- 2 days ago
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00:00I was born with heavy breasts and lush curves.
00:02My half-sister Chloe was afraid her mate Brad would go feral over me,
00:06so she arranged for me to be mate of a dying man Alpha Case.
00:09She walked me to the door, guilt written across her face.
00:13Sure, Case's injury means he can't get hard,
00:16but at least you'll be spared the agony of burying pups.
00:19Don't worry.
00:20An Alpha who can't perform there is probably exceptional everywhere else.
00:24Three months later, I was begging for mercy every single night,
00:27and I desperately wanted to ask Chloe what exactly she meant by
00:31can't get hard.
00:33The Blackwood Packs Alpha and the Lycan King's most trusted war commander
00:37was carried back from the battlefield in blood.
00:40His mother, Martha, had already lost her mate.
00:43Now she was watching her son die.
00:45Someone suggested a deathbed mating.
00:47A mate bond shares life force.
00:49If Alpha Case was bound to a living, healthy mate,
00:53her strength could flow into him and pull him back.
00:55Chloe rushed to play matchmaker and presented me to Martha before I could object.
01:00I had no way to refuse.
01:03If I wouldn't agree,
01:04she'd transfer me to serve 60-year-old Elder Kevin.
01:07I knew she resented my history with her mate.
01:10I dropped to my knees and swore to the moon goddess I had no feelings for Brad.
01:15What good is a vow?
01:16Do you have any idea how distracting you are?
01:20I hunched my shoulders.
01:22Tears slid down my cheeks.
01:25Parading your body in front of every male in this pack.
01:29Which one of them wouldn't catch your scent and lose his mind?
01:33It's not that I don't trust you.
01:35It's that I don't trust males.
01:37Her expression softened and she wiped my tears.
01:41Do you know how powerful Alpha Case is?
01:44If my mother and Martha weren't old friends,
01:46you won't have this opportunity.
01:49I choked out.
01:51Chloe,
01:51I don't want to be anyone's offering.
01:55I'd rather scrub kitchen floors.
01:59Just don't make me-
02:00Two sharp slaps landed across my face.
02:03My cheek burned.
02:04Leah, are you out of your mind?
02:06If I hadn't vouched for you,
02:08Martha wouldn't have given you a second glance.
02:11You wouldn't even be worthy of being Case's mate.
02:15I was about to tell her I'd been binding my chest as tight as possible,
02:18wearing layer after layer through the worst summer heat until I broke out in a rash.
02:23But the maid burst in.
02:26Miss Chloe,
02:28word from the Valerie estate.
02:30Alpha K has woken up.
02:32Chloe dragged me straight to Valerius estate.
02:34Enormous.
02:36Stone and dark timber.
02:38Floor-to-ceiling windows facing the forest on every side.
02:41I followed her through the main hall to a set of heavy double doors pulled half shut.
02:46Through the gap,
02:47I could make out a man's shape in the bed.
02:49Thin.
02:50Motionless.
02:51Chest rattling with coughs every few minutes.
02:54Martha stood on our side,
02:56eyes red.
02:57She clasped Chloe's hands.
02:58Thank you for everything you've done for Case.
03:00He's pulled through.
03:02There's no need for a deathbed mating.
03:04I won't destroy a girl's future over it.
03:06Chloe's eyes moved,
03:07quick and calculating.
03:09Mrs. Valerius,
03:10the bond should still be completed.
03:13Leah arrived the same day Case woke up.
03:16That's the moon goddess guiding us.
03:19Seal the bond properly.
03:21Her life force will keep pulling him back toward health.
03:24Martha hesitated and glanced at me.
03:26Before she could speak,
03:27the healer, Ella, stepped out.
03:29Expression tight.
03:32You can speak freely.
03:34No one here shouldn't hear it.
03:36Alpha Case has regained consciousness,
03:38but an arrow struck his inner thigh during battle.
03:41I'm afraid he will no longer be able to-
03:44Unable to do what?
03:46He will no longer be able to get hard.
03:48Martha's knees gave out.
03:50I caught her before she hit the floor.
03:52She looked up at me with hollowed eyes.
03:54Leah, knowing this,
03:57are you still willing?
03:58Chloe was already answering for me.
04:00Of course she is.
04:01She's just an Omega with no prospects.
04:04She should be grateful.
04:06I didn't speak right away.
04:07My mother was a pack healer.
04:09My father pursued her without telling her he already had a mate.
04:13She found out after she was pregnant.
04:15She died the night I was born.
04:17Father brought me into the household anyway.
04:19Raised me alongside Chloe.
04:21Gave me a roof.
04:22When he died, that was over.
04:24Chloe's mother had never wanted me there.
04:26Without father, I had no ground to stand on.
04:29I learned to make medicinal soups from my mother's notes.
04:32The only thing of hers I ever had.
04:34The one skill that kept me from being thrown out.
04:37There had been a young wolf in the poor quarter behind our estate.
04:41Underfed.
04:42Grinding toward the pack's warrior trials on an empty stomach.
04:45I'd passed meals through the fence for two years.
04:49When he passed the trials, I thought he'd remember.
04:52I went to him the night before everything fell apart.
04:55He didn't open the gate.
04:57Leah.
04:57I'm betrothed now.
04:59It wouldn't be proper.
05:00A pouch of silver dropped over the fence into the dirt.
05:02Consider my debt repaid.
05:04I picked it up and walked away.
05:06That wolf became Chloe's mate.
05:09Brad.
05:10I acted like I'd never known him.
05:12Chloe found out anyway.
05:14I gathered my skirts and knelt in front of Martha.
05:18My lady.
05:19I'm willing.
05:21I'll complete the bond, care for Case, and serve you as long as you need me.
05:27Luna Martha kept her word and prepared a dignified mating dress for me.
05:31Chloe deliberately chose a day when Brad was away on pack business to send me off.
05:36She walked me to the door, guilt on her face.
05:39Even though Case can't get hard, at least you'll be spared the pain of bearing pups.
05:45Don't worry.
05:46An alpha who can't perform in that area is probably exceptional in every other.
05:52Honestly, none of what Chloe said had even crossed my mind.
05:55I told myself I was simply moving to a new household.
05:58Case was too weak to stand through the full mate blessing ritual.
06:02I completed the bond rites beside his ceremonial sword instead.
06:06Martha watched from the front.
06:07Eyes wet the whole time.
06:10When it was done, I was Alpha Case's mate.
06:13The mating chamber was quiet.
06:15I pushed the door open carefully.
06:18Case was already inside.
06:20Half reclined against the headboard in a white bathrobe.
06:23Collar open at the throat.
06:25Face pale but composed.
06:27He turned when he heard me.
06:29Up close, he was strikingly handsome.
06:31Sharp jaw.
06:32Dark eyes.
06:33The kind of face that didn't need color in it to hold attention.
06:37I had no intention of taking a mate.
06:39He said with low voice.
06:41If it doesn't trouble you, we can treat this as a sibling arrangement.
06:45He pointed to the chaise along the far wall.
06:47Tonight the bed is yours.
06:49I'll take that.
06:50Tomorrow you move to the guest quarters.
06:51I nodded.
06:52Alright?
06:53He had thought of everything.
06:54It wasn't what I'd expected.
06:56Before the ritual, one of the older maids had pulled me aside and pressed something into
07:01my hands.
07:02A small handbook.
07:03Worn at the corners.
07:04She'd whispered with a strange look.
07:07There are other ways between maids.
07:09You might find it useful.
07:11I had no idea what she meant until I opened it.
07:14Heat pooled in my core just from looking at the pages.
07:16Case was watching me from the bed.
07:18Is it too hot?
07:19Eyes direct.
07:20Unblinking.
07:21The dress is heavy.
07:22I said.
07:23I'm a little warm.
07:25Then wash up and rest.
07:26He pulled the blanket over himself and turned toward the wall.
07:30Within minutes his breathing evened out.
07:32I set the handbook down on the vanity and took down my hair.
07:36Then the layered robes, piece by piece, until I was standing in nothing but my nightgown.
07:42I turned to the mirror.
07:44The thin fabric clung to every curve, heavy breasts straining against the cloth.
07:49Slim waist giving way to the flare of my hips.
07:51The lamplight outlined everything.
07:53I'd spent years trying to hide this body.
07:56In a nightgown at midnight, there was nothing left to hide behind.
07:59I walked straight into Case's gaze.
08:02He wasn't asleep.
08:04His chest rose hard.
08:06The tips of his ears went red.
08:08His throat worked as he swallowed.
08:12Alpha.
08:14I thought you were asleep.
08:16I grabbed my outer robe and pressed it against my chest.
08:19A long pause.
08:20I could sleep later.
08:22Low, restrained, like he was holding something back.
08:25My breath hitched.
08:26He rose slowly to his feet.
08:28His tall frame casting a shadow over me.
08:30The handbook's images came flooding in.
08:33My breathing shifted without me meaning it to.
08:36Somehow falling into the same rhythm as his.
08:39Then Case turned and walked to the door.
08:42The moment cool night air rushed in, I snapped back to my senses.
08:46He'd already disappeared into the darkness.
08:49I turned it over in my mind.
08:50When he'd looked at me just now, his eyes had flashed with something unmistakably like shock.
08:56Had my figure actually frightened him?
08:58Before I lay down, I made a firm decision.
09:02Tomorrow morning, I was binding my chest at least one full loop tighter.
09:07I was hovering somewhere between sleep and waking when Case slipped back in.
09:11The tips of his hair still beaded with water.
09:14He'd apparently gone to shower.
09:16By morning, he was already gone.
09:18Ivy came in to help me dress.
09:21From the corridor outside came the sound of a man sneezing.
09:26Once, then again, Martha's headmaid's voice carried clearly through the door.
09:31Alpha Case, why didn't you call someone to heat the water?
09:34It's already summer, but the nights are still cold.
09:38Of course you've caught a chill.
09:39I'll go brew tea right now.
09:42I glanced at Ivy.
09:44Does the Alpha usually take cold showers?
09:47I honestly don't know, miss.
09:49I dismissed her and locked the door.
09:51I wound a strip of cloth tight over my undergarments,
09:55then pulled on the most conservative dress I could find in the wardrobe.
09:59High neck, loose cut, heavy fabric.
10:03Then I went to living room.
10:05Case was already there when I arrived,
10:07seated beside Martha.
10:09She lit up the moment she saw me,
10:11her whole face warm with welcome,
10:14until Case coughed,
10:15and the warmth vanished instantly.
10:17Case, I have a few private words for Leah.
10:20Go rest for a while.
10:21Case rose and left without a word.
10:24Martha waved me over and took both my hands in hers,
10:27eyes glistening.
10:29Sweet girl.
10:31Our case is lucky to have you.
10:34The warmth faded from her face.
10:36A quiet bitterness crept into her voice.
10:38The pack healer says the injury drained his life force.
10:41There's no telling how long he has left.
10:45Some of the elders suggested I find a child for him to adopt,
10:49to carry on the bloodline.
10:51She paused.
10:53Wouldn't I be stealing your whole future from you?
10:56I'm already grateful you came into this family to save Case.
10:59I can't let you sacrifice the rest of your life on top of that.
11:03I've thought it through.
11:04If Case's time does come,
11:06I'll have him issue you a formal mate release.
11:09Your future stays protected,
11:11and I'll see to it that you receive property and a place of your own.
11:15I reached up and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.
11:19Mrs. Valerius, thank you for looking out for me.
11:21Chest tight with an ache I couldn't name.
11:23I had come here thinking of myself
11:26as nothing more than a transferred Omega servant.
11:29I never imagined she would think this far ahead on my behalf.
11:33My thoughts drifted to the mother I had never known.
11:37If she had been alive,
11:38if I had grown up under a mother's protection,
11:41I never would have ended up in any of the situations I'd been through.
11:44Martha laughed through her tears.
11:46Look at me.
11:47I've gone and made you cry too.
11:49She squeezed my hands.
11:51Leah, there's no need to be so formal.
11:54Call me mom, just like Case does.
11:56She took a breath.
11:59Sweetheart, I have one more thing to ask.
12:01Chloe mentioned you know how to prepare medicinal soups.
12:06I'd like you to take over Case's daily meals and care.
12:10I just want him to live a little longer.
12:13That's my one selfish wish.
12:17By the end, her voice had gone rough.
12:19I nodded.
12:22I headed to the kitchen to gather ingredients.
12:25The last time I'd prepared medicinal soup was several years ago,
12:29back when Brad was not yet Chloe's mate.
12:31He'd lost both parents and lived alone in a run-down unit,
12:34skipping meals to save every cent for his warrior training.
12:38One day, I found him collapsed at our back gate and brought him around.
12:43Out of sympathy, I dug through my mother's old healer journals
12:47and prepared medicinal meals for him every day to rebuild his strength.
12:50Only the two of us ever knew about it.
12:54From the looks of things, he was the one who told Chloe just to get me driven out.
12:59The lengths he had gone to were truly something.
13:03I carried the steaming soup to the bedroom and found Case directing servants
13:07to pack up his belongings.
13:13Alpha, what's this about?
13:15Weren't we agreed that I was moving to the guest room?
13:18His sharply handsome face didn't shift so much as a fraction.
13:23I have fewer things.
13:25It makes more sense for me to move.
13:26At least eat first.
13:29I set the food on the table.
13:31He gave it a brief glance and sat down.
13:34You can leave this kind of thing to the maid from now on.
13:37It's no different coming from me.
13:39It is different.
13:40His voice remained flat and cool.
13:42Have Ivy bring it from now on.
13:43He finished the soup in a few quick swallows,
13:46said a few words to the servants,
13:48and swept past me.
13:50In that moment, I confirmed one thing.
13:53Alpha Case couldn't stand the sight of me.
13:55I followed his instructions and had Ivy deliver his daily healing meals to the study from then on.
14:02Martha couldn't stop singing my praises.
14:05The pack healer says Case's condition has stabilized significantly.
14:10I can see Leah.
14:11See the color coming back to his face.
14:14Leah, that's entirely because of you.
14:17Delighted, she pressed a gold bracelet into my hands.
14:20Back in my room, I tucked it into my jewelry box,
14:23which had been slowly filling with pieces Martha had gifted me since my arrival.
14:28Leah, you never wear any of these.
14:30Isn't it a waste to just put them away?
14:33How is it a waste?
14:34Every one of these can be converted to cash.
14:37That's my security fund.
14:39But Lady Martha gave these to you personally.
14:41Are you really going to sell all of them?
14:43Not right now.
14:44But if the mate bond is ever severed,
14:46naturally I'd sell them and keep the money on hand.
14:49Ivy's expression shifted to pure bewilderment.
14:51As she turned away, she dropped her voice to a murmur.
14:55Alpha.
14:56Alpha.
14:57I spun around and met a pair of ink-dark eyes.
15:01Martha's eyesight must truly be failing her.
15:04Case looked worse than ever.
15:06Case's face was even paler than before.
15:08His gaze was sharp and cutting, fixed on me with cold precision.
15:12The look unsettled me completely,
15:14but I didn't dare let a single trace of it show.
15:17Alpha, is there something you need?
15:20A journal.
15:21We looked together.
15:22I checked the shelves.
15:23He checked the writing desk.
15:25Neither of us spoke.
15:27I spotted the journal pushed to the very back of the top shelf,
15:30behind a row of my mother's medical notes.
15:32I reached up on my toes.
15:34My fingertips just grazed the cover.
15:37Case's hand came over mine.
15:39Warm.
15:39Steady.
15:40He reached past me without effort and closed his hand around the journal.
15:45I turned my head.
15:46His face was right there.
15:47Closer than I'd realized.
15:49He was looking down at me.
15:51Then I lost my footing and pitched straight into him.
15:54My heavy breasts hit his chest first.
15:57My waist went straight into his palm.
15:59His hand catching me before he could react.
16:02Case didn't step back.
16:04His eartips went red.
16:05His throat worked as he swallowed.
16:08When he exhaled, the breath came out uneven against the top of my head.
16:12His eyes flashed gold for a second.
16:15Then green.
16:16I scrambled upright, face burning.
16:18Your journal.
16:19He took it without a word and walked out.
16:21Perfect.
16:22My standing in his eyes had just sunk even lower.
16:25After that day, I made every effort to avoid crossing paths with Case.
16:29He was injured and recovering.
16:31He needed to stay calm.
16:32But there was one more thing bothering me.
16:35Brad had been sending notes.
16:36Three times already.
16:38I hadn't opened a single one.
16:40Just dropped them in a box.
16:41Then Ivy pressed one into my hand that morning and lowered her voice.
16:45It's not just a note this time.
16:46He's here.
16:47Side entrance.
16:49Says he won't leave until you come out.
16:51I clenched my fist and walked out.
16:53I didn't notice the figure that followed from the far end of the courtyard.
16:56Brad was standing at the gate.
16:58Leah.
16:59You finally came.
17:01You should be calling me Mrs. Valerius.
17:04Mrs. Various.
17:05Do you have any idea how many times you've put me in an impossible position with these meetings?
17:09I know.
17:10I just wanted to tell you.
17:12I'll be securing more power in the pack.
17:14Soon I won't need Chloe's father backing me anymore.
17:17He stepped closer.
17:18I'll buy a house, Leah.
17:20Come with me.
17:22Anything's better than staying with a dying man.
17:24He reached for me.
17:25I stepped back.
17:27You want me as your mistress?
17:30Brad nodded.
17:31Completely serious.
17:33I laughed.
17:36Why would I give up being the Alpha's mate to be your mistress?
17:40The whole pack nose case is dying.
17:43He won't last.
17:44And he can't even get hard anymore.
17:46His eyes dropped deliberately to my chest.
17:51Isn't that a waste?
17:53Disgust surged through me.
17:54Brad!
17:55I will never be anyone's mistress.
17:58Case fought on the flyings for this pack.
18:01Those injuries are his honor.
18:03You've benefited from every battle he won.
18:06And you're standing here calling him less of a man.
18:08I held his gaze.
18:10You're the one who's less.
18:13Come near me again and every note you've sent goes straight to Chloe.
18:16How do you think that ends for you?
18:18His face went white.
18:20I swung the gate shut.
18:22I turned around and came face to face with Case.
18:25White shirt, standing less than half a foot away.
18:28His full height bearing down on me.
18:31Alpha.
18:32I managed.
18:34A faint edge flickered across his expression.
18:37Wasn't it my mate just a moment ago?
18:39Why so formal all of a sudden?
18:42Please, don't misunderstand.
18:44As long as I'm in this estate, I honor this bond.
18:47Completely.
18:48I looked down and started walking, fast.
18:50It's getting late.
18:51I should go make your evening meal.
18:53I moved to step past him.
18:54His hand closed around my arm.
18:57I lost my footing and pitched straight into him.
19:00My heavy breasts against his chest.
19:02My waist caught in his grip.
19:04I looked up.
19:06His face was inches from mine.
19:09His eyes were deep and unreadable.
19:11One tilt forward and our lips would have touched.
19:14His breath hit my face.
19:16Warm.
19:17My breath hitched.
19:19Heat pooled low in my core.
19:21Case swallowed hard.
19:22As long as I remain in this estate.
19:25Each word slow.
19:27Deliberate.
19:28Are you counting down the days until you can leave?
19:31No.
19:32Nothing like that.
19:33I couldn't exactly tell him I'll leave the day you die.
19:36Alpha, you're hurting my arm.
19:38I shifted in his grip.
19:39Did you mean every word you said just now?
19:41I blinked and asked which part.
19:43He let out a quiet breath and released me.
19:45I bolted.
19:47And I noticed, for the first time, his face had actual color in it.
19:51His cheeks were just as red as mine.
19:54That night, I had a strange dream.
19:57Case's lips grazed slowly along my cheek.
20:00His fingers hooked into the strap of my slip, voice dropping to a low murmur.
20:04Does my Luna want this?
20:06I nodded like someone completely under a spell.
20:08Then a fierce, consuming kiss caught my lips and wouldn't let go.
20:12I jolted awake in a tangle of sheets.
20:14Hearts still hammering.
20:15Breathless.
20:16Ivy knocked and came in.
20:18Bring me a basin of cold water.
20:20She stared at my sweat-damp hair and murmured,
20:22It really is getting hotter.
20:24I splashed cold water onto my face.
20:26And then it hit me.
20:27That first night.
20:29Case.
20:30Cold shower.
20:31Surely he hadn't also been, no, impossible.
20:34He was injured and recovering.
20:36He was supposed to be keeping himself calm.
20:39At midday, Martha's attendant arrived.
20:42Martha would like dinner in the garden tonight.
20:44She asked that you be sure to come.
20:46I'd been making excuses to avoid the main dining hall for days, just to steer clear of case.
20:52But Martha had gone out of her way to personally extend the invitation.
20:57I couldn't say no.
20:59I stepped into the garden.
21:01A sprawling rose of Sharon was in full bloom.
21:04A gust of wind shook loose a handful of deep crimson petals, drifting down onto the stone table,
21:10covered with every dish I loved most.
21:14Martha smiled and gestured for me to sit.
21:17Case.
21:18Your birthday.
21:20He's the one who asked the kitchen to prepare all of this.
21:23I looked up and met a pair of burning, intent eyes.
21:26Heat rushed straight to my face.
21:28Case slid a plate of chestnut cake in front of me without changing his expression.
21:32How did you know today was my birthday?
21:34I asked.
21:35Completely forgotten it myself.
21:37My birth mother died bringing me into the world.
21:39No one had ever once marked the day for me.
21:42Case kept his eyes lowered and said evenly.
21:44It's not difficult to know it.
21:46Something in my chest gave one quiet, inexplicable pull.
21:50Leah.
21:50This peach blossom wine is from my private reserve.
21:54I'm opening it just for you.
21:56Martha beamed.
21:57But you two had better not drink too much.
21:59She pushed back her chair, said the summer evening breeze was too much for her old bones,
22:04and left.
22:05The garden went quiet.
22:06To avoid the silence, I put my head down and drank.
22:10One cup, then another, then another.
22:13The wine was sweet and dangerously potent.
22:16Before long, the edges of everything had gone soft and blurry.
22:20Case watched me but said nothing.
22:22By the third glass, I'd stopped feeling the awkward silence.
22:25By the fourth, I'd stopped feeling much of anything.
22:28I reached across the table toward the last piece of chestnut cake.
22:32The dish was empty.
22:33I looked up.
22:34Where's the last piece?
22:37I ate it.
22:38I have absolutely no idea where the boldness came from.
22:41I leaned straight toward his face.
22:44Who told you to eat that?
22:46Spit it back out.
22:47I pressed against his chest, trying to peer into his mouth.
22:51Case looked down at me, perfectly calm.
22:53You won't find it that way.
22:55I straightened up and stared at him.
22:57Then how am I supposed to find it?
22:58A faint flush crept across his cheeks.
23:01Try using your mouth.
23:02My gaze drifted to his slightly reddened lips.
23:05I swallowed once, and kissed him without hesitation.
23:10Case went rigid, his breathing lurching unsteady.
23:14Then control shifted.
23:16His hand cupped the back of my head and he pressed in deeper.
23:20Harder.
23:22Neither of us pulled away until footsteps sounded from behind the flower bed.
23:26Alpha, the night air is cool.
23:28Lady Martha asked me to bring you both a wrap.
23:30I had no idea how much Ivy had seen.
23:32I shot to my feet, and the next instant the world tilted.
23:36Everything went dark.
23:37When I woke up with a splitting headache, it was already morning.
23:41I suddenly remembered.
23:42I'd promised Martha to visit Case's father's grave.
23:44It was late.
23:46I started rushing around for my things.
23:47Leah, don't worry.
23:48The driver is still getting the car ready.
23:50Ivy, was it you who brought me back last night?
23:53No.
23:55The Alpha carried you back.
23:56I spun around to check her face.
23:58She nodded, completely serious.
24:01I didn't say anything stupid, did I?
24:06Well...
24:06Ivy bit back a smile.
24:08The Alpha set you down on the bed, and you grabbed his sleeve and wouldn't let go.
24:12You kept calling him my mate, over and over, until his whole face went red.
24:17Ivy, don't you dare make things up!
24:19She covered her mouth, laughing, and ran out.
24:22I met Martha at the front entrance.
24:25Case's father's grave was on a hillside just beyond the pack territory.
24:29I sat in the back of the car, completely distracted, replaying the moment I'd kissed Case last night.
24:35Martha must have misread my expression, because she said,
24:38Leah, is there someone you have feelings for?
24:41Please don't be upset with me for pushing you two together at dinner last night.
24:47I thought if the two of you couldn't be mates, you could at least be friends.
24:51But if you're uncomfortable, or if you want to leave, just say.
24:55I'll have him sever the bond. I won't let you be trapped here.
24:58Mom, no, it's not that. I was thinking about something else.
25:01What is it?
25:02I was still figuring out how to answer when the car lurched.
25:05The engine screamed.
25:06The car swung hard, tires off the road, crashing through brush, the whole frame shaking.
25:11I grabbed Martha and looked at the driver, slumped over the wheel, unconscious.
25:15No one to hit the brakes.
25:17A cliff. Straight ahead.
25:18Martha grabbed my arm.
25:20Leah, what do we do?
25:21We jump. Now!
25:23We'll be hurt!
25:24We'll die if we don't. Hold on to me!
25:25I wrapped myself around her and we threw ourselves clear the instant the wheels left solid ground.
25:30We hit the cliff edge and went over.
25:32My hand shot out and caught a roof jutting from the rock face.
25:34My other hand locked around Martha's wrist.
25:37Below her was a straight drop into nothing.
25:40Mom! Don't look down! Hold on to me!
25:43Ivy and the others are right behind us!
25:45In the second car! They'll be here soon!
25:47The root groaned under our weight.
25:50Martha's voice broke.
25:51Leah, let me go!
25:52We're too heavy!
25:54It's going to snap!
25:55I'm old.
25:56I've lived my life.
25:58You have to keep living yours.
25:59My chest tightened so hard I could barely breathe.
26:02I couldn't let go.
26:04She'd been a mother to me from the first day.
26:07Mom, I would rather die with you than watch you fall.
26:11Hold on.
26:13They're coming.
26:14The truth was, I had no idea.
26:17My arms were going numb.
26:19The pain had gone so deep it had stopped feeling like pain at all.
26:23Then I heard it.
26:24A wolf's howl split the air, deafening and close.
26:29Leah, don't move.
26:31I'm coming down.
26:32Case's voice.
26:34He'd called me by my name.
26:35The first time.
26:37A strong arm came under me.
26:39He'd climbed down the cliff face.
26:41Wolf claws dug into the rock.
26:42He untied the rope from his own body and looped it around my waist.
26:46Then climbed down further and did the same for Martha.
26:49The people above pulled together.
26:51We came up one at a time.
26:53It wasn't a hallucination.
26:55Case had saved us.
26:56He held me, brow creased.
26:58Why is there so much blood?
27:01Martha clutched her face, sobbing.
27:03She shielded me when we jumped.
27:05I didn't get a scratch.
27:07It's all hers.
27:09My eyelids felt like lead.
27:11Leah.
27:13Don't sleep.
27:15I'm taking you too.
27:17He lifted me into the car and I stayed curled against his chest.
27:21His forehead was damp with sweat.
27:23He kept one hand on the wheel and kept talking.
27:27Leah.
27:28Stay awake.
27:29I'll get you chestnut cake.
27:30I'll give you all the jewelry you want to sell.
27:33You don't have to wait for me to die.
27:35I'll write the bond release today.
27:37You can leave whenever you want.
27:39My chest kept clenching.
27:40Something wet hit my face.
27:42I looked up at the sky through the windshield.
27:45It wasn't raining.
27:46It wasn't raining.
27:46Yeah, it wasn't raining.
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