Marked By The Alpha, Fated To The Nymph King

Chapter 3

Guilt and fear were washing over Harper in waves. She had just released the prisoner—what if he was dangerous?

That realization made her heart thump erratically.

Harper had made the reckless decision to free Saint in the heat of the moment. It seemed like what the moon goddess wanted.

But what if Saint was dangerous?

Even though Saint was dirty and malnourished, there was confidence in his eyes. It threw Harper off her game as she continued to wash the grime off his shoulders.

Had Saint not been malnourished, Harper knew he would be a pretty big man if she were to judge from his height.

Or maybe Saint was always thin?

Regardless, Harper had never seen a man so skinny and broken. Perhaps she underestimated Saint, but he didn't look like he could hurt a fly. He was in grave need of food.

Saint's ribs were visible. Even his blood veins were visible. Saint was sickly thin, and he had many bruises covering his arms. How Saint was still alive was a mystery to Harper.

The man was obviously some type of immortal creature, and it frightened Harper. He didn't smell like a vampire or an elf. No, Saint carried a fragrance Harper couldn't recognize.

The scent reminded her of rain, and Harper couldn't help but notice that Saint's skin seemed to absorb the water she poured over him. If only she knew what type of creature he was...

"What are you thinking about?"

Harper jerked in surprise at Saint's sudden voice. His eyes held hers, and her heart thumped against her ribcage.

"Uh... It's nothing important..."

"I see."

"But there is something important I have to tell you, though. You have to hide inside my room tomorrow," Harper said while washing Saint's long raven-colored hair. It was hanging in clumps.

"How come?"

"So nobody finds you..." Harper moved Saint's hair to one side of his shoulder and froze upon seeing his broad back.

For some reason, Harper's stomach was in knots seeing his fading scars. The man strangely affected her. She was almost scared to touch his shoulders. It seemed too intimate to do with a stranger.

Saint hadn't noticed her reluctance. "Are you saying that you won't be here tomorrow?"

Harper stopped hesitating and continued washing Saint. It was pretty awkward since she had never touched a half-naked man before. Her heart was thumping way too fast.

"Yes. I have classes to attend in the human realm, but I told my butler to block the basement again. He was loyal to my mother. You don't have to worry. My father won't suspect anything for at least a week. He is too busy planning the ball to go into the basement."

Saint turned around to study Harper. The hair around his face made it impossible to see most of his features, but his eyes were intense and beautifully green. Even his eyebrows were expressive.

"Noted."

"And, I know you probably wish to leave the castle, but I think you should wait until I've put some meat on your bones."

Saint blinked. "You're allowing me to eventually leave?"

"Yes?" Harper tilted her head, laughing at the surprise that washed over Saint's features. He reminded her of the distrusting animals she had helped in the past.

"Really?" Saint was shocked.

"You didn't think I would keep you as my prisoner, right? Because that part of your life is over."

Saint sat quietly for a while. "What makes you think I won't hurt you?"

"I don't," Harper admitted. "You're frightening, but even you must have morals, right? Indeed, you wouldn't bite the hand that feeds you. And I'm already planning on sneaking food into my room."

"Why?"

Harper shrugged. "I'm soft-hearted. I don't like to see people suffer, and you're in bad shape, my friend."

Saint turned around in his seat, and Harper took a step back when he invaded her personal space. He was thin, but he was tall and somehow still imposing at this moment.

"Do you think I'm harmless?" Saint asked.

Harper gulped.

Darkness and power seemed to ooze from Saint's pores. His being demanded attention without saying a word, and Harper took a deep breath noticing the air of danger surrounding him. It ensnared Harper despite her reluctance to be near him.

And regardless of Saint being in bad shape, there was an atmosphere of sexuality around him... It was intimidating.

Saint scared Harper.

"No." She breathed. "I don't think you're entirely harmless."

"And you said you were afraid of me?"

Harper had a feeling Saint would see through her lies. Honesty was probably the best idea.

"A little, but..." She bit her bottom lip. "It won't stop me from helping you get back on your feet."

"You seem like a good person," Saint sounded darkly amused as if this was a welcoming surprise to him.

Harper swallowed. "Is that a bad thing?"

"No," Saint's lips curled. "It's just that I'm not a good person..."

Harper froze. The fire that had ignited in Saint's eyes worried her. She also had no idea what to do with this new piece of information. Was Saint plotting something already?

"Do you want to hurt me?" Harper asked.

Saint's eyelashes flickered to meet her gaze. "No."

His answer didn't stop Harper's stomach from churning. "Do you wish to harm my father?"

Hesitation hit Saint. Harper already knew Saint wanted to hurt her father by the way he seemed unable to answer her. Eventually, his voice came out dark and honest.

"Yes," Saint wrinkled his nose in disgust. "Your father and I aren't exactly on friendly terms."

Harper wet her lips while using her brush to sort Saint's hair. Tomorrow she was planning on cutting it for him.

"I understand, but... Please don't hurt those I care about," Harper gave Saint a pleading smile. She hoped it would help her cause. "This is the only thing I ask of you, Saint. Please."

To Harper's surprise, Saint's eyes briefly softened. It was only for a moment, but she had seen him show an emotion that wasn't related to hatred. It gave her hope that maybe Saint wasn't entirely evil.

"Fine."

Saint stared into the castle wall, frozen on the chair to let Harper work through his hair. She hid a smile noticing the shape of a frown underneath Saint's hairy face.

Harper wasn't dumb. She knew Saint wasn't an angel. He had confirmed this himself, but he possessed a consciousness. Or else, Saint wouldn't have listened to her wish.

"It's getting late..." Harper smiled at Saint while cleaning the front of his long bags. She purposely avoided making eye contact, knowing those unexplainable flutters would hit her again.

Saint had no idea what he was supposed to say but felt like he needed to add something. Harper was his mate; he better be on his best behavior if he wished to later seduce her.

"Indeed."

Harper walked away from Saint. "You may sleep in my bed while I take the couch. But would you mind washing your..." She blushed upon having to say the words. "Private parts?"

Saint was stunned for a second. Harper's embarrassment spoke volumes about her s****l experience. Saint had suspected Harper was a virgin, but now it was confirmed. It pleased him.

"Of course," Saint said. "But I can take the couch."

"No, don't be silly!" Harper dismissed his words with her hand. "You're my guest and should be treated as such. And you've been locked up for decades—doesn't my bed look inviting to you?"

As surprising as it was, Saint could feel himself smile. It didn't happen very often. He was a grumpy man, but he found his mate's kindness endearing. She was the complete opposite of himself.

Standing up, Saint faced Harper. "Thank you."

Harper felt a tingle when Saint flashed her a brief smile. He didn't seem like the kind of man that smiled often. He was brooding and silent, not her type of man at all. Yet electricity coursed through her veins when Saint showed her gratitude.

An insecure smile took over Harper's lips. "You're welcome."

Saint continued smiling, and Harper smiled back. For some odd reason, her heart was wildly thumping. It caused her to stand frozen in the doorframe until dark humor took hold of Saint's face.

"Uh..." Saint scratched the back of his neck and bit back a smile. He was wearing rags to hide his manhood and didn't want Harper to see him fully naked just yet. "Are you just going to stand there all day?"

Harper blinked and blushed when she realized she had been dumbly staring at Saint. She shouldn't be drawn to Saint. He was potentially dangerous, yet something about him had her insides simmering and screaming with want.

"Sorry," Harper apologized. "I will make your bed and then sleep on the couch. Good night, Saint."

Harper wasn't sure if she imagined the amused curl to Saint's lips before he said. "Good night, Harper."