her pelvis and cupped her through her jeans.

"Not now." Harper muttered annoyingly and took a step away from his warm embrace.

  Shrugging the cool extended hands at her neck off Harper flipped the cover of the donuts open and like she thought there were two Boston creme donuts left. With the intent to nourish her body -which she neglected to fed all day as well as yesterday- Harper ignored Kiev's presence and lifted the donut to her mouth.

"Excuse me?"

"I'm not in the mood right now." She responded and took a bite of the pastry in her hand.

   The sweet creme filling had barely registered in her mouth when a pair of harsh hands gripped her hips and twisted her around. A soft gasp tore from her lips at the forceful movement, her head spun from the quick movement forcing her to grip Kiev's forearm with her free hand.

"I didn't realize I was asking." He all but growled.

  Shaking away her momentary shock Harper blinked as the world ceased it's spinning. Tilting her chin up she met his hard gaze with one of her own. Anger flared up within her at his comment. A muscle in his jaw twitched at her response as those dark orbs narrowed in on her.

"I'm not one of those girls at the club who you fück when it pleases you." She bit off. "I said not fücking now."

  Her response didn't lessen the murderous expression on his face nor did it losses his death grip on her hips. Wincing against the sharp pain in her hip Harper jolted her chin up in defiance, her hardened gaze daring him to do his worst. Daring him to challenge her decision.  With her shoulders squared and her resolve strong, Harper prepared herself for the worst when he raised a hand and gripped her chin.

  Forcing the piece of donut down her throat Harper barely flinched when he angled her face higher. The tip of his nose grazed her cheekbone as they continued to stare the other down. Neither one of them backing down.

"You want to do this the hard way, fine." He grumbled and before she could reply his mouth crashed down on hers.

  His lips were harsh and brutal as they coaxed her still ones to follow his lead. Startled by his actions Harper stumbled backwards, her hips hitting the counter behind her as Kiev's large form pressed against her. Placing the donut down Harper gripped his shoulders and attempted in vain to push his large figure off of her.

"Kiss me back." He barked against her tightly closed lips.

  The command caused a wave of heat to spread across her lips before she found her mouth responding to his. Her hands clenched on his shoulders as  a mocking laugh shook his large form. His response to her helplessness fed at the anger she felt bubbling within her. Parting her lips Harper captured his bottom lip, sinking her teeth into the soft flesh as the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.

  A thunderous roar echoed in her mouth, shaking her to the core as the sound vibrated inside her. She gasped for a much needed breath when he tore his mouth away and watched with keen observation as Kiev wiped at his bloody lip.

  The tips of his fingers were coated in crimson as his stunned gaze turned deadly in seconds. She swallowed against the growing fear in her chest as dark shadows raced from around the room to surround him, their hissing tentacles directed at her. Despite the voice in her head that shouted for her to tread lightly Harper straightened her posture and in a calm tone void to her underlining terror spoke.

"I said no."

  His head snapped up causing Harper to unconsciously press against the counter. Biting the inside of her cheek Harper swallowed the whimper that nearly escaped as the shadows surrounding him hissed with anger, his anger. His features twisted into something sinister as those dark soulless eyes narrowed on her. Her legs trembled beneath her as he closed the small gap between them. In seconds he was staring down at her, his fury causing his once handsome features to become almost unrecongizable.

  Her lips parted but no sound escaped as she felt the raw power of the shadows wrap around her, the pressure they placed upon her as she struggled to get away from their searching grip felt like she was being crushed. Everything disappeared as the shadows enveloped her in a pitch black cloud that seemed to separate them from the rest of the world. The hissing tentacles wrapped around her wrists and knees forcing her to remain still as they lifted her in mid air. She felt the searing against her skin as they skittered across her chest and before they circled her slender neck.

   A choked gasp tore from her lips as they squeezed her, the molten heat from their touch enough to cause tears to well in her eyes. Her fingers twitched in an attempt to pull out of his vice grip when she felt a hand grip her jaw and tilt her head up.

  Meeting the dark abyss that was Kiev's gaze Harper felt her mind swim as a wave of dizziness washed over her.

"F....fück you!" She croaked as her vision blurred with tears of pain.

  An ear shattering growl reverberated around the closed space between them. Wincing she wiggled her fingers hoping she could reach the dagger at her hip but as she lifted her index finger the tentacles squeezed mercilessly. Wheezing for the oxygen she desperately needed Harper felt her body go limp as a different kind of darkness creeped upon her.

  Fighting back tears she relaxed her entire body and awaited for unconsciousness to take over, it was better than this torture. As she stilled she felt the atmosphere shift as the scorching heat slowly recited Harper wondered if she was dying. She had read somewhere that if the pain dulled it wasn't a good thing but she was too exhausted to care.

  Her eyes remained closed as she felt the tentacles loosen their grip as her feet were once again on solid ground. The heavy fog that had clouded her mind whirled as the grip around her neck slithered away leaving her to stand on her own two feet. Every muscle in her body felt like lead as she was left to stand on her own which evidently wasn't a good idea.

  Still too exhausted Harper didn't open her eyes -or couldn't as her head slumped to the side, her legs shook like leaves in Autumn as her body teetered to the left. She felt gravity pulling her down yet she couldn't muster enough energy to catch herself or even react. As she mentally prepared herself for the impact a pair of strong hands caught her by the shoulders. With her mind still a murky mush Harper barely registered the arm that slipped under her knees and swept her off her feet. She could barely process the fact that she was cradled against a strong chest or feel the gentle touch of a hand on her cheek.

"Harper."

  The softness tone in the male voice had her brows pulling together as she attempted and failed to place the voice.

"Open your eyes, Harper."

  A warm sensation flowed across her aching eyes as her heavy eyelids cracked open. Through the mist of tears she could barely make out the face above hers. Kiev.

  Her entire body trembled as she found her gaze on his, although the soulless black gaze was gone Harper couldn't forget the pain he inflicted on her body and mind. Squeezing her eyes shut she couldn't help the soft whimper that tumbled from her lips as the warm tingle on her eyes turned scorching hot.

  A muffle curse sounded above her. "Rest." He bit off harshly.

    His command washed over her numb form as her mind once more clouded as sleep quickly creeped up on her. Choosing to fall into the unconscious rather than face the situation at hand Harper welcomed the darkness that pulled her under.

   Harper knew it was a dream, a nightmare she had often had, yet she couldn't help but feel the same crippling fear from that night. Chest heaving and cheeks stained with tears Harper remained sprawled on the floor as the monster cloaked in shadows moved away from her mother's lifeless body, his beady black eyes never leaving her tear filled ones as it leisurely closed the distance between them.

"Kill me." His guttural command was unusual and not the first time he demanded she do it.

   Shaking her head Harper felt the dark shadows around him extend towards her frozen form. The scorching arms wrapping around her midsection and lifting her off the ground. Her chest rose and fell with each breath she struggled to take. His grip wasn't painful other than the heat from the shadows but as he inched closer to stare her in the eye with his soulless ones Harper felt the same fear from when she was a child. His face is what haunted her the most, it's what terrified her the most but as he stood before her something had changed.

  His wrinkled pale skin turned into a smooth mocha color, his gold like hair drained from its color and was now an inky ebony but the soulless eyes remained. Recognizing the face Harper gasped, Kiev?

  His lips pulled into a devious smirk at her shocked reaction "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." He said in a mocking tone and with a malicious growl lurched for her.

   With a gasp Harper jerked up from bed as her heart pounded mercilessly against her ribcages. Panting for breath she placed a hand over her erratic heartbeat and stared confusingly down at the tangled sheets by her feet. With her mind still foggy from sleep Harper couldn't recall how she got in bed when she heard footsteps.

  Her wide eyed gaze darted to her bedroom door when a large figure entered. Stunned to see Kiev, Harper opened her mouth to ask what he was doing in her room when the events from before she fainted came rushing to the front of her mind. Gripping the sheets beneath her she scooted backwards till her back was pressed against the headboard.

  He released a weary sigh and continued towards her, his long legs closing the distance in seconds. She watched him sit at the edge of the bed through hooded eyes, her body still sore and heavy from the attack.

  Shifting on the bed so he was facing her Kiev extended a hand towards her and she flinched as the tips of his fingers grazed her sweaty arm. Retracting his hand he shifted uncomfortably on the mattress.

"I don't know where to start." He muttered under his breath.

"Get out."

Pressing his lips tightly together he tilted his chin upwards, his expression gentle and etched with regret. His now dull green eyes took in her pale complexion, drinking her disheveled appearance.

"There's nothing you could say to make what you did better." She spoke as his lips parted to speak. "I don't know why I'm surprised that you would do something like that anyway." She added with a scoff.

   You're safe with me. His words from two days ago taunted her. She had believed him. She hated to admit it but she really did believe him when he said she would be safe with him. It gave her a sense of security during this dangerous deal they had. He gave her reasons to believe him; protecting her identity at the club, healing her injuries, vowing to find her attacker and giving her back the dagger. All those good deeds meant nothing now. Not when the biggest threat to her was sitting at the foot of her bed.

"I'm sorry."

   The two words pulled her from her thoughts. Did he actually apologize? Flabbergasted by his statement Harper felt her anger dim a bit as she gawked at his scrunched up features. The two words foreign to him no doubt.

His gaze held hers, the sincerity in his tone backed up by the regret filling his soft gaze. "Where I come from if you are provoked its a test of your capability." He paused, taking a moment to ponder on his next words. "Especially now with the King being sick. Everyone wants to claw their way up to the throne."

"And you're the only one standing in the way?" She asked, keeping the small bit of information about the King in the back of her mind.

Nodding he released a gust of air and rubbed his large hand over his face, his shoulders slumping forward. His defeated and tired figure tugged at her heart strings, the small glimpse of an actual being beneath his cocky façade had her seeing Kiev in a new light.

"Everyone is a suspect, everyone wants some form of power and having to look over my shoulder has made me paranoid. It's not a great excuse and you probably don't understand my point but I am sorry." He added the last part with such a soft, gentle tone that Harper had to break eye contact.

Wringing her fingers together she nodded "You're right I don't understand." She mumbled, keeping her eyes on her fidgety fingers.

Reminding herself to remain strong despite the part of her that couldn't forget the eerie resemblance he shared with his late father, both physical strength and dark power. Harper has had the terrible privilege of staring both monsters in the eye and although the elder demon had tried suffocating her after she refused to do as he said he hadn't had half the power that poured out of Kiev. Kiev's power was raw darkness that still had her trembling and she had a feeling that she had only gotten a glimpse of it.

A small shudder skittered down her spine. Wrapping both arms around her midsection she felt the bed dip as he slid closer to her. Her shoulders stiffened but she didn't move an inch as he pressed his warm hand across her jaw. Heat seeped from his palm to her sweaty skin, the soothing heat felt vaguely familiar.

The heat spread across her face and down her neck extracting a soft moan from her lips. Her brows pulled together at the sudden euphoria that was quickly spreading through her.

"Stop." She muttered and pulled her face away from his touch.

Staring up through thick lashes Harper shook her head at his bewildered expression. "I only want to help heal you."

"I don't want your help." She replied, her eyes stinging with tears. Her thoughts returning to her brother. Did he need healing? Her heart constricted painfully in her chest at the alternative.

Swiping her fingers beneath her lash line she wiped away any trace of moisture when a thought entered her mind. Her head snapped up at a displeased Kiev.

"You're a demon."

"I'm glad you've finally realized that." He responded while glancing over her as if she had gone insane.

Shaking her head she inched forward, lifting off the bed so she was now staring directly into his eyes.

"I meant you're a demon you'll know what happened to my brother."

His features smoothed out as a neutral impassive look crossed his face. He's shutting down. The realization had a twinge of dread filling her but she quickly squashed the feeling and proceeded.

"I don't care how it was done or who betrayed the Hunters. I just want to know if my brother is okay."

Turning away from her pleading gaze he shrugged "I don't know what you're talking about."

Her heart sunk at his reply. Of course he would know about the ambush he was a prince. He had to have been briefed or maybe he overheard something about the attack. Determined to find out the truth whether it was good news or bad Harper crawled forward on all fours. Gripping his forearm with a trembling hand she tried again, her heart breaking at the possibility that the answer could be what she dreaded the most.

"I don't care about what your people did or how. I don't even care who the other person is." She said feeling ashamed at the fact that she genuinely don't care. Her concern was only for her twin and no one else. Swallowing past the lump in her throat she met his gaze. "Is Liam alive?"

A muscle in his jaw ticked as a foreign emotion flashed through his eyes before they hardened once more. Harper's bottom lip trembled as she watched his features close up taking the answer her very soul craved with him. She felt her heart tear in two as he brushed her hand off and began to rise off the bed and dismissing her as well as the question.

She couldn't help the heart wrenching sob that pasted her lips as the tears slipped down her cheeks.

"I can't help you." He said in a flat tone that was void to any emotions.

The ache in her chest intensified as the reality of the moment crashed down on her like a bucket of cold water. No, I won't give up! Sniffing back the tears Harper crawled to the foot of the bed, her hand gripping his shoulder. With a growl he shrugged her hand away and twisted around his impassive features now twisted with anger and frustration.

His expression couldn't diminish her determination, not when it came to her family. Desperate for an answer Harper set her morals and self dignity aside. With everything to lose and no other idea Harper stood up on both knees and with her shaking hands gripped both sides of his face.

A tear slid down her left cheek as she met his dark eyes. Her lips quivered as another sob had her shoulders shaking uncontrollably. She didn't attempt to compose herself, she wanted him to see her desperation, to see her pain.

"Please." She cried, her throat burning with tears. "Please, tell me if my brother is okay." She begged.

Beneath her palms she felt him clench and unclench his jaw, his gaze darting between her tear filled eyes and her quivering lips. She could just barely make out the internal debate occurring behind his calmly composed features. A spark of hope filled her chest but was quickly crushed when he shook his head and started to pull away.

Tightening her grip she scooted forward so they were face to face, their gazes locked. Harper felt his breath fan across her face as he released a small sigh.

"Please Kiev, please tell me." She begged as she pressed her forehead to his. "Please..." She couldn't stop the tears as they slid down her face and dripped down his strong jawline.

A silence settled between them, only the sounds of her soft cries sounding as she waited with her heart in her throat for his answer. She didn't know what she would do if he walked away again after she literally poured her heart out. Daring to spare a glance into those dark mysterious onyx gems Harper saw the last of his resistance snap.

Sighing he squeezed his eyes shut as his entire form slumped. "He's alive. Your brother survived the attack."

Harper couldn't keep the sob of joy that tore from her throat nor could she stop herself from throwing her arms around his neck and squeezed him. Burying her face in his neck she wept, her heart soaring with the information that her brother was alive. His arms remained at his sides limply as he allowed her to cry freely. After what seemed like forever Harper had no tears left to shed, her throat felt raw and her eyes ached but she wouldn't complain.

Sniffing she slowly pulled back, her arms still wrapped around his neck. Her relieved gaze found his troubled one and in that moment Harper realized Kiev had betrayed his own people in that moment. Although she wasn't a Hunter anymore nor did he give her any actual secret information she could see his conflicted feelings after revealing the information about her brother.

Leaning forward Harper brushed her lips against his cheek, her lips lingering on his skin as he sucked in a deep breath.

"Thank you." Harper whispered and rested her head against his stiff shoulder.

A small smile spread across her face as she felt his arms circle her waist, one hand resting on the small of her back as the other stroked her hair.

"You're welcome."

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[•]_[•] I know you're all about to explode with opinions and theories so bring it on!! Lol.