Hellhorse Victory and Harpy Frustration

Larkin Yates, a sentinel in a powerful demon lair, watches Teague Sullivan's hellhorse dominate a brutal race in the demonic Underground beneath Las Vegas. The hellhorses are as beautiful as they are deadly, and the races are a violent spectacle. Larkin, tough and fiercely independent, is annoyed by her friends' relentless matchmaking efforts, which only highlight her single status. She's surrounded by mated friends and "brothers" who meddle in her love life, convinced she's lonely. Larkin's inner demon is as prickly as she is, and she's tired of being the last single one in her circle. The only person who seems to get under her skin in a good way is Teague, a hellhorse shifter with a reputation for being untamable, dangerous, and anti-relationship. Their chemistry is undeniable, but both have reasons to keep their distance.

Matchmaking Meddling and Fake Dating

Larkin's friends and "brothers" escalate their matchmaking, signing her up for dating apps and setting her up on blind dates. Teague, meanwhile, is hounded by female hellhorses who want him to father their children. To get everyone off their backs, Larkin and Teague agree to pretend to be a couple. The plan is simple: fake a relationship for five months, with a wager that whoever quits first must sing naked at a bar. The ruse is meant to fool their friends and give them both a break from unwanted attention. But the act quickly blurs the line between fake and real, as their banter and attraction intensify. Both are stubborn, competitive, and secretly drawn to each other's darkness.

The Clan's Deadly Secret

Teague lives with his "clan" of hellhorses, all former members of the Wild Hunt—a legendary, hell-born unit tasked with hunting down escaped souls. They've retired to Earth, hiding their origins and powers, and live as strays outside any lair's protection. Their camp is a blend of camaraderie, chaos, and secrecy, with enchanted animals and a strict code of loyalty. The clan is tight-knit, wary of outsiders, and haunted by their past. Teague's leadership and the clan's skills make them formidable, but their hell-born nature would make them targets if discovered by Earth-born demons or angels.

Shadowkin Attacks Begin

Teague is targeted by shadowkin—deadly, tentacled demons sent from hell. The attacks are relentless and personal, orchestrated by Ronin, Teague's half-brother and the current Master of the Wild Hunt. Ronin's hatred is rooted in family betrayal and jealousy, and he uses his position to try to eliminate Teague. The clan bands together to defend their territory, using black salt to ward off shadowkin and plotting to lure their enemies into a trap. The threat forces Teague to keep his distance from Larkin, fearing she'll be caught in the crossfire, but she refuses to be sidelined.

The Anchor's Return

Holt, Larkin's psi-mate (anchor), reappears after decades of absence. The anchor bond is a psychic connection meant to stabilize demons and prevent them from going rogue. Holt abandoned Larkin years ago, choosing ambition and power over their bond. His return is motivated by political necessity—he needs Larkin's connection to strengthen his position as a Prime and fend off rival lairs. Larkin is furious and refuses to forgive or bond with him, her demon's hatred for Holt as deep as her own. Holt's manipulations and sense of entitlement only deepen her resolve to reject him.

The Pact and the Wager

Larkin and Teague's fake relationship becomes a game of one-upmanship, with both determined not to lose the wager. Their friends and family are skeptical but play along, watching for cracks in the act. The pair's banter, sexual tension, and mutual respect grow, blurring the line between pretense and reality. Teague's clan is wary of Larkin, fearing she'll uncover their secrets, but she proves herself loyal and trustworthy. The act becomes a safe space for both to explore vulnerability, desire, and the possibility of something real.

Pretend Lovers, Real Sparks

As Larkin and Teague spend more time together, their chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. They support each other through personal challenges—Larkin's struggle with her anchor, Teague's battles with shadowkin, and the pressures of their respective circles. Their banter turns to intimacy, and they cross the line into a physical relationship. Both are wary of commitment, shaped by past betrayals and abandonment, but they find comfort and acceptance in each other. Their demons, equally wild and possessive, are drawn together, complicating and deepening the bond.

The Clan's Hidden Past

Larkin's suspicions about Teague's past lead her to his camp, where she witnesses the clan's true nature as hell-born hellhorses and former Wild Hunt members. Instead of exposing them, she chooses to protect their secret, proving her loyalty. The revelation cements her place in Teague's life and clan, and she becomes an ally in their fight against Ronin. The clan, initially wary, comes to respect and accept her, recognizing her strength and commitment.

The Anchor's True Motives

Holt's true motives are exposed: he wants to use Larkin to secure his power, not out of love or loyalty. When she refuses to bond, he kidnaps her, using a magical net to drain her psi-energy and force the anchor bond. Larkin's resourcefulness and her demon's ferocity allow her to escape, killing Holt and his minions. The experience frees her from the anchor's call and cements her independence. Teague, furious at her endangerment, realizes the depth of his feelings for her.

The Harpy's Choice

With Holt gone and Ronin's threat looming, Larkin must choose where her loyalty lies. She refuses to betray Teague's secrets to her Prime, Knox, even though it could put her at odds with her lair. Her choice to stand by Teague and his clan, despite the risks, proves her love and commitment. The clan, in turn, fully accepts her as one of their own. Larkin and Teague's relationship, once a ruse, becomes real and unbreakable.

The Battle for Survival

Ronin brings his entire unit and a pack of hellish chupacabras to destroy Teague and his clan. With the help of Larkin, her demon, and the Black Saints (fallen angels with their own agenda), the clan fights a brutal, bloody battle. Teague's demon defeats Ronin's in a savage duel, and Larkin's demon delivers the killing blow. The clan erases all evidence of the fight, ensuring their continued secrecy and survival. The victory is hard-won, but it brings closure and peace.

The End of Pretending

With their enemies vanquished and secrets safe, Larkin and Teague drop the pretense of a fake relationship. They admit their feelings, acknowledge their demons' attachment, and commit to each other fully. Larkin moves into Teague's wagon, blending her life with his and the clan's. Their relationship is unconventional, passionate, and fiercely loyal—built on mutual respect, shared darkness, and hard-won trust.

Claiming and Commitment

Teague and Larkin formally claim each other as mates, exchanging black diamond rings—a demon tradition symbolizing eternal commitment. Their demons, equally possessive, mark each other with brands, making their bond visible to all. The clan and Larkin's friends accept the union, recognizing the strength and stability it brings to both. The couple's love is wild, imperfect, and deeply rooted in acceptance of each other's flaws and darkness.

The Aftermath and Acceptance

In the aftermath of battle and loss, Larkin and Teague find healing in each other and their chosen families. The clan adjusts to life without the threat of Ronin, and Larkin is free from the anchor's call. Both learn to trust, to let go of old wounds, and to embrace the future. Their relationship, once a game, becomes a source of strength and joy.

The Final Race

Teague returns to the hellhorse races, cheered on by Larkin and their friends. The race is brutal, but he wins, proving his resilience and skill. Larkin, once anxious and alone, now stands surrounded by loved ones, proud of her mate and their journey. The victory is symbolic of their triumph over adversity and the forging of a new life together.

The Harpy's Homecoming

Larkin, once an outsider in her own circle, finds a true home with Teague and his clan. She balances her loyalty to her lair with her commitment to her mate, forging a unique path that honors both. Her demon, once isolated and vengeful, is content and connected. Larkin's journey from loneliness to belonging is complete.

Loyalty, Love, and Laughter

The story ends with Larkin and Teague fully integrated into each other's lives, surrounded by their chosen families. Their relationship is marked by loyalty, love, and laughter—tempered by darkness but illuminated by acceptance. Together, they face whatever the future holds, confident in their bond and the strength they find in each other.

Characters

Larkin Yates

Larkin is a harpy demon and sentinel in Knox Thorne's powerful lair. Raised in a children's home after her mother abandoned her, she's built emotional walls and relies on a tight circle of friends and "brothers." Her inner demon is cold, vengeful, and slow to trust, mirroring her own issues with attachment. Larkin is tough, sarcastic, and unafraid to stand up for herself, but she secretly longs for connection. Her past with her anchor, Holt, left deep scars, making her wary of commitment. Through her relationship with Teague, she learns to trust, accept love, and embrace vulnerability. Her loyalty is hard-won but absolute, and she ultimately chooses her mate and new family over old wounds.

Teague Sullivan

Teague is a hellhorse shifter, ex-Master of the Wild Hunt, and leader of a clan of hell-born demons. Charismatic, dangerous, and unpredictable, he hides his origins to protect his clan. Teague is fiercely loyal to his chosen family and values freedom above all. His reputation as a player and his aversion to relationships mask a deep fear of abandonment and betrayal. Teague's inner demon is as wild and possessive as he is, drawn to Larkin's strength and darkness. Through their fake relationship, he discovers a capacity for commitment and love he never thought possible. His journey is one of acceptance, healing, and learning to let someone in.

Holt Wilks

Holt is Larkin's psi-mate (anchor), a cambion (half-demon, half-human) and Prime of his own lair. Ambitious, calculating, and emotionally stunted, he abandoned Larkin for power, only to return when he needed her to secure his position. Holt's sense of entitlement and inability to understand true loyalty make him a tragic figure—ultimately destroyed by his own choices. His attempt to force the anchor bond and imprison Larkin reveals his desperation and lack of genuine connection. Holt's death frees Larkin from the anchor's call and symbolizes her break from the past.

Ronin

Ronin is Teague's half-brother and the current Master of the Wild Hunt. Consumed by jealousy and resentment, he uses his power to try to eliminate Teague and his clan. Ronin's actions are driven by a need for validation from their father and a deep-seated inferiority complex. His willingness to sacrifice his own unit and hire mercenaries highlights his ruthlessness and cowardice. Ronin's defeat and death at Teague's hands bring closure to a lifetime of rivalry and pain.

The Clan (Saxon, Leo, Gideon, Slade, Archer, Tucker)

Teague's clan is a group of hell-born hellhorses, each with a distinct personality and role. They are bound by shared history, loyalty, and the need to hide their origins. The clan is wary of outsiders but comes to accept Larkin as one of their own. Their dynamic is a blend of humor, bickering, and unwavering support. Each member brings unique strengths, and together they form a formidable unit capable of facing any threat.

Knox Thorne

Knox is the Prime of Larkin's lair, a sphinx demon with immense power and a reputation for ruthlessness. He is fiercely protective of his family and lair, valuing loyalty above all. Knox's relationship with Larkin is paternal and supportive, and he ultimately respects her choices, even when they diverge from his own interests. His willingness to accept Teague and the clan, once convinced of their loyalty, reflects his pragmatism and capacity for growth.

Khloë

Khloë is an imp demon, mated to Keenan and Teague's anchor. Mischievous, cunning, and unpredictable, she orchestrates the fake relationship between Larkin and Teague, believing they are perfect for each other. Khloë's schemes and humor provide comic relief, but her loyalty and insight are invaluable. She is the glue that holds the friend group together and is always several steps ahead.

Larkin's Demon

Larkin's inner demon is a force of nature—unforgiving, territorial, and slow to trust. It collects "shiny things" and is quick to discard those who betray it. The demon's attachment to Teague and his beast is unprecedented, leading to mutual branding and a deep, primal bond. Its presence shapes Larkin's actions and relationships, serving as both a source of strength and a challenge to overcome.

Teague's Demon

Teague's hellhorse is as untamable as its host—drawn to danger, dominance, and the thrill of the hunt. It is fiercely protective of its clan and, once bonded, of Larkin and her demon. The beast's possessiveness manifests in physical brands and a refusal to let go. Its acceptance of Larkin's demon is a turning point, allowing both to find connection and peace.

The Black Saints (Viper and brothers)

The Black Saints are a motorcycle club of fallen angels, led by Viper. They have their own agenda but ally with Teague's clan to keep hell-born threats in check. Their presence adds another layer of danger and complexity, but their loyalty and power are crucial in the final battle. Viper's enigmatic relationship with Ella hints at deeper connections and future stories.

Plot Devices

Fake Relationship as Emotional Catalyst

The central plot device is the fake relationship between Larkin and Teague, initiated to fend off meddling friends and unwanted suitors. The act forces both characters to confront their fears, vulnerabilities, and desires. The wager adds stakes and humor, while the gradual blurring of lines between pretense and reality drives character growth and intimacy. The device allows for exploration of trust, loyalty, and the transformative power of love.

Hidden Identity and Secret Past

Teague and his clan's hell-born origins and history as the Wild Hunt are kept secret to protect themselves from persecution. The gradual revelation of their past to [

Last updated: May 21, 2025