Looking at the chaos in the room, Alexander’s anger flared. He kicked Ethan in the chest once again. “Don’t forget why you have your current status. I don’t need a son like you.”
Struggling to stand, Ethan asked, “What’s happened that has made you so furious?”
“The most authoritative Elder Council in the North Continent has extended an invitation to Aldrich Barret for an interview. They’re visiting Barret Manor in three days to interview Maggie Nelson, who’s expecting twins. This will boost support for Aldrich Barret. Now, tell me, what have you done to secure the election?”
“It’s just a matter of public relations and soft support.”
Alexander’s big foot remained pressed onto Ethan’s chest. “The former Alpha of The BlueMoon Pack was interviewed, and his son is about to be interviewed. What about us, the Frost Moon Pack? Have we had anything similar?”
“No,” Ethan replied.
“You have so many pups, yet you can’t compete with the attention Aldrich’s unborn child is getting. Is this what you’ve accomplished?”
“No, Father, Maggie’s child in her womb is mine, and I will turn things around. Please give me some time.”
“I’ve given you too much, and you’ve become lax,” Alexander said coldly.
Ethan’s back was forced against the carpet by the oppressive pressure, and Alexander looked down at him, saying, “Even your more talented brothers are waiting for you to fall, Ethan. I’ve given you these privileges for your mother’s sake. Don’t disappoint me.”
“I won’t, please trust me,” Ethan struggled to speak.
“Privileges should be earned through your efforts. If you can’t succeed in the election to become the Alpha of the Northern Continent, I will personally reduce you to your original state.”
“Understood.”
As Alexander left, the powerful pressure began to dissipate. The room fell silent, as if the laughter, lust, and debauchery that had filled it fifteen minutes earlier were just a dream.
The gentle curtains slowly drew back, and Grace emerged, still attached to the chain. Ethan lay on the carpet, staring up at the ornate ceiling beams.
Suddenly, he spoke, “Laugh if you want, curse if you wish. I’m giving you a rare chance.”
“No regrets?” Grace inquired.
“Of course not. Damn, I can’t believe I forgot about this important day today…”
Ethan’s sad words were cut short as a glass slammed violently into his head. Blood flowed down his forehead into the carpet, and the pain helped him regain some clarity.
He sat up, and a searing pain in his chest reminded him that his father was not showing him any mercy.
Grace, maintaining her icy demeanor, said, “If the chain were long enough, I’d be throwing a fruit knife at you. Such a pity.”
The blood made Ethan look even more sinister. He staggered to his feet and looked at Grace with a menacing glare. “It seems we are of the same ilk.”
Since Maggie had healed her, Grace had learned to accept physical abuse, verbal insults, and personal degradation. But she still detested Ethan and couldn’t stand being associated with him in any way. She sneered, “I don’t have a heartless father who sees me as a tool. You’re the pitiable one.”
“I am the noble Frost Moon Prince!”
“Only through begging,” Grace retorted, “you’re more like a dog compared to me.”
Ethan’s large hand gripped Grace’s neck. Grace showed no sign of resistance. “Your actions won’t change anything if you don’t kill me.”
She shook off Ethan’s hand and naturally returned to the large bed, completely unfazed by him.
Ethan licked his fangs and suppressed his urge for blood. He moved closer to Grace. “You’re restraining yourself. Don’t think I’m unaware.”
Grace turned her back to him. However, Ethan placed his big hand on her waist, and her body reacted as if electrified. She immediately turned back, her eyes filled with anger and wariness. “If you’re in heat, go find your lovers…”
Blood.
The scent of blood emanating from Ethan once again surrounded Grace, tempting her into another abyss.
“Your Lunaris vampiric nature must be hard to control,” he said with a hint of a smile.
“Stay away from me!”
Grace tried to jump off the bed, but Ethan firmly held her from behind. He said coldly, “I’m suffering, and I want you to suffer with me. Sniffing the scent of blood and fighting to restrain it. What do you have to be proud of, Grace?”
He just wanted to see her humiliated and begging!
But she wouldn’t give him that satisfaction!
Grace struggled to suppress her cravings for blood and the uncontrollable lust brought on by his heated body, and a gradual calm settled between them.
Ethan tightened his grip around her, and then he suddenly said, “Today is her memorial day, and I forgot.”
Without receiving a response, Ethan forcibly turned Grace’s head, saying, “I could still choose to make you lose consciousness and make you my dog again, just as before.”
Grace lowered her eyelids to conceal her endless disgust, then turned her face away. But her icy voice asked, “Whose memorial day?”
“My mother… no, I don’t have a mother. I’ve never seen her, but Alexander has always tried to remind me and control me through her emotions. She’s a stranger to me.”
“You just called your father’s name.”
Ethan surprisingly let out a faint chuckle. He even leaned closer to try to kiss Grace’s lips, locking eyes with her cold, murderous gaze. He felt an unprecedented desire to conquer and seduce her.
Grace used her arm to block the way between them. “One, I can’t have children, so I can’t fulfill your lover’s requirements. Two, if you do anything, and I can’t kill you, I’ll kill myself.”
“You’re just like me.”
“I should have broken the chain and thrown that fruit knife at you. I missed my chance.”
“You’re a stubborn pup.”
“You can continue talking about your mother.”
“She was beautiful, with obvious noble features. When sitting quietly, she looked like an exquisite ink painting, and when on the move, she had a mischievous and lively look.”
“But you just said you’ve never seen her.”
“It’s her photos. Alexander has collected many of them. As long as I complete the tasks he assigns, he’ll give me a photo of my mother.”
“Like teasing a dog with a bone?”
Ethan suddenly grabbed Grace’s shoulder and lightly punished her. He continued to share the pain that he had kept locked inside. “He said that if I win the election, he will tell me a detailed address.”
“What address?”
“I don’t know. Alexander is a cunning and ruthless wolf, but I vaguely feel it’s related to my mother…”
“You and your father are equally ruthless in this aspect.”
Ethan forcibly made Grace face him. He gazed deeply into her eyes, devoid of any emotions. The depth and uncontrollability of his stare sent shivers down Grace’s spine.
She struggled, saying, “If you don’t like to hear it, I won’t say anything. I’ll just curse you silently.”
Ethan’s eyes seemed to come alive, no longer as lifeless as before. He leaned closer, his target being Grace’s lips. She couldn’t push Ethan away, and the chains on her feet made a heavy clinking sound.
She tilted her head as much as she could. “You dare!”
Ethan’s face darkened, and he said menacingly, “I will achieve what I want, and you’re no exception.”
“You know I don’t cling to life.”
“Lies.”
Grace was at a loss. She did, in fact, desire to live, at least long enough to witness Ethan get what he deserved before leaving.
Luckily, Ethan didn’t continue to press Grace. He didn’t insist on anything with her; she was his prey.
He released Grace and stretched out on the bed, saying, “I believe she’s still alive.”