---- Chapter 8 Ethan rushed to me and scooped me into his arms. His warm breath brushed against my ear. "Joy, are you okay?" I shook my head on instinct. But when I looked up, I met Jason's sharp and amused gaze. His eyes roamed over me, savoring every inch of my body without shame. That's when it finally clicked. He had planned it all. Taking me away, planting the hidden cameras- everything had been part of a calculated trap to blackmail Ethan, to use me as leverage. "Ethan, no need to get so worked up," Jason said, sauntering over with a grin, phone in hand. The screen glowed cold blue, casting shadows across his face. "I'll delete the footage. Right after you ---- hand over exclusive rights to the Moonlight Valley hunting grounds." "Get out." Ethan's voice carried enough threat to chill bones. Just then, his assistant burst in with several men. Jason let out a dry, humorless laugh. As he stepped out, he turned back with a smirk. " Your woman looked real sexy in that footage. Imagine if it ever got out..." The suite door slammed shut. Ethan set me down gently on the plush bed. His fingers brushed the wet strands of my hair. "Don't worry," he said softly. "No one will ever see that video." "You're the one who's scared," I muttered, turning my face away from his hand. "Afraid I've stained your reputation? Afraid the other packs will laugh at you?" ---- Instead of answering, he pulled me into his arms. His breath warmed the curve of my neck. "Don't say that. You're mine. Just stay with me and let me protect you." There was a smile in his voice, but all I felt was cold. Because beneath that gentle tone and easy charm, I knew exactly what Ethan truly was. And I was right. Three days later, the capital was awash in blood and fear. One by one, the powerful men from that night on the yacht started dropping. Some died in car crashes. Some were found after apparent suicides. Others, the lucky ones, survived -but lost their voices forever. Even Jason barely escaped death. That evening, while I sat eating quietly in Ethan's hotel suite, Jason crawled into the room, covered