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