"You're fired,"
Ethan's heart dropped to his feet as the cruel words sank in. He searched for a hint of compassion in the middle-aged man's face, but there was none. His boss looked at him with the same icy indifference he'd shown for the past few weeks. "But... sir, I was at the hospital—" "Singing the same song again about your sick mother?" His boss sneered, cutting him off. "I'm tired of being so considerate, boy, ignoring all your mistakes and taking your lame excuses." His voice was sharp, each word hitting Ethan like a physical blow. "You’re not the only one with problems. Get your priorities straight." Ethan's throat tightened. He had expected this—deep down, he knew it was coming—but hearing it out loud made his world crumble. "I—" He swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady. "I need this job... you don’t understand." "I don’t care what you need," the man spat, his face twisted in disdain. "This is a business, not a charity. Get out." "Sir... just one last chance, I promise to—" "Security!" the man roared, seeming to have made up his mind long ago, just waiting for this moment. This job was his main source of income, covering his meals and his mother's hospital bills. Realizing he wouldn’t be able to convince the man, Ethan clenched his jaw and left. -- Ethan returned to school after spending the night searching for job opportunities but found none. This was the worst possible time to get fired. With his mother’s diagnosis so close and the rent overdue, he knew he was about to face the worst. The moment he stepped into the classroom, his eyes locked onto James, whose lips flashed with a mischievous grin, eyes glinting with excitement. “Look who’s back,” James laughed, watching Ethan take his seat in his usual spot—away from the others. Alone, like an outcast. “Seriously, does he only have one outfit? It’s the same fucking blue hoodie,” Thane chuckled, with Reed, their third, joining in. Ethan struggled to keep his anger in check. Those bastards needed to pay for what they had done to him. They didn’t just torment him; now they had made him lose his only source of income. James rose from his seat and sat beside him, throwing his arm around Ethan. "Hey, do you miss me?" Ethan swallowed the bile rising in his throat; it was taking all he had not to punch this motherfucker in the face right now. James leaned close to his ear and whispered those dreadful words. "You know what I mean." Ethan’s eyes teared up, raising to meet James's sly smile. Memories washed over him—the day this bastard forced him to their place to do unimaginable things. James slapped Ethan’s head, pushing his gaze away. "Don’t glare at me, dumbass. Do you want to deny enjoying the fun?" He chuckled and whispered, his fingers caressing Ethan’s hair. "Does your ass still hurt?" A tear slipped from Ethan's eyes as he shut them, fists clenching as he tried to suppress the memories, his head down, hiding the shame and anger burning on his face. The classroom, filled with the familiar buzz of students chatting and laughing, felt suffocating. To them, it seemed just like another day, but to him, it was a nightmare. "Why are you doing this to me?" Ethan asked, his voice filled with anger and pain. It was barely audible, but James heard him. "No reason," James clicked his tongue, his words making Ethan’s anger rise. The worst part was, he could do nothing to stop these relentless taunts. He was insignificant in the eyes of both the students and lecturers, even though he was the top student. James continued. "But I can tell you how to get out of this." Ethan looked up at him, curious about what he was about to say. "You just have to drop out. Seeing you just makes me want to do things to you." With a final tap on his head, James left the seat, leaving Ethan frozen. Drop out? School was his only way out. The only chance to build a future for himself and take care of his mother. The thought of giving up on everything made his stomach churn. But James’s words gnawed at him. 'Seeing you just makes me want to do things to you'. The threat was clear, but he wasn’t going to just give up. “Where the heck is the lecturer? We’ve been sitting here for an hour!” one of the girls complained, breaking Ethan’s thoughts. He quickly wiped his tears. Others voiced their frustrations, and some started to gather their things to leave, but then the female vice chancellor stepped in. The class fell silent, respecting her presence. “Good afternoon, everyone,” her voice resonated through the room. “I have an announcement to make... Apparently, Mr. Brandon resigned yesterday—” “Does that mean we won’t have Gothic Literature and History?” One of the girls in the class nterjected. “No," the vice chancellor shot a warning look at the girl, her voice firm. "You have a new professor to guide you in that course.” “Let’s welcome Professor Lucian Draven, if we must, please.” Jaws dropped, eyes widened as shock and disbelief swept across the room at the tall, imposing figure who stepped in. Professor Lucian entered with an aura of authority that commanded immediate attention. The soft click of his polished black shoes against the floor seemed to echo louder than the murmurs that gradually faded. He wore a tailored black suit that hugged his tall, built frame, and his dark hair was slicked back, framing a remarkably cold handsome face. His gaze was sharp and cold as it swept across the space. Was he even human? Everything about this man screamed perfection. Ethan felt an unusual magnetic pull that made his breath hitch. Something about him felt off. “Good afternoon, everyone,” Professor Lucian’s voice sliced through the silence, deep and sharp like the edge of a dagger. “I’ll be taking the Gothic Literature and History course for the remainder of the semester.” Ethan’s gaze remained fixed on him. Suddenly, those cold eyes flicked in his direction, causing Ethan’s heart to skip a beat. He quickly averted his gaze, his chest heaving as a strange heat rose to his cheeks. What was wrong with him?The class began as Professor Lucian continued from where the old lecturer had left off. His voice was thick yet smooth. Each time his gaze met Ethan's, Ethan quickly looked away.Why did it affect him? Was it the same for everyone else?Ethan's eyes darted around the room. He noticed the girls were practically drooling over him, their faces lighting up whenever Professor Lucian's gaze fell in their direction.Ethan couldn't concentrate. He then decided to fix his eyes on his book.The class seemed to drag on, finally ending after an hour. Professor Lucian was good—smooth in his teaching, his accent impeccable.The girls clapped as he wrapped up his lecture, drawing out the list of names in the class."Sarah Martin," he called out with ease, his voice filling the room."Present, sir," a girl exclaimed excitedly from the back."Is this some kind of freaking high school or something?" Ethan heard James mutter under his breath.Professor Lucian's piercing gaze snapped to James, and he imm
Weak, lowly human... Not just a human, but a male. A fucking male, bullied by his own peers. He was full of shit.The moon goddess was certainly playing tricks on him.After centuries of searching, filled with the hope of finding his female mate—the one he desired above all—he ended up with a male.His beta had been right. He was cursed never to be happy. How could he have thought the moon goddess would forgive him after what he had done years ago?The heavens would torment him until the end of his immortal life. Why not just end him as punishment instead of tormenting him this way?Lucian eyes settled on the unconscious boy laying on his king sized bed. His body full of bruises, some old, some fresh. Just how weak his mate is?His dark eyes observed his face close. The boy's face was delicate, paled beneath the bruise and scratches that marred his skin. His breath were shallow, with each rise and fall if his chest reminding Lucian of how fragile he was.Lucian was twice his size—a f
Ethan dashed out of the tall building, his breath heavy and heart pounding like a caged animal desperate to escape. Those deep, golden-red eyes that glowed like lava would forever haunt his sanity.The sound of cracking bones, the screams, and the blood replayed in his mind. Though Professor Lucian had saved him, it still terrified him.A loud honk snapped him back to reality."Watch out, you fool!" the driver of the car that almost hit him yelled."Sorry," Ethan gasped, catching his breath as he continued running. He only stopped when he was far enough from the place.The area was well-developed, an estate with tall buildings that seemed to touch the sky, their architecture grand and imposing, reflecting power and wealth. The windows mirrored the hues of the setting sun.With directions and help from people he met along the way, Ethan found a nearby bank to withdraw some money to get home.An hour later, Ethan stood before his apartment. It hit him that Professor Lucian now knew wher
"Way too dangerous," he had said? Ethan mocked his pathetic life. His instincts screamed at him that he was insane, crazy, and utterly preposterous for being here—at the doorstep of Professor Lucian.This was the place he had fled in fear, yet here he was again. He pulled out his phone, staring at Professor Lucian's number, hesitating to call and announce his presence.If the man killed him tonight, would it make any difference? Besides, life was all about taking risks.Ethan wanted to run, to flee without looking back, but that wasn’t an option. His mother life was on the line. He had to save her."Yes?" Professor Lucian's deep, husky voice resonated on the other end of the line, sending a chill down Ethan's spine."I'm here," he announced, his voice barely a whisper. He could imagine the sly smile that Professor Lucian would surely have on his face right now."Get in."Ethan ended the call and took a deep breath, gathering what little courage he had left as he advanced toward the ex
"W-why would I do that?" Even with how terrifying Lucian looked at the moment, Ethan managed to question him. Despite trembling under his hold and sweating as if he were staring death in the face, he still found the courage to defy his order.If it had been someone else, Lucian would have snapped their neck and watched their blood drain from their body. Hell, he wanted to do just that, his fingers was hitching-- but not with Ethan."Would you like me to do it for you?" Lucian asked, his face still an inch away, his voice dripping with venom.Ethan swallowed hard. "Y... you’re—" he paused and cleared his dry throat. "You’re still holding my hands, sir."Lucian’s gaze shifted to Ethan’s trapped hands and then back to his face. He released him and waited for him to comply."Well... uh, Mr. Lucian..." Ethan began with a stutter. "Well, the thing is... I, uh... I’m not into men, and I..." That was all Ethan could say before he felt his feet leave the floor.The movement was too quick for h
"A male mate?" Eric turned to face Lucian, who stood by the window, staring blankly at the city below. "It's not so bad. It's not as if you haven't mounted a male before," he mumbled, sinking into the couch.Lucian glanced over his shoulder, his gaze icy. "I was in a rut... and clearly, he was a werewolf without a terrible personality.. like being a weak human."Eric reached for the glass of alcohol beside him and took a small sip. "Just accept it, Lucian. You've waited so long for this. It was a cursed bond, meant to either break you or fix you. Try to see the bright side..."Lucian shut his eyes at the foolish words of his closest friend, Alpha Eric—the only person who didn’t shrink in fear at the sight of him."Fix me?" Lucian let out a dark, ominous chuckle. "He was bullied, almost killed by his own peers. If I hadn't come to save him, he’d be dead. Fragile, forgetful, asks too many questions, and cries a lot. Do you think someone with that kind of personality could be my mate and
Ethan swallowed hard, his throat dry. He tried to find his words, but his voice refused to cooperate as Lucian's cold gaze pinned him. The man before him was beyond mad—he could feel it."I... I didn't mean to..." Ethan quickly stood and stammered, his heart pounding against his chest."Mean to what?" Lucian interrupted, his cold aura unyielding. "Did you think I'd let off the hook?""No... I was going to return your money. I'll work hard and give it back to you. But living with you, I... I can't do that," Ethan said quickly, panic bubbling in his chest."I don’t give a damn about what you can or cannot do?" Lucian raised a brow, his voice laced with irritation. "When I give you an order, you obey, little mate."Ethan's fists clenched, a pang of defiance sparking in his nerves. "You can't just expect me to jump at every one of your demands. I have my own life too... I appreciate your help, and I'm going to pay you back—"Lucian's brows furrowed.Ethan continued, "I'll work day and nig
"Hnngh... ngh."Ethan clenched the bed tighter, trying desperately to regain control of his body, but it was futile.What was he doing? This didn’t feel right. This sensation surging through him didn’t feel right.Every fiber of his being wanted to stop the man behind him, but his body betrayed him, shredding the last piece of pride he had left. He let the sensation build to its peak.A light gasp escaped his lips as his eyes caught sight of his hard, erect organ. How could this be?"Stop... hnngh..." He tried to struggle against Lucian's hold, but it was no use.The man's fingers continued to tease and poke his sensitivity inside, making him gasp for air. His moans filled the room as tears pricked the corners of his eyes."Pl...ease stop... we shouldn’t... urgh...""Your body says otherwise, Ethan," Lucian whispered into his ear, his warm breath brushing against Ethan’s skin.The sight of Ethan’s struggle excited Lucian beyond measure. It took every ounce of restraint he had not to t
Butcher threw the first attack, fast and swift; however, the man before him effortlessly shifted from his spot, dodging the blow.Butcher didn’t stop. He threw more punches, harder and faster than before, his eyes glinting with fury and excitement. One hit was enough to break a bone—at least for a human.But as time passed, frustration began to creep in. Every single one of his attacks hit nothing but empty air, as the man dodged them all… without even removing his hands from his pockets.Worse!Those bored eyes of his was not even focused on him.Who would have thought his opponent would be this interesting? Butcher hadn’t had anyone challenge his strength in a long time, and this man was doing it so effortlessly.Nah! He would break the proud facade of this mysterious man in a suit, no matter what!Butcher went all out, swinging his calloused fists with full force, adding even more impact to his attacks—yet nothing landed.He looked like a fool, dancing with no music. Who the hell wa
My man.Fuck!If someone had told him he’d hear Ethan say that—admitting that he was his—Lucian would have scoffed and dismissed it as a bluff.The shy, annoying crybaby was becoming bold. And hell, the way he had kissed him just now had already turned him so fucking on.Just as the girl finally left, Ethan spun to face him—but Lucian immediately shot out his hand, grabbing Ethan by the neck and pulling him closer.Their faces were inches apart, breaths mingling, Lucian’s eyes dark and filled with hunger.For those words.“Say it again,” Lucian demanded, his voice deep.Ethan’s breath hitched. “What?”“That I’m yours.”Lucian smirked, and even though the aura he emitted would make anyone shrink back, Ethan didn’t flinch.“You’re mine,” Ethan replied.Lucian crashed his lips onto his, the kiss turning wild. Their lips burned against each other until they lost their breath. When they pulled away, Ethan was gasping for air.“Ethan…”“The match has started,” Ethan cut in knowing what Luci
For someone as cold as Lucian, dinner must seem too common and quite boring since, according to Eric, Lucian doesn't like eating outside.Dinner out canceled.As for cinemas, Lucian's television at the apartment was big, and if he wanted to watch a newly released movie, he would.Night parties were not Ethan's thing either; he was practically terrible at such events. After a long thought, Ethan considered something more entertaining—something even Eric would approve of.A wrestling show. Ethan loved watching the sport; it was pretty much his favorite, as it reminded him of his father. They used to watch the sport together.Since Lucian was someone who seemed attracted to violence and such, Ethan guessed perhaps Lucian might find it entertaining.“I hope he does, and even if he doesn't… I'm the one taking him out, and I'll make him enjoy it.”Ethan took a deep breath, taking one last look at his casually fine outfit. His eyes flicked to his jotter, where he had jotted down the things h
Lucian stood there, stunned, as Ethan walked away with a confidence he hadn’t displayed before. The bold declaration rang in his ears—If I’m yours, then you’re mine.Mine.Something inside Lucian stirred, a primal part of him that had long been caged. The need to dominate, to possess, to claim. Yet, Ethan had just flipped the dynamic, making it clear that he wouldn’t be another submissive plaything. He had challenged Lucian’s authority, dared to stand on equal ground.And damn it, that turned him on.Lucian’s lips curled into an amused smirk as he leaned against the wall, watching Ethan disappear into his room.“Interesting,” he murmured.______LUTHER'S DOMAINA luxurious car pulled up in front of the towering Grand Building, halting with a soft screech. The door swung open, and the driver, dressed in a fine suit, stepped out, walking over to open the door for another figure.A pair of polished black shoes stretched out first, followed by long, slender legs leading to a tall, command
LONDONEthan rolled over in bed, his eyes glued to his phone, staring at his delivered read messages while pressing his lips together.“Why isn’t he replying?” Ethan muttered to himself, then blinked. “Why am I so worried? He could be anywhere. He’s strong, rich… I’m just wondering why he isn’t home. It’s pretty normal since we live together, right?”He reread the message he had sent, over and over again, trying to make sense of his own concern.Then he sighed, flinging his phone to the side and staring up at the ceiling.His thoughts drifted to what he had said to Lucian. He couldn’t have meant all that, right?Was he really falling for a cold, inhuman man like Lucian?“I’m definitely not,” he muttered. He would clear things up once Lucian was back—let him know he hadn’t meant a single word of what he said that night.Ethan swallowed, his hand trailing to the left side of his chest. His heart was pounding, his breath slightly unsteady.He sighed, moving his hand from his chest to his
RUSSIA RUSSIA A young man—barely more than a college boy—rushed out of his car and stormed into the building, his breath ragged as he shoved past anyone in his way. The space was thick with smoke. The people inside looked dangerous—tattooed, armed, and drowning in the scent of alcohol and heavy drugs. He passed through two sectors of the building before reaching the main room upstairs. With impatience evident in his every movement, he knocked on the door. "C'mon, c'mon, c'mon," he muttered under his breath. A voice granted him permission, and he stepped inside. His eyes settled on his boss's huge frame lounging on the couch. His aura was intimidating, with almost all of his body covered in tattoos. Four barely covered women were with him. Two were taking turns sucking on his member, while the other two offered their naked breasts and kissed him. "Boss, we have a problem," the young guy spoke in Russian, his expression disturbed. "What is it, Sergei?" the brute-looking mal
Ethan stared at the several dishes on the table, his brow knitted with curiosity. It was Saturday; Butler Ben wasn't normally available on Saturdays, and he usually ate at the café before visiting his mother at the hospital.Could Mr. Lucian have ordered this?Curiosity waned at Ethan. What could it be? It smelled so nice.Ethan glanced at Lucian's closed room before reaching out to open the meal.Steam curled into the air as Ethan lifted the lids, revealing a spread of perfectly cooked steak, roasted vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. Beside it sat a bowl of what looked like homemade soup, its rich aroma making his stomach growl with hunger.His mouth parted in shock.“Holy shit,” Ethan muttered. These foods were definitely not ordered. Come to think of it, Lucian had never ordered a meal from outside before.Hearing the sudden creak of a door, Ethan immediately covered the meals and sat, pretending he wasn't doing anything.Lucian appeared in a black armless jersey and ash swea
ERIC'S APARTMENT"Who are you?" Twilight asked the woman staring at her with a sharp gaze."I should be the one asking you, girl. What the hell are you doing in Eric's home in pajamas? Do you live here?""No, I don't, actually. I'll be leaving by morning," Twilight replied, trying to control her emotions."Ah." The woman nodded. "That would be better. But I still want to know who you are to my brother."Twilight's eyes widened slightly."Brother?" She had assumed this strange young woman might be Eric's Luna or fiancée, given the confidence in her stance.The woman raised a snobbish brow, as if demanding an answer to her previous question."I..." Twilight hesitated. She didn’t want anyone to know she was mated to Eric yet. "I'm actually no one. I just needed a place to stay, and Mr. Eric was kind enough to offer.""Hm." The woman gave her a scrutinizing look. "Whatever. I knew my brother wouldn’t have anything to do with an Omega. You can go back to your room."Twilight swallowed hard
HOURS AGO... ERIC'S PLACEDespite her refusal, it all fell on deaf ears.But as she stepped into the apartment, Twilight's lips parted in awe.The apartment was spacious, large, and well-furnished. She knew Eric was rich since he was an Alpha, but she hadn’t expected this level of wealth.The space was huge, clean, and sparkling, with high ceilings and sleek modern décor. Expensive chandeliers hung above, casting a soft glow over the marble floors.Twilight swallowed, suddenly feeling out of place. “This… this is where you live?” she asked, glancing at Eric.He smirked, tossing his keys onto the glossy black countertop."Yeah," he replied."Alone?" She raised a brow."Yes, but I have a housekeeper who comes over every day. And then the security man. There are many rooms, Twilight, cleaned. You can take any one of your choice."Twilight hesitated, glancing around the almost too-perfect place. It smelled expensive.“I..." she cleared her throat. "I don’t know…” she murmured, shifting on