Page 108 of Petals and Fangs

“They were trying to destroy my business,” I explain, my voice filled with rage.

“Why would Perry get involved in any of this?” Even through the panic, Lily still has questions.

“Perry is a spy, and Nick... he's betrayed me. I am also sure Alfred has, too. They want to take everything I've built and tear it apart. But they can never do that.”

“Alfred guided me here. He said I would find you here.”

“Of course, he did. I don’t know who to trust anymore.”

“I am here,” she says, putting her shaky hands on my chest. I hate what they have done to her.

“My love. You are safe now,” I pull her in for a tight embrace, doing my best to reassure her that everything is okay, that she is safe, and that I am here for her as much as she is for me.

“Let’s leave this place, please.”

“Come on.”

As we stand up to leave the room, I suddenly hear more footsteps. Before I can urge Lily to hide, it is too late. Alfred enters the room quietly, his face wearing a mask of concern.

“Mr. Rothschild. Thank God you’re safe. Miss Snow?”

“Alfred,” I say as I turn to face him, my eyes narrowing. I then look at Nick’s paralyzed body on the floor, which makes Alfred look at it too. He gasps and slowly backs away.

“Nick?” Alfred's expression is twisted with hurt and disbelief.

“Lily. Get out of the room, please. Now,” I stare at him as I say to Lily, my instincts screaming at me to be cautious.

“Are you sure?” Lily glances between Alfred and me, uncertainty in her eyes.

“Yes, you have to trust me on this, Lily. Go on. You will be fine.”

“You are making a mistake, Mr. Rothschild,” Alfred says, his voice turning cold.

“You traitor! After everything I have done for you!? I trusted you with everything. The company. Lily,” I say, and slowly watch Alfred’s facial expression change.

“Mr. Rothschild, I really don’t- he says, but I am too quick and interrupt him. I wrap my hands around his neck, and he doesn’t react. But then, a threatening smile appears on his lips.

“You were always naive, Ethan. This is bigger than you, bigger than her,” Alfred chuckles.

“I won't let you get to me, you bastard. Or Lily. Or the company,” I growl at him.

“You really think you can stop me? After everything?” Alfred’s smile fades, his eyes narrowing.

I manage to land a punch, sending Alfred staggering back. He snarls, his fangs flashing in the dim light.

Alfred charges at me, and we grapple, each trying to gain the upper hand. His strength is overwhelming, but I hold on, refusing to let him win.

“Ethan, you can't win,” Alfred hisses, his grip tightening around my throat.

I gasp for air, struggling to break free. If I don’t do this for me, I need to do it for Lily. With a burst of strength, I break free and land a powerful kick to Alfred’s chest. He stumbles back, hitting the wall hard. I don’t give him a chance to recover. I pounce, pinning him to the ground.

“This ends now,” I say through gritted teeth.

“You think you’ve won?” Alfred laughs; a gurgling sound of blood seeping from his mouth.

“You will die a disgraceful traitor,” I tighten my grip, my fangs inches from his neck.

In a final, desperate move, Alfred reaches for a hidden dagger, but I’m faster. I sink my fangs into his neck, tearing through flesh and muscle. He screams, a horrible, blood-curdling sound, as I drain life from him.

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