Unexpected Guests

"What do you want in return for all of this?"

Ethan smiled and replied, "Simple. I want the Hale family to once again lead this town on my behalf. You will have my support, allowing you to restore your family's name here."

"Is this just a whim?"

"It might be. I need to have control over a place I can call home, and I also want to ensure that the gateway to the void of dark entities is always guarded by a family of werewolves."

"You're asking me to protect the people who murdered my family." Derek knew he couldn't stand up to a regent. Even an Alpha wouldn't be able to do anything to Ethan, who was a Regent.

Ethan, of course, would address Derek's guilt and say, "I will hand over the one who killed Laura. You will gain the power of an Alpha; I will grant you full authority over this town; and I will deliver justice, no matter who was responsible for burning your family."

"No matter who it is?"

"No matter who it is, you will have justice in your own hands. Do you understand?" Ethan was unlike any other renowned hunter in the country. He didn't kill dark entities to protect them; he did it simply for revenge.

His thirst for revenge had weakened over time, yet whenever he eliminated a dark entity, it was for himself, not to save countless happy families around the world.

Damn it, Ethan was one of those who supported the idea of revealing everything to the world so that everyone could share in both the defeats and the victories together.

This was what many close to him knew and respected about him; he wasn't a hypocrite like many others who pretended to care for others, only to ultimately fight for themselves.

"Even if it's a hunter? I've heard you don't respect the hunter's code," Derek said, still cautious.

In response to these accusations, Ethan said, "Only with vampires, though I've really applied it to all supernatural beings who haven't made deals with the Light Association."

Derek was somewhat surprised by Ethan's words, finding him more sincere than he had imagined.

"As you know, your family was a valuable asset to the organization. Being murdered in such a cruel manner lays the foundation for me to personally deliver the culprits of that catastrophe that struck your family."

"Can you make a hunter's oath?"

Ethan nodded slightly and said, "I can, if you agree to my terms."

"I'll need to gather a pack. I won't be able to control this town with just the help of my sister," Derek said, implying that he needed to turn others to increase his numbers, which clearly violated the treaty between his family and the Light Association.

But Ethan had a plan for this and said, "There's one you must train, and we also have more in a special prison who can be delivered to join your pack."

"Then we have a deal." Derek ceased showing hostility and cut his hand, letting his blood drip onto the ground. Ethan did the same, and they shook hands.

This was a blood oath. Normally, between a spirit and a werewolf, a bond is formed that must not be broken, or whoever does so will die.

Ethan wasn't worried about taking this oath because he had everything to gain. After fulfilling his part, he said, "I'll send people to rebuild your mansion. For now, attend to those youths entering this area."

Derek looked into the distance and heard a pair of young people approaching, discussing something they had lost.

Before leaving, Derek glanced at Ethan and said, "Thank you. You're really helping me."

"You'll pay me back with interest, so no, you don't owe me anything. Moreover, I owe you an apology on behalf of the Light Association," Ethan said before leaving, intending to reach the school if he could attend classes in the afternoon.