The Initiation (Darkness Within Duet 1)

“I’m done.” She tried to brush the dirt off her pants, but it was no good.

Turning on her heel, she went to leave, only, Draven caught her arm and pressed her back up against the nearest tree.

She tried to fight him, but he held her hands above her head. His body pressed against hers.

It was the first time she’d ever been this close to a guy before, and for a split second, against all of her own sensibilities, she liked it, liked the feel of Draven controlling her.

Get a grip.

No way in hell will you ever like Draven Barries.

He’s a first-class asshole.

“Don’t you ever throw shit at me again.”

“What’s the matter? Can’t handle it when people fight for themselves?” she asked.

She’d enjoyed throwing her drink at him and even more so, the shock on his face that she actually did it.

“Baby, I got no problem playing this game. You want to fight, I’ll more than happily give you something to fight against. For too long now, you’ve been too nice. It’s time to dirty you up a bit, and I know just how to do it.” He leaned in close.

His lips nearly brushed against hers, and she couldn’t help her gasp.

Angry at herself, she drew her knee up, taking him off guard. This time, she ran. She ran back past the car, and went to her house. Her heart raced, and she wasn’t used to having to fight to get away from someone.

Just as she was about to cross the road to her home, his car came veering to a stop.

She stared at him through the windshield.

Panting for breath, she waited as he pressed on the gas, revving his engine.

The sound of another car approaching had her turning her head to see Axel driving the other. She caught sight of Buck and Jett as well.

The four friends. Fearless. Dangerous. They all had each other’s back.

Had Draven called them?

Staring from one car to the other, she did no more than step out into the center of the road.

Crazy.

So fucking stupid.

What the hell are you doing?

They could kill you right now, and no one would care.

The only person who ever cared is dead.

She left you.

Hands clenched tightly, she held them out and turned, letting them know they could have her. Part of her wanted one of them to do it. To push the car at her. To knock her down and take her life. To put her out of this fucking misery.

None of the cars made a move as she waited.

Not one nudge, nothing.

Time stood still as she challenged them, waiting for them to give in. To just drive to carry out their threat.

Finally, she faced Draven one last time, and waited.

He wasn’t going to do it.

Lowering her hands, she stepped off the road and didn’t even look back. What was the point? She just realized that no matter how far he pushed her, or they pushed her, they weren’t going to kill her.

Entering her home, she only had to wait a few seconds before Hannah was there, touching her.

“Oh, Harper, I was so worried. They told me to just go home, and I brought all of your things for you. They’re in your bedroom. I’m getting soup ready now.”

The house smelled like boiled cabbage.

“Why did you do as they told you?” she asked.

“What do you mean?” Hannah’s smile looked a little unsure.

“They’re kids. You’re a grownup. Why did you do as they were told?”

Hannah went pale.

“Y-you know how it is. It’s just easier to do as you’re told than to be in the line of fire. Your dad’s going to be home any minute. Get dressed. He’d like to see you in your new clothes.”

Harper watched her leave and walked up to her room.

So, talking about Draven and his cronies sent Hannah in the opposite direction. It was good to know.

****

“What the ever-loving fuck?” Axel asked.

“Were you going to run her over?” Buck asked, a hint of a smile on his lips.

“Of course he was. He thought about it,” Jett said.

“What he said,” Draven said.

Jett chuckled. “Classic.”

“Okay, is anyone else curious as to why she didn’t fucking run screaming?” Axel stood in the center of the room, hands outstretched.

They were at Axel’s house because the truth was, Draven didn’t want to go home. He was fucking wired. Harper didn’t react how he anticipated her to. She’d stood in the center of the road, looking all powerful.

Challenging him.

Her gaze had screamed for him to just drive the fucking car, to charge at her. When she realized he wasn’t going to do that, she’d looked disappointed.

He was many things and had done a lot of bad shit, but killing Harper Miller wasn’t at the top of his list of things he wanted to do to her.

Right now, in this very moment, fucking her was top of that list. To see her writhing as he took her.