Chapter 22: The Poison

Harper’s POV



It’s quiet between us when we get back to the bedroom. Asher told Jack he’ll meet him in the games room in ten minutes before awkwardly following me here. I don’t know what to say to him after the moment we shared together outside.

The ‘fake date’ didn’t feel fake after we almost kissed. I was happy to keep my attraction for him pushed to the side, thinking he wouldn’t feel the same way about me. But now things are going to get complicated because we’re meant to be in a fake marriage. I’m not sure if I’m ready to commit to him if the opportunity were to present itself.

Asher walks to the desk, pulling out a bottle of whiskey. He pours a nip into the crystal glass he has displayed on the desk, and swirls it around, watching the contents inside form a small whirlpool.

“Do you want to go for a run in the morning?” He asks, not making eye contact with me.

I shrug, sitting on the edge of the bed, “I don’t see why not.”

He nods, placing the glass down on the desk without taking a sip. He takes a moment before he speaks again, as if he’s searching for the right words to say in this moment.

“You know before when I was going to say something to you in the hallway, but you cut me off,” He begins, shoving his hands deep into the pockets of his jeans.

I nod, trying to figure out where this conversation is going. Should I be excited or nervous? Maybe both?

“Well, I wanted to answer your question about who I love,” He eyes me carefully, anticipating my reaction, “I love my Mother. She may not be here with me physically, but she will always be in my heart.”

He shakes his head, standing to his feet as if he’s stressed, “I don’t love Zoey anymore.”

Asher turns to walk into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him without another word.

Did he just imply that he doesn’t have any feelings for me, even after what just happened outside? I can feel my heart beginning to break. I really thought Asher felt some sort of attraction for me after setting up the date and trying to kiss me, even though we weren’t around the pack. That must mean there are some feelings there, so I don’t understand why he won’t admit it to himself.

My head and heart are all over the place. If he doesn’t love Zoey anymore then surely, he has to have some feelings for me. He’s either lying to me or himself.

My body doesn’t know how to react to what Asher just said. Without thinking I’m off the bed and chugging the brown liquid out of the beautiful glass. The whiskey burns as it slides down my throat, but I welcome the pain.

I’m wiping away the moisture on my lips when Asher re-enters the room. He looks between my eyes and the empty glass in my hand, confused.

“Oh,” I squeak, “I wanted to give it a taste test.”

“So, you drank the whole glass?” Asher’s eyes furrow.

“Yep,”

Asher moves past me to pour himself another drink. I stand awkwardly by the desk, twiddling my fingers behind my back.

“I’m heading over to the games room,” Asher says, heading towards the door, “Are you sure you don’t want to come?”

I nod my head.


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Asher’s POV


“Okay, I’ll be back later, don’t wait up for me,” I say as I open the door, stepping into the hallway.

Just as I’m closing the door behind me, I hear a loud thud before it clicks shut. Did that come from inside the bedroom? I push the door open to find Harper collapsed on the floor.

“Harper!” I shout, dropping the glass in my hand.

I rush to her body, cradling her head in my arms. Frantic, I lay my head on her chest, listening for a heartbeat. I feel her chest move slightly, so I know she’s still alive.

How did this happen? She was fine a minute ago, and the next she’s passed out on the floor. I’m trying to think back to anything she might have drank or eaten during our date but I’m coming up blank because I prepared everything with Amaris, so I know nothing was contaminated or tampered with.

I need to get Harper help immediately. I attempt to get to my feet, lifting Harper’s body in the process. Her breathing is shallow, which isn’t a good sign. I scoop her up in my arms, bridal style, and move towards the door. I step over the broken glass in the doorway, the smell of whiskey assaulting my nose.

When the smell hits me, I am struck with a sudden realization. I look between the bottle of whiskey on the desk and Harper’s limp body in my arms. I need to get help immediately.

I rush down the hallway, heading straight towards the medical room. I’m hoping Mrs. Lang is still awake because she will know exactly what to do.

Amaris swings open her bedroom door as I’m rushing past, almost as if she could sense something wasn’t right.

“What’s wrong?” She calls after me when she realizes I’m in a hurry.

“Harper is seriously ill, I’m getting her help,” I call back without slowing my pace.

I hear footsteps trailing behind me, “I’m coming with you. I have to know she’s okay.”

Harper’s breathing is getting more staggered; her lips are starting to become discolored. She attempts to vomit up something, but it goes back down her throat. I stop in front of Mrs. Lang’s office, and turn her head to the side so her airways are clear. She continues to be sick, all the while struggling to breathe.

I shift Harper’s weight in my arms, so I can free a hand to knock on the door. Amaris looks horrified as she takes in the state of Harper.

“What the hell happened, Asher?” She demands, brushing off loose strands of hair on Harper’s forehead.

“She was poisoned.”