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#video #The Alpha Kings Intoxicating Mate #drama2026 #movie2026 #hotmovie #halixe
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Short filmTranscript
00:02I was born with heavy breasts and lush curves my half-sister Chloe was afraid her
00:07mate Brad would go feral over me so she sold me to an impotent alpha she patted
00:13my shoulder who knows maybe he's good at other things three months later I was
00:21begging for mercy every night funny he seemed good at everything
00:28case valerius the blackwood packs alpha the lycan king's most trusted war commander he was carried
00:33back from the battlefield soaked in blood someone suggested a mate bond shares life force if alpha
00:40case was bound to a living healthy mate her strength could flow into him and pull him back
00:45Chloe rushed to play matchmaker and presented me to Martha before I could object I had no way to
00:49refuse if I wouldn't agree she'd transfer me to serve 60 year old elder Kevin I knew she resented
00:55my history with her mate I dropped to my knees and swore to the moon goddess I swear Chloe I
01:02had
01:02no feelings for Brad Chloe jabbed a finger at my forehead fury in her eyes what good is a vow
01:08do
01:08you have any idea how distracting you are I hunched my shoulders tears slid down on my cheeks just look
01:15at that ample body and those charming curves parading your body in front of every male in the clan who
01:20among them would not lose their minds at the smell of you I wanted to tell her to bind my
01:26chest I'd
01:27wrapped myself layer after layer in the sweltering heat until I broke out in a rash her expression
01:31softened she wiped my tears it's not that I don't trust you it's that I don't trust males do you
01:39know
01:39how powerful alpha cases if my mother and Martha weren't old friends you wouldn't even have this
01:45opportunity Chloe I don't want to be anyone's offering I'd rather scrub kitchen floors just don't
01:52make me two sharp slaps landed across my face my cheek burned Leah are you out of your mind if
02:00I
02:01hadn't vouched for you Martha wouldn't have given you a second glance you wouldn't even be worthy of
02:06being cases mate the maid burst in breathless miss Chloe word from the valerius estate alpha case has
02:13woken up Chloe dragged me straight to valerius estate enormous I followed her through the main
02:19hall to a set of heavy double doors pulled half shut through the gap I could make out a man's
02:24shape
02:24in the bed thin motionless chest rattling with shallow coughs every few minutes Martha stood on
02:29our side eyes red thank you for everything you've done for case I won't destroy a girl's future over
02:35Chloe's eyes moved quick and calculating as valerius the bond should still be completed Leah arrived the
02:41same day case woke up that's the moon goddess guiding us seal the bond properly her life force
02:48will keep pulling him back toward health before she could speak the healer Ella stepped out expression
02:52tight alpha 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 knowing this are you still willing yes she's been looking forward to it Chloe was already
03:18answering for me of 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 there was a young wolf in the poor quarter
03:30behind
03:30our estate I first saw him through the fence gaps thin wrists hollow cheeks hunched over a cracked
03:36bowl with nothing in it I started passing food through the gaps bread first then soup then whatever
03:42I had day after day I watched him change the hollows in his cheeks filled out his shoulders broadened he
03:50started training before dawn running laps around the back wall while I was still half asleep he was going
03:55to enter the warrior trials I knew it before he told me when he passed I went to find him
04:00that same
04:01night I was happy I remember it clearly I was genuinely happy I knocked on the gate he didn't
04:06open it his voice came Leah I'm betrothed now it wouldn't be proper then a soft thud in the dirt
04:11at
04:11my feet a pouch of silver consider my debt repaid I stood there for a moment then I picked it
04:16up and
04:16walked away that wolf became Chloe's mate Brad I acted like I'd never known him Chloe found out anyway
04:23I snapped back to reality I gathered my skirts and knelt in front of Martha my lady I'm willing
04:30I'll complete the bond care for case and serve you as long as you need me Luna Martha kept her
04:37word and
04:38prepared a dignified mating dress for me Chloe deliberately chose a day when Brad was away
04:42on pack business to send me off she walked me to the door guilt on her face even though case
04:47can't get
04:47hard at least you'll be spared the pain of bearing pups don't worry an alpha who can't perform in that
04:55area is probably exceptional in every other honestly none of what Chloe said had even crossed my mind
05:00I told myself I was simply moving to a new household case was too weak to stand through the full
05:06mate
05:06blessing ritual I completed the bond rights beside his ceremonial sword instead Martha watched from the
05:12front eyes wet the whole time when it was done I was alpha cases mate the mating chamber was quiet
05:20I pushed the door open carefully case was already inside half reclined against the headboard in a
05:26white bathrobe he turned when he heard me up close he was strikingly handsome sharp jaw dark eyes the
05:33kind of face that didn't need color in it to hold attention I had no intention of taking a mate
05:38he said
05:39with a low voice if it doesn't trouble you we can treat this as a sibling arrangement he pointed to
05:45the chaise along the far wall tonight the bed is yours I'll take that tomorrow you move to the guest
05:52quarters all right I nodded he had thought of everything it wasn't what I'd expected before the
05:58ritual one of the older maids had pulled me aside and pressed something into my hands a small handbook
06:04worn at the corners she'd whispered with a strange look there are other ways between mates you might
06:11find it useful I had no idea what she meant until I opened it heat pooled in my core just
06:16from looking
06:17at the pages is it too hot case was watching me from the bed eyes direct unblinking the dress is
06:25heavy I'm a little warm then wash up and rest he pulled the blanket over himself and turned toward
06:31the wall within minutes his breathing evened out I set the handbook down on the vanity and took down
06:37my hair then the layered robes piece by piece until I was standing in nothing but my nightgown I turned
06:44to
06:44the mirror the thin fabric clung to every curve heavy breasts straining against the cloth slim waist giving
06:50way to the flare of my hips I walked straight into case's gaze he wasn't asleep his chest rose hard
06:57the tips of his ears went red his throat worked as he swallowed I grabbed my outer robe and pressed
07:03it
07:03against my chest alpha I thought you were asleep a long pause I could sleep later my breath hitched
07:12he rose slowly to his feet his tall frame casting a shadow over me
07:27the handbook's images came flooding in my breathing shifted without me meaning it to
07:31somehow falling into the same rhythm as his then case turned and walked to the door the moment cool
07:37night air rushed in I snapped back to my senses he'd already disappeared into the darkness
07:42I turned it over in my mind when he'd looked at me just now his eyes had flashed with something
07:48unmistakably like shock had my figure actually frightened him before I lay down I made a firm
07:54decision tomorrow morning I was binding my chest at least one full loop tighter I was hovering somewhere
08:00between sleep and waking when case slipped back in the tips of his hair still beaded with water he'd
08:06apparently gone to shower by morning he was already gone ivy came in to help me dress from the corridor
08:12outside came the sound of a man once then again Martha's headmaid's voice carried clearly through
08:19the door alpha case why didn't you call someone to heat the water it's already summer but the
08:25nights are still cold of course you've caught a chill I'll go brew tea right now I glanced at ivy
08:31does the alpha usually take cold showers I honestly don't know miss I dismissed her and locked the door
08:37I wound a strip of cloth tight over my undergarments then pulled on the most conservative dress I could
08:43find in the wardrobe high neck loose cut heavy fabric then I went to living room case was already there
08:50when
08:51I arrived seated beside Martha she lit up the moment she saw me her whole face warm with welcome until
08:58case coughed
08:58and the warmth vanished instantly cage I have a few private words for Leah go rest for a while case
09:06rose and left without a word Martha waved me over and took both my hands and hers eyes glistening
09:13sweet girl our case is lucky to have you
09:19the pack healer says the injury drained his life force there's no telling how long he has left
09:25some of the elders suggested I find a child for him to adopt to carry on the bloodline
09:32but if I did that wouldn't I be stealing your whole future from you
09:37I'm already grateful you came into this family to save case I can't let you sacrifice the rest of your
09:43life on top of that I've thought it through if case's time does come I'll have him issue you a
09:48formal
09:48mate release your future stays protected and I'll see to it that you receive property and a place of
09:54your own I reached up and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes chest tight with an ache
09:59I
10:00couldn't name Mrs. Valerius thank you for looking out for me I'd come here thinking of myself as
10:05nothing more than a transferred omega servant I never imagined she would think this far ahead on
10:10my behalf my thoughts drifted to the mother I had never known if she had been alive if I had
10:15grown
10:15up under a mother's protection I never would have ended up in any of the situations I'd been through
10:19Martha laughed through her tears look at me I've gone and made you cry too she squeezed my hands
10:26Leah there's no need to be so formal call me mom just like case does she took a breath so
10:32I have a
10:33proposition for you Chloe mentioned you know how to prepare medicinal soups I'd like you to take over
10:38cases daily meals and care I just want him to live a little longer that's my one selfish wish
10:44by the end her voice had gone rough I nodded I headed to the kitchen to gather ingredients
10:49the last time I'd prepared medicinal soup was several years ago back when Brad was not yet
10:54Chloe's mate he'd lost both parents and lived alone in a run-down unit skipping meals to save
11:00every cent for his warrior training one 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 and prepared medicinal meals for him
11:10every day to rebuild his strength only the two of us ever knew about it from the looks of things
11:16he was the one who told Chloe just to get me driven out the lengths he had gone to were
11:21truly something
11:23I carried the steaming soup to the bedroom and found case directing servants to pack up his belongings
11:30alpha what's this about weren't we agreed that I was moving the guest room his sharply handsome face didn't
11:35shift so much as a fraction I have fewer things it makes more sense for me to move at least
11:41eat first
11:42I set the food on the table he gave it a brief glance and sat down
11:48you can leave this kind of thing to the maid from now on it's no different coming from me
11:54it is different his voice remained flat and cool have Ivy bring it from now on he finished the soup
12:01and a few quick swallows said a few words to the servants and swept past me in that moment I
12:07confirmed
12:08one thing alpha case couldn't stand the sight of me I followed his instructions and had Ivy deliver his
12:14daily healing meals to the study from then on Martha couldn't stop singing my praises the pack healer says
12:20cases condition has stabilized significantly I can see the color coming back to his face Leah that's entirely
12:27because of you delighted she pressed a gold bracelet into my hands back in my room I tucked it into
12:33my jewelry box
12:34which had been slowly filling with pieces Martha had gifted me since my arrival
12:38Leah you never wear any of the of these isn't it a waste to just put them away
12:43how is it a waste every one of these can be converted to cash that's my security fund
12:49but lady Martha gave these to you personally are you really going to sell all of them
12:53not right now but if the mate bond is ever severed naturally I'd sell them and keep the money on
12:58hand
12:59Ivy's expression shifted to pure bewilderment as she turned away she dropped her
13:04voice to a murmur alpha alpha I spun around and met a pair of ink dark eyes
13:12Martha's eyesight must truly be failing her case looked worse than ever cases face was even paler than before
13:19his gaze was sharp and cutting fixed on me with cold precision the look unsettled me completely
13:25but I didn't dare let a single trace of a show
13:30alpha is there something you need
13:32a journal
13:33we looked together I checked the shelves he checked the writing desk
13:37neither of us spoke
13:38I spotted the journal pushed to the very back of the top shelf behind a row of my mother's medical
13:43notes
13:44I reached up on my toes my fingertips just grazed the cover
13:48case's hand came over mine warm steady
13:52he reached past me without effort and closed his hand around the journal
13:55I turned my head
13:56his face was right there closer 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
14:10his 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
14:21his eyes flashed gold for a second
14:24then 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
14:41he needed to stay calm
14:42but there was one more thing bothering me
14:43Brad 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
14:55side entrance
14:56says he won't leave until you come out
14:58I 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
15:05Leah
15:05you finally came
15:07you should be calling me Mrs. Valerius
15:09he paused
15:10dropped 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
15:30come with me
15:31anything's better than staying with a dying man
15:33he reached for me
15:35I 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 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
16:12and 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
16:22how do you think that ends for you?
16:25his face went white
16:26I swung the gate shut
16:29I turned around and came face to face with Case
16:31white t-shirt
16:32standing 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
16:52it'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
17:00my 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
17:15heat pooled low in my core
17:18case swallowed hard
17:19as long as I remain in this estate
17:22each word slow
17:23deliberate
17:24you counting down the days
17:26until you can leave?
17:27I couldn't exactly tell him
17:28I'll leave the day you die
17:31no
17:31nothing like that
17:32I shifted in his grip
17:34alpha
17:34you're hurting my arm
17:36did you mean every word you said just now?
17:39I blinked and asked which part
17:40he let out a quiet breath and released me
17:43I bolted
17:45and I noticed
17:46for 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
17:58his 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
18:11I 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
18:27and then it hit me
18:28that first night
18:29case
18:30cold shower
18:32surely he hadn't also been
18:34no
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
18:46been 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
18:56I 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
19:19heat 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
19:54said the summer evening breeze was too much for her old bones
19:58and 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
20:14case 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?
20:31I 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? spit 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
20:49I straightened up and stared at him
20:51then how am I supposed to find it?
20:52a faint flush crept across his cheeks
20:55try using your mouse
20:57my gaze drifted to his slightly reddened lips
21:00I swallowed once
21:01and kissed him without hesitation
21:03case went rigid
21:05his breathing lurching unsteady
21:07then control shifted
21:08his hand cupped the back of my head
21:11and he pressed in deeper
21:12harder
21:13neither of us pulled away
21:15until footsteps sounded from behind the flower bed
21:18alpha
21:19the night air is cool
21:21lady martha asked me to bring you both a wrap
21:24I had no idea how much ivy had seen
21:26I shot to my feet
21:27and the next instant
21:29the world tilted
21:30everything went dark
21:33when I woke up with a splitting headache
21:35it 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
21:52Ivy, was it you who brought me back last night?
21:55no
21:56the alpha carried you back
21:58I spun around to check her face
22:00she nodded, completely serious
22:04I didn't say anything stupid, did I?
22:07Ivy bit back a smile
22:09the alpha set you down on the bed
22:12and you grabbed his sleeve
22:13and wouldn't let go
22:14you kept calling him my mate
22:16over and over
22:18until his whole face went red
22:21Ivy, don't you dare make things up
22:24she covered her mouth
22:25laughing
22:26and ran out
22:28I met Martha at the front entrance
22:31Case's father's grave was on a hillside
22:33just beyond the pack territory
22:35I sat in the back of the car
22:37completely distracted
22:39replaying the moment
22:40I'd kissed Case last night
22:42Martha must have misread my expression
22:44because she said
22:45Leah
22:46is there someone you have feelings for?
22:52I'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
23:02you could at least be friends
23:04but if you're uncomfortable
23:05or if you want to leave
23:07just 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
23:23crashing through brush
23:24the whole frame shaking
23:25I grabbed Martha and looked at the driver
23:28slumped over the wheel
23:29unconscious
23:31no one to hit the brakes
23:32a cliff
23:33straight ahead
23:34Martha grabbed my arm
23:35Leah
23:36what do we do?
23:38we jump
23:38now
23:39we'll be hurt
23:41we'll die if we don't
23:42hold on to me
23:43I wrapped myself around her
23:44and we threw ourselves clear
23:45the instant the wheels left solid ground
23:46we hit the cliff edge
23:48and went over
23:49my hand shot out
23:50and caught a root
23:51jutting from the rock face
23:52my other hand
23:53locked around Martha's wrist
23:54below her was a straight drop
23:56into nothing
23:58Mom
23:59don't look down
24:00don't look down
24:01hold on to me
24:02Ivy and the others are right behind us
24:04behind us in the second car
24:07they'll be here soon
24:09the root ground under our weight
24:10Martha's voice broke
24:13Leah
24:15let 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
24:31I could barely breathe
24:32I couldn't let go
24:34she'd been a mother to me
24:36from the first day
24:38Mom
24:39I would rather die with you
24:41than watch you fall
24:43hold on
24:48they're coming
24:49the truth was
24:51I had no idea
24:52my arms were going numb
24:54the pain had gone so deep
24:56it 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
25:09don't move
25:10I'm coming down
25:11Case's voice
25:13he'd called me by my name
25:15the first time
25:17a strong arm came under me
25:20he'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
25:36we came up one at a time
25:38it wasn't a hallucination
25:40Case had saved us
25:42he held me brow creased
25:47why is there so much blood?
25:49Martha clutched her face
25:51she shielded me when we jumped
25:54I didn't get a scratch
25:56it's all hers
25:59my eyelids felt like lead
26:01Leah
26:03don't sleep
26:03I'm taking you to Ella
26:05he lifted me into the car
26:07and I stayed curled against his chest
26:10his forehead was damp with sweat
26:12he kept one hand on the wheel
26:14and kept talking
26:15Leah
26:16Leah
26:18stay awake
26:20I'll get you chestnut cake
26:22I'll give you all the jewelry you want to sell
26:24you don't have to wait for me to die
26:26I'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 through the windshield
26:36it wasn't raining
26:37then everything went black
26:39when I opened my eyes
26:40every part of my body
26:41felt like it had been taken apart
26:42and put back wrong
26:44my Luna
26:45the pack healer said you can't move yet
26:47Ivy pressed a bowl of medicine to my lips
26:49spooning it in slowly
26:51you're lucky nothing's broken
26:52her voice was steady
26:54but her eyes were red
26:55the scrapes were bad
26:56you need to stay flat or they'll scar
26:59your 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 with wolf bite
27:10and cut the brake lines
27:11it was deliberate
27:12who would be bold enough to target the Alpha's family directly
27:15I was flat on my back for a full month
27:17I didn't see Case once
27:19Martha kept her door shut too
27:21still recovering from the shock
27:22everyone in the estate moved with tight faces
27:25and clipped voices
27:25like something was being held just below the surface
27:28I asked Ivy
27:30she said nothing was wrong
27:31today I was finally cleared to get out of bed
27:34I opened my door
27:35and walked straight into a familiar figure
27:37case
27:38dark tactical shirt
27:39sharper than I remembered
27:40he held out a small wooden box
27:43I took it and lifted the lid
27:44a land deed
27:46a property contract
27:48a severance letter
27:48my body went rigid
27:50something locked around my chest
27:52and wouldn't let go
27:52case
27:53are you throwing me out?
27:56you've been waiting for this since the day you arrived
27:58you avoided me
27:59stayed out of my way
28:00you never wanted anything to do with me
28:02you were counting down the days until I died
28:03so you could walk out cleanly
28:06I'm just doing it early
28:08Leah go
28:09after today we're finished
28:11something sharp flooded my chest
28:13my mouth opened and closed
28:15it took a long time to 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
28:31Ivy fell in to step beside me
28:32the alpha said you're used to having me around
28:34he told me to go with you
28:38I couldn't speak
28:43we 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
29:00royal enforcers had been dispatched to seize him
29:03pending 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
29:27she couldn't stand still
29:29is there anything we can do?
29:31I made myself sit down and think
29:34years ago Elder 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
29:46he'd seen my face
29:47I was sure he hadn't forgotten
29:50I tracked him down outside the council building and stepped into his path
29:53Elder Reed
29:54you remember me
29:56I need a favor
29:57he looked at me for a long moment
29:59then he nodded
30:00Elder Reed led me into the dungeon
30:0230 minutes, no more
30:04the door unlocked
30:04case stood up, his eyes flashed with surprise
30:08how did you get in?
30:09my chest ached as I looked at him through the blur of tears
30:12that's why you kicked me out, isn't it?
30:14you were framed
30:16think carefully, is there any evidence to prove your innocence?
30:19I will find it
30:20I will investigate
30:22I swear I will rescue you
30:24Case's gaze deepened, then his arm shot out and pulled me into his chest
30:27Leah
30:29my heart hammered, but time was running out
30:32this wasn't the moment
30:33I pushed against him, he didn't budge
30:35Leah, you don't need to do anything, I can't say much
30:40I promise
30:427 days later, I will accompany you to watch the sunrise
30:46okay?
30:47his eyes were steady, certain, like he was coaxing a frightened pup
30:52I walked out of the dungeon and straight into Brad
30:58he stepped into my path, slow smile spreading across his face
31:01it's not too late to reconsider
31:04being my mistress beats 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 and every note you sent me ends 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, thinking I'd have nowhere to go and no choice but to run to you
31:24but you never counted on Chloe handing me straight to Case
31:27a man you can't touch
31:28his face changed
31:30I didn't wait for him to recover
31:31I walked away and didn't look back
31:33a wolf like that, the further the better
31:36I didn't sleep well for the next 5 days
31:38Case's voice kept coming back to me
31:40I promise
31:427 days later I will accompany you to watch the sunrise
31:44okay?
31:45on the afternoon of the 6th day
31:47the Lichen King's official decree went up across the territory
31:49the leak hadn't come from Case
31:52it had come from Prince Marcus and 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 were 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
32:16then framed Case for it
32:17so the injury had been faked
32:18all of it
32:19a deliberate trap to draw out the spy
32:22but 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
32:30I didn't think, I 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, slow and deliberate
32:38and pulled me in hard
32:39I'd run out in nothing but a thin sleep shirt
32:42no 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, the 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?
33:07you first
33:08sunrise after
33:10we fell onto the bed together
33:14the case pinned me beneath him
33:16one hand working the buttons of my sleep shirt open
33:18eyes never leaving mine
33:20I covered his eyes with both hands
33:21don't look, it's embarrassing
33:24he took my hands down, his breathing had gone ragged
33:28it's beautiful
33:30his 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
33:43you wanna know if I can?
33:45there's one way to find out
33:47he 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, over 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
34:05he caught them, laced his fingers through mine
34:08and pinned them above my head
34:09he loves me very much and completely occupies me
34:13my face gradually became rosy
34:16and we could only hear each other's heartbeats and breathing
34:19his lips dragged from my mouth to my jaw
34:22down 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, fingers still tangled in his
34:37on my neck, his mark ached
34:39finally, we 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
34:49so you're the woman who brought Case to his knees
34:51I've been wanting to meet you
34:54you 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
35:04thank 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 was to make them think he was already finished
35:18the part about not being able to get hard
35:21that 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
35:33I figured it was time someone did something about that
35:35suddenly I understood
35:37just two old friends and 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
35:48Luna, Leah, it's been dealt with
35:50you and Case are safe now
35:56I took a slow breath
35:58knowing it was over
35:58didn't make the memory of dangling off that cliff any less vivid
36:01we got back to the estate to find Chloe already inside crying
36:04she 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
36:18Brad had been identified as one of Prince Marcus' informants
36:21Chloe's father had been cleared
36:23but Chloe and Brad were finished
36:25still crying?
36:27I'll have someone throw you out
36:28she stopped immediately
36:29still shaking but quiet
36:31I misjudged him
36:33I thought picking someone from a lower ranked family
36:36meant 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?
36:59no
36:59I cursed you in my head
37:01but I don't hold grudges
37:03you 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 for the slap
37:11did it hurt?
37:12I already forgot about it
37:13then let me slap you back
37:15we'll be even
37:16she closed her eyes and braced herself
37:18I raised my hand and let it land soft against her cheek
37:22she opened her eyes
37:26I already gave that slap to Brad
37:27Chloe stared at me for a second
37:29then she laughed, really laughed
37:31for the first time since she'd walked in
37:33don't call me Chloe anymore
37:34can we be friends?
37:36no
37:39I don't like friends who cry too much
37:40the light was still on when I passed Case's study
37:43I pushed the door open
37:45before I could say a word
37:46an arm shot out from behind and wrapped around my waist
37:49bold intruder
37:50his 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
38:01here? really?
38:04right here
38:04I kept saying no
38:06my hands said something else entirely
38:08finding 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
38:18but his hand was already moving
38:19and I couldn't get a single word out
38:21he carried me to the table and took off my clothes
38:24then we had a good time
38:32when I woke up it was almost dawn
38:34Case was already awake
38:35sitting up against the headboard, watching me
38:38his 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
38:59straightening 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, the sky had just started to lighten at the edges
39:09Case stood behind me and wrapped both arms around me
39:12we watched the horizon together
39:14the sun came up slowly
39:15gold light broke across the trees
39:17spread across the yard and landed on us
39:20the clouds caught the color and held it
39:22beautiful
39:23close to my ear
39:26beautiful
39:27he pulled me in tighter and 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, for as long as we have
39:39I turned around and kissed him once
39:40quick and light
39:42deal
39:43the sun came up fully and the yard filled with light
39:46our shadows stretched long across the ground behind us
39:49over the next few days the estate came back to life
39:52servants moved through the halls with easy steps again
39:55Martha'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 in the yard when Sunny came running over
40:04Leah
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 and nowhere to be
40:20let her in
40:20I wiped my hands and went to meet her
40:24Chloe walked in with two attendants behind her carrying food boxes
40:27she changed a lot
40:29less restless
40:30she dressed simpler now and moved quieter
40:40I made your favorite
40:42chestnut 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 soft
40:53better than I expected
40:55good
40:56thank you
40:58so where's case
40:59not home
41:00he went to the pack training ground something came up
41:03Chloe nodded and reached for a piece herself
41:06for 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
41:26case fights for you
41:27protects you and he's the strongest alpha in the kingdom
41:30we just got lucky you can't force these things
41:33Chloe nodded and didn't say anything else
41:35just ate her chestnut cake
41:37the yard went quiet
41:38just wind moving through the leaves
41:41then she said
41:43that slap
41:44do you really not hold it against me
41:47really
41:48it's in the past
41:50no point bringing it up
41:51the truth was I'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
42:00thank you
42:02when I arranged the mating
42:03part of it was because I was scared you and Brad would find your way back to each other
42:08but 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 a little embarrassed
42:24it's in the past
42:27isn't this better?
42:32it is
42:33she nodded
42:34can we be friends? for 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 and coming out the other side with a friend
42:47that wasn't a bad ending
42:48we sat in the yard for the rest of the afternoon
42:51eating and talking
42:52pack gossip, small things, nothing important
42:55the sun came through the leaves and the air was warm and easy
42:58when Case came back from the training grounds that evening and saw the two of us
43:02surprise crossed his face
43:04what are you two happy about?
43:06talking about you
43:07Chloe grinned
43:09about what a liar you are
43:11faking the whole thing and fooling everyone
43:14Case walked over and sat down beside me
43:17he reached over and took my hand
43:19eyes warm
43:20tricking you into becoming my Luna
43:22that's the luckiest thing I've ever done
43:24my face went red
43:25I gave him a look
43:27Chloe burst out laughing
43:27alright, I'm leaving you two alone
43:30Leah, I'll come by tomorrow
43:31sure, take care
43:32I watched her go
43:34Case turned to me
43:36are you good friend now?
43:38yes
43:39the past is the past
43:41no point holding on to it
43:42he squeezed my hand
43:44I'm glad you can think that way
43:46he knew how much I'd been through
43:48watching me let it go and just be happy
43:50I could tell it meant something to him
43:52we sat side by side at 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, quiet and unhurried
44:02became the rhythm of our life
44:04Case stayed busy with the pack and with royal matters
44:07but he always made time
44:10sunrises, sunsets
44:11he spoiled me until I didn't know what to do with it
44:14Martha was healthy and smiling every day
44:17the estate was calm and easy again
44:19the way it used to be
44:21true to his word
44:22Prince Caden petitioned the Lycan King on my behalf
44:25at my official Luna ceremony
44:27the Lycan King's decree was read aloud
44:29a formal commendation in front of the entire pack
44:33the estate was lit up and full of noise that day
44:35Case lifted the veil and placed it over my head himself
44:39his eyes proud and soft
44:41the most beautiful Luna
44:42then he shifted, right there in front of everyone
44:46his wolf was massive
44:47dark, broad-shouldered, still
44:50he lowered himself to the ground and waited
44:53I climbed onto his back
44:54he rose slowly, carrying me steady
44:57and lifted his head toward the moon
44:59the howl that came out of him was long and deep
45:02and carried across the entire territory
45:04one by one the pack answered
45:07howl after howl rising into the night sky
45:10I thought about everything it had taken to get here
45:13a bastard Omega with no wolf
45:15no one to speak for her
45:17only I knew how hard the road had been
45:19and all of it
45:21every bit of the happiness on the other side of it
45:23came from the man standing behind me
45:25after the ceremony, Case took me south
45:27open land, warm air, water catching the afternoon light
45:31far from everything that had tried to take us down
45:33the rest of our lives stretched out ahead of us
45:37every year, every season, together
45:41after the ceremony, life settled into a new rhythm
45:43I stood beside Case at every pack meeting
45:46every decision, every matter that came through the estate gates
45:50his pack was my pack
45:52his people were my people
45:54but he always made time
45:56a weekend drive with no destination
45:58a trail through the forest at dawn
46:01wherever he thought I'd want to see
46:02he took me there without being asked
46:04the rest of our lives stretched out ahead of us
46:08every year, every season, together
46:10and then the other
46:10and then the other
46:10and then the other
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