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The Alpha Kings Intoxicating Mate - FULL Reelshort
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00:01I 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 case
00:28Valerius the Blackwood Pax Alpha the Lycan Kings most trusted war commander he
00:33was carried back from the battlefield soaked in blood someone suggested a mate
00:37bond shares life force if Alpha case was bound to a living healthy mate her
00:42strength could flow into him and pull him back Chloe rushed to play matchmaker and
00:46presented me to Martha before I could object I had no way to refuse if I
00:50wouldn't agree she'd transfer me to serve 60 year old elder Kevin I knew she
00:55resented my history with her mate I dropped to my knees and swore to the
00:59moon goddess I swear Chloe I had no feelings for Brad Chloe jabbed a finger
01:04at my forehead fury in her eyes what good is a vow do you have any idea how
01:09distracting 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
01:18every male in the clan who among them would not lose their minds at the smell
01:22of you I wanted to tell her to bind my chest I'd wrapped myself layer after
01:28layer in the sweltering heat until I broke out in a rash her expression softened
01:32she wiped my tears it's not that I don't trust you it's that I don't trust
01:37males do you know how powerful alpha cases if my mother and Martha weren't old
01:42friends you wouldn't even have this opportunity Chloe I don't want to be
01:47anyone's offering I'd rather scrub kitchen floors just don't make me two
01:55sharp slaps landed across my face my cheek burned Leah are you out of your mind if I
02:00hadn't vouched for you Martha wouldn't have given you a second glance you
02:05wouldn't even be worthy of being cases mate the maid burst in breathless miss
02:09Chloe word from the Valerius estate alpha case has woken up Chloe dragged me
02:16straight to Valerius estate enormous I followed her through the main hall to a
02:20set of heavy double doors pulled half shut through the gap I could make out a
02:23man's shape in the bed thin motionless chest rattling with shallow coughs every
02:28few minutes Martha stood on our side eyes red thank you for everything you've done
02:32for case I won't destroy a girl's future over Chloe's eyes moved quick and
02:37calculating Valerius the bond should still be completed Leah arrived the same
02:41day case woke up that's the moon goddess guiding us seal the bond properly her
02:47life force will keep pulling him back toward health before she could speak the
02:50healer Ella stepped out expression tight alpha case has regained consciousness but
02:56an arrow struck his inner thigh during battle I'm afraid he will no longer be
03:02able unable to do what he will no longer be able to get hard
03:05Martha's knees gave out I caught her before she hit the floor she looked up at
03:10me with hollowed eyes Leah knowing this are you still willing yes she's been
03:16looking forward to it Chloe was already answering for me of course she is she's
03:21just an Omega with no prospects she should be grateful I didn't speak right
03:25away my mind went to my past there was a young wolf in the poor quarter behind our
03:30estate I first saw him through the fence gaps thin wrists hollow cheeks hunched
03:36over a cracked bowl with nothing in it I started passing food through the gaps
03:39bread first then soup then whatever I had day after day I watched him change the
03:46hollows and his cheeks filled out his shoulders broadened he started training
03:51before dawn running laps around the back wall while I was still half asleep he was
03:55going to enter the warrior trials I knew it before he told me when he passed I went to
04:00find him that same night I was happy I remember it clearly I was genuinely happy
04:04I knocked on the gate he didn't open it his voice came Leah I'm betrothed now it
04:09wouldn't be proper then a soft thud in the dirt at my feet a pouch of silver
04:12consider my debt repaid I stood there for a moment then I picked it up and
04:16walked away that wolf became Chloe's mate Brad I acted like I'd never known him
04:22Chloe found out anyway I snapped back to reality I gathered my skirts and knelt in
04:27front of Martha my lady I'm willing I'll complete the bond care for case and serve
04:34you as long as you need me Luna Martha kept her word and prepared a dignified
04:39mating dress for me Chloe deliberately chose a day when Brad was away on pack
04:42business to send me off she walked me to the door guilt on her face even though
04:46case can't get hard at least you'll be spared the pain of bearing pups don't
04:52worry an alpha who can't perform in that area is probably exceptional in every
04:56other honestly none of what Chloe said had even crossed my mind I told myself I
05:02was simply moving to a new household case was too weak to stand through the
05:06full mate blessing ritual I completed the bond rights beside his ceremonial sword
05:10instead Martha watched from the front eyes wet the whole time when it was done I
05:16was alpha cases mate the mating chamber was quiet I pushed the door open
05:21carefully case was already inside half reclined against the headboard in a white
05:26bathrobe he turned when he heard me up close he was strikingly handsome sharp jaw
05:32dark eyes the kind of face that didn't need color in it to hold attention I had no
05:37intention of taking a mate he said with a low voice he pointed to the chaise along
05:46the far wall tonight the bed is yours I'll take that tomorrow you move to the
05:52guest quarters all right I nodded he had thought of everything it wasn't what I'd
05:57expected before the ritual one of the older maids had pulled me aside and
06:01pressed something into my hands a small handbook worn at the corners she'd
06:06whispered with a strange look there are other ways between mates you might find
06:11it useful I had no idea what she meant until I opened it heat pooled in my core
06:16just from looking at the pages is it too hot case was watching me from the bed
06:21eyes direct unblinking the dress is heavy I'm a little warm then wash up and
06:29rest he pulled the blanket over himself and turned toward the wall within minutes
06:33his 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
06:42my nightgown I turned to the mirror the thin fabric clung to every curve heavy
06:47breasts straining against the cloth slim waist giving way to the flare of my hips I
06:52walked straight into case's gaze he wasn't asleep his chest rose hard the tips of his
06:58ears went red his throat worked as he swallowed I grabbed my outer robe and
07:03pressed it against my chest alpha I thought you were asleep a long pause I
07:09could sleep later my breath hitched he rose slowly to his feet his tall frame
07:15casting a shadow over me
07:26the handbook's images came flooding in my breathing shifted without me meaning it
07:31to somehow falling into the same rhythm as his then case turned and walked to the
07:36door the moment cool night air rushed in I snapped back to my senses he'd already
07:41disappeared into the darkness I turned it over in my mind when he'd looked at me
07:45just now his eyes had flashed with something unmistakably like shock had my
07:51figure actually frightened him before I lay down I made a firm decision tomorrow
07:55morning I was binding my chest at least one full loop tighter I was hovering
08:00somewhere between sleep and waking when case slipped back in the tips of his hair
08:04still beaded with water he'd apparently gone to shower by more thing he was already
08:08gone Ivy came in to help me dress from the corridor outside came the sound of a
08:13man once then again Martha's headmaid's voice carried clearly through the door
08:19alpha case why didn't you call someone to heat the water it's already summer but
08:25the nights are still cold of course you've caught a chill I'll go brew tea
08:29right now I glanced at Ivy does the alpha usually take cold showers I honestly
08:34don't know miss I dismissed her and locked the door I wound a strip of cloth
08:39tight 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
08:49case was already there when I arrived seated beside Martha she lit up the
08:53moment she saw me her whole face warm with welcome until case coughed and the
08:59warmth vanished instantly cage I have a few private words for Leah go rest for a
09:05while case rose and left without a word Martha waved me over and took both my
09:09hands in hers eyes glistening sweet girl our case is lucky to have you the pack
09:19healer says the injury drained his life force there's no telling how long he has
09:24left some of the elders suggested I find a child for him to adopt to carry on the
09:29bloodline
09:32but if I did that wouldn't I be stealing your whole future from you I'm already
09:38grateful you came into this family to save case I can't let you sacrifice the
09:42rest of your life on top of that I've thought it through if case's time does
09:46come I'll have him issue you a formal mate release your future stays protected and
09:51I'll see to it that you receive property and a place of your own I reached
09:56up and wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes chest tight with an ache I
09:59couldn't name mrs. Valerius thank you for looking out for me I'd come here
10:04thinking of myself as nothing more than a transferred Omega servant I never
10:08imagined she would think this far ahead on my behalf my thoughts drifted to the
10:12mother I had never known if she had been alive if I had grown up under a
10:15mother's protection I never would have ended up in any of the situations I'd been
10:19through Martha laughed through her tears look at me I've gone and made you cry
10:23too she squeezed my hands Leah there's no need to be so formal call me mom just
10:30like case does she took a breath so I have a proposition for you Chloe mentioned
10:35you know how to prepare medicinal soups I'd like you to take over cases daily
10:39meals and care I just want him to live a little longer that's my one selfish
10:43wish by the end her voice had gone rough I nodded I headed to the kitchen to
10:48gather ingredients the last time I'd prepared medicinal soup was several years
10:52ago back when Brad was not yet Chloe's mate he'd lost both parents and lived
10:56alone in a rundown unit skipping meals to save every cent for his warrior training
11:02one day I found him collapsed at our back gate and brought him around out of
11:06sympathy I dug through my mother's old healer journals and prepared medicinal
11:10meals for him every day to rebuild his strength only the two of us ever knew
11:14about it from the looks of things he was the one who told Chloe just to get me
11:19driven out the lengths he had gone to were truly something I carried the
11:24steaming soup to the bedroom and found case directing servants to pack up his
11:27belongings alpha what's this about weren't we agreed that I was moving the
11:33guest room his sharply handsome face didn't shift so much as a fraction I have
11:37fewer things it makes more sense for me to move at least eat first I set the food
11:42on the table he gave it a brief glance and sat down you can leave this kind of
11:49thing to the maid from now on it's no different coming from me it is different
11:56his voice remained flat and cool have Ivy bring it from now on he finished the
12:01soup and a few quick swallows said a few words to servants and swept past me in
12:06that moment I confirmed one thing alpha case couldn't stand the sight of me I
12:11followed his instructions and had Ivy deliver his daily healing meals to the
12:15study 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
12:24back to his face Leah that's entirely because of you delighted she pressed a gold
12:30bracelet into my hands back in my room I tucked it into my jewelry box which had
12:35been slowly filling with pieces Martha had gifted me since my arrival Leah you
12:39never wear any of the of these isn't it a waste to just put them away how is it a
12:44waste every one of these can be converted to cash that's my security fund but
12:49lady Martha gave these to you personally are you really going to sell all of
12:53them not right now but if the mate bond is ever severed naturally I'd sell them and
12:57keep the money on hand Ivy's expression shifted to pure bewilderment as she
13:03turned away she dropped her voice to a murmur alpha I spun around and met a pair
13:11of ink dark eyes Martha's eyesight must truly be failing her case looked worse
13:16than ever cases face was even paler than before his gaze was sharp and cutting
13:21fixed on me with cold precision the look unsettled me completely but I didn't
13:26dare let a single trace of a show alpha is there something you need a journal we
13:33looked together I checked the shelves he checked the writing desk neither of us
13:38spoke I spotted the journal pushed to the very back of the top shelf behind a row
13:42of my mother's medical notes I reached up on my toes my fingertips just grazed the
13:47cover case's hand came over mine warm steady he reached past me without effort and
13:53closed his hand around the journal I turned my head his face was right there closer than
13:59I'd realized he was looking down at me then I lost my footing and pitched straight into
14:04him my heavy breasts hit his chest first my waist went straight into his palm his hand
14:10catching me before he could react case didn't step back his ear tips went red his throat worked as he
14:17swallowed when he exhaled the breath came out uneven against the top of my head his eyes flashed gold
14:23for a second then green I scrambled upright face burning your journal he took it without a word and
14:31walked out perfect my standing in his eyes had just sunk even lower after that day I made every effort
14:37to avoid crossing paths with case he was injured and recovering he needed to stay calm but there was one
14:42more thing bothering me Brad had been sending notes three times already I hadn't opened a single
14:48one just dropped them in a box then Ivy pressed one into my hand that morning it's not just a
14:53note
14:53this time he's here side entrance says he won't leave until you come out I clenched my fist and walked
14:59out I didn't notice the figure that followed from the far end of the courtyard Brad was standing at
15:03the gate Leah you finally came you should be calling me mrs. Valerius he paused dropped his voice
15:12mrs. Valerius do you have any idea how many times you've put me in an impossible position with these
15:17meetings I know I just wanted to tell you I'll be securing more power in the pack soon I won't
15:25need
15:25Chloe's father backing me anymore he stepped closer I'll buy a house Leah come with me anything's better
15:32than staying with a dying man he reached for me I stepped back you want me as your mistress Brad
15:40nodded completely serious I laughed why would I give up being the alpha's mate to be your mistress
15:45the whole pack knows case is dying he won't last and he can't even stand up anymore his eyes dropped
15:54deliberately to my chest isn't that a waste disgust surged through me Brad I will never be
16:02anyone's mistress case fought on the front lines for this pack those injuries are his honor you've
16:09benefited from every battle he won and you're standing here calling him less of a man you're
16:16the one who's less come near me again and every note you've sent goes straight to Chloe how do you
16:23think that ends for you his face went white I swung the gate shut I turned around and came face
16:30to face
16:30with case white t-shirt standing less than half a foot away his full height bearing down on me alpha
16:35I managed a faint edge flickered across his expression wasn't it my mate just a moment ago why so formal
16:42all
16:42of a sudden I looked down and started walking please don't misunderstand as long as I'm in this
16:49estate I honor this bond completely fast it's getting late I should go make your evening meal
16:54I moved to step past him his hand closed around my arm I lost my footing and pitched straight into
16:59him my heavy breasts against his chest my waist caught in his grip I looked up his face was inches
17:06from
17:06mine his eyes were deep and unreadable one tilt forward and our lips would have touched his breath
17:12hit my face warm my breath hitched heat pooled low in my core case swallowed hard as long as I
17:21remain
17:21in this estate each word slow deliberate you counting down the days until you can leave I couldn't exactly
17:28tell him I'll leave the day you die no nothing like that I shifted in his grip alpha you're hurting
17:34my arm
17:36did you mean every word you said just now I blinked and asked which part he let out a quiet
17:42breath and
17:42released me I bolted and I noticed for the first time his face had actual color in it his cheeks
17:50were
17:50just as red as mine that night I had a strange dream case's lips grazed slowly along my cheek
17:58his fingers hooked into the strap of my slip voice dropping to a low murmur does my luna want this
18:04I nodded like someone completely under a spell then a fierce consuming kiss caught my lips and
18:10wouldn't let go I jolted awake in a tangle of sheets heart still hammering breathless
18:16Ivy knocked and came in I asked her to bring a basin of cold water she stared at my sweat
18:21damp hair and
18:22murmured it really is getting hotter I splashed cold water onto my face and then it hit me that first
18:29night case cold shower surely he hadn't also been no impossible he was injured and recovering he was
18:39supposed to be keeping himself calm at midday Martha's attendant arrived Martha would like dinner in the
18:43garden tonight she asks that you be sure to come been making excuses to avoid the main dining hall for
18:49days just to steer clear of case but Martha had gone out of her way to personally extend the invitation
18:54I couldn't say no I stepped into the garden a sprawling rose of Sharon was in full bloom a gust
19:00of wind shook loose a handful of deep crimson petals drifting down onto the stone table covered with
19:06every dish I loved most Martha smiled and gestured for me to sit case mentioned it's your birthday
19:11today he's the one who asked the kitchen to prepare all of this I looked up and met a pair
19:16of burning
19:17intent eyes heat rushed straight to my face case lit a plate of chestnut cake in front of me without
19:23changing his expression how did you know today was my birthday I'd completely forgotten it myself
19:30my birth mother died bringing me into the world no one had ever once marked the day for me
19:36case kept his eyes lowered and said evenly it's not difficult to know it something in my chest gave
19:42one quiet inexplicable pull Leah this peach blossom wine is from my private reserve I'm opening it just
19:50for you but you two had better not drink too much she pushed back her chair said the summer evening
19:56breeze was
19:56too much for her old bones and left the garden went quiet to avoid the silence I put my head
20:03down and drank one cup then
20:05another then another the wine was sweet and dangerously potent before long the edges of everything had
20:12gone soft and blurry case watched me but said nothing by the third glass I'd stopped feeling the awkward
20:18silence by the fourth I'd stopped feeling much of anything I reached across the table toward the last
20:24piece of chestnut cake the dish was empty I looked up where's the last piece I ate it I have
20:32absolutely
20:33no idea where the boldness came from I leaned straight toward his face who told you to eat that
20:40spit it back out I pressed against his chest trying to peer into his mouth case looked down at me
20:45perfectly
20:46calm you won't find it that way I straightened up and stared at him then how am I supposed to
20:52find it
20:52a faint flush crept across his cheeks try using your mouse my gaze drifted to his slightly reddened lips
21:00I swallowed once and kissed him without hesitation case went rigid his breathing lurching unsteady
21:07then control shifted his hand cupped the back of my head and he pressed in deeper harder neither of
21:14us pulled away until footsteps sounded from behind the flower bed alpha the night air is cool lady
21:21martin asked me to bring you both a wrap I had no idea how much ivy'd seen I shot to
21:27my feet and the
21:28next instant the world tilted everything went dark when I woke up with a splitting headache it was already
21:36morning I suddenly remembered I'd promised Martha to visit case's father's grave it was late I started
21:44rushing around for my things leah don't worry the driver is still getting the car ready ivy was it
21:53you who brought me back last night no the alpha carried you back I spun around to check her face
22:00she nodded completely serious I didn't say anything stupid did I ivy bit back a smile the alpha set you
22:10down on the bed and you grabbed his sleeve and wouldn't let go you kept calling him my mate
22:16over and over until his whole face went red ivy don't you dare make things up she covered her mouth
22:25laughing and ran out I met Martha at the front entrance case's father's grave was on a hillside
22:33just beyond the pack territory I sat in the back of the car completely distracted replaying the moment
22:40I'd kissed case last night Martha must have misread my expression because she said
22:46leah is 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 you could at least be friends but if you're uncomfortable
23:05or if you want to leave just say I'll have him sever the bond I won't let you be trapped
23:11here
23:11mom no it's not that I was thinking about something else
23:16what is it I was still figuring out how to answer when the car lurched the engine screamed
23:20the car swung hard tires off the road crashing through brush the whole frame shaking I grabbed
23:26Martha and looked at the driver slumped over the wheel unconscious
23:30no one to hit the brakes a cliff straight ahead Martha grabbed my arm
23:35Leah what do we do we jump now we'll be hurt we'll die if we don't hold on to me
23:42I wrapped myself around her and we threw ourselves clear the instant the wheels left solid ground
23:46we hit the cliff edge and went over my hand shot out and caught a root jutting from the rock
23:51face
23:52my other hand locked around Martha's wrist below her was a straight drop into nothing
23:58mom don't look down don't look down hold on to me
24:02ivy and the others are right behind us behind us in the second car
24:06they'll be here soon
24:08the root ground under our weight
24:10Martha's voice broke
24:14Leah let me go
24:15we're too heavy
24:18it's going to snap
24:22I'm old I've lived my life you have to keep living yours
24:29my chest tightened so hard I could barely breathe
24:32I couldn't let go she'd been a mother to me from the first day
24:38mom I would rather die with you than watch you fall hold on
24:48they're coming
24:49the truth was I had no idea
24:52my arms were going numb
24:54the pain had gone so deep it had stopped feeling like pain at all
24:59then I heard it
25:01a wolf's howl split the air
25:04deafening and close
25:08Leah don't move I'm coming down
25:11case's voice
25:12he'd called me by my name
25:14the first time
25:17a strong arm came under me
25:19he'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 and did the same for Martha
25:33the people above pulled together
25:36we came up one at a time
25:37it wasn't a hallucination
25:39case had saved us
25:41he held me brow creased
25:46why is there so much blood
25:48Martha clutched her face
25:51she shielded me when we jumped
25:53I didn't get a scratch
25:56it's all hers
25:59my eyelids felt like lead
26:01Leah
26:02don'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
26:17Leah
26:17stay awake
26:19I'll get you chestnut cake
26:21I'll give you all the jewelry you want to sell
26:23you don't have to wait for me to die
26:25I'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 felt like it had been taken apart
26:42and put back wrong
26:43my 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
26:58your 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
27:20still recovering from the shock
27:22everyone in the estate moved with tight faces
27:24and clipped voices
27:25like something was being held just below the surface
27:28I asked Ivy
27:29she said nothing was wrong
27:31today I was finally cleared to get out of bed
27:33I opened my door
27:35and walked straight into a familiar figure
27:37Case
27:37dark tactical shirt
27:39sharper than I remembered
27:40he held out a small wooden box
27:42I took it and lifted the lid
27:44a land deed
27:45a property contract
27:47a severance letter
27:48my body went rigid
27:50something locked around my chest
27:51and wouldn't let go
27:52Case
27:53are you throwing me out?
27:55you've been waiting for this
27:56since 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
28:03until 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
28:32and the 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 PAC's official announcement had gone up
28:49the announcement said Case had betrayed the PAC
28:52the announcement said he had betrayed the PAC
28:54that he had leaked the border patrol routes to a rogue faction
28:57by order of the Lycan King
28:59royal 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 PAC
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
29:33years ago
29:34Elder Reed's youngest child
29:36had gotten lost in the forest
29:37and been bitten by a snake
29:39I'd found him
29:40and used the right herbs
29:41to treat the wound
29:43Elder Reed had arrived
29:44while I was still crouched over the boy
29:45he'd seen my face
29:47I was sure he hadn't forgotten
29:50I tracked him down
29:51outside the council building
29:52and stepped into the PAC
29:53Elder Reed
29:54you remember me
29:55I 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
30:03no more
30:04the door unlocked
30:04Case stood up
30:05his eyes flashed with surprise
30:07how did you get in?
30:09my chest ached
30:10as I looked at him
30:10through the blur of tears
30:11that's why you kicked me out
30:13isn't it?
30:14you were framed
30:16think carefully
30:17is there any evidence
30:17to prove your innocence?
30:19I will find it
30:20I will investigate
30:22I swear I will rescue you
30:24Case's gaze deepened
30:25then his arm shot out
30:26and pulled me into his chest
30:27Leah
30:29my heart hammered
30:30but time was running out
30:31this wasn't the moment
30:33I pushed against him
30:34he didn't budge
30:35Leah you don't need to do anything
30:37I can't say much
30:40I promise
30:42seven days later
30:43I will accompany you
30:44to watch the sunrise
30:45okay?
30:46his eyes were steady
30:48certain
30:48like he was coaxing
30:49a frightened pup
30:52I walked out of the dungeon
30:53and straight into Brad
30:58he stepped into my path
30:59slow smile spreading across his face
31:01it's not too late to reconsider
31:04being my mistress
31:05beats being alone and disgraced
31:07I swung my hand
31:08and slapped him across the face
31:10he lunged for me
31:11I stepped sideways
31:12and put distance between us
31:13try that again
31:14and every note you sent me
31:15ends up in front of Chloe's father
31:16every single one
31:18you've been whispering in her ear
31:19for years haven't you?
31:20trying to get me pushed out
31:22thinking I'd have nowhere to go
31:23and no choice but to run to you
31:24but you never counted on Chloe
31:25handing me straight to Case
31:27a man you can't touch
31:28his face changed
31:29I didn't wait for him to recover
31:31I walked away and didn't look back
31:33a wolf like that
31:34the further the better
31:36I didn't sleep well
31:37for the next five days
31:38Case's voice kept coming back to me
31:40I promise
31:42seven days later
31:42I will accompany you
31:43to watch the sunrise
31:44okay?
31:45on the afternoon of the sixth day
31:46the Lichen King's official decree
31:48went up across the territory
31:49the leak hadn't come from Case
31:51it had come from Prince Marcus
31:53and 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
32:03were 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
32:10to clear the path to the throne
32:11Prince Marcus had planted a spy
32:13inside the Blackwood pack
32:14used him to steal the border patrol routes
32:15then 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
32:26and couldn't land on an answer
32:27dawn was just breaking when someone knocked at the door
32:29I didn't think
32:30I 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
32:36slow and deliberate
32:38and pulled me in hard
32:39I'd run out in nothing but a thin sleep shirt
32:41no 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
32:50and tried to step back
32:51Leah
32:52his voice dropped low
32:53I'm back
32:54our eyes locked
32:55the heat between us was thick enough to touch
32:57then he lifted me off the ground
32:59and 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
33:14Case pinned me beneath him
33:15one hand working the buttons of my sleep shirt open
33:18eyes never leaving mine
33:19I covered his eyes with both hands
33:21don't look
33:22it's embarrassing
33:24he took my hands down
33:25his breathing had gone ragged
33:28it's beautiful
33:29his 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 want to know if I can?
33:45there's one way to find out
33:46he 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
33:54over 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
34:06laced his fingers through mine
34:08and pinned them above my head
34:09he loves me very much
34:11and 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
34:21down 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
34:33I lay there, chest heaving
34:34fingers still tangled in his
34:36on my neck, his mark ached
34:39finally
34:39we weren't just mates on paper anymore
34:43after the estate lockdown was lifted
34:45Case took me to meet Prince Caden
34:46a slow smile spreading across his face
34:49so you're the woman who brought Case to his knees
34:50I've been wanting to meet you
34:53you 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
35:02I'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
35:16was 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
35:32I figured it was time someone did something about that
35:35suddenly I understood
35:36just 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
35:47Luna, Leah
35:48it's been dealt with
35:50you and Case are safe now
35:56I took a slow breath
35:57knowing it was over
35:58didn't make the memory of dangling off that cliff
36:00any less vivid
36:01we got back to the estate
36:03to find Chloe already inside
36:04crying
36:05she walked an hour ago
36:06and 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
36:19as one of Prince Marcus' informants
36:21Chloe's father had been cleared
36:22but 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
36:34a lower ranked family
36:35meant 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
36:55for 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
37:08and pressed her lips together
37:09I'm sorry
37:10for 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
37:17and braced herself
37:17I raised my hand
37:19and let it land soft
37:20against 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
37:30really laughed
37:31for the first time
37:32since she'd walked in
37:33don't call me Chloe anymore
37:34can we be friends?
37:36no
37:38I don't like friends
37:39who cry too much
37:40the light was still on
37:41when I passed Kase's study
37:42I pushed the door open
37:45before I could say a word
37:46an arm shot out from behind
37:47and wrapped around my waist
37:49bold intruder
37:50his voice dropped low
37:50against my ear
37:51you think you can just
37:52walk into the Alpha's office?
37:54the Alpha's mate is right here
37:56and you still dare make a move?
37:58Kase played it straight
37:59his lips found my neck
38:01here?
38:02really?
38:04right here
38:04I kept saying no
38:05my hand said something else entirely
38:07finding their way to his back
38:09he murmured against my ear
38:11you have no idea
38:13how many times
38:13I thought about this in this room
38:16I wanted to say something back
38:17but his hand was already moving
38:19and I couldn't get a single word out
38:21he carried me to the table
38:22and took off my clothes
38:24then we had a good time
38:32when I woke up
38:33it was almost dawn
38:34Kase was already awake
38:35sitting up against the headboard
38:36watching me
38:38his eyes were soft
38:39in a way that made it hard
38:40to look back
38:40morning
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
38:52he was already up
38:54he picked up my clothes
38:55from beside the bed
38:56handing them to me
38:57he dressed me slowly
38:58straightening each layer
39:00with both hands
39:00like he'd done it
39:01a thousand times before
39:02we walked out into the yard
39:04cool air
39:05the smell of pine
39:06to the east
39:07the sky had just started
39:08to lighten at the edges
39:09Kase stood behind me
39:10and wrapped both arms around me
39:12we watched the horizon together
39:13the sun came up slowly
39:15gold light broke across the trees
39:17spread across the yard
39:18and landed on us
39:19the clouds caught the color
39:21and held it
39:22beautiful
39:23close to my ear
39:26beautiful
39:27he pulled me in tighter
39:28and said nothing else
39:29he didn't need to
39:32I'll watch every sunrise
39:33and sunset with you
39:34his voice was quiet
39:35against my hair
39:35everyone
39:36for as long as we have
39:39I turned around
39:39and kissed him once
39:40quick and light
39:42deal
39:43the sun came up fully
39:45and the yard filled with light
39:46our shadows stretched long
39:47across the ground behind us
39:49over the next few days
39:50the estate came back to life
39:52servants moved through the halls
39:53with easy steps again
39:54Martha's health improved
39:56she called me in to talk
39:57every morning
39:58always smiling
39:59when I walked through the door
40:00one afternoon
40:01I was trimming the plants
40:02in the yard
40:02when Sunny came running over
40:04Leah
40:05Chloe is here again
40:06she brought a lot of stuff
40:07with her
40:08I set down my shears
40:09since the day she'd come in
40:10crying
40:11Chloe had been showing up
40:12regularly
40:13she said she was making up
40:14for lost time
40:15really she just had nothing
40:16to do and nowhere to be
40:19let her in
40:20I wiped my hands
40:21and went to meet her
40:24Chloe walked in
40:25with two attendants
40:26behind her
40:26carrying food boxes
40:27she'd changed a lot
40:29less restless
40:30she dressed simpler now
40:31and moved quieter
40:40I made your favorite
40:41chestnut cake
40:42I asked the royal kitchen
40:44for the recipe
40:45this time
40:46better than anything
40:47the Blackwood kitchen
40:48has ever made
40:49I took a piece
40:50and bit into it
40:51sweet
40:51soft
40:52better than I expected
40:55good
40:56thank you
40:57so where's Case
40:59not home
41:00he went to the pack
41:01training ground
41:02something came up
41:03Chloe nodded
41:04and reached for a piece
41:05herself
41:05for a while
41:07neither of us said anything
41:08just the wind
41:09moving through the yard
41:10my father wants me
41:11to find a new mate
41:12I looked up
41:13don't rush for it
41:15I don't know
41:18after Brad
41:19I don't know
41:19how to trust anyone
41:20she looked at me
41:21something flickering
41:22in her eyes
41:23you have a good mate
41:25Case fights for you
41:27protects you
41:28and he's the strongest
41:29alpha in the kingdom
41:30we just got lucky
41:31you can't force
41:32these things
41:33Chloe nodded
41:34and didn't say anything else
41:35just ate her chestnut cake
41:37the yard went quiet
41:38just wind
41:39moving through the leaves
41:41then she said
41:43that slap
41:44do you really not
41:45hold it against me
41:47really
41:48it's in the past
41:49no point bringing it up
41:51the truth was
41:52I'd already let it go
41:53a 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
41:59at the edges
41:59thank you
42:02when I arranged the mating
42:03part of it was because
42:04I was scared you and Brad
42:05would find your way
42:06back to each other
42:08but part of it
42:08was genuine
42:09I really did think
42:10Case was a good man
42:11that he wouldn't
42:12treat you badly
42:13we looked at each other
42:14and smiled
42:15all the conflicts
42:16were solved
42:19I just didn't expect
42:20him to be faking
42:21the whole time
42:22Chloe laughed
42:23a little embarrassed
42:24it's in the past
42:27isn't this better
42:32it is
42:33she nodded
42:34can we be friends
42:35for real
42:36I won't be like
42:37I was before
42:40sure
42:41I nodded
42:42something warm
42:43moved through my chest
42:44letting go of old grudges
42:46and coming out the other
42:47side with a friend
42:47that wasn't a bad ending
42:48we sat in the yard
42:49for the rest of the afternoon
42:51eating and talking
42:52pack gossip
42:53small things
42:54nothing important
42:55the sun came through
42:56the leaves
42:57and the air was warm
42:58and easy
42:58when Case came back
42:59from the training grounds
43:01that evening
43:01and saw the two of us
43:02surprise crossed his face
43:04what are you two happy about
43:06talking about you
43:07Chloe grinned
43:08about what a liar
43:09you are
43:10faking the whole thing
43:12and fooling everyone
43:14Case walked over
43:15and sat down beside me
43:17he reached over
43:18and took my hand
43:19eyes warm
43:20tricking you into
43:21becoming my Luna
43:22that's the luckiest thing
43:23I've ever done
43:24my face went red
43:25I gave him a look
43:26Chloe burst out laughing
43:27alright
43:28I'm leaving you two alone
43:29Leah I'll come by tomorrow
43:31sure
43:32take care
43:32I watched her go
43:34Case turned to me
43:36are you a good friend now
43:38yes
43:39the past is the past
43:40no point holding on to it
43:42he squeezed my hand
43:43I'm glad you can think that way
43:46he knew how much
43:46I'd been through
43:47watching me let it go
43:49and just be happy
43:49I could tell it meant
43:51something to him
43:52we sat side by side
43:53at 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
44:00quiet and unhurried
44:02became the rhythm
44:03of our life
44:03Case stayed busy
44:05with the pack
44:05and with royal matters
44:07but he always made time
44:09sunrises
44:10sunsets
44:10he spoiled me
44:12until I didn't know
44:12what to do with it
44:14Martha was healthy
44:15and smiling every day
44:16the estate was calm
44:18and easy again
44:18the way it used to be
44:21true to his word
44:22Prince Caden petitioned
44:23the Lycan King
44:23on my behalf
44:25at my official
44:26Luna ceremony
44:26the Lycan King's decree
44:28was read aloud
44:29a formal commendation
44:30in front of the entire pack
44:33the estate was lit up
44:34and full of noise
44:35that day
44:35Case lifted the veil
44:37and placed it over
44:37my head himself
44:38his eyes proud
44:40and soft
44:40the most beautiful Luna
44:42then he shifted
44:43right there
44:44in front of everyone
44:45his wolf was massive
44:47dark
44:48broad-shouldered
44:49still
44:50he lowered himself
44:51to the ground
44:52and waited
44:53I climbed onto his back
44:54he rose slowly
44:56carrying me steady
44:57and lifted his head
44:58toward the moon
44:59the howl that came out
45:00of him was long
45:01and deep
45:02and carried across
45:03the entire territory
45:04one by one
45:05the pack answered
45:07howl after howl
45:08rising into the night sky
45:10I thought about
45:11everything it had taken
45:12to get here
45:12a bastard Omega
45:14with no wolf
45:15no one to speak for her
45:17only I knew
45:18how hard the road
45:18had been
45:19and all of it
45:20every bit of the happiness
45:22on the other side of it
45:23came from the man
45:24standing behind me
45:25after the ceremony
45:26Case took me south
45:27open land
45:28warm air
45:29water catching the afternoon light
45:31far from everything
45:32that had tried to take us down
45:33the rest of our lives
45:35stretched out ahead of us
45:36every year
45:38every season
45:39together
45:41after the ceremony
45:42life settled into a new rhythm
45:43I stood beside Case
45:45at every pack meeting
45:46every decision
45:47every matter that came
45:49through the estate gates
45:50his pack was my pack
45:51his people were my people
45:53but he always made time
45:56a weekend drive
45:57with no destination
45:58a trail through the forest
46:00at dawn
46:01wherever he thought
46:01I'd want to see
46:02he took me there
46:03without being asked
46:04the rest of our lives
46:06stretched out ahead of us
46:07every year
46:08every season
46:09together
46:10and we'll keep going to the next day
46:10and we'll keep going to the next day
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