Damaged Queen (Darkness Within Duet 2)

He saw Harper with Ian.

Her father had agreed to give her away, and seeing her right now, Draven’s heart raced.

“You did good, buddy,” Axel said.

Step by step, Harper walked toward him. This was how it was supposed to be all those years ago, and now finally after all this time, it was finally happening.

Harper was going to be his wife.

****

“I’ll have this dance, Mrs. Barries,” Axel said, taking hold of Harper’s arm and leading her onto the dance floor.

“It’s good to have you today.”

“I’m not sticking around, Harper. Don’t get used to me.”

“Why not?”

“I’ve got shit I want to do. I know Buck and Jett would have wanted me here.”

“So that’s the only reason you decided to stop by?”

“That and to finally see you two tied town. You’ve always been Draven’s queen. It’s good to see you in your place.”

She rolled her eyes. “What is going on with you?” she asked.

“Nothing. I’ve got my own life to lead, and now that Draven’s out of the life, Draven and I, we can live it how we see fit. He’s going more legit. He’s even moved in with you. That has to be an experience.”

Harper chuckled. “He doesn’t like how small my apartment is. I love it.”

“Good. He likes it when you fight him. When you don’t bow down to what he wants. He’s afraid that you fear him.”

“Axel, why don’t you stick around?”

“Can’t do it. I’m afraid I’ve got someone waiting for me.”

“You’re seeing someone?”

“Without a doubt.”

“Why didn’t you bring her to the wedding?”

“It wasn’t appropriate.” Axel kissed her hand. “I’ve got to leave now. If you ever break his heart again, Harper, I will fucking kill you. I want you to understand that.” He stepped close, his hand so near her neck as he held her tight. He could be choking her right now, and no one could stop it.

She saw Draven past his shoulder, walking toward them. She turned her head and kissed Axel’s cheek.

“You’ll never have to.”

“Good. I’m glad we’ve got this understanding.” Axel stepped back. “As always, Harper. You look stunning.”

“What’s going on here?” Draven said.

Axel let go of her hand. “I’ve got to head out. I think I can leave you two not to fuck this up for yourselves.”

Before either of them could stop him, Axel was gone.

“Fuck!”

“What is it?”

“Nothing. I didn’t want him to leave.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” Draven pulled her into his arms. “Hello, Mrs. Barries. What was he talking about before I came over?”

She didn’t want to spoil the wedding. “Not a lot. Just wished us both a good future together. You know, one filled with love and babies.”

He smiled. “Babies. You want them?”

She groaned. “I’m not sure. Maybe one day.”

Draven kissed her temple. “You can count on it.”

Harper rested her head against Draven’s chest and closed her eyes. There’s no way she was leaving Draven, not unless it was in a wooden casket. He owned her heart just as she possessed his.

Epilogue

Five years later

“Buck, Jett, get your asses in the house now. It’s cold, and I won’t have you ill for Christmas.”

Draven folded his arms and watched as his twin boys rushed into the house. Not long after the wedding, he knocked Harper up, and five years later, his sons were playing in the yard. Both of them were fierce little warriors.

True to his word, they had never gone back to Stonewall. That place was in their past.

His sons ran past him, both of them heading to the sink, washing their hands before going to the table.

He watched as Harper rushed into the kitchen, picking up the platter of food. She held it against her hip, rustling their hair as she passed.

“Mom!” They both cried out, and she laughed.

Draven was so fucking happy that there were moments when he could just stand and watch them. He had to. It helped for him to make sure they were still real. Still alive. Still his family.

With everything he put Harper through, he spent most nights watching her sleep, marveling at the fact she was still his. She was his wife of five years, and the mother of his two sons.

“Are you coming?” she asked, hand on hip as she smiled at him.

“They were playing ball.”

“Like always.” She moved toward him, her hands on his chest. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Are you thinking about Axel?”

“No. I’m thinking about you.” He pushed some hair off her shoulder. “I’m always thinking about you and how lucky I am that you didn’t leave me.”

“I couldn’t leave you, not ever.” She cupped his face, kissing his lips. “Even if you did stuff dirt into my locker.”

He gripped the back of her head, holding her tight against him as he took over the kiss, deepening it, making her kiss him back until she moaned.

“Call your dad to come and pick them up. I want you all to myself tonight.”