Chapter 1
This man—does he see her as merely a toy to play with, or is she something to be controlled, like a pawn in a game? Inside, he is undeniably passionate, yet on the surface, he remains chillingly indifferent. What is he disguising? When he transforms into the leader of The Lycan Clan, his favor towards her is fierce and engulfing. Elena Westwood does not believe in love, yet she finds herself drowning in his tenderness. Elena is captured by Lord Cedric Green. She waits for her father, Julian Westwood, to gather the necessary funds to rescue her, while she remains under Lord Green’s confinement. Repeatedly, Lord Green sends her father desperate messages for help, but she soon learns a shattering truth—her father has betrayed her and sold her out. During her imprisonment at Shire Manor's Sanctum, Elena inadvertently learns a deep secret about Lord Green from Sir Edwin Shire. Once Lord Green realizes that Elena knows their hidden truth about The Lycan Clan, he plans to silence her before she can expose them. "We should kill her," he proposes darkly. "Or perhaps make her join our ranks within The Wolfkin." "But she isn't one of us—the Lycan Clan," someone counters. "Then let her bear a child of the Lycan Clan!" Lord Green proclaims with chilling determination. Before her lies the seemingly ordinary iron gate—beyond it, darkness looms. The night envelops everything, leaving no clarity, yet within that shadowy realm resides the very Lycan Clan that the International Wolf Hunting Guild is desperate to hunt down!?
Chapter 2
Elena Westwood was abruptly yanked from her thoughts as she was pushed into a car, bound and helpless. Four men in sharp suits blocked her desperate attempts to escape. No matter how hard she struggled, the door was locked tight and the vehicle raced on, taking her further into the unknown. "You know, your father owes Valor International Enterprises fifty million," one of the suited men informed her, his voice devoid of any warmth. "And he’s refusing to pay up." "So, you’re kidnapping me?" Elena asked, frustration bubbling within her. Her father had been MIA for over three months, and every text and call she'd sent had gone unanswered. Until now, she couldn’t fathom what had happened. So, this was why he had gone silent. Was it really? Doubt gnawed at her. Three months was a long time. Worrying about her father's safety had become an undercurrent in her thoughts after their once-a-month meetings. Ever since their divorce when she was young, she'd lived with her mother. The agreement had been simple: she would see him every month. Their relationship had its ups and downs, but she had never worked for his company, so she wasn’t privy to his business details. After her mother's passing three years ago—just after Elena graduated from college—her father had remarried. He had no children with his new wife, leaving Elena as the only child in the family. But where was her father’s new wife now? Had she gone missing as well? Elena didn’t know much about her father's financial affairs; she just remembered that he had supported her through college with his exports and imports business. Now, feeling hopeless and trapped in the back of the car, she realized even if she had wings, there was no escape from this situation. After what felt like an eternity, the vehicle finally stopped. The woods loomed ominously around them, and as she glanced out, an imposing electric gate opened with a mechanical whir, suggesting someone was always watching from the shadows. Her heart pounded in her chest as the darkness deepened with the evening sky; it was the fifteenth day of the month and the full moon was starting to rise behind scattered clouds. The car drove deeper into the forest, each twist and turn stretching her anxiety. She had little knowledge of where she was, and even if she managed to escape, the road seemed impossible to navigate back to safety. Minutes later, they arrived at an extravagant building nestled within the thickets. The structure exuded wealth, its lights twinkling from within, hinting at a vibrant life inside. But why here? Was this a residence, or more like a hotel? Like a prisoner, Elena was forcefully guided inside with her hands still bound. The lavishly adorned great hall painted a stark contrast to her alarming reality. As the elevator ascended to the third floor, she felt the impending dread growing within. Her captors escorted her to an elaborately styled door, where one of them knocked and announced, "We've brought her." A few moments passed before a maid, dressed impeccably in classic attire, opened the door. "The Young Master wants her brought inside," she said without so much as a glance her way. Elena stumbled slightly as she was pushed through the door, almost losing her footing. Did they really need to be so rough? She might have understood their anger; after all, her father owed them money, but this was uncalled for. Inside, the faint sounds of running water could be heard. The man who had knocked proceeded to announce her arrival again to another door, stating, "The Young Master, Thomas Fairchild's maidservant has arrived." "Leave her. You may go," a deep voice commanded from behind the door, its tone smooth yet intimidating. The men retreated, leaving Elena alone with two maids wearing pink striped dresses. This was it; her chance to escape. She took a breath and turned on her heel, swiftly moving to exit as the same men had, but the maids were quicker, catching her by the arms. "Where do you think you're going? The Young Master is waiting for you," one of them said, an edge of authority in her voice. Waiting for her. Did they expect her to just waltz in there? What could they possibly want with her? Even if she managed to pay them back, fifty million was an either impossible sum for her. Fueled by dread, she was escorted through another lavish door. Upon entering, her eyes settled on an unsettling sight: a bare man sprawled face down on a massage table. A towel covered only his lower half, while a smooth, muscular back glimmered under soft lighting. She could hear the steady rhythm of the massage that was being administered. As if sensing her presence, the man spoke leisurely, "Go wash her up." Wash her up? Elena’s eyes widened in disbelief. Was he seriously asking for her to bathe? She blurted out, "Wash what?" The thought was absurd; they couldn't be asking her to join this...this situation. That's when the man turned slowly, and her breath caught in her throat as their gazes locked. She had seen men like him in movies, but this was terrifyingly real.
Chapter 3
02 Paying Off Debts with the Body The man turned slightly away, glancing at Elena Westwood without a word. His eyes, strikingly beautiful and impossible to fully describe, left Elena speechless, fear coursing through her. With a strong, chiseled jawline and a nose that seemed sculpted to perfection, he was a quintessential handsome middle-aged man. Curiously, he gazed at Elena without blinking, his breathing steady as if devoid of any emotion. Elena guessed he couldn’t be older than thirty, but the calmness and composure about him belied his youth—it was disconcerting. She couldn't understand why he was staring at her, but his intense gaze gradually calmed her fears, assuring her in a way that this utterly gorgeous man would not harm her. Or would he? She wondered. Having grown up in a single-parent household, where she had witnessed the ups and downs of life, Elena was all too aware that appearances could be deceiving, often only skin-deep. “Come on, step inside,” a maid named Edna said roughly, shoving her into the bathing chamber. No, it was more like a bathhouse, about ten feet square, with steam rising in thick curls around her. Elena was bewildered as to why she was there to bathe. At that moment, she felt completely paralyzed by fear. Even though the earlier man was as smooth as a well-mannered servant, she definitely had no intention of paying off any debts with her body. In a sudden burst of panic, she spun around, shaking off her captors. She threw the door open to escape, but the two maids, Edna and Clara, grabbed her, saying, “You can’t leave. You won’t get out of here on your own. Don’t waste your energy.” “Let me go! You two!” Elena shouted at them. The realization that they wanted her to settle debts in such a humiliating way sparked a fierce anger within her. Without thinking, she lashed out, clawing at their faces, her rationality slipping away as she fought like a cornered animal. Edna and Clara struggled to subdue her, torn between stopping the frantic onslaught and protecting their own faces from her wild flails. Finally, after a minute of chaotic wrestling, they managed to restrain the furious Elena, despite their scratched faces. Sir Edwin Shire had observed the whole spectacle from just outside the half-closed door to the bathing chamber, wearing a smirk that combined amusement and mockery. He found Elena's chaotic display wildly entertaining, disheveled hair and all. When Elena finally calmed down and lifted her head, she met the gaze of the man who had been lying on the massage table just moments before. He stood before her now, his bare skin glistening with droplets of water, only a towel wrapped around his waist, smiling cheekily as if he were inviting trouble. She stared at him. Though undeniably handsome, he radiated a dangerous vibe. The man walked over to her, maintaining that enigmatic smile that gave little away about his true intentions. He paused in front of Elena, his gaze shifting toward the two maids, who were still catching their breath and nursing their injuries. “Go tend to your wounds,” he said with a hint of mock seriousness. It was a shame these maids couldn’t handle themselves better. “No need, Sir,” Edna said, visibly embarrassed at being bested by one girl. Sir Edwin examined Elena from head to toe, amusement dancing in his eyes. “I’ve never seen a maid get so fierce, especially not a pretty one,” he laughed, the sound reverberating in a way that sent an unpleasant shiver down Elena’s spine. “Enough with the banter! What do you want?” Elena snapped, her patience wearing thin. Sir Edwin’s amusement seemed to fade slightly as he replied, “I merely wanted to invite you here, to see if your father would show up. But as you see…” He gestured toward Edna and Clara, a clear implication that Elena caused their injuries. Elena shot a glance back at the two maids. “A few scratches beat the heinous deeds you partake in any day.” “Is that so?” he replied mockingly, then waved for Edna and Clara to step back. “Let her go.” He thought Elena was only referring to being forcibly brought to this place. “Hmph, don’t think for a moment I’m willing to pay off any debts with my body,” Elena declared defiantly, attempting to storm towards the exit, only to have her wrist seized painfully by Sir Edwin. “Perfect. Your words give me fresh inspiration—‘paying off debts with the body.’ What an intriguing idea…” he mused with a hint of malice in his tone.
Chapter 4
The night was filled with tension as Sir Edwin Shire's voice echoed in the lavishly appointed room. “Get her cleaned up,” he commanded sharply before exiting, leaving a cold atmosphere in his wake. Elena Westwood was taken aback, her heart racing. She had been mistaken; she thought she was simply invited for a chat. Was this really happening? Had she unwittingly walked into a dire situation? Her mind was clouded with confusion, unsure if what he had just said was genuine or merely a threat. Strangely, she suddenly felt compliant, thinking that behaving might spare her from further trouble. After a luxurious bath, she relaxed onto an ornate massage chair while a skilled masseuse worked her magic, applying fragrant oils to soothe her tense muscles. The opulence of her surroundings was astounding; it felt like a surreal dream to be pampered like this. Once the massage was over, Edna, her attendant, helped her into a stunning white dress designed by Lyra Shire. Standing before the mirror, Elena admired the exquisite fabric, realizing it was a fine silk that showcased the careful craftsmanship of a renowned designer. The dress clung to her figure perfectly, making her feel like she had stepped into another world. Aside from Edna and Sir Edwin, Elena hadn’t encountered anyone else in the expansive estate. She had been placed in a lavish room that screamed wealth and luxury. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this situation than met the eye. Dinner had come and gone, and it was already eight o'clock. She hoped that the man’s words were accurate—that she was merely there as a guest, and that they simply intended to speak with her father. If so, this was a significant stroke of luck; this place was far more extravagant than any five-star hotel, and she was being charged nothing for her stay. But then reality hit her—if they were trying to lure her father, wouldn't that involve a hefty price tag of at least five million? Still, debts are repaid, no matter what. Suddenly, a chilling howl broke through the stillness, echoing from the deep woods outside. The sound reverberated unnervingly, causing her blood to run cold. Eyes wide with fright, she peered into the enveloping darkness of the trees. She was on the third floor, and even if there was something out there, the building's height should deter it. Another howl pierced the night, sending shivers down her spine. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she perceived a shadow that made her heart race. No way it could climb up here, could it? With a touch of panic, she glanced to her left… “Ah!” she screamed, bolting back into the room. There was indeed a figure, a wolf-like creature standing on her balcony, seemingly entranced by the moonlight as she was. Frantically, she rushed to shut and lock the bay window, feeling the weight of safety pressing down on her. If it wanted to get in, it would find itself stopped by the sturdy door. Surely, they must have anticipated the danger. She hurried to pull the curtains shut, concealing her presence from whatever lurked outside, scrambling under the covers and lowering the TV volume. Quiet was essential, yet she was afraid that silence would invite the creature to leap inside, its predatory instincts drawn to even the faintest sound. Being trapped in this luxurious prison with such a threat just outside pushed her to the brink of panic. What was she entwined in, and who was pulling the strings? The answers felt as distant as the stars in the vast night sky, sparkling high above her in surreal beauty, shining down on a reality that had turned upside down.
Chapter 5
The night had passed. She had locked the doors and windows tightly, drifting in and out of sleep. When she finally awoke and glanced at the clock, it was only 6:30 AM. Time seemed to crawl in this place. Perhaps it was the unease gnawing at her. After washing up, hunger struck. She thought about stepping out to see if there was any food around, but as she reached for the door, she realized she had foolishly locked it from the inside; outside, it was bolted too. They must be scared that she would attempt to escape. They wouldn’t starve her, would they? Turning around, she noticed a beautiful glass water pitcher on the small table. It was filled halfway with water. She approached, picked up a matching glass, and poured herself a generous helping to quench her thirst. After drinking the water, Elena Westwood found herself restless despite the poor sleep from the previous night. As she contemplated her situation, she looked around the room. Other than the TV for distraction, there were no books or anything to keep her occupied. Thoughts of the previous night flooded back. Prompted by a sudden impulse, she quickly walked over to the heavy curtains that she had closed out of fear and yanked them open. A golden ray of sunlight burst into the room; it was barely seven o'clock, yet the outside world was already awash in brightness. The view was stunning, especially in autumn, with the trees dressed in Lyra Shire's vivid red and the garden below blooming with elegant flowers, showcasing the owner's refined taste and sophistication. Standing on the balcony, she turned her gaze to the left and was surprised by the sound of cheerful whistling drifting from that direction. Curious, she wondered if the owner hadn’t heard her commotion or if he simply slept soundly through it all. Since arriving the day before, two maids, including Maid Edna, and a masseuse were the only people she had encountered, as the four men who had escorted her had left. They hardly spoke, following strict protocols in this house, leaving her to wonder about the atmosphere here. And there was also that enigmatic, striking man who had startled her so much. Could the lively whistling be him? But it didn't quite fit; this tune was lighthearted and carefree. If it was him, then his personality was certainly surprising. He had appeared so composed and inscrutable yesterday, yet here he was, whistling with such enthusiasm, which made her feel he must have had a restful night. While she pondered this, a figure suddenly appeared on the left balcony… a young man with a sunny disposition, who was so lost in his whistling that he didn’t notice her at first. He wore a crisp white shirt, perfectly pressed pleated pants, and had a tall, lean physique. As he adjusted his tie, he caught sight of Elena. His whistle ceased abruptly, and he broke into a charming smile, revealing two dimples, “Hi there. Good morning.” “Good morning,” Elena replied, a bit flustered. He wasn’t the man she had seen last night, but they bore a striking resemblance, likely brothers. He seemed much more approachable, cheerful, and even friendly as he greeted her. He nodded politely before finishing with his tie and stepping back inside. Once again, there was little conversation; the inhabitants of this house truly exchanged hardly any words. Her abrupt arrival seemed to elicit no noticeable reaction at all. Of course, he could simply be aware of her presence.
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