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The Alpha King’s Intoxicating Mate New Full
The Alpha King’s Intoxicating Mate New Full
The Alpha King’s Intoxicating Mate New Full
The Alpha King’s Intoxicating Mate New Full
The Alpha King’s Intoxicating Mate New Full
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I was born with heavy breasts and lush curves.
00:03My half-sister Chloe was afraid her mate Brad would go feral over me, so she sold me to
00:08an impotent alpha.
00:11She patted my shoulder.
00:15Who knows, maybe he's good at other things.
00:18Three months later, I was begging for mercy every night.
00:21Funny.
00:22He seemed good at everything.
00:26Case Valerius.
00:27The Blackwood Pax Alpha.
00:28The Lycan King's most trusted war commander.
00:31He was carried back from the battlefield soaked in blood.
00:33Someone suggested,
00:35A mate bond shares life force.
00:37If Alpha Case was bound to a living, healthy mate, her strength could flow into him and
00:42pull him back.
00:42Chloe rushed to play matchmaker and presented me to Martha before I could object.
00:46I had no way to refuse.
00:48If I wouldn't agree, she'd transfer me to serve 60-year-old Elder Kevin.
00:52I knew she resented my history with her mate.
00:54I dropped to my knees and swore to the Moon Goddess.
00:57I swear, Chloe, I had no feelings for Brad.
01:01Chloe jabbed a finger at my forehead, fury in her eyes.
01:04What good is a vow?
01:05Do you have any idea how distracting you are?
01:08I hunched my shoulders.
01:09Tears slid down my cheeks.
01:11Just look at that ample body and those charming curves, parading your body in front of every
01:16male in the clan.
01:17Who among them would not lose their minds at the smell of you?
01:21I wanted to tell her.
01:22To bind my chest, I'd wrapped myself layer after layer in the sweltering heat until I
01:27broke out in a rash.
01:27Her expression softened.
01:29She wiped my tears.
01:31It's not that I don't trust you.
01:33It's that I don't trust males.
01:35Do you know how powerful Alpha Case is?
01:37If my mother and Martha weren't old friends, you wouldn't even have this opportunity.
01:42Chloe, I don't want to be anyone's offering.
01:45I'd rather scrub kitchen floors.
01:48Just don't make me...
01:51Two sharp slaps landed across my face.
01:53My cheek burned.
01:55Leah, are you out of your mind?
01:57If I hadn't vouched for you, Martha wouldn't have given you a second glance.
02:01You wouldn't even be worthy of being Case's mate.
02:03The maid burst in breathless.
02:06Miss Chloe, word from the Valerius estate.
02:08Alpha Case has woken up.
02:11Chloe dragged me straight to Valerius estate, enormous.
02:14I followed her through the main hall to a set of heavy double doors, pulled half shut.
02:18Through the gap, I could make out a man's shape in the bed.
02:21Thin, motionless, chest rattling with shallow coughs every few minutes.
02:25Martha stood on our side, eyes red.
02:27Thank you for everything you've done for Case.
02:29I won't destroy a girl's future over it.
02:31Chloe's eyes moved, quick and calculating.
02:33This is Valerius.
02:34The bond should still be completed.
02:36Leah arrived the same day Case woke up.
02:38That's the moon goddess guiding us.
02:40Seal the bond properly.
02:42Her life force will keep pulling him back toward health.
02:45Before she could speak, the healer Ella stepped out,
02:47expression tight.
02:49Alpha Case has regained consciousness,
02:51but an arrow struck his inner thigh during battle.
02:56I'm afraid he will no longer be able to-
02:58Unable to do what?
02:59He will no longer be able to get hard.
03:01Martha's knees gave out.
03:02I caught her before she hit the floor.
03:04She looked up at me with hollowed eyes.
03:06Leah, knowing this, are you still willing?
03:11Yes, she's been looking forward to it.
03:12Chloe was already answering for me.
03:14Of course she is.
03:15She's just an Omega with no prospects.
03:18She should be grateful.
03:19I didn't speak right away.
03:21My mind went to my past.
03:23There was a young wolf in the poor quarter behind our estate.
03:26I first saw him through the fence gaps.
03:28Thin wrists, hollow cheeks, hunched over a cracked bowl with nothing in it.
03:33I started passing food through the gaps.
03:35Bread first, then soup, then whatever I had.
03:38Day after day, I watched him change.
03:40The hollows in his cheeks filled out.
03:43His shoulders broadened.
03:44He started training before dawn, running laps around the back wall while I was still half asleep.
03:49He was going to enter the warrior trials.
03:51I knew it before he told me.
03:53When he passed, I went to find him that same night.
03:55I was happy.
03:56I remember it clearly.
03:57I was genuinely happy.
03:59I knocked on the gate.
04:00He didn't open it.
04:01His voice came.
04:02Leah, I'm betrothed now.
04:03It wouldn't be proper.
04:04Then a soft thud in the dirt at my feet.
04:06A pouch of silver.
04:07Consider my debt repaid.
04:08I stood there for a moment.
04:09Then I picked it up and walked away.
04:11That wolf became Chloe's mate.
04:13Brad.
04:14I acted like I'd never known him.
04:16Chloe found out anyway.
04:18I snapped back to reality.
04:20I gathered my skirts and knelt in front of Martha.
04:23My lady, I'm willing.
04:25I'll complete the bond, care for Case, and serve you as long as you need me.
04:30Martha kept her word and prepared a dignified mating dress for me.
04:34Chloe deliberately chose a day when Brad was away on pack business to send me off.
04:38She walked me to the door, guilt on her face.
04:40Even though Case can't get hard, at least you'll be spared the pain of bearing pups.
04:45Don't worry.
04:47An alpha who can't perform in that area is probably exceptional in every other.
04:51Honestly, none of what Chloe said had even crossed my mind.
04:54I told myself I was simply moving to a new household.
04:58Case was too weak to stand through the full mate blessing ritual.
05:00I completed the bond rites beside his ceremonial sword instead.
05:05Martha watched from the front, eyes wet the whole time.
05:08When it was done, I was alpha Case's mate.
05:11The mating chamber was quiet.
05:13I pushed the door open carefully.
05:16Case was already inside, half reclined against the headboard in a white bathrobe.
05:20He turned when he heard me.
05:22Up close, he was strikingly handsome.
05:24Sharp jaw, dark eyes, the kind of face that didn't need color in it to hold attention.
05:29I had no intention of taking a mate.
05:32He said with a low voice.
05:33If it doesn't trouble you, we can treat this as a sibling arrangement.
05:37He pointed to the chaise along the far wall.
05:40Tonight the bed is yours.
05:42I'll take that.
05:44Tomorrow you move to the guest quarters.
05:46All right.
05:46I nodded.
05:47He had thought of everything.
05:49It wasn't what I'd expected.
05:50Before the ritual, one of the older maids had pulled me aside and pressed something into my hands.
05:55A small handbook, worn at the corners.
05:58She'd whispered with a strange look.
06:00There are other ways between mates.
06:03You might find it useful.
06:04I had no idea what she meant until I opened it.
06:07Heat pooled in my core just from looking at the pages.
06:11Is it too hot?
06:12Case was watching me from the bed, eyes direct, unblinking.
06:16The dress is heavy.
06:18I'm a little warm.
06:20Then wash up and rest.
06:22He pulled the blanket over himself and turned toward the wall.
06:24Within minutes, his breathing evened out.
06:27I set the handbook down on the vanity and took down my hair.
06:30Then the layered robes, piece by piece, until I was standing in nothing but my nightgown.
06:35I turned to the mirror.
06:37The thin fabric clung to every curve.
06:39Heavy breasts straining against the cloth, slim waist giving way to the flare of my hips.
06:44I walked straight into Case's gaze.
06:46He wasn't asleep.
06:48His chest rose hard.
06:49The tips of his ears went red.
06:51His throat worked as he swallowed.
06:53I grabbed my outer robe and pressed it against my chest.
06:57Alpha, I thought you were asleep.
06:59A long pause.
07:01I could sleep later.
07:03My breath hitched.
07:04He rose slowly to his feet, his tall frame casting a shadow over me.
07:18The handbook's images came flooding in.
07:20My breathing shifted without me meaning it to, somehow falling into the same rhythm as his.
07:25Then Case turned and walked to the door.
07:27The moment cool night air rushed in, I snapped back to my senses.
07:31He'd already disappeared into the darkness.
07:33I turned it over in my mind.
07:35When he'd looked at me just now, his eyes had flashed with something unmistakably like shock.
07:41Had my figure actually frightened him?
07:43Before I lay down, I made a firm decision.
07:46Tomorrow morning, I was binding my chest at least one full loop tighter.
07:50I was hovering somewhere between sleep and waking when Case slipped back in.
07:54The tips of his hair still beaded with water.
07:56He'd apparently gone to shower.
07:58By morning, he was already gone.
08:00Ivy came in to help me dress.
08:01From the corridor outside came the sound of a man.
08:05Once.
08:06Then again.
08:07Martha's headmaid's voice carried clearly through the door.
08:10Alpha Case?
08:11Why didn't you call someone to heat the water?
08:14It's already summer, but the nights are still cold.
08:16Of course you've caught a chill.
08:18I'll go brew tea right now.
08:19I glanced at Ivy.
08:21Does the Alpha usually take cold showers?
08:24I honestly don't know, miss.
08:26I dismissed her and locked the door.
08:28I wound a strip of cloth tight over my undergarments, then pulled on the most conservative dress I could
08:33find in the wardrobe.
08:34High neck, loose cut, heavy fabric.
08:37Then I went to living room.
08:40Case was already there when I arrived, seated beside Martha.
08:42She lit up the moment she saw me, her whole face warm with welcome.
08:47Until Case coughed, and the warmth vanished instantly.
08:51Cage, I have a few private words for Leah.
08:54Go rest for a while.
08:55Case rose and left without a word.
08:58Martha 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.
09:12There'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.
09:22But if I did that, wouldn't I be stealing your whole future from you?
09:27I'm already grateful you came into this family to save Case.
09:30I can't let you sacrifice the rest of your life on top of that.
09:33I've thought it through.
09:34If Case's time does come, I'll have him issue you a formal mate release.
09:38Your future stays protected.
09:40And I'll see to it that you receive property, and a place of your own.
09:44I reached up and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, chest tight with an ache I couldn't
09:49name.
09:49Mrs. Valerius, thank you for looking out for me.
09:53I'd come here thinking of myself as nothing more than a transferred Omega servant.
09:56I never imagined she would think this far ahead on my behalf.
10:00My thoughts drifted to the mother I had never known.
10:02If she had been alive.
10:03If I had grown up under a mother's protection.
10:05I never would have ended up in any of the situations I'd been through.
10:08Martha laughed through her tears.
10:10Look at me, I've gone and made you cry too.
10:13She squeezed my hands.
10:14Leah, there's no need to be so formal.
10:16Call me mom, just like Case does.
10:19She took a breath.
10:20So, I have a proposition for you.
10:23Chloe mentioned you know how to prepare medicinal soups.
10:25I'd like you to take over Case's daily meals and care.
10:29I just want him to live a little longer.
10:30That's my one selfish wish.
10:32By the end, her voice had gone rough.
10:34I nodded.
10:35I headed to the kitchen to gather ingredients.
10:37The last time I'd prepared medicinal soup was several years ago, back when Brad was not yet Chloe's mate.
10:42He'd lost both parents and lived alone in a run-down unit, skipping meals to save every cent for his
10:48warrior training.
10:50One day, I found him collapsed at our back gate and brought him around.
10:53Out of sympathy, I dug through my mother's old healer journals and prepared medicinal meals for him every day to
10:59rebuild his strength.
11:00Only the two of us ever knew about it.
11:03From the looks of things, he was the one who told Chloe, just to get me driven out.
11:07The lengths he had gone to were truly something.
11:11I carried the steaming soup to the bedroom and found Case directing servants to pack up his belongings.
11:17Alpha, what's this about?
11:19Weren't we agreed that I was moving the guest room?
11:21His sharply handsome face didn't shift so much as a fraction.
11:24I have fewer things.
11:26It makes more sense for me to move.
11:28At least eat first.
11:29I set the food on the table.
11:31He gave it a brief glance and sat down.
11:35You can leave this kind of thing to the maid from now on.
11:38It's no different coming from me.
11:41It is different.
11:43His voice remained flat and cool.
11:45Have Ivy bring it from now on.
11:47He finished the soup and a few quick swallows, said a few words to his servants and swept past me.
11:53In that moment, I confirmed one thing.
11:56Alpha Case couldn't stand the sight of me.
11:58I followed his instructions and had Ivy deliver his daily healing meals to the study from then on.
12:04Martha couldn't stop singing my praises.
12:06The 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.
12:18Back in my room, I tucked it into my jewelry box,
12:21which had been slowly filling with pieces Martha had gifted me since my arrival.
12:25Leah, you never wear any of these.
12:28Isn't it a waste to just put them away?
12:30How is it a waste?
12:31Every one of these can be converted to cash.
12:34That's my security fund.
12:35But Lady Martha gave these to you personally.
12:37Are you really going to sell all of them?
12:39Not right now.
12:40But if the mate bond is ever severed,
12:42naturally I'd sell them and keep the money on hand.
12:45Ivy's expression shifted to pure bewilderment.
12:48As she turned away, she dropped her voice to a murmur.
12:52Alpha.
12:55Alpha?
12:55I spun around and met a pair of ink dark eyes.
12:58Martha's eyesight must truly be failing her.
13:01Case looked worse than ever.
13:03Case's face was even paler than before.
13:05His gaze was sharp and cutting, fixed on me with cold precision.
13:09The look unsettled me completely, but I didn't dare let a single trace of it show.
13:14Alpha, is there something you need?
13:18A journal.
13:19We looked together.
13:20I checked the shelves.
13:21He checked the writing desk.
13:23Neither of us spoke.
13:24I spotted the journal pushed to the very back of the top shelf, behind a row of my mother's medical
13:28notes.
13:29I reached up on my toes.
13:31My fingertips just grazed the cover.
13:33Case's hand came over mine.
13:35Warm, steady.
13:37He reached past me without effort and closed his hand around the journal.
13:41I turned my head.
13:42His face was right there, closer than I'd realized.
13:45He was looking down at me.
13:47Then, I lost my footing and pitched straight into him.
13:50My heavy breasts hit his chest first.
13:52My waist went straight into his palm, his hand catching me before he could react.
13:57Case didn't step back.
13:59His ear tips went red.
14:00His throat worked as he swallowed.
14:02When he exhaled, the breath came out uneven against the top of my head.
14:06His eyes flashed gold for a second, then green.
14:10I scrambled upright, face burning.
14:13Your journal.
14:14He took it without a word and walked out.
14:16Perfect.
14:17My standing in his eyes had just sunk even lower.
14:19After that day, I made every effort to avoid crossing paths with Case.
14:23He was injured and recovering.
14:25He needed to stay calm.
14:26But there was one more thing bothering me.
14:28Brad had been sending notes.
14:30Three times already.
14:32I hadn't opened a single one.
14:33Just dropped them in a box.
14:35Then, Ivy pressed one into my hand that morning.
14:37It's not just a note this time.
14:38He's here.
14:39Side entrance.
14:40Says he won't leave until you come out.
14:42I clenched my fist and walked out.
14:43I didn't notice the figure that followed from the far end of the courtyard.
14:46Brad was standing at the gate.
14:49Leah, you finally came.
14:51You should be calling me Mrs. Valerius.
14:53He paused, dropped his voice.
14:56Mrs. Valerius.
14:58Do you have any idea how many times you've put me in an impossible position with these meetings?
15:02I know.
15:04I just wanted to tell you.
15:06I'll be securing more power in the pack.
15:08Soon I won't need Chloe's father backing me anymore.
15:11He stepped closer.
15:12I'll buy a house, Leah.
15:14Come with me.
15:15Anything's better than staying with a dying man.
15:17He reached for me.
15:19I stepped back.
15:21You want me as your mistress?
15:23Brad nodded, completely serious.
15:25I laughed.
15:26Why would I give up being the Alpha's mate to be your mistress?
15:29The whole pack knows Case is dying.
15:32He won't last.
15:34And 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.
16:10I 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.
16:47His 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, warm.
16:56My 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, deliberate.
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, nothing like that.
17:14I shifted in his grip.
17:16Alpha, 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.
17:50A 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,
18:04It 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.
18:32But 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, covered 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 without changing his expression.
19:06How did you know today was my birthday?
19:08I'd completely forgotten it myself.
19:10My birth mother died bringing me into the world.
19:13No one had ever once marked the day for me.
19:16Case kept his eyes lowered and said evenly,
19:19It's not difficult to know it.
19:21Something in my chest gave one quiet, inexplicable pull.
19:25Leah, this peach blossom wine is from my private reserve.
19:29I'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.
20:02I 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.
20:11I have absolutely no idea where the boldness came from.
20:13I leaned straight toward his face.
20:17Who told you to eat that?
20:19I spit 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.
20:39I swallowed once, and kissed him without hesitation.
20:42Case went rigid, his breathing lurching unsteady.
20:46Then control shifted.
20:47His hand cupped the back of my head, and he pressed in deeper, harder.
20:52Neither of us pulled away until footsteps sounded from behind the flower bed.
20:57Alpha, the night air is cool.
20:59Lady Martha 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.
21:08Everything went dark.
21:11When I woke up with a splitting headache, it was already morning.
21:15I 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.
21:33The 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, and you grabbed his sleeve and wouldn't let go.
21:52You 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, replaying 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.
22:33Please 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.
22:41But 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.
22:56The 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. Now.
23:15We'll be hurt.
23:16We'll die if we don't. Hold on to me.
23:19I 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 to me. Ivy 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.
23:48Leah, let me go. We're too heavy.
23:54It's going to snap.
23:57I'm old. I've lived my life. You have to keep living yours.
24:04My chest tightened so hard I could barely breathe.
24:08I couldn't let go.
24:10She'd been a mother to me from the first day.
24:13Mom, I would rather die with you than watch you fall. Hold on.
24:23The truth was, I had no idea. My arms were going numb. The pain had gone so deep it had
24:31stopped feeling like pain at all.
24:33Then I heard it.
24:36A wolf's howl split the air, deafening and close.
24:42Leah, don't move. I'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.
24:57Wolf claws dug into the rock.
24:58He 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.
25:28I didn't get a scratch.
25:30It's all hers.
25:32My eyelids felt like lead.
25:36Leah, don't sleep.
25:38I'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.
26:10Then 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.
26:17My Luna.
26:18The 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.
26:26Her voice was steady, but her eyes were red.
26:28The 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.
26:44Who 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, are you throwing me out?
27:28You'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.
27:34You 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.
27:51So that's what you think of me.
27:54Leave now.
27:56I 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.
28:18By morning, the pack's official announcement had gone up.
28:21The 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
29:08and 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 his pack.
29:23Elder Reed.
29:24You remember me.
29:26I need a favor.
29:27He looked at me for a long moment.
29:29Then he nodded.
29:30Elder Reed led me into the dungeon.
29:3230 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.
29:42That's why you kicked me out, isn't it?
29:44You were framed.
29:46Think carefully.
29:47Is 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.
29:55Then 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.
30:03I 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.
30:15Okay?
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.
30:29Slow 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.
30:46Every single one.
30:47You'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.
31:02A wolf like that, the further the better.
31:04I didn't sleep well for the next five days.
31:07Case's voice kept coming back to me.
31:09I 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.
31:18The 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.
31:34The 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.
31:42Used him to steal the border patrol routes.
31:44Then framed Case for it.
31:45So the injury had been faked.
31:47All of it.
31:47A deliberate trap to draw out the spy.
31:50But 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.
32:42One hand working the buttons of my sleep shirt open.
32:45Eyes never leaving mine.
32:47I covered his eyes with both hands.
32:49Don't look.
32:50It'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.
33:03Hard muscle, warm 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, one hand cupping my face, tilting it up toward him.
33:17I kissed him back hard.
33:19My 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.
33:59I 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.
34:12A slow smile spreading across his face.
34:15So you're the woman who brought Case to his knees.
34:17I've been wanting to meet you.
34:19You flatter me, your highness.
34:21Case helped the kingdom take down a real threat.
34:22You 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.
34:33Faking 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.
34:53I know exactly how he is.
34:55Never 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.
35:15You 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.
35:31Martha is getting a headache from it.
35:34I told Case to go to his study.
35:36I'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?
35:51I'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.
36:02I 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?
36:19For how I treated you back then?
36:22No.
36:23I cursed you in my head.
36:25But I don't hold grudges.
36:26You cursed me?
36:27Do you want to punish me for it?
36:29Chloe laughed despite herself.
36:31Then caught herself and pressed her lips together.
36:33I'm sorry.
36:33For 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.
37:06I 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?
37:17The 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 hands 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.
38:00His eyes were soft in a way that made it hard to look back.
38:03Morning.
38:04I 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 times
38:23before.
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.
38:37Gold 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.
39:16Martha'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, Chloe 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, soft, better than I expected.
40:15Good.
40:17So where's Case?
40:19Not 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.
40:38After Brad, I don't know how to trust anyone.
40:40She looked at me, something flickering in her eyes.
40:42You have a good mate.
40:45Case fights for you, protects you, and he's the strongest alpha in the kingdom.
40:50We 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, just wind moving through the leaves.
41:00Then she said,
41:02That slap, do 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, part of it was because I was scared you and Brad would find
41:24your 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.
41:32We looked at each other and smiled.
41:34All the conflicts were solved.
41:38I 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, eating and talking.
42:10Pack gossip.
42:11Small things.
42:12Nothing 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, faking the whole thing and fooling everyone.
42:32Case walked over and sat down beside me.
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