If You're Being Held Hostage, Wiggle the Carrot! - Chapter 93
Ruby brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and stepped away from Ivan, who stared at her with a stern expression.
She smirked and spoke in a sing-song voice. “When wolves are in a good mood, they flatten their ears and wag their tails like windmills.”
When the physician visited alone this morning, Ruby asked him various questions she had been curious about. Despite being knowledgeable about their territory, she was ignorant about the wolves who lived there.
“Wolffolk live in packs, and they must have a leader. A wolf pack without a leader cannot survive.”
Thanks to the physician, who provided detailed information about the wolves, she had one question in mind.
But why would Ivan want me to submit to him?
“A normal wolf is absolutely submissive to a strong leader, and he wants to show the leader that he is.” Ivan’s face paled and Ruby continued detailing what she learned. “They express it by wagging their tails low or licking the leader’s lips. But usually, it’s the young ones who do the licking.”
“Ruby.”
“As you can see, my tail is not visible. So I can only express submission by licking your lips.”
“…It was an impulsive command.”
He felt a moment of regret. It was an impulsive act from yesterday’s brief moment of excitement, yet he felt a deep sense of satisfaction, to be honest. But he should have apologized before Ruby found out he deceived her… He missed the chance.
At the same time, he felt contradictory emotions—regret, yet not regretting.
“Why are you giving me that look? Of course you can demand submission from me, but only while I’m here in your territory.”
Ivan took a few steps back and gently took her wrist, pulling her towards him. Once she was easily in his arms, he patted her back and spoke.
“You said you don’t attach meaning to actions. Why change your tune?”
“You wanted me to. Are you changing your mind?”
“Ha, you silly…”
Ivan snorted briefly, then scooped Ruby up in a hug, his arms around her shoulders and under her knees. Pulling her tightly into his arms, he looked down at her and asked, “Aren’t you afraid of instincts?”
“Why should I be scared? It’s natural for beastfolk.”
“Hmm. I am, though.”
“You’re surprisingly scared of a lot of things, Duke.”
In response to Ruby’s simple answer, Ivan let out a hearty laugh, as if agreeing with her words.
“Think about it, Ruby. If I wasn’t no longer afraid of anything…” Ivan lowered his voice to a whisper in Ruby’s ear. “What do you think would happen to us?”
In response to his question, Ruby simply giggled, her expression so adorable that he couldn’t help but continue to laugh.
It was amusing and irritating at the same time that he had asked about everything else but the important question
Wolves only love one mate for life.
If he followed his instincts as the wolf alpha, just as she suggested, how would he treat his companion?
To be my mate for life, huh? It doesn’t matter that we’re different.
As Ivan carried Ruby into the mansion, the bustling activity of the servants inside halted all at once. Most of them had gathered in the lobby on the first floor to learn the procedures for tomorrow’s guest reception.
The butler and the housekeeper were about to approach the two.
Tilting his head, Ivan whispered, “Ruby, lick.”
He brought his face closer so she could reach comfortably, almost like she was kissing him.
Ruby gazed at him silently for a moment before placing her hand on his chest and slowly licking his lips. Three times on the lower lip, three times on the upper lip.
He deliberately showed everyone his rabbit submitting to him. To prevent any more foolish ideas like Leslie’s from emerging.
Ivan had delivered his message in the simplest and most surefire way possible. Now that she had submitted to him, he would take full responsibility for her and her actions.
So he declared to everyone present right there that he wouldn’t stand idly by if anyone dared to touch Ruby, now that she was “his.”
His lips, stained with her saliva, appeared even redder as they traced a long line.
Countless eyes were fixed on his back as Ivan headed up the stairs without saying another word.
