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The Alpha King’s Intoxicating Mate - FULL EP 2026
#FULL EPISODE #shortfilm
FULL VERSION #High Quality
#FULL EP
#FULL EP 2026
#FULL EPISODE #shortfilm
FULL VERSION #High Quality
#FULL EP
#FULL EP 2026
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I was born with heavy breasts and lush curves.
00:03My half-sister Chloe was afraid her mate Brad would go feral over me.
00:07So she sold me to an impotent Alpha.
00:10She patted my shoulder.
00:14Who knows, maybe he's good at other things.
00:18Three months later, I was begging for mercy every night.
00:21Funny. He seemed good at everything.
00:26Case Valerius. The Blackwood Pax Alpha.
00:28The Lycan King's most trusted war commander.
00:30He was carried back from the battlefield soaked in blood.
00:33Someone suggested...
00:34A mate bond shares life force.
00:37If Alpha Case was bound to a living, healthy mate,
00:40her strength could flow into him and pull him back.
00:42Chloe rushed to play matchmaker and presented me to Martha before I could object.
00:46I had no way to refuse.
00:47If I wouldn't agree, she'd transfer me to serve 60-year-old Elder Kevin.
00:51I knew she resented my history with her mate.
00:54I dropped to my knees and swore to the Moon Goddess.
00:56I swear, Chloe, I had no feelings for Brad.
01:01Chloe jabbed a finger at my forehead, fury in her eyes.
01:03What good is a vow?
01:05Do you have any idea how distracting you are?
01:07I hunched my shoulders.
01:09Tears slid down my cheeks.
01:11Just look at that ample body and those charming curves,
01:14parading your body in front of every male in the clan.
01:17Who among them would not lose their minds at the smell of you?
01:20I wanted to tell her.
01:22To bind my chest, I'd wrapped myself layer after layer in the sweltering heat
01:26until I broke out in a rash.
01:27Her expression softened.
01:29She wiped my tears.
01:31It's not that I don't trust you.
01:33It's that I don't trust males.
01:35Do you know how powerful Alpha Case is?
01:37If my mother and Martha weren't old friends,
01:40you wouldn't even have this opportunity.
01:42Chloe, I don't want to be anyone's offering.
01:45I'd rather scrub kitchen floors.
01:48Just don't make me...
01:50Two sharp slaps landed across my face.
01:53My cheek burned.
01:54Leah, are you out of your mind?
01:56If I hadn't vouched for you,
01:58Martha wouldn't have given you a second glance.
02:00You wouldn't even be worthy of being Case's mate.
02:03The maid burst in breathless.
02:05Miss Chloe, word from the Valerius Estate.
02:08Alpha Case has woken up.
02:11Chloe dragged me straight to Valerius Estate.
02:13Enormous.
02:14I followed her through the main hall
02:16to a set of heavy double doors, pulled half shut.
02:18Through the gap, I could make out a man's shape in the bed.
02:20Thin, motionless.
02:22Chest rattling with shallow coughs every few minutes.
02:24Martha stood on our side, eyes red.
02:26Thank you for everything you've done for Case.
02:29I won't destroy a girl's future over it.
02:31Chloe's eyes moved.
02:32Quick and calculating.
02:33It's Valerius.
02:34The bond should still be completed.
02:36Leah arrived the same day Case woke up.
02:38That's the moon goddess guiding us.
02:40Seal the bond properly.
02:41Her life force will keep pulling him back toward health.
02:45Before she could speak, the healer Ella stepped out, expression tight.
02:49Alpha Case has regained consciousness, but an arrow struck his inner thigh during battle.
02:55I'm afraid he will no longer be able to-
02:57Unable to do what?
02:58He will no longer be able to get hard.
03:01Martha's knees gave out.
03:02I caught her before she hit the floor.
03:04She looked up at me with hollowed eyes.
03:06Leah, knowing this, are you still willing?
03:10Yes.
03:11She's been looking forward to it.
03:12Chloe was already answering for me.
03:14Of course she is.
03:15She's just an omega with no prospects.
03:17She should be grateful.
03:19I didn't speak right away.
03:21My mind went to my past.
03:23There was a young wolf in the poor quarter behind our estate.
03:26I first saw him through the fence gaps.
03:28Thin wrists, hollow cheeks, hunched over a cracked bowl with nothing in it.
03:32I started passing food through the gaps.
03:34Bread first.
03:35Then soup.
03:36Then whatever I had.
03:38Day after day, I watched him change.
03:40The hollows in his cheeks filled out.
03:42His shoulders broadened.
03:44He started training before dawn, running laps around the back wall while I was still half
03:48asleep.
03:49He was going to enter the warrior trials.
03:51I knew it before he told me.
03:53When he passed, I went to find him that same night.
03:55I was happy.
03:56I remember it clearly.
03:57I was genuinely happy.
03:58I knocked on the gate.
03:59He didn't open it.
04:00His voice came.
04:01Leah, I'm betrothed now.
04:03It wouldn't be proper.
04:04Then a soft thud in the dirt at my feet.
04:05A pouch of silver.
04:06Consider my debt repaid.
04:08I stood there for a moment.
04:09Then I picked it up and walked away.
04:11That wolf became Chloe's mate.
04:13Brad.
04:14I acted like I'd never known him.
04:16Chloe found out anyway.
04:18I snapped back to reality.
04:19I gathered my skirts and knelt in front of Martha.
04:22My lady, I'm willing.
04:25I'll complete the bond, care for Case, and serve you as long as you need me.
04:29Luna.
04:30Martha kept her word and prepared a dignified mating dress for me.
04:33Chloe deliberately chose a day when Brad was away on pack business to send me off.
04:37She walked me to the door, guilt on her face.
04:40Even though Case can't get hard, at least you'll be spared the pain of bearing pups.
04:45Don't worry.
04:46An alpha who can't perform in that area is probably exceptional in every other.
04:51Honestly, none of what Chloe said had even crossed my mind.
04:54I told myself I was simply moving to a new household.
04:57Case was too weak to stand through the full mate blessing ritual.
05:00I completed the bond rites beside his ceremonial sword instead.
05:04Martha watched from the front, eyes wet the whole time.
05:08When it was done, I was alpha Case's mate.
05:11The mating chamber was quiet.
05:13I pushed the door open carefully.
05:15Case was already inside, half reclined against the headboard in a white bathrobe.
05:20He turned when he heard me.
05:21Up close, he was strikingly handsome.
05:24Sharp jaw, dark eyes, the kind of face that didn't need color in it to hold attention.
05:29I had no intention of taking a mate, he said with a low voice.
05:33If it doesn't trouble you, we can treat this as a sibling arrangement.
05:37He pointed to the chaise along the far wall.
05:40Tonight the bed is yours.
05:42I'll take that.
05:43Tomorrow you move to the guest quarters.
05:45All right, I nodded.
05:47He had thought of everything.
05:48It wasn't what I'd expected.
05:50Before the ritual, one of the older maids had pulled me aside and pressed something into my hands.
05:55A small handbook, worn at the corners.
05:58She'd whispered with a strange look.
06:00There are other ways between maids.
06:02You might find it useful.
06:04I had no idea what she meant until I opened it.
06:07Heat pooled in my core just from looking at the pages.
06:10Is it too hot?
06:12Case was watching me from the bed.
06:13Eyes direct, unblinking.
06:16The dress is heavy.
06:18I'm a little warm.
06:20Then wash up and rest.
06:22He pulled the blanket over himself and turned toward the wall.
06:24Within minutes, his breathing evened out.
06:26I set the handbook down on the vanity and took down my hair.
06:30Then the layered robes, piece by piece, until I was standing in nothing but my nightgown.
06:35I turned to the mirror.
06:36The thin fabric clung to every curve.
06:39Heavy breasts straining against the cloth.
06:41Slim waist giving way to the flare of my hips.
06:43I walked straight into Case's gaze.
06:46He wasn't asleep.
06:47His chest rose hard.
06:49The tips of his ears went red.
06:51His throat worked as he swallowed.
06:53I grabbed my outer robe and pressed it against my chest.
06:56Alpha, I thought you were asleep.
06:59A long pause.
07:00I could sleep later.
07:02My breath hitched.
07:04He rose slowly to his feet,
07:06his tall frame casting a shadow over me.
07:18The handbook's images came flooding in.
07:20My breathing shifted without me meaning it to,
07:23somehow falling into the same rhythm as his.
07:25Then Case turned and walked to the door.
07:27The moment cool night air rushed in,
07:29I snapped back to my senses.
07:31He'd already disappeared into the darkness.
07:33I turned it over in my mind.
07:35When he'd looked at me just now,
07:37his eyes had flashed with something unmistakably like shock.
07:41Had my figure actually frightened him?
07:43Before I lay down, I made a firm decision.
07:46Tomorrow morning, I was binding my chest
07:48at least one full loop tighter.
07:50I was hovering somewhere between sleep and waking
07:52when Case slipped back in.
07:54The tips of his hair still beaded with water.
07:56He'd apparently gone to shower.
07:58By morning, he was already gone.
07:59Ivy came in to help me dress.
08:01From the corridor outside came the sound of a man.
08:04Once.
08:05Then again.
08:07Martha's headmaid's voice carried clearly through the door.
08:10Alpha Case?
08:11Why didn't you call someone to heat the water?
08:14It's already summer, but the nights are still cold.
08:16Of course you've caught a chill.
08:18I'll go brew tea right now.
08:19I glanced at Ivy.
08:21Does the alpha usually take cold showers?
08:24I honestly don't know, miss.
08:26I dismissed her and locked the door.
08:27I wound a strip of cloth tight over my undergarments,
08:30then pulled on the most conservative dress
08:32I could find in the wardrobe.
08:34High neck, loose cut, heavy fabric.
08:37Then I went to living room.
08:39Case was already there when I arrived,
08:41seated beside Martha.
08:42She lit up the moment she saw me,
08:44her whole face warm with welcome.
08:47Until Case coughed,
08:48and the warmth vanished instantly.
08:50Cage, I have a few private words for Leah.
08:54Go rest for a while.
08:55Case rose and left without a word.
08:57Martha waved me over and took both my hands in hers,
09:00eyes glistening.
09:02Sweet girl,
09:03our Case is lucky to have you.
09:08The pack healer says the injury drained his life force.
09:12There's no telling how long he has left.
09:14Some of the elders suggested I find a child for him to adopt,
09:17to carry on the bloodline.
09:21But if I did that,
09:23wouldn't I be stealing your whole future from you?
09:26I'm already grateful you came into this family to save Case.
09:30I can't let you sacrifice the rest of your life on top of that.
09:33I've thought it through.
09:34If Case's time does come,
09:36I'll have him issue you a formal mate release.
09:38Your future stays protected,
09:40and I'll see to it that you receive property,
09:42and a place of your own.
09:44I reached up and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes,
09:47chest tight with an ache I couldn't name.
09:49Mrs. Valerius,
09:50thank you for looking out for me.
09:52I'd come here thinking of myself as nothing more than a transferred Omega servant.
09:56I never imagined she would think this far ahead on my behalf.
09:59My thoughts drifted to the mother I had never known.
10:01If she had been alive,
10:02if I had grown up under a mother's protection.
10:05I never would have ended up in any of the situations I'd been through.
10:08Martha laughed through her tears.
10:10Look at me, I've gone and made you cry too.
10:13She squeezed my hands.
10:14Leah, there's no need to be so formal.
10:16Call me mom, just like Case does.
10:19She took a breath.
10:20So, I have a proposition for you.
10:22Chloe mentioned you know how to prepare medicinal soups.
10:25I'd like you to take over Case's daily meals and care.
10:28I just want him to live a little longer.
10:30That's my one selfish wish.
10:32By the end, her voice had gone rough.
10:34I nodded.
10:35I headed to the kitchen to gather ingredients.
10:37The last time I'd prepared medicinal soup was several years ago,
10:40back when Brad was not yet Chloe's mate.
10:43He'd lost both parents and lived alone in a run-down unit,
10:46skipping meals to save every cent for his warrior training.
10:50One day, I found him collapsed at our back gate and brought him around.
10:53Out of sympathy, I dug through my mother's old healer journals
10:56and prepared medicinal meals for him every day to rebuild his strength.
11:00Only the two of us ever knew about it.
11:02From the looks of things, he was the one who told Chloe,
11:06just to get me driven out.
11:07The lengths he had gone to were truly something.
11:10I carried the steaming soup to the bedroom
11:12and found Case directing servants to pack up his belongings.
11:17Alpha, what's this about?
11:19Weren't we agreed that I was moving to the guest room?
11:20His sharply handsome face didn't shift so much as a fraction.
11:24I have fewer things.
11:26It makes more sense for me to move.
11:27At least eat first.
11:29I set the food on the table.
11:30He gave it a brief glance and sat down.
11:35You can leave this kind of thing to the maid from now on.
11:38It's no different coming from me.
11:41It is different.
11:42His voice remained flat and cool.
11:45Have Ivy bring it from now on.
11:46He finished the soup and a few quick swallows,
11:50said a few words to his servants, and swept past me.
11:53In that moment, I confirmed one thing.
11:55Alpha Case couldn't stand the sight of me.
11:58I followed his instructions and had Ivy deliver his daily healing meals to the study from then on.
12:03Martha couldn't stop singing my praises.
12:05The pack healer says Case's condition has stabilized significantly.
12:09I can see the color coming back to his face.
12:12Leah, that's entirely because of you.
12:14Delighted, she pressed a gold bracelet into my hands.
12:17Back in my room, I tucked it into my jewelry box,
12:20which had been slowly filling with pieces Martha had gifted me since my arrival.
12:25Leah, you never wear any of thee of these.
12:27Isn't it a waste to just put them away?
12:29How is it a waste?
12:31Every one of these can be converted to cash.
12:33That's my security fund.
12:35But Lady Martha gave these to you personally.
12:37Are you really going to sell all of them?
12:39Not right now.
12:40But if the mate bond is ever severed,
12:42naturally I'd sell them and keep the money on hand.
12:45Ivy's expression shifted to pure bewilderment.
12:48As she turned away, she dropped her voice to a murmur.
12:52Alpha.
12:54Alpha?
12:55I spun around and met a pair of ink-dark eyes.
12:58Martha's eyesight must truly be failing her.
13:01Case looked worse than ever.
13:03Case's face was even paler than before.
13:05His gaze was sharp and cutting, fixed on me with cold precision.
13:09The look unsettled me completely,
13:11but I didn't dare let a single trace of it show.
13:14Alpha, is there something you need?
13:17A journal.
13:18We looked together.
13:20I checked the shelves, he checked the writing desk.
13:22Neither of us spoke.
13:23I spotted the journal pushed to the very back of the top shelf,
13:27behind a row of my mother's medical notes.
13:29I reached up on my toes.
13:31My fingertips just grazed the cover.
13:33Case's hand came over mine.
13:35Warm.
13:35Steady.
13:36He reached past me without effort and closed his hand around the journal.
13:40I turned my head.
13:42His face was right there, closer than I'd realized.
13:45He was looking down at me.
13:47Then I lost my footing and pitched straight into him.
13:50My heavy breasts hit his chest first.
13:52My waist went straight into his palm, his hand catching me before he could react.
13:57Case didn't step back.
13:58His eartips went red.
14:00His throat worked as he swallowed.
14:02When he exhaled, the breath came out uneven against the top of my head.
14:06His eyes flashed gold for a second, then green.
14:10I scrambled upright, face burning.
14:13Your journal.
14:14He took it without a word and walked out.
14:16Perfect.
14:17My standing in his eyes had just sunk even lower.
14:19After that day, I made every effort to avoid crossing paths with Case.
14:23He was injured and recovering.
14:25He needed to stay calm.
14:26But there was one more thing bothering me.
14:28Brad had been sending notes.
14:30Three times already.
14:31I hadn't opened a single one.
14:33Just dropped them in a box.
14:34Then, Ivy pressed one into my hand that morning.
14:37It's not just a note this time.
14:38He's here.
14:39Side entrance.
14:40Says he won't leave until you come out.
14:42I clenched my fist and walked out.
14:43I didn't notice the figure that followed from the far end of the courtyard.
14:46Brad was standing at the gate.
14:49Leah, you finally came.
14:51You should be calling me Mrs. Valerius.
14:53He paused, dropped his voice.
14:56Mrs. Valerius.
14:57Do you have any idea how many times you've put me in an impossible position with these meetings?
15:02I know.
15:03I just wanted to tell you.
15:06I'll be securing more power in the pack.
15:08Soon I won't need Chloe's father backing me anymore.
15:11He stepped closer.
15:12I'll buy a house, Leah.
15:13Come with me.
15:15Anything's better than staying with a dying man.
15:17He reached for me.
15:18I stepped back.
15:20You want me as your mistress?
15:22Brad nodded, completely serious.
15:25I laughed.
15:26Why would I give up being the Alpha's mate to be your mistress?
15:29The whole pack knows Case is dying.
15:31He won't last.
15:33And he can't even stand up anymore.
15:36His eyes dropped deliberately to my chest.
15:38Isn't that a waste?
15:41Disgust surged through me.
15:43Brad, I will never be anyone's mistress.
15:46Case fought on the front lines for this pack.
15:49Those injuries are his honor.
15:52You've benefited from every battle he won and you're standing here calling him less of a man.
15:58You're the one who's less.
16:01Come near me again and every note you've sent goes straight to Chloe.
16:05How do you think that ends for you?
16:08His face went white.
16:09I swung the gate shut.
16:11I turned around and came face to face with Case.
16:14White t-shirt, standing less than half a foot away.
16:16His full height bearing down on me.
16:17Alpha, I managed.
16:19A faint edge flickered across his expression.
16:21Wasn't it my mate just a moment ago?
16:23Why so formal all of a sudden?
16:25I looked down and started walking.
16:29Please don't misunderstand.
16:30As long as I'm in this estate, I honor this bond.
16:33Completely.
16:33Fast.
16:34It's getting late.
16:35I should go make your evening meal.
16:37I moved to step past him.
16:38His hand closed around my arm.
16:40I lost my footing and pitched straight into him.
16:42My heavy breasts against his chest.
16:43My waist caught in his grip.
16:45I looked up.
16:46His face was inches from mine.
16:48His eyes were deep and unreadable.
16:50One tilt forward and our lips would have touched.
16:53His breath hit my face.
16:54Warm.
16:55My breath hitched.
16:57Heat pooled low in my core.
17:00Case swallowed hard.
17:01As long as I remain in this estate.
17:04Each word slow.
17:05Deliberate.
17:06You counting down the days until you can leave?
17:08I couldn't exactly tell him I'll leave the day you die.
17:12No.
17:13Nothing like that.
17:14I shifted in his grip.
17:15Alpha, you're hurting my arm.
17:17Did you mean every word you said just now?
17:20I blinked and asked which part.
17:22He let out a quiet breath and released me.
17:25I bolted.
17:26And I noticed, for the first time, his face had actual color in it.
17:31His cheeks were just as red as mine.
17:33That night, I had a strange dream.
17:36Case's lips grazed slowly along my cheek.
17:39His fingers hooked into the strap of my slip, voice dropping to a low murmur.
17:43Does my Luna want this?
17:45I nodded like someone completely under a spell.
17:48Then a fierce, consuming kiss caught my lips and wouldn't let go.
17:52I jolted awake in a tangle of sheets, heart still hammering.
17:56Breathless.
17:57Ivy knocked and came in.
17:59I asked her to bring a basin of cold water.
18:01She stared at my sweat-damp hair and murmured,
18:03It really is getting hotter.
18:05I splashed cold water onto my face.
18:08And then it hit me.
18:09That first night.
18:10Case.
18:11Cold shower.
18:12Surely he hadn't also been...
18:14No.
18:16Impossible.
18:17He was injured and recovering.
18:19He was supposed to be keeping himself calm.
18:20At midday, Martha's attendant arrived.
18:22Martha would like dinner in the garden tonight.
18:25She asks that you be sure to come.
18:27Been making excuses to avoid the main dining hall for days,
18:30just to steer clear of Case.
18:31But Martha had gone out of her way to personally extend the invitation.
18:35I couldn't say no.
18:36I stepped into the garden.
18:37A sprawling rose of Sharon was in full bloom.
18:40A gust of wind shook loose a handful of deep crimson petals,
18:44drifting down onto the stone table,
18:46covered with every dish I loved most.
18:48Martha smiled and gestured for me to sit.
18:50Case mentioned it's your birthday today.
18:52He's the one who asked the kitchen to prepare all of this.
18:55I looked up and met a pair of burning, intent eyes.
18:58Heat rushed straight to my face.
19:01Case lit a plate of chestnut cake in front of me without changing his expression.
19:06How did you know today was my birthday?
19:08I'd completely forgotten it myself.
19:10My birth mother died bringing me into the world.
19:13No one had ever once marked the day for me.
19:16Case kept his eyes lowered and said evenly,
19:19It's not difficult to know it.
19:21Something in my chest gave one quiet, inexplicable pull.
19:25Leah, this peach blossom wine is from my private reserve.
19:28I'm opening it just for you.
19:31But you two had better not drink too much.
19:33She pushed back her chair,
19:34said the summer evening breeze was too much for her old bones,
19:37and left.
19:38The garden went quiet.
19:40To avoid the silence,
19:41I put my head down and drank.
19:43One cup,
19:44then another,
19:45then another.
19:46The wine was sweet and dangerously potent.
19:49Before long,
19:50the edges of everything had gone soft and blurry.
19:53Case watched me but said nothing.
19:55By the third glass,
19:56I'd stopped feeling the awkward silence.
19:58By the fourth,
19:59I'd stopped feeling much of anything.
20:01I reached across the table
20:03toward the last piece of chestnut cake.
20:05The dish was empty.
20:06I looked up.
20:08Where's the last piece?
20:09I ate it.
20:11I have absolutely no idea where the boldness came from.
20:13I leaned straight toward his face.
20:16Who told you to eat that?
20:18Spit it back out.
20:20I pressed against his chest,
20:21trying to peer into his mouth.
20:23Case looked down at me,
20:24perfectly calm.
20:25You won't find it that way.
20:27I straightened up and stared at him.
20:29Then how am I supposed to find it?
20:31A faint flush crept across his cheeks.
20:34Try using your mouse.
20:36My gaze drifted to his slightly reddened lips.
20:39I swallowed once
20:40and kissed him without hesitation.
20:42Case went rigid,
20:43his breathing lurching unsteady.
20:45Then control shifted.
20:47His hand cupped the back of my head
20:49and he pressed in deeper,
20:50harder.
20:52Neither of us pulled away
20:53until footsteps sounded
20:54from behind the flower bed.
20:56Alpha,
20:57the night air is cool.
20:59Lady Martin asked me
21:00to bring you both a wrap.
21:02I had no idea how much Ivy'd seen.
21:04I shot to my feet
21:05and the next instant
21:06the world tilted.
21:08Everything went dark.
21:11When I woke up with a splitting headache,
21:13it was already morning.
21:14I suddenly remembered.
21:16I'd promised Martha
21:17to visit Case's father's grave.
21:19It was late.
21:20I started rushing around for my things.
21:24Leah, don't worry.
21:26The driver is still getting the car ready.
21:29Ivy,
21:29was it you who brought me back last night?
21:32No.
21:33The Alpha carried you back.
21:36I spun around to check her face.
21:38She nodded,
21:39completely serious.
21:41I didn't say anything stupid,
21:43did I?
21:44Ivy bid back a smile.
21:46The Alpha set you down on the bed
21:48and you grabbed his sleeve
21:50and wouldn't let go.
21:52You kept calling him my mate
21:53over and over
21:55until his whole face went red.
21:58Ivy,
21:59don't you dare make things up.
22:01She covered her mouth,
22:02laughing,
22:03and ran out.
22:04I met Martha
22:06at the front entrance.
22:07Case's father's grave
22:09was on a hillside
22:09just beyond the pack territory.
22:12I sat in the back of the car,
22:14completely distracted,
22:15replaying the moment
22:16I'd kissed Case last night.
22:18Martha must have misread my expression
22:20because she said,
22:22Leah,
22:23is there someone
22:24you have feelings for?
22:28I've noticed
22:29you've been avoiding Case
22:30these past few days.
22:32Please don't be upset
22:34with me
22:34for pushing you two together
22:35at dinner last night.
22:36I thought if the two of you
22:38couldn't be mates,
22:39you could at least be friends.
22:40But if you're uncomfortable
22:41or if you want to leave,
22:43just say.
22:44I'll have him sever the bond.
22:46I won't let you be trapped here.
22:47Mom, no.
22:49It's not that.
22:50I was thinking about something else.
22:52What is it?
22:53I was still figuring out
22:54how to answer
22:54when the car lurched.
22:55The engine screamed.
22:57The car swung hard.
22:58Tires off the road,
22:59crashing through brush,
23:00the whole frame shaking.
23:01I grabbed Martha
23:02and looked at the driver.
23:04Slumped over the wheel.
23:05Unconscious.
23:06No one to hit the brakes.
23:08A cliff.
23:09Straight ahead.
23:10Martha grabbed my arm.
23:11Leah,
23:12what do we do?
23:13We jump.
23:14Now.
23:15We'll be hurt.
23:16We'll die if we don't.
23:17Hold on to me.
23:18I wrapped myself around her
23:19and we threw ourselves clear
23:20the instant the wheels
23:21left solid ground.
23:23We hit the cliff edge
23:24and went over.
23:24My hand shot out
23:26and caught a root
23:26jutting from the rock face.
23:27My other hand
23:28locked around Martha's wrist.
23:30Below her was a straight drop
23:31into nothing.
23:34Mom, don't look down.
23:35Don't look down.
23:36Hold on to me.
23:38Ivy and the others
23:38are right behind us.
23:40Behind us in the second car.
23:42They'll be here soon.
23:44The root groaned under our weight.
23:46Martha's voice broke.
23:48Leah,
23:49let me go.
23:51We're too heavy.
23:53It's going to snap.
23:57I'm old.
23:59I've lived my life.
24:01You have to keep living yours.
24:04My chest tightened so hard
24:06I could barely breathe.
24:07I couldn't let go.
24:09She'd been a mother to me
24:11from the first day.
24:13Mom,
24:14I would rather die with you
24:16than watch you fall.
24:17Hold on.
24:22They're coming.
24:24The truth was,
24:25I had no idea.
24:27My arms were going numb.
24:29The pain had gone so deep
24:31it had stopped feeling like pain at all.
24:33Then I heard it.
24:35A wolf's howl split the air,
24:39deafening and close.
24:41Leah,
24:43don't move.
24:44I'm coming down.
24:45Case's voice.
24:46He'd called me by my name.
24:49The first time.
24:51A strong arm came under me.
24:54He'd climbed down the cliff face.
24:56Wolf claws dug into the rock.
24:59He untied the rope from his own body
25:01and looped it around my waist.
25:03Then climbed down further
25:05and did the same for Martha.
25:07The people above pulled together.
25:09We came up one at a time.
25:12It wasn't a hallucination.
25:14Case had saved us.
25:15He held me,
25:17brow creased.
25:20Why is there so much blood?
25:22Martha clutched her face.
25:24She shielded me when we jumped.
25:27I didn't get a scratch.
25:29It's all hers.
25:32My eyelids felt like lead.
25:35Leah,
25:36don't sleep.
25:37I'm taking you to Ella.
25:39He lifted me into the car
25:40and I stayed curled against his chest.
25:43His forehead was damp with sweat.
25:46He kept one hand on the wheel
25:47and kept talking.
25:49Leah,
25:49Leah,
25:51Leah,
25:51stay awake.
25:53I'll get you chestnut cake.
25:54I'll give you all the jewelry
25:56you want to sell.
25:57You don't have to wait for me to die.
25:58I'll write the bond release today.
26:00You can leave whenever you want.
26:02My chest kept clenching.
26:04Something wet hit my face.
26:06I looked up at the sky
26:07through the windshield.
26:09It wasn't raining.
26:10Then everything went black.
26:12When I opened my eyes,
26:13every part of my body
26:14felt like it had been taken apart
26:15and put back wrong.
26:17My Luna,
26:18the pack healer said,
26:19you can't move yet.
26:20Ivy pressed a bowl of medicine
26:21to my lips,
26:22spooning it in slowly.
26:23You're lucky nothing's broken.
26:25Her voice was steady,
26:26but her eyes were red.
26:27The scrapes were bad.
26:28You need to stay flat
26:29or they'll scar.
26:31Your shoulder was dislocated too.
26:33She kept talking.
26:34My eyes had already drifted to the door.
26:36After I finished the medicine,
26:37I asked,
26:39Where's Case?
26:40Investigating.
26:41Someone poisoned the driver
26:42with wolf bite
26:42and cut the brake lines.
26:44It was deliberate.
26:44Who would be bold enough
26:45to target the Alpha's family directly?
26:47I was flat on my back
26:49for a full month.
26:50I didn't see Case once.
26:51Martha kept her door shut too,
26:53still recovering from the shock.
26:55Everyone in the estate
26:56moved with tight faces
26:57and clipped voices,
26:58like something was being held
26:59just below the surface.
27:00I asked Ivy.
27:02She said nothing was wrong.
27:04Today,
27:04I was finally cleared
27:05to get out of bed.
27:06I opened my door
27:07and walked straight
27:07into a familiar figure.
27:09Case.
27:10Dark tactical shirt,
27:11sharper than I remembered.
27:13He held out a small wooden box.
27:15I took it
27:15and lifted the lid.
27:16A land deed.
27:18A property contract.
27:19A severance letter.
27:20My body went rigid.
27:22Something locked around my chest
27:23and wouldn't let go.
27:24Case.
27:25Are you throwing me out?
27:27You've been waiting for this
27:28since the day you arrived.
27:30You avoided me,
27:31stayed out of my way.
27:32You never wanted anything
27:33to do with me.
27:34You were counting down the days
27:34until I died
27:35so you could walk out cleanly.
27:37I'm just doing it early.
27:40Leah, go.
27:41After today,
27:42we're finished.
27:42Something sharp flooded my chest.
27:45My mouth opened and closed.
27:47It took a long time
27:48to get anything out.
27:50So that's what you think of me?
27:54Leave now.
27:55I don't want to see you anymore.
27:57Case disappeared
27:58around the corner of the yard.
28:00Estate guards
28:01all but pushed me out the door.
28:02Ivy fell in to step beside me
28:03and the Alpha said
28:04you're used to having me around.
28:06He told me to go with you.
28:09I couldn't speak.
28:14We moved into a small house
28:15on the edge of the territory.
28:17By morning,
28:18the PAC's official announcement
28:19had gone up.
28:20The announcement said
28:21Case had betrayed the PAC.
28:23The announcement said
28:24he had betrayed the PAC.
28:25That he had leaked
28:26the Border Patrol routes
28:27to a rogue faction.
28:29By order of the Lycan King,
28:31royal enforcers
28:32had been dispatched
28:32to seize him,
28:33pending investigation.
28:35Case was being held
28:37in the dungeons
28:37under royal guard.
28:39The estate was locked down.
28:41Everyone inside
28:42was under scrutiny.
28:44Case would never betray his PAC.
28:46He would die
28:47before he did something like that.
28:48He rushed to get me out.
28:49That was why.
28:50That was the only reason.
28:53Ivy was pacing circles
28:54around the living room.
28:55She'd grown up
28:56inside the estate.
28:57She couldn't stand still.
28:59Is there anything we can do?
29:01I made myself sit down
29:03and think.
29:04Years ago,
29:05Elder Reed's youngest child
29:06had gotten lost in the forest
29:07and been bitten by a snake.
29:09I'd found him
29:10and used the right herbs
29:11to treat the wound.
29:13Elder Reed had arrived
29:14while I was still
29:15crouched over the boy.
29:16He'd seen my face.
29:17I was sure
29:18he hadn't forgotten.
29:19I tracked him down
29:21outside the council building
29:22and stepped into his path.
29:23Elder Reed,
29:24you remember me.
29:25I need a favor.
29:27He looked at me
29:28for a long moment.
29:29Then he nodded.
29:30Elder Reed led me
29:31into the dungeon.
29:32Thirty minutes.
29:33No more.
29:33The door unlocked.
29:34Case stood up.
29:35His eyes flashed
29:36with surprise.
29:37How did you get in?
29:38My chest ached
29:39as I looked at him
29:40through the blur of tears.
29:41That's why you kicked me out,
29:43isn't it?
29:43You were framed.
29:45Think carefully.
29:46Is there any evidence
29:47to prove your innocence?
29:48I will find it.
29:50I will investigate.
29:51I swear I will rescue you.
29:53Case's gaze deepened.
29:54Then his arm shot out
29:55and pulled me into his chest.
29:57Leah.
29:58My heart hammered.
29:59But time was running out.
30:01This wasn't the moment.
30:02I pushed against him.
30:04He didn't budge.
30:05Leah, you don't need
30:06to do anything.
30:06I can't say much.
30:09I promise.
30:11Seven days later,
30:12I will accompany you
30:13to watch the sunrise.
30:14Okay?
30:15His eyes were steady.
30:17Certain.
30:18Like he was coaxing
30:18a frightened pup.
30:21I walked out of the dungeon
30:22and straight into Brad.
30:27He stepped into my path.
30:28Slow smile spreading
30:29across his face.
30:30It's not too late
30:30to reconsider.
30:32Being my mistress
30:34beats being alone
30:35and disgraced.
30:36I swung my hand
30:37and slapped him
30:38across the face.
30:39He lunged for me.
30:40I stepped sideways
30:41and put distance between us.
30:42Try that again
30:43and every note you sent me
30:44ends up in front of
30:44Chloe's father.
30:45Every single one.
30:47You've been whispering
30:47in her ear for years,
30:48haven't you?
30:49Trying to get me pushed out
30:50thinking I'd have nowhere to go
30:51and no choice but to run to you.
30:53But you never counted on
30:53Chloe handing me straight to Case.
30:55A man you can't touch.
30:57His face changed.
30:58I didn't wait for him to recover.
30:59I walked away
31:00and didn't look back.
31:01A wolf like that.
31:03The further the better.
31:04I didn't sleep well
31:05for the next five days.
31:07Case's voice
31:07kept coming back to me.
31:08I promise.
31:10Seven days later
31:11I will accompany you
31:11to watch the sunrise.
31:12Okay?
31:13On the afternoon
31:14of the sixth day
31:15the Lichen King's official decree
31:16went up across the territory.
31:17The leak hadn't come from Case.
31:19It had come from Prince Marcus
31:21and his allies.
31:23The truth is finally revealed.
31:27The Lichen King
31:28had not yet named his heir.
31:29Both Prince Caden
31:30and Prince Marcus
31:31were in the running.
31:31Case was Prince Caden's
31:32most powerful ally.
31:34The Alpha
31:34who commanded
31:35the most powerful pack.
31:36Taking Case down
31:37was the cleanest way
31:37to clear the path
31:38to the throne.
31:39Prince Marcus
31:40had planted a spy
31:40inside the blackwood pack.
31:42Used him to steal
31:42the border patrol routes
31:43then framed Case for it.
31:45So the injury
31:45had been faked.
31:46All of it.
31:47A deliberate trap
31:48to draw out the spy.
31:49But why fake
31:50being unable to mate?
31:51I turned that over
31:52in my mind all night
31:53and couldn't land
31:54on an answer.
31:55Dawn was just breaking
31:56when someone
31:56knocked at the door.
31:57I didn't think.
31:58I just ran.
31:59I threw the door open
32:00and walked straight
32:00into Case's chest.
32:01He went completely still.
32:03Then his arms
32:03came around me
32:04slow and deliberate
32:05and pulled me in hard.
32:07I'd run out
32:07in nothing but
32:08a thin sleep shirt.
32:09No warning.
32:10Through the thin fabric
32:11I could feel everything.
32:12The hard muscle
32:13of his chest.
32:14His arms locked
32:15tight around me.
32:16I pressed my hands
32:17against his chest
32:17and tried to step back.
32:18Leah.
32:19His voice dropped low.
32:21I'm back.
32:22Our eyes locked.
32:23The heat between us
32:23was thick enough to touch.
32:25Then he lifted me
32:25off the ground
32:26and carried me
32:26straight toward the bedroom.
32:27I beat a fist
32:28against his chest.
32:30Weren't we supposed
32:31to watch the sunrise?
32:33You first.
32:35Sunrise after.
32:37We fell onto the bed together.
32:41Case pinned me beneath him.
32:43One hand working
32:43the buttons
32:44of my sleep shirt open.
32:45Eyes never leaving mine.
32:46I covered his eyes
32:47with both hands.
32:48Don't look.
32:49It's embarrassing.
32:51He took my hands down.
32:52His breathing
32:53had gone ragged.
32:54It's beautiful.
32:56His eyes were bright
32:57and fixed.
32:58My skin went hot
32:59everywhere he touched.
33:00I pressed my palm
33:01flat against his chest.
33:02Hard muscle,
33:03warm skin.
33:04Healer said you couldn't
33:05get hard.
33:06How is any of this possible?
33:07Lips dragging slowly
33:08along my jaw to my ear.
33:09You want to know
33:10if I can?
33:11There's one way
33:12to find out.
33:13He kissed me.
33:14One hand cupping my face,
33:15tilting it up toward him.
33:17I kissed him back hard.
33:18My hands slid up his chest,
33:20over his shoulders,
33:22gripping his arms.
33:23He pressed me further
33:24into the mattress,
33:25his weight settling over me.
33:27The heat built fast
33:28and took over completely.
33:29My hands went slack.
33:31He caught them,
33:32laced his fingers
33:33through mine,
33:34and pinned them
33:34above my head.
33:35He loves me very much
33:37and completely occupies me.
33:39My face gradually
33:40became rosy,
33:41and we could only hear
33:43each other's heartbeats
33:44and breathing.
33:45His lips dragged
33:46from my mouth
33:47to my jaw,
33:48down the side of my neck,
33:49slow and unhurried.
33:51Then he stopped.
33:52His canines pierced
33:54my mating gland,
33:54a second of sharp,
33:56white-hot pain,
33:57and then it was done.
33:58I lay there,
33:59chest heaving,
34:00fingers still tangled in his.
34:02On my neck,
34:03his mark ached.
34:04Finally,
34:05we weren't just mates
34:06on paper anymore.
34:08After the estate lockdown
34:09was lifted,
34:10Case took me to meet
34:11Prince Kayden,
34:12a slow smile
34:13spreading across his face.
34:14So you're the woman
34:15who brought Case to his knees.
34:16I've been wanting to meet you.
34:19You flatter me,
34:20your highness.
34:20Case helped the kingdom
34:21take down a real threat.
34:22You stood by him
34:23through all of it.
34:24I'll host an official
34:25Luna ceremony for you,
34:26and when that day comes,
34:27I'll have a gift ready.
34:29Thank you,
34:29your highness.
34:30Don't blame Case,
34:32Leah.
34:32Faking the injury
34:33was always part of the plan.
34:38Too many enemies
34:39wanted him dead.
34:40The only way to keep him safe
34:41was to make them think
34:42he was already finished.
34:44The part about
34:44not being able to get hard,
34:46that was my idea.
34:47I gave the pack doctor
34:48that order myself.
34:51We grew up together.
34:52I know exactly how he is.
34:54Never any interest in women.
34:56Never any weakness.
34:57I figured it was time
34:58someone did something about that.
35:00Suddenly, I understood.
35:01Just two old friends
35:03and one very elaborate prank.
35:04The car accident.
35:06That was Prince Marcus as well.
35:08They intended it
35:08to look like an accident.
35:09They didn't expect
35:10to hurt you in the process.
35:12Luna, Leah,
35:13it's been dealt with.
35:14You and Case are safe now.
35:20I took a slow breath.
35:22Knowing it was over
35:23didn't make the memory
35:23of dangling off that cliff
35:25any less vivid.
35:26We got back to the estate
35:27to find Chloe already inside,
35:28crying.
35:29She walked an hour ago
35:30and hasn't stopped.
35:31Martha is getting a headache
35:33from it.
35:33I told Case to go to his study.
35:35I'd handle it.
35:37I sat down next to Chloe.
35:39Face red,
35:39eyes swollen.
35:40Word had already spread.
35:42Brad had been identified
35:43as one of Prince Marcus' informants.
35:45Chloe's father had been cleared,
35:46but Chloe and Brad were finished.
35:49Still crying?
35:50I'll have someone throw you out.
35:52She stopped immediately,
35:53still shaking,
35:54but quiet.
35:55I misjudged him.
35:56I thought picking someone
35:57from a lower-ranked family
35:59meant he'd be easy to manage.
36:01I didn't think he'd be like this.
36:03I told you he wasn't a good person.
36:06You didn't say it clearly enough.
36:07I rolled my eyes.
36:09I wasn't a powerless Omega anymore.
36:12I didn't have to hold back.
36:17Were you ever angry at me
36:19for how I treated you back then?
36:22No.
36:22I cursed you in my head,
36:24but I don't hold grudges.
36:26You cursed me?
36:27Do you want to punish me for it?
36:29Chloe laughed despite herself,
36:30then caught herself
36:31and pressed her lips together.
36:32I'm sorry for the slap.
36:34Did it hurt?
36:35I already forgot about it.
36:36Then let me slap you back.
36:38We'll be even.
36:39She closed her eyes
36:40and braced herself.
36:41I raised my hand
36:42and let it land soft
36:43against her cheek.
36:45She opened her eyes.
36:48I already gave that slap to Brad.
36:50Chloe stared at me for a second.
36:52Then she laughed,
36:53really laughed,
36:53for the first time
36:54since she'd walked in.
36:55Don't call me Chloe anymore.
36:57Can we be friends?
36:58No.
37:01I don't like friends
37:02who cry too much.
37:03The light was still on
37:04when I passed Case's study.
37:05I pushed the door open.
37:07Before I could say a word,
37:08an arm shot out from behind
37:09and wrapped around my waist.
37:11Bold intruder.
37:12His voice dropped low
37:13against my ear.
37:14You think you can just walk
37:15into the Alpha's office?
37:16The Alpha's mate is right here
37:18and you still dare make a move?
37:20Case played it straight.
37:21His lips found my neck.
37:23Here?
37:24Really?
37:26Right here.
37:27I kept saying no.
37:28My hand said something else entirely,
37:30finding their way to his back.
37:32Leia.
37:32He murmured against my ear.
37:33You have no idea
37:35how many times I thought
37:36about this in this room.
37:38I wanted to say something back,
37:40but his hand was already moving
37:41and I couldn't get a single word out.
37:43He carried me to the table
37:44and took off my clothes.
37:46Then we had a good time.
37:53When I woke up,
37:54it was almost dawn.
37:56Case was already awake,
37:57sitting up against the headboard,
37:58watching me.
37:59His eyes were soft in a way
38:01that made it hard to look back.
38:02Morning.
38:03I sat up and rubbed my eyes.
38:05Then I remembered.
38:06The sunrise.
38:07He'd promised.
38:08The sunrise.
38:09The sunrise.
38:12We still have time.
38:14He was already up.
38:15He picked up my clothes
38:16from beside the bed
38:17and handing them to me.
38:19He dressed me slowly,
38:20straightening each layer
38:21with both hands,
38:22like he'd done it
38:22a thousand times before.
38:24We walked out into the yard.
38:25Cool air.
38:26The smell of pine.
38:28To the east,
38:28the sky had just started
38:29to lighten at the edges.
38:30Case stood behind me
38:31and wrapped both arms around me.
38:33We watched the horizon together.
38:34The sun came up slowly.
38:36Gold light broke across the trees,
38:38spread across the yard
38:39and landed on us.
38:40The clouds caught the color
38:42and held it.
38:43Beautiful.
38:44Close to my ear.
38:46Beautiful.
38:48He pulled me in tighter
38:49and said nothing else.
38:50He didn't need to.
38:52I'll watch every sunrise
38:54and sunset with you.
38:55His voice was quiet
38:55against my hair.
38:56Everyone.
38:57For as long as we have.
38:59I turned around
39:00and kissed him once,
39:01quick and light.
39:03Deal.
39:04The sun came up fully
39:05and the yard filled with light.
39:07Our shadows stretched long
39:08across the ground behind us.
39:10Over the next few days,
39:11the estate came back to life.
39:13Servants moved through the halls
39:14with easy steps again.
39:15Martha's health improved.
39:17She called me in
39:17to talk every morning,
39:18always smiling
39:19when I walked through the door.
39:21One afternoon,
39:21I was trimming the plants
39:22in the yard
39:23when Sunny came running over.
39:24Leah.
39:25Chloe is here again.
39:26She brought a lot of stuff with her.
39:28I set down my shears.
39:30Since the day she'd come in crying,
39:31Chloe had been showing up regularly.
39:33She said she was making up
39:34for lost time.
39:35Really,
39:36she just had nothing to do
39:36and nowhere to be.
39:39Let her in.
39:40I wiped my hands
39:41and went to meet her.
39:44Chloe walked in
39:45with two attendants behind her,
39:46carrying food boxes.
39:47She'd changed a lot.
39:49Less restless.
39:50She dressed simpler now
39:51and moved quieter.
39:59I made your favorite,
40:01chestnut cake.
40:02I asked the Royal Kitchen
40:03for the recipe this time.
40:05Better than anything
40:07the Blackwood Kitchen
40:07has ever made.
40:08I took a piece
40:09and bit into it.
40:10Sweet, soft,
40:12better than I expected.
40:14Good.
40:17So where's Case?
40:18Not home?
40:19He went to the pack training ground
40:21and something came up.
40:23Chloe nodded
40:23and reached for a piece herself.
40:25For a while,
40:26neither of us said anything.
40:27Just the wind
40:28moving through the yard.
40:29My father wants me
40:30to find a new mate.
40:31I looked up.
40:32Don't rush for it.
40:34I know.
40:37After Brad,
40:38I don't know how to trust anyone.
40:39She looked at me,
40:40something flickering
40:41in her eyes.
40:42You have a good mate.
40:44Case fights for you,
40:46protects you,
40:47and he's the strongest alpha
40:48in the kingdom.
40:49We just got lucky.
40:50You can't force these things.
40:52Chloe nodded
40:53and didn't say anything else.
40:54Just ate her chestnut cake.
40:56The yard went quiet,
40:57just wind
40:58moving through the leaves.
40:59Then she said,
41:01That slap,
41:03do you really not
41:04hold it against me?
41:05Really.
41:06It's in the past.
41:08No point bringing it up.
41:10The truth was,
41:11I'd already let it go
41:11a long time ago.
41:12She wasn't a bad person,
41:14just spoiled.
41:15Used to getting her way.
41:17Chloe's eyes went red
41:17at the edges.
41:20When I arranged the mating,
41:22part of it was because
41:23I was scared you and Brad
41:24would find your way
41:24back to each other.
41:26But part of it was genuine.
41:28I really did think
41:29Case was a good man.
41:30That he wouldn't
41:31treat you badly.
41:31We looked at each other
41:32and smiled.
41:33All the conflicts
41:34were solved.
41:37I just didn't expect him
41:39to be faking the whole time.
41:40Chloe laughed,
41:41a little embarrassed.
41:42It's in the past.
41:45Isn't this better?
41:50It is,
41:51she nodded.
41:52Can we be friends?
41:53For real?
41:54I won't be like
41:55I was before.
41:58Sure,
41:59I nodded.
42:00Something warm
42:00moved through my chest.
42:02Letting go of old grudges
42:03and coming out
42:04the other side
42:04with a friend.
42:05That wasn't a bad ending.
42:06We sat in the yard
42:07for the rest of the afternoon,
42:08eating and talking.
42:10Pack gossip.
42:11Small things.
42:12Nothing important.
42:13The sun came through the leaves
42:14and the air was warm
42:15and easy.
42:16When Case came back
42:17from the training grounds
42:18that evening
42:18and saw the two of us,
42:20surprise crossed his face.
42:22What are you two happy about?
42:23Talking about you.
42:25Chloe grinned.
42:26About what a liar you are.
42:28Faking the whole thing
42:29and fooling everyone.
42:31Case walked over
42:32and sat down beside me.
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