Cursed Bond (The lycan's redemption)

chapter 5&6

CURSE BOND

{ . . . His Human mate . . . }

Chapter 5&6

Written by Ekene favour

____

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 where he lived. Maybe he should spend a few days with his mom at the hospital, just like he sometimes did.

But then, he saw the unexpected. His belongings—television, couch, clothes—were all outside. His eyes flicked to the door, where the landlord's notice was posted.

~Six months is up, boy, and you're still not paying your rent. I'm not a patient person, so get the hell out. Don’t bother calling to beg; I'll block you.~

Ethan sighed, his arms dropping to his sides as the paper slipped from his fingers. As if the heavens were against him, it began to rain, soaking his things.

Ethan didn’t move, tears streaming down his face. When had his life become this bad? No matter how hard he tried, things only got worse.

His boss probably hated him by now—he had missed several days of work and likely wouldn’t get paid this month. His mother’s diagnosis was due soon.

It was too much.

Too suffocating.

It felt like the world was closing in on him, not giving him a chance to breathe. When would things ever be okay again?

Ethan walked through the streets, hands tucked into his hoodie. He had nowhere to store his belongings. He had no relatives or friends to turn to. Maybe he should visit the landlord and plead, though he doubted the man would listen.

If that didn’t work, he planned to sell everything and gather the money for his mother’s treatment.

Ethan reached the hospital, drenched. His mother was asleep when he arrived. He held her hand and broke down in tears.

He missed his mother, his father, and the life they had before the tragedy. Everything had happened so fast. He remembered how the police barged in, cuffing his father and dragging him away like a criminal.

His mother had cried for days and nights. A month later, she fell ill. They thought it was just a regular sickness until she collapsed one day, bleeding from her mouth and nose.

She was rushed to the hospital, thanks to the neighbors. The doctor explained her illness to Ethan, and he had to use all his savings to start her treatment, desperate not to lose her.

Why was the world so cruel?

Ethan’s phone dinged, snapping him out of his deep thoughts. His eyes widened at the message that popped up.

~This is Professor Lucian Draven. Come over; we need to talk.~

Professor Lucian?

How in the world did he get his number? What did he want?

Ethan put his phone away, unwilling to respond. His heart raced with fear. What if Professor Lucian wanted to kill him after what he had witnessed with James and his friends?

His phone dinged again.

~Don’t ignore me. Get over here, or I’ll come to the hospital and s***h her throat. You know who I’m talking about.~

What the hell? He knew he was at the hospital? Ethan’s eyes darted around the ward, but he saw nothing unusual. He dashed out and found no strange figures, just a few patients and nurses.

With trembling fingers, he texted back.

~What do you want from me?~

His phone rang immediately. It was Lucian’s number. Ethan hesitated, unsure whether to answer, but in the end, he had no choice. This man had just threatened his mother’s life.

“What do you want from me?” Ethan’s voice shook, despite his efforts to hide his fear.

“I want to make a deal with you,” Professor Lucian’s voice came through the line.

“A deal? What kind of deal?”

“You’ll have to come over to hear it, Ethan Wave. Tonight,” Lucian demanded, like a master speaking to his apprentice.

“I’m not coming to you, and if you threaten my mother, I’ll call the cops,” Ethan said, jaw clenched, though he knew his threat was futile.

Lucian chuckled softly. “You amuse me, Ethan Wave. How about this: I promise not to kill you or your mother. And if you come here right now, I’ll pay you ten thousand dollars.”

Ethan’s eyes widened. Ten thousand dollars? Or had he heard wrong?

Wake up, Ethan. He’s trying to lure you into a trap. Don’t fall for it.

“I’m not stupid,” Ethan muttered, gripping his phone tighter.

Lucian sighed. “You know I’m not a fragile human like you, right? One thing about my kind—we keep our promises, or we face the heavens' consequences. Now get over here, Ethan Wave, or I’ll come pick you up myself. You won’t like that.”

With that, the call ended.

“Mr. Ethan,” the doctor called from behind him.

As they sat in the doctor’s office, Ethan struggled to focus, Lucian’s words still lingering in his mind.

“Your mother’s diagnosis schedule will have to change. It’ll be sooner than expected. Her health isn’t improving, and I won’t lie to you… but we’re close to understanding her condition. So close, Mr. Ethan.”

A whirlwind of emotions hit Ethan—fear, anxiety, anger. He didn’t know which one was strongest.

“So, when is the next diagnosis?” he asked.

“Tomorrow,” the doctor replied.

“What?”

“I know it’s sudden, but it’s for the best, Mr. Ethan,” the doctor said, his gaze serious but filled with concern.

How in the world was he going to find seven thousand dollars by tomorrow? He had one thousand, which wasn’t even half of what was needed.

Just how was he going to…

It struck him—Professor Lucian’s deal. Ten thousand dollars if he showed up at his doorstep.

No. That was too dangerous. There was no way he would go there.

*******

"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 exquisite building.

Before he could ring the doorbell, the door beeped and slid open, inviting him in. His eyes took in the barely familiar room, and he wondered what kind of person Professor Lucian was to own such an imposing domain.

His gaze landed on Lucian's tall, formidable figure in the kitchen, pouring himself a drink. Muscles rippled beneath his bare skin, strong enough to break a man's neck. Tattoos sprawled across his torso, dark and speaking of untold stories.

Even though his muscles were concealed beneath a red robe, Ethan could guess the details of his frame.

Lucian looked terrifying, especially with his piercing gaze that seemed to bore right through Ethan’s soul.

"Uhmm..." Ethan cleared his throat. "T-the money... you said you'd give me... ten thousand dollars if I came over?"

He watched as Professor Lucian picked up his phone from the table. His fingers danced over the screen, and in the next moment, Ethan's phone beeped.

Ten thousand dollars, right there, staring at him!

What?!

Wait, how did he even know his details? That's creepy.

"Amusing that the first thing on your mind is money. Are you that desperate?" Professor Lucian asked, turning to face him. Ethan's heart nearly leaped out of his chest.

The dim light in the room illuminated Lucian's features: flawless skin, a strikingly chiseled jaw, a sharp nose, and kissable lips.

Ethan didn’t realize how long he had been staring until Lucian’s voice snapped him back to reality. "Are you done staring?"

"Huh?" Ethan averted his gaze, scolding himself inwardly. He must be insane for admiring a man’s features, especially one who terrified him.

"I needed the money to pay for my mom's hospital bills," he replied, his voice barely audible.

"Weak humans," Lucian mumbled, and Ethan could only clench his fists at his sides.

"Thanks for the money," Ethan said reluctantly. Though he felt a twinge of offense at Lucian's words, he was still grateful. Not only had he saved his life, but he gave him money.

He could imagine what he could cover with this money: debts, his mother’s treatment, and overdue rent.

Yet... he feared and wondered what Professor Lucian truly wanted from him.

"Come with me," Professor Lucian demanded, striding into his lavish bedroom. The walls were seamless, polished gray. A floor-to-ceiling window dominated one side, revealing a breathtaking view of the city lights twinkling below, filtered through thick automated blackout curtains.

Ethan stood at the threshold, taking in the sight of Lucian sitting on his oversized, messy bed draped with charcoal gray silk sheets that nearly pooled on the floor. Ethan finally noticed just how disorganized the room was.

A pack of condoms, a red lace panty, and a white shirt lay scattered on the marble floor. Ethan swallowed hard, imagining what might have happened here; even the room's scent was different.

"Do you intend to stand there all night?" Lucian’s deep voice cut through the silence.

Ethan swallowed, forcing himself to step inside. He felt like prey entering a predator's den. The air thickened as Lucian's sharp gaze roamed over his body, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable.

Goosebumps raced over his skin. It was disturbing how Lucian's gaze made his heart race, driving him to the brink of madness in the tense silence.

"What do you plan to... do with me?" Ethan asked, keeping his gaze averted.

Lucian's lips curled into a smirk as he stood and approached slowly, each step making Ethan tremble.

"Did you feel it?" Lucian questioned, and Ethan shot him a confused look. Feel what? "The unmistakable pull between us..." He leaned in, their faces inches apart.

"I... I don't know what you're talking about," Ethan stuttered, taking a step backward to create space, but Lucian crossed the distance.

"You've perhaps guessed what happened here. I attempted to satisfy my urges with a woman not long ago, but it didn’t work because you're occupying my mind."

What is he talking about?!...

Ethan breath hitched as his back pressed against the wall, anxiety coursing through him at their proximity.

Lucian placed both hands beside him, trapping him against the wall, gazing at him with an intensity that sent chills down Ethan’s spine.

'What is he going to do to me? Men shouldn’t stare at men like that. Why is my heart racing? This is crazy; I need to get out of here. He’s not human, he’s dangerous, and I don’t like this,' Ethan thought, trying to speak, but Lucian’s lips moved to his neck, brushing his tongue along his skin.

Ethan’s knees weakened, his fists clenched as he tried to prevent the moan that threatened to tear out of his throat. He felt Lucian’s fingers trail up to his brown hair, tilting his neck slightly to gain better access.

Ethan’s breathing grew heavier. His body ignited from just the kiss on his neck and Lucian’s hold on his torso. It stirred something in him. His lips parted as he tried to find the words to stop him. He tried to move, but his body betrayed him, wanting to give in—

He didn’t like this. He didn’t like this at all.

Using the last thread of sanity, Ethan managed to snap back to reality and push Lucian, though his force did nothing as the man didn’t even flinch.

His action angered him. Lucian took both of Ethan’s hands and slammed them against the wall above him, making Ethan wince at the pain that shot through his arms. A low, guttural growl tore out from Lucian’s throat—cold, menacing, and carrying a deadly warning.

For a fleeting moment, Ethan saw Lucian's eyes flash red, freezing him completely—his heart skipping a beat in terror as Lucian glared at him.

After a moment, paralyzed by Lucian's gaze, Ethan heard him order in a thick, demanding voice.

"Strip."

*****

"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 the f**k out on 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.

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