Ethan Storm’s Dark Awakening novel Chapter 22

Sierra’s legs wobbled, her smug smile vanishing like smoke in the wind. Marcus clutched the rack beside him for support, pale as a ghost.

Even the sales associate — a tall woman with glossy black hair and perfect posture just minutes ago — now trembled like a leaf, her knees buckling as she collapsed to the floor in terror. Her voice faltered as she stammered, “M-Mr. Irving… I-I didn’t know…”

Devon didn’t spare her a glance. His focus was on Ethan.

“Mr. Ethan,” he said again, his tone steeped in reverence, “allow me to explain. The bounty… it was issued before I took full control. I’m in the process of cleaning house. As of today, you are officially under my protection — anyone who touches you answers to me.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow, his arms crossed lazily. “Took you long enough.”

Devon bowed again, deeper this time. “It won’t happen again.”

Sierra’s mouth opened, then closed. She looked like a fish gasping for air.

“Wait… what’s going on?” she finally managed to whisper, her voice cracking.

Devon turned his head toward her slowly, the chill in his gaze enough to freeze lava.

“You two,” he said, stepping forward, “disrespected Mr. Ethan. Mocked him. Harassed him.” His eyes glowed with fury. “And in my store, no less.”

Sierra and Marcus both dropped to their knees instantly, horror dawning in their faces.

“Please, Mr. Irving,” Marcus stammered, “we didn’t know—”

“That,” Devon snapped, “is the only reason you’re still breathing. For now.”

He turned back to Ethan. “Mr. Ethan, what would you like me to do with these two insects?”

Ethan didn’t answer immediately. He took his time walking toward Sierra and Marcus, who flinched with every step he made.

Finally, Ethan stopped in front of them, looked down, and said, “Slap each other.”

Sierra blinked. “W-What?”

“One hundred times,” Ethan clarified, his voice ice-cold. “Each.”

Marcus looked like he’d been punched in the gut. “You can’t be serious—”

“You dare question him?” Devon’s voice boomed, and instantly, Marcus slapped Sierra across the face.

“AH!” Sierra yelped, holding her cheek.

“Hit back,” Ethan ordered casually.

Sierra gritted her teeth, her pride shriveling, and returned the slap with twice the force.

And so it began. One after another, they slapped each other, louder and harder with every hit.

Smack.

Smack.

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