Ethan P. O. V
Bam!
Christopher Gale slammed his fist on the table, clearly furious. I could see his fangs peek out when he smirked, and his eyes glowed a bright gold. His ears began to sharpen, almost like he was on the verge of becoming a wolf just because I mentioned keeping Claire for myself.
“Don’t mess with me, Alpha Ethan,” he growled.
The Beta and a few warriors with him looked uneasy, and I could already hear Danny’s voice in my head, suggesting he should come in.
“I’ve made plenty of promises to those who can bring that woman to me, so what more do you want? Isn’t it enough that I’m offering you what we both desire?”
I chuckled while hiding my face. My loud laughter echoed through the spacious room, transforming the quiet into a mix of shock and tension on everyone’s faces.
“What makes you think my words are funny?” She was definitely getting riled up. I figured I might have pushed a button.
“Of course it was funny, Alpha Christopher,” I replied. “Out of all the secrets no one else knows, I’ve got your whole story, or maybe I’m just holding the ace up my sleeve that you’ve been hunting for all along.”
His forehead creased, and his eyebrows furrowed, revealing the age lines on his face as his gaze sharpened at me.
“Are you trying to threaten me?”
“No. Absolutely not.” I shook my head. “How could I even think about threatening an Alpha from one of the most powerful Packs? Honestly, my Pack doesn’t even come close to yours.”
My words only fueled Christopher Gale’s anger even more. I might risk my own Pack, but I wouldn’t let this guy stomp on my pride.
As the conversation dragged on, I noticed him starting to rein in his anger. His fur began to fade, his fangs and those striking golden eyes slowly vanished, almost like he was trying to read my mind. But that moment didn’t last long.
“You better tell me what you want,” he finally said, and I was ready for that question.
“Come on, Alpha Christopher, I’m not asking for much.” I shot back. “Aren’t we here to strike a deal? So, how about you tell me what it’ll take to let my future Luna go?”
“Lucy Spencer is definitely not going to be happy about this.”
“What’s going through your mind while I’m in charge here?”
“You’re really trying to mess with me.”
“Let’s revisit this in a week.”
“You’re not making me wait much longer,” he snapped.
Even though it was subtle and complex to notice, I could feel a pressure building up, making me uneasy. My chest felt constricted-was this some sort of pheromone? If it was, it reminded me of how Christopher Gale used to intimidate me, just like I was doing now.
Should I back off? No way. If I back down, I’ll lose everything-the deal he offered, Claire, and my whole Pack would be at risk.
Even though my chest was tight and I was sweating all over, I tried to play it cool. I even lifted my chin when I spoke to her again. “Don’t you want her? I need more offers because if I turn down my Luna, it’ll be the end for me. I need something that can truly buy my soul, something better than what you’ve given me before.”
This is wild. I’m definitely going to get a declaration of war from him soon. But is what I’m doing enough to make it feel worthwhile? It doesn’t matter if my Pack goes to war with The Moon Fall Pack.
Christopher Gale’s frown was getting more pronounced. He was getting angrier, and he’s not the type to quickly agree to a one-sided deal. So, I had to keep delaying the inevitable.
“Okay then. Your lack of response tells me everything I need to know, so I’m keeping her with me as my true Luna. You can come back once you’ve sealed that deal.”
“You’re really pushing my limits, Ethan Randall,” he hissed.
“Limits? Isn’t that part of our business, Alpha Christopher? We need patience, determination, ambition, and a bit of ruthlessness. After all, this is business.”
“I’m giving you a month to reflect on what you just said. No one should have to remind you of my words because if I do, you might not fully grasp how devastating it would be to lose everything you hold dear.”
After saying that, Christopher Gale got up and left, with Beta and his warriors trailing behind him. He showed me zero respect. Talk about bad manners.
Bam!
Christopher Gale swung the door open and slammed it shut with a bang. Even though they were far away, I could still hear their footsteps echoing in the hallway. Their heavy shoes thudding made my ears ring, especially since the room was still thick with the intimidating scent of his pheromones.
I felt like I struggled to breathe but tried to keep it together. Sweat was trickling down from my temples to my jaw when Lucy suddenly showed up and wrapped her arms around me.
“Oh, crap! Are you alright?” She looked concerned, noticing I resembled someone who had just been choked.
She approached me, covering her nose and mouth while her other hand tried to wipe the sweat off my face.
“No, I’m fine,” I said, gently pushing Lucy’s hand away.
“Where’s Claire?” That was the first thing that popped into my head when I noticed everyone huddled in the room after Christopher Gale left.
“She’s with Sir Chen Lien right now,” Danny answered.
But I could see the panic on his face; it was the same for everyone else. It wasn’t just because of my state; they all felt the effects of the pheromones that Christopher Gale had released. They were still hanging in the air, making them feel like I did. Lucy thought it, too.
“Get this room cleared out, open all the vents, and make sure no one gets within five meters until tomorrow morning. And bring Claire to my room right now,” I said as I got to my feet.
Lucy tried to argue with me. She had much to say, but I didn’t pay any attention. I just headed to my room, leaving everyone behind, including Lucy, who shot me a frustrated glare.