Chapter 7: The deal

"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 him to process. One moment, he was pressed against the wall, and the next, he landed on the bed. Before he could comprehend what had happened, his shirt was torn, exposing his chest.

"What are you..." Ethan paused, his eyes widening as they met the golden-red, burning eyes he’d encountered before. The memories flashed through his mind, freezing him in place. All he could do was sob.

"Please don’t kill me," he whispered, his voice barely audible, but Lucian heard it and growled.

Rex, his Lycan, scolded him. "You’ve made mate cry. You’re scaring him."

Lucian’s gaze softened, and his hand reached out to touch Ethan’s face, whose eyes were shut tightly. Only then did Lucian notice his claws. He had almost lost control.

Reluctantly, he pulled away, his expression blank. "Such a crybaby," he muttered.

Ethan’s eyes flew open, and he pressed himself against the headboard, staring at Lucian in fear.

"You hungry?" Lucian asked suddenly. Ethan shook his head.

"No," Ethan whispered, but the growl of his stomach betrayed him. His gaze met Lucian’s again, and he knew the man could tell he was lying.

Soon, the table was set, and food was placed in front of Ethan by Lucian’s personal butler. Ethan hadn’t noticed the middle-aged man until now. He’d also been given a new shirt that didn’t smell like Lucian, so it was clearly fresh.

"Eat," Lucian ordered. Ethan awkwardly glanced at the mouthwatering food. Why was he feeding him? Did he plan to kill him afterward?

"You don’t have a hearing problem, do you?" Lucian asked. Ethan quickly shook his head.

"Uh... did... did you kill them?" Ethan finally asked the question that had been bothering him. He might have hated James and his friends to his core, but he still wanted to know if they were alive.

Lucian head titled slightly, his expression unreadable. "They’re not dead. Do you wish for me to kill them?"

Ethan looked up at him in disbelief. Was the man serious?

"You would kill them if I told you to?"

Lucian didn’t reply and only stared at him. What a dumb question, Ethan. Why would he kill for you?

"Never mind," Ethan muttered. With slow movements, he began to eat. He was starving, having not eaten since morning. He was becoming lean and could feel himself fading into sickness soon.

As he ate, Lucian silently watched him. The food was rich and flavorful—better than anything Ethan had eaten in ages. He finished quickly and cleared his throat.

"Thanks for the meal."

Lucian snapped his fingers, and the butler emerged from the kitchen to clear the plates.

"You’ll live here from now on," Lucian declared abruptly.

Ethan’s heart stopped. "What?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.

"You’ll live here," Lucian repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"I—I have my own place," Ethan stammered.

Lucian’s gaze darkened. "You mean the place you were chased out of?"

Ethan frowned but quickly countered, "I’ll find another!"

"It wasn’t a request." Lucian’s voice turned cold as ice. "It’s the deal. You’ll live here, and I’ll pay you ten thousand dollars a month. I’ve already paid you for this month. Take whatever you need from your old place or leave it all behind. It’s your choice."

Ethan quickly retorted, "Sir—I don’t think this is a good idea."

"Do you think I want it either?" Lucian snapped, his voice cold. His cold glare froze Ethan in place. "Do you think I want this bond between us? More than you, I hate it. Just to make it clear, I hate you Ethan Wave and I can’t wait to break the stupid bond between us. I want someone better. Someone I could proudly accept—not some college boy with a pathetic life, bullied by his peers. It’s infuriating."

Lucian’s voice lowered, his tone bitter. "You’re my cursed bond. The Moon Goddess knew I wouldn’t want you, which is why you’re stuck with me. So more than anything, I want you gone... but I can’t. The string between us can’t be broken, and it’s driving me insane. All I want to do is claim you right now. So do as I say. Live here while I figure out how to break this bond."

Lucian’s words hit Ethan like a brutal blow. Each one pierced his heart, tearing it apart in the cruelest way.

Why did it hurt so much? Why did Lucian’s words trigger such anger, sadness, and pain? Ethan didn’t fully understand the meaning of the bond, but he knew one thing: Lucian wanted him gone.

"I’ll leave now," Ethan said, standing and bowing slightly. "Thank you for the meal."

As he walked past Lucian, the man spoke again. "I’ll have the butler prepare your room. You have till 8pm tomorrow. I need to break the bond as soon as possible."

Lucian’s words made Ethan clench his fists.

"Yes, sir," Ethan replied, taking a deep breath to suppress his anger. Then, without another word, he left the apartment.