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