The Comforting Darkness

Chapter: The Hunt Continues

Ethan’s Pov

"MOM!" I gasped, the sharp blare of the alarm shattering my sleep. Another goddamn nightmare. Every night, she’s there—her death, her voice, her face, haunting me. Why can't she just disappear from my mind? Why can’t I escape this endless torment?

I clutched my fists, feeling the familiar wave of frustration rise in me. The alarm’s sound grew louder, more unbearable, as if mocking my pain. I shot my eyes to the clock, its ringing like a physical blow. With a growl, I grabbed it and threw it across the room, the glass shattering with a satisfying crash.

“f*****g nuisances,” I muttered, my voice low and venomous.

I stalked to the bathroom, my mind still reeling, desperate for some peace. I turned on the shower and stepped under the hot water, letting it wash away the tension. But as soon as I closed my eyes, trying to drown out the world, the silence was broken.

“ETHAN,” came the familiar, annoying voice.

I rolled my eyes. Typical.

Ignoring the i***t, I focused on the water, but then the door opened, and I heard him shuffle inside.

“When will you learn to reply?”

Without hesitation, I grabbed the gun from the counter and aimed it in his direction, pulling the trigger. A shot rang out, and I heard his shout.

“What the hell, Ethan, you asshole! I could’ve died!”

I couldn’t suppress the twisted chuckle that bubbled up from my chest. “My dream would have come true,” I muttered, turning off the water and wrapping a towel around my waist.

He glared at me, but I didn’t care. I pushed past him, getting dressed with swift, deliberate movements.

“You need to think before you act, you i***t,” he said, clearly trying to act like he was the rational one here.

I smirked darkly, buttoning my shirt as I spoke. “Next time, don’t enter my space when I’m alone. This wild dog only bites when provoked.”

He made a face, but I could see the faintest hint of fear in his eyes as he gulped. He knew better than to push me when I was like this.

“Get to the point before I lose my mind.”

He stammered, then finally spat out, “I got a call from Triston. Lee has a daughter, and we can use her.”

A sick grin spread across my face. "Get the details, and I'll personally take care of kidnapping the blood traitor’s offspring."

"On it," he replied quickly, eager to escape before I decided to finish what I started with the gun.

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I sat at my desk, the work piling up in front of me, but I couldn't focus. The adrenaline from the morning still thrummed through my veins. My mind was on her—the daughter. The one I would use to break him.

The bastard thinks he can hide in the light, living a life he’s stolen from me. He’s wrong. I’ll take his precious light and suffocate him with it.

I glanced at the file in my hands, the details on her slowly sinking in. My fingers tightened around the paper as I read. Oh, he’s living the life he desired, after ruining everything. But how long will he get to play in the light?

A voice interrupted my thoughts, breaking the silence like a crack of thunder.

“Boss, the file is here.”

I glanced up to see the i***t standing with the file in his hand, looking like a puppy waiting for its treat. I silently extended my hand, taking the file, my eyes not leaving it.

“What do I get from this?” I asked coldly, knowing there was no answer that would satisfy me.

“A mercy to live,” he replied, trying to sound calm but failing.

I smirked, though the thought of the mercy I was about to offer him tasted like poison on my tongue. "Grumpy cat,” he mumbled, earning a glare from me that would freeze anyone in their tracks.

"Call me that again, and you’ll get the blessing of my bullet going through you."

He gulped, wisely choosing silence.

I skimmed through the file, my thoughts spinning. The girl was my next target, but not just her. She was the key to making him pay. Once I had her, his life would crumble.

I turned to the i***t. “We’re going after her. Get the men ready.”

He nodded quickly, but before he could leave, I spoke again. "She'll be my leverage. And the hell I put him through will be something he won't forget. Prepare the team; we move in 30 minutes."

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Three Hours Later

Steve’s voice cut through the silence, low and urgent. “Is this the venue where we'll find the girl?”

I didn’t answer immediately, my eyes locked on the picture of her in my hand. “This is the place. The one where that bastard’s greatest nightmare will unfold.”

I paused, the plan running through my mind. There was no room for error. Not now.

“Don’t rush it. Patience is key. If we don’t play this right, we’ll walk straight into a trap.”

Steve, ever the cocky one, responded confidently, “I know what I’m doing. Just follow my lead and get the men ready.”

I only nodded in response, slipping the gun into its holster. Time was running out.

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The venue was packed with chatter and laughter. I scanned the room, my trained eyes picking out the target with ease. She was oblivious, lost in conversation, unaware of the storm approaching.

I felt the cool burn of the glass of red wine against my lips as I took a sip, but my focus never wavered. Every second counted.

I gave Steve a subtle nod, signaling that it was time. The countdown had begun.

50 seconds… 40… 30… 20…

The tension was unbearable. But I thrived on it.

10… 9… 8… 7… 6…

“Now!” I barked, and the world erupted into chaos.

Gunshots. Shouts. The room became a battleground, and I moved like a shadow, silent and lethal.

The girl froze, her shock evident in her wide eyes. That was all I needed. In one swift motion, I grabbed her, dragging her through the chaos, bullets flying all around us. She kicked and struggled, but I wasn’t letting go.

We crashed through the exit, the night air hitting me like a wave.

I shoved her into the car, slamming the door behind her. She landed in the seat, panting, her eyes blazing with anger and fear.

"Drive," I commanded Steve, who wasted no time.

The engine roared to life, and we sped away.

The girl’s anger was palpable, her voice venomous. “You’ll pay for this.”

I glanced at her, smiling coldly. “I’m shaking in my boots.”

Steve stole a quick glance in the rearview mirror. “Everything okay back there?”

"Just peachy," I replied, my eyes fixed on the girl. “She’s just enjoying the ride.”

Her glare burned into me, but she said nothing. Her silence was a warning. This wasn’t over.

And I wasn’t done with her yet.

To be continued...