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