3. The Idol's Dark Secret

I ran, jumped onto my motorcycle, and kicked it to life. I had almost forgotten about today’s fan meeting! Even though I had worked at the nursing home for two weeks just to afford this day, I was still running late. This is crazy!

I rode as fast as I could, but unfortunately, several roads were jammed, blocking my way. I felt so unlucky today. Why was every traffic light red the moment I reached it? The journey to the hotel hall where D.E. was meeting his fans felt agonizingly long.

"Come on, lights! Turn green!" I grumbled.

I sighed repeatedly, starting to accept the fact that I was late. From what I knew, Drex had a habit of never staying at a fan meeting for more than an hour. He would end all activities and leave the moment his scheduled time was up. That was my biggest fear.

"D.E., please, at least wait for me! I just want one autograph!" I muttered hopefully.

After what felt like an eternity, I arrived at the hotel parking lot. I killed the engine, yanked off my helmet, and sprinted inside. Luckily, I knew the event was on the fifth floor, so I bypassed the receptionist and dove straight into the elevator.

I kept praying that the meeting was still ongoing. I needed to see him in person. The man I was obsessed with was a charming idol whose music accompanied my every move.

"Please, Drex, wait for me!"

The elevator doors slid open on the fifth floor, but my heart sank as I saw groups of women already leaving the hall.

"Excuse me, were you just at the D.E. fan meeting?" I asked one of them.

"Yeah," she replied.

"Is it still going on?"

"It ended about ten minutes ago. Drex is already gone. You’re out of luck, girl," the lady answered.

I stood there in shock. Two weeks of social work just for today, and I couldn't even catch a glimpse of his shadow. Refusing to believe it, I entered the hall anyway. The room was mostly empty; organizers were busy tidying up, and the stage was bare. Only a large, charming poster of Drex remained.

"No! This is a nightmare!" I whispered, my legs feeling weak.

I walked out of the hall, my disappointment heavy in my chest. Tears blurred my vision. I wanted to scream and cry, but I forced myself to stay composed. Just then, my phone rang. It was Barbara—the one who gave me the ticket, but also the reason I was late.

"Hello, Elea! How was it? Is he as charming as he is on TV?" she asked cheerfully.

"I hate you, Barbara!" I snapped.

"Hey! What’s wrong? Why are you so angry?" she asked, sounding astonished.

"I missed it! There was an emergency at the home, and I had to help. By the time I got here, the meeting was over," I said, my voice cracking into a sob.

"Oh, no! I’m so sorry, Lea. I didn't mean to force you into that today," Barbara replied, her tone softening.

"Ugh, forget it! This is just a bad dream."

"Wait, girl! Hold on a minute! I’ll call you right back. I’ll find a way for you to meet him! Don't call me Barbara if I can't keep my word!" she boasted.

"Are you sure?"

"Trust me!"

She hung up, and about ten minutes later, she called back.

"How is it, Barbara?"

"Drex is still in the building! He's on the 9th floor. The elevator won't go there because it's a private level, so you have to take the stairs from the 8th floor!"

"Are you serious?"

"I’m positive! The 9th floor is dedicated to VIP privacy. There won't be anyone else there, so you can sneak in," Barbara explained.

"Fine! But what if I get into trouble?" I asked, a bit worried.

"That’s up to you, Lea. I've told you where he is. Whether you want to meet your idol or not is your decision," she said.

"Fine! I'm going! Even if they kick me out, they won't shoot me. But if they fine me, I’m broke!"

"I’ll pay the fine! Just go! Drex might leave if you don't hurry!" she insisted.

"Alright! I’m going to find my lovely idol!" I replied desperately.

"Go get your man!"

I hung up and took the elevator to the 8th floor. From there, I found the service stairs and crept up to the 9th floor stealthily. The hallway was eerily quiet. I was certain no other fans knew Drex Ethan was up here.

On the 9th floor, I didn't see any guards. There were leftover banners and flyers sitting unattended on the tables. Why was this place so deserted? I walked slowly, searching for a dressing room. All I wanted was one autograph—or just to see his face.

Tap, tap!

The sound of footsteps echoed as several staff members exited a room. I quickly ducked into a corner to hide. They were talking about Drex, confirming he was indeed inside. My heart fluttered. This was it.

Once they were gone, I sneaked toward the room they had just left. It looked like a locker room filled with clothes. I heard footsteps inside. It must be him. I gathered my courage for ten long minutes behind the door. Then, without knocking, I ventured inside.

"Excuse me, D.E...?" I whispered.

I scanned the room, expecting to see my handsome idol. Instead, I saw a massive black wolf sitting in the chair.

Grrr...! The wolf snarled at me, its yellow eyes glowing with a terrifying light.

I turned and ran as fast as I could, but the beast was right on my heels. I tried to dodge it, but then the impossible happened. Right before my eyes, the wolf began to shift—bones cracking and fur receding—into the man I worshipped.

The monster was Drex Ethan. He lunged, grabbing me by the neck and pinning me with a dark grin.

"Pervert! I caught you!"

"I-I’m sorry! I’m not a pervert, I’m your fan!" I stammered, trying to breathe.

"But you saw me! Who are you?" His eyes burned with fury.

"Elea. My name is Elea. Please, forgive me! I didn't mean to disturb you, I just wanted an autograph!"

"No forgiveness! You’ve seen too much. You have to take responsibility!"

"Okay! I’ll do whatever you want!"

"Elea... you seem like you could be useful. From today on, you are my slave," he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous purr.

I looked at his face. He was Drex Ethan—with those striking green eyes, brown hair, and that sharp, perfect jawline. Even though I was terrified and knew he was a Lycan, I was still stupidly fascinated by him. I had worked so hard just to see this face.

"Are you sure you're not a pervert?" he asked, his sexy voice vibrating near my ear.

I shook my head frantically.

"Hey, slave Lea! Don't you dare tell anyone I'm a Lycan!" he threatened.

I nodded, my heart beating erratically. One moment I was being chased by a wolf, the next, the most handsome man in the world was inches from me, wanting to make me his slave. Was this a nightmare or a dream?

He leaned closer, his tongue lightly grazing the tip of my ear as he whispered, "If you reveal my secret, I will eat you alive. I'll tear you apart and feed the remains to my pack!"

I gulped. I finally realized that Drex was dangerous. He wasn't just an idol; he was a predator.

"Drex!" a voice called out. A man who looked like a manager entered the room.

"Hmm," Drex replied casually, releasing his grip on me.

"Who is she?"

"My new slave!"

"Huh? Slave?"

"Starting tomorrow, she’ll be your assistant, Flo. She’ll handle the things you can't! Your job just got easier."

"Did she find out...?" Flo asked cautiously.

Drex nodded. Without another word, it was clear they both knew I had seen his true form.

"Oh, I see. Well, you start tomorrow! I'm Flo, Drex's manager."

"Are you a Lycan, too?" I asked spontaneously.

"A what? No one here is a Lycan. Watch your words, girl!" Flo warned sternly.

I immediately shut my mouth.

"Good! I didn't want to be the one to tell you, but you're in a lot of trouble, Miss!"

"I’m sorry, but... what do you want me to do?"

"Drex is an idol! You’ll accompany him to every concert, stay by his side when he... changes, find his food, keep crazy fans away, and do whatever else a personal attendant does!" Flo explained.

"Food? What kind of food? I can't kill anyone!" I cried.

"I could always just eat you," Drex interjected, licking his lips in a way that was both terrifying and strangely hot.

"Why are you staring at me like that? You really are a pervert!"

"I am not!"

"Yes, you are!"

"Stop it, Drex! Elea, as of tomorrow, you are staff," Flo said.

"Slave!" Drex corrected.

"Yeah, his slave. Drex, I have a request," I said pitifully. "I don't have parents and I have to support myself. Can I still go to college and work part-time?"

"Hmm... of course! Here’s my card and the office address. Come tomorrow, and you’ll be hired," Flo said, handing me a business card.

I tucked the card into my bag, completely confused. I had just met a Lycan, and now I had a job.

"Wait... if I work for you, does that mean I’ll get paid?" I asked curiously.

"Of course, the company will pay you properly," Flo replied.

"Hey, slave! Too many questions!" Drex snapped with a fierce look. "You're my slave. Whether you get paid or not is up to me! But remember, if you leak a word of this, I’ll have your internal organs for dinner!"

I nodded quickly. He was terrifying, and I didn't dare disobey. Sensing an opening, I turned and ran for the door.

"Yeah, run! But if you don't show up tomorrow, every Lycan in this city will be hunting you!" he shouted after me.

"I’ll be there!" I yelled back as I disappeared down the hallway.

Flo smiled and turned to Drex. "Since when did you start eating human organs, Drex? I thought you only liked crispy fried chicken?"

Drex let out a dry laugh, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Haha, it’s just to mess with that pervert woman. Watching her squirm is going to be fun."