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00:01Emily, you evil bitch! I knew I wasn't wrong about you! You abusive piece of shit!
00:08You cost me six months of my pay.
00:15You hit me? Yeah. And why wouldn't I?
00:19I have told you again and again, if you keep accusing me, then you're gonna have to bring proof.
00:23Are you stupid or you just not get it?
00:25Rachel, don't be so nervous.
00:27Even though Roger isn't here, we'll be outside the OR waiting for you, okay?
00:39Her condition is pretty serious. The surgery is very risky.
00:44So, if she's got any last wishes, you should help her while you still can.
00:51She's just nervous.
00:52The operation's more important, right?
00:59If I can take our photos into surgery with me, I can die without regrets.
01:05Okay, Rachel. I'll go get it for you.
01:18Last time, this damn album is what got me kicked. This time, I'm not walking into the same trap.
01:25What's this? How did I never see it before?
01:33Wait, this is...
01:41They are prepping for surgery. You can't go in.
01:43Just give me whatever it is.
01:46The OR light isn't even on yet. Rachel asked me that I bring her this before they start.
01:50Then I'll give it to her for you.
01:53Rachel asked me personally. I'll give it to her myself.
01:57The patient's about to go into surgery. She can't be disturbed.
02:01Then I will wait until they are finished and I will give it to her myself.
02:04Ma'am, don't be difficult. They're about to start.
02:07If you barge into the OR now and anything happens, that's on you.
02:11So, you were planning this all alone.
02:14Wait, why?
02:16You bring it.
02:18Everyone, look!
02:19This woman's been abusing her husband's sister.
02:23And she even printed out the photos to shove them in the girl's face.
02:27Maybe you're not related by blood, but Rachel is innocent.
02:31Who knew you were twisted enough to abuse her?
02:33She abused an innocent girl? Really?
02:36But she looks so soft and harmless. How could she abuse a girl?
02:39You're so convinced that I'm abusing Rachel?
02:43Of course. The photos are right here.
02:45This is all the proof I need.
02:47Don't even try to talk your way out of it.
02:49If that album shows proof of me abusing Rachel,
02:52don't you think I'd destroy it as soon as I got my hands on it?
02:55Why on earth would I bring it in here and give it to you?
02:58Yeah, who hands over evidence on themselves?
03:00That's basically turning yourself in.
03:03Because she's a psycho, taking the photos wasn't enough.
03:06She had to print them out and shove them in Rachel's face just to mess with her.
03:13Mary, let me be clear.
03:15Lying and trashing my name, that's defamation.
03:18And people get sued for that.
03:20I'm not lying. I'm telling the truth.
03:23Great. If that album has proof that I'm not abusing Rachel,
03:26then you admit that you're lying. And that is defamation.
03:29And that's on you.
03:31Fine by me. Let's call the cops and see who they hold off.
03:34Hm. Hooked.
03:36We have an entire audience here today.
03:38And if those do prove that I'm abusing Rachel,
03:40you don't have to call anyone.
03:41I'll turn myself in.
03:42You said it.
03:44You're dead.
03:46Everyone look.
03:48This woman's been abusing an innocent girl.
03:50And she still refuses to admit it.
03:53Mary, will you take a second and look at what those photos actually show?
04:01No.
04:01Oh, man.
04:03That's impossible.
04:08Hey!
04:11These are all family photos.
04:13I don't see a single picture of anyone doing.
04:15The nurse just made all of this up.
04:17We got played.
04:18Mary, Rachel is sick.
04:20And all she wanted to see was some photos of her brother before she went in for surgery.
04:23So why are you so intent on accusing me without a shred of evidence that I'm abusing Rachel?
04:28Last time, she did the exact same thing.
04:31Started a rumor out of nowhere.
04:33Turned everyone on me.
04:34And that's how I died.
04:37Mary, I don't even know you.
04:40So why are you obsessed with smearing me?
04:42I'm not smearing you.
04:44I'm telling the truth.
04:46You swapped the whole album.
04:47I knew what I saw.
04:48You said it yourself.
04:50If that album had proof that I wasn't abusing Rachel, then you would admit you're lying and that that was
04:55defamation.
04:56And that you're going to pay for this.
04:57So if you can't tell me why you're so intent on destroying me, don't blame me for what happens next.
05:06Don't call the cops.
05:08Then start talking.
05:10I don't even know you, so why are you so intent on smearing me?
05:13I...
05:14Mary, are you sure about that?
05:16Everybody knows that Mrs. Harrington is a good person.
05:19Why would she lay a hand on the little girl, her sister-in-law?
05:22And I always thought that Mrs. Harrington and Rachel were practically real sisters.
05:25No.
05:26I saw the photos.
05:28And the album wasn't like that before.
05:30She must have switched it.
05:32Well, let's look at this.
05:34Rachel wrote this herself.
05:35She asked me to go home and grab the album.
05:38And I don't remember seeing you once while I was there.
05:41And you certainly aren't family.
05:42So would you like to explain to me how you knew what was in that album ahead of time?
05:46Good point.
05:47She's just a nurse.
05:49How would she get access to the photos from her home?
05:51And just like Mrs. Harrington said, why would someone turn in evidence on themselves?
05:55Feels like the nurse is the one making things up.
05:58I'm not lying.
05:59I'm telling the truth.
06:00I swear.
06:01Don't listen to her.
06:03Looks like she's not cracking yet.
06:04Time to turn up the heat.
06:06You can't explain how you supposedly saw photos that were in my own home?
06:11Maybe we can call the police and let them decide whether this is a huge miscommunication or a deliberate lie.
06:16No!
06:17I didn't sling to you!
06:20I've got proof.
06:22I've got videos of Emily abusing Rachel.
06:25Here.
06:26Write on my phone.
06:32There is really Emily and Rachel.
06:36Now what do you have to say for yourself?
06:42So there is really Emily and Rachel?
06:45And the video is super clear.
06:47Did Emily really trick us all?
06:49Now, what do you have to say for yourself?
06:55Did you film that?
06:56No.
06:57Someone sent it to me.
06:58It was anonymous.
06:59But it must have been a good person who caught you in the act and couldn't stomach what you did.
07:04So Mary really does have someone pulling the strings behind her.
07:07A good person.
07:08A good person would have taken it straight to the police.
07:10Why did they just bring it to you with the nurse?
07:12He sent it to other people in the hospital too.
07:15Is that so?
07:16Then why is it only you standing here calling me out?
07:18Where is everyone else?
07:19Stop deflecting Emily.
07:21I already have the evidence right here.
07:23You're not talking your way out of this one.
07:26You all know Rachel has been here the entire time.
07:30And I'm with her every day.
07:31And you see how I treat her.
07:32She's in there 24-7.
07:34So explain to me exactly when I would have been able to hurt her.
07:37Yeah.
07:38I've seen it and I can tell how Mrs. Harrington always treated Rachel like her own little sister.
07:43And Rachel has always looked up at Mrs. Harrington like a real older sister.
07:48We were close.
07:49She trusted me.
07:50So why frame me over and over?
07:52What is she hiding?
07:53Don't believe her!
07:54She's lying to you!
07:55The only real evidence is on my phone!
07:58Mary, if you're gonna fake something, you're gonna have to do better than that.
08:01What are you talking about?
08:03This video is real.
08:05But he swore he paid a ton of people to fake this.
08:08Regular people aren't supposed to spot it.
08:12Mary, before Rachel was admitted, she always wore her hair long.
08:15She only cut it after she checked in to make it easier for surgery.
08:18In that little video of yours, the background is the hospital.
08:21And her hair is still long.
08:24Which means that video that you have in your hand is fake!
08:27Do you have anything else you wanna say?
08:29Uh, well...
08:30I didn't know it was fake!
08:32Somebody just sent it to me!
08:34I was just trying to help!
08:35No!
08:36Sure, keep acting.
08:37I'll drag out whoever's hiding behind you sooner.
08:40So, it's really fake.
08:41Whoever faked that video is absolutely sick.
08:44Good thing that Mrs. Harrington got it.
08:46Otherwise, none of us will ever know the truth.
08:49Mary, the first thing you did when you got that video was to check if it was real.
08:53You came here to accuse me.
08:56So tell me what's the rush for me.
08:58I'm not rushing anything.
08:59I'm trying to save her.
09:01I'm just scared that things will get worse and Rachel's body is so weak!
09:05God, do you care about Rachel that much?
09:07I'm a nurse.
09:08Of course I care about my patient.
09:10Great.
09:11Then let's go back to the start.
09:12Why were you so sure that that album had photos of me abusing Rachel?
09:16Only family knows about that album.
09:18So can you explain to me how you knew ahead of time?
09:22The patient is refusing to go under.
09:25She needs to see some photo albums.
09:27Is any family here?
09:29I'm family.
09:33It's right here.
09:34Good. Come with me.
09:52Unlock daily drama on mini shorts.
09:55I was born with heavy breasts and lush curves.
09:58My half sister Chloe was afraid her mate Brad would go feral over me.
10:02So she sold me to an impotent alpha.
10:05She patted my shoulder.
10:09Who knows, maybe he's good at other things.
10:12Three months later, I was begging for mercy every night.
10:15Funny.
10:16He seemed good at everything.
10:19Case Valerius.
10:20The Blackwood Pax Alpha.
10:21The Lycan King's most trusted war commander.
10:23He was carried back from the battlefield soaked in blood.
10:26Someone suggested...
10:27A mate bond shares life force.
10:29If Alpha Case was bound to a living, healthy mate, her strength could flow into him and pull him back.
10:34Chloe rushed to play matchmaker and presented me to Martha before I could object.
10:37I had no way to refuse.
10:39If I wouldn't agree, she'd transfer me to serve 60 year old elder Kevin.
10:43I knew she resented my history with her mate.
10:45I dropped to my knees and swore to the moon goddess.
10:47I swear, Chloe, I had no feelings for Brad.
10:51Chloe jabbed a finger at my forehead, fury in her eyes.
10:54What good is a vow?
10:55Do you have any idea how distracting you are?
10:57I hunched my shoulders.
10:59Tears slid down my cheeks.
11:00Just look at that ample body and those charming curves.
11:03Parading your body in front of every male in the clan.
11:06Who among them would not lose their minds at the smell of you?
11:09I wanted to tell her.
11:10To bind my chest, I'd wrapped myself layer after layer in the sweltering heat until I broke out in a
11:15rash.
11:15Her expression softened. She wiped my tears.
11:19It's not that I don't trust you.
11:20It's that I don't trust males.
11:22Do you know how powerful Alpha Case is?
11:24If my mother and Martha weren't old friends, you wouldn't even have this opportunity.
11:28Chloe, I don't want to be anyone's offering.
11:31I'd rather scrub kitchen floors.
11:34Just don't make me...
11:36Two sharp slaps landed across my face.
11:39My cheek burned.
11:40Leah, are you out of your mind?
11:42If I hadn't vouched for you, Martha wouldn't have given you a second glance.
11:45You wouldn't even be worthy of being Case's mate.
11:48The maid burst in breathless.
11:50Miss Chloe, word from the Valerius Estate.
11:52Alpha Case has woken up.
11:55Chloe dragged me straight to Valerius Estate.
11:57Enormous.
11:58I followed her through the main hall to a set of heavy double doors pulled half shut.
12:01Through the gap, I could make out a man's shape in the bed.
12:04Thin, motionless, chest rattling with shallow coughs every few minutes.
12:07Martha stood on our side, eyes red.
12:09Thank you for everything you've done for Case.
12:11I won't destroy a girl's future over it.
12:13Chloe's eyes moved. Quick and calculating.
12:15This is Valerius. The bond should still be completed.
12:18Leah arrived the same day Case woke up.
12:20That's the moon goddess guiding us.
12:22Seal the bond properly.
12:23Her life force will keep pulling him back toward health.
12:26Before she could speak, the healer Ella stepped out, expression tight.
12:29Alpha Case has regained consciousness, but an arrow struck his inner thigh during battle.
12:35I'm afraid he will no longer be able to-
12:37Unable to do what?
12:38He will no longer be able to get hard.
12:40Martha's knees gave out.
12:41I caught her before she hit the floor.
12:43She looked up at me with hollowed eyes.
12:45Leah, knowing this, are you still willing?
12:49Yes, she's been looking forward to it.
12:50Chloe was already answering for me.
12:52Of course she is.
12:53She's just an Omega with no prospects.
12:55She should be grateful.
12:57I didn't speak right away.
12:58My mind went to my past.
13:00There was a young wolf in the poor quarter behind our estate.
13:03I first saw him through the fence gaps.
13:05Thin wrists, hollow cheeks, hunched over a cracked bowl with nothing in it.
13:09I started passing food through the gaps.
13:11Bread first.
13:12Then soup.
13:12Then whatever I had.
13:14Day after day.
13:15I watched him change.
13:16The hollows in his cheeks filled out.
13:18His shoulders broadened.
13:20He started training before dawn.
13:21Running laps around the back wall while I was still half asleep.
13:24He was going to enter the warrior trials.
13:26I knew it before he told me.
13:27When he passed, I went to find him that same night.
13:30I was happy.
13:30I remember it clearly.
13:31I was genuinely happy.
13:33I knocked on the gate.
13:34He didn't open it.
13:34His voice came.
13:35Leah, I'm betrothed now.
13:37It wouldn't be proper.
13:37Then a soft thud in the dirt at my feet.
13:39A pouch of silver.
13:40Consider my debt repaid.
13:41I stood there for a moment.
13:42Then I picked it up and walked away.
13:44That wolf became Chloe's mate.
13:46Brad.
13:47I acted like I'd never known him.
13:49Chloe found out anyway.
13:50I snapped back to reality.
13:52I gathered my skirts and knelt in front of Martha.
13:54My lady.
13:55I'm willing.
13:56I'll complete the bond.
13:58Care for Case.
13:59And serve you as long as you need me.
14:01Luna.
14:01Martha kept her word and prepared a dignified mating dress for me.
14:04Chloe deliberately chose a day when Brad was away on pack business to send me off.
14:08She walked me to the door.
14:09Guilt on her face.
14:10Even though Case can't get hard.
14:12At least you'll be spared the pain of bearing pups.
14:15Don't worry.
14:16An alpha who can't perform in that area is probably exceptional in every other.
14:20Honestly, none of what Chloe said had even crossed my mind.
14:23I told myself I was simply moving to a new household.
14:26Case was too weak to stand through the full mate blessing ritual.
14:29I completed the bond rites beside his ceremonial sword instead.
14:33Martha watched from the front, eyes wet the whole time.
14:36When it was done, I was alpha Case's mate.
14:39The mating chamber was quiet.
14:40I pushed the door open carefully.
14:43Case was already inside, half reclined against the headboard in a white bathrobe.
14:46He turned when he heard me.
14:48Up close, he was strikingly handsome.
14:50Sharp jaw, dark eyes, the kind of face that didn't need color in it to hold attention.
14:55I had no intention of taking a mate.
14:57He said with a low voice.
14:59If it doesn't trouble you, we can treat this as a sibling arrangement.
15:02He pointed to the chaise along the far wall.
15:05Tonight the bed is yours.
15:06I'll take that.
15:08Tomorrow you move to the guest quarters.
15:09Alright.
15:10I nodded.
15:11He had thought of everything.
15:12It wasn't what I'd expected.
15:14Before the ritual, one of the older maids had pulled me aside and pressed something into my hands.
15:18A small handbook, worn at the corners.
15:21She'd whispered with a strange look.
15:23There are other ways between mates.
15:25You might find it useful.
15:27I had no idea what she meant until I opened it.
15:29Heat pooled in my core just from looking at the pages.
15:32Is it too hot?
15:34Case was watching me from the bed.
15:35Right.
15:35Eyes direct, unblinking.
15:37The dress is heavy.
15:39I'm a little warm.
15:41Then wash up and rest.
15:43He pulled the blanket over himself and turned toward the wall.
15:45Within minutes, his breathing evened out.
15:47I set the handbook down on the vanity and took down my hair.
15:50Then the layered robes, piece by piece, until I was standing in nothing but my nightgown.
15:55I turned to the mirror.
15:56The thin fabric clung to every curve.
15:58Heavy breasts straining against the cloth.
16:01Slim waist giving way to the flare of my hips.
16:03I walked straight into Case's gaze.
16:05He wasn't asleep.
16:06His chest rose hard.
16:08The tips of his ears went red.
16:09His throat worked as he swallowed.
16:11I grabbed my outer robe and pressed it against my chest.
16:14Alpha, I thought you were asleep.
16:16A long pause.
16:18I could sleep later.
16:20My breath hitched.
16:21He rose slowly to his feet, his tall frame casting a shadow over me.
16:34The handbook's images came flooding in.
16:36My breathing shifted without me meaning it to.
16:38Somehow falling into the same rhythm as his.
16:40Then Case turned and walked to the door.
16:42The moment cool night air rushed in, I snapped back to my senses.
16:45He'd already disappeared into the darkness.
16:48I turned it over in my mind.
16:50When he'd looked at me just now, his eyes had flashed with something unmistakably like shock.
16:55Had my figure actually frightened him?
16:57Before I lay down, I made a firm decision.
16:59Tomorrow morning, I was binding my chest at least one full loop tighter.
17:03I was hovering somewhere between sleep and waking when Case slipped back in.
17:07The tips of his hair still beaded with water.
17:09He'd apparently gone to shower.
17:10By morning, he was already gone.
17:12Ivy came in to help me dress.
17:13From the corridor outside came the sound of a man.
17:16Once.
17:17Then again.
17:19Martha's headmaid's voice carried clearly through the door.
17:21Alpha Case?
17:22Why didn't you call someone to heat the water?
17:25It's already summer but the nights are still cold.
17:27Of course you've caught a chill.
17:28I'll go brew tea right now.
17:30I glanced at Ivy.
17:31Does the alpha usually take cold showers?
17:34I honestly don't know, miss.
17:35I dismissed her and locked the door.
17:37I wound a strip of cloth tight over my undergarments,
17:40then pulled on the most conservative dress I could find in the wardrobe.
17:43High neck, loose cut, heavy fabric.
17:46Then I went to living room.
17:48Case was already there when I arrived, seated beside Martha.
17:51She lit up the moment she saw me, her whole face warm with welcome.
17:55Until Case coughed and the warmth vanished instantly.
17:58Case, I have a few private words for Leah.
18:01Go rest for a while.
18:02Case rose and left without a word.
18:04Martha waved me over and took both my hands in hers, eyes glistening.
18:08Sweet girl.
18:10Our Case is lucky to have you.
18:14The pack healer says the injury drained his life force.
18:17There's no telling how long he has left.
18:19Some of the elders suggested I find a child for him to adopt to carry on the bloodline.
18:26But if I did that, wouldn't I be stealing your whole future from you?
18:31I'm already grateful you came into this family to save Case.
18:34I can't let you sacrifice the rest of your life on top of that.
18:37I've thought it through.
18:38If Case's time does come, I'll have him issue you a formal mate release.
18:41Your future stays protected.
18:43And I'll see to it that you receive property.
18:45And a place of your own.
18:47I reached up and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.
18:49Chest tight with an ache I couldn't name.
18:51Mrs. Valerius, thank you for looking out for me.
18:54I'd come here thinking of myself as nothing more than a transferred Omega servant.
18:58I never imagined she would think this far ahead on my behalf.
19:01My thoughts drifted to the mother I had never known.
19:03If she had been alive.
19:04If I had grown up under a mother's protection.
19:06I never would have ended up in any of the situations I'd been through.
19:09Martha laughed through her tears.
19:10Look at me, I've gone and made you cry too.
19:13She squeezed my hands.
19:14Leah, there's no need to be so formal.
19:16Call me mom, just like Case does.
19:19She took a breath.
19:20So, I have a proposition for you.
19:22Chloe mentioned you know how to prepare medicinal soups.
19:24I'd like you to take over Case's daily meals and care.
19:27I just want him to live a little longer.
19:29That's my one selfish wish.
19:30By the end, her voice had gone rough.
19:32I nodded.
19:33I headed to the kitchen to gather ingredients.
19:35The last time I'd prepared medicinal soup was several years ago.
19:38Back when Brad was not yet Chloe's mate.
19:40He'd lost both parents and lived alone in a run-down unit,
19:43skipping meals to save every cent for his warrior training.
19:46One day, I found him collapsed at our back gate and brought him around.
19:49Out of sympathy, I dug through my mother's old healer journals
19:52and prepared medicinal meals for him every day to rebuild his strength.
19:56Only the two of us ever knew about it.
19:58From the looks of things, he was the one who told Chloe.
20:01Just to get me driven out.
20:02The lengths he had gone to were truly something.
20:05I carried the steaming soup to the bedroom and found Case directing servants to pack up his belongings.
20:11Alpha, what's this about?
20:13Weren't we agreed that I was moving the guest room?
20:14His sharply handsome face didn't shift so much as a fraction.
20:17I have fewer things.
20:19It makes more sense for me to move.
20:21At least eat first.
20:22I set the food on the table.
20:23He gave it a brief glance and sat down.
20:27You can leave this kind of thing to the maid from now on.
20:30It's no different coming from me.
20:33It is different.
20:34His voice remained flat and cool.
20:37Have Ivy bring it from now on.
20:38He finished the soup and a few quick swallows.
20:41Said a few words to the servants and swept past me.
20:44In that moment, I confirmed one thing.
20:46Alpha Case couldn't stand the sight of me.
20:48I followed his instructions and had Ivy deliver his daily healing meals to the study from then on.
20:53Martha couldn't stop singing my praises.
20:55The pack healer says Case's condition has stabilized significantly.
20:59I can see the color coming back to his face.
21:01Leah, that's entirely because of you.
21:03Delighted, she pressed a gold bracelet into my hands.
21:06Back in my room, I tucked it into my jewelry box,
21:09which had been slowly filling with pieces Martha had gifted me since my arrival.
21:13Leah, you never wear any of these.
21:15Isn't it a waste to just put them away?
21:17How is it a waste?
21:18Every one of these can be converted to cash.
21:21That's my security fund.
21:22But Lady Martha gave these to you personally.
21:24Are you really going to sell all of them?
21:26Not right now.
21:27But if the mate bond is ever severed, naturally I'd sell them and keep the money on hand.
21:31Ivy's expression shifted to pure bewilderment.
21:34As she turned away, she dropped her voice to a murmur.
21:37Alpha?
21:40Alpha?
21:40I spun around and met a pair of ink-dark eyes.
21:43Martha's eyesight must truly be failing her.
21:46Case looked worse than ever.
21:47Case's face was even paler than before.
21:49His gaze was sharp and cutting, fixed on me with cold precision.
21:53The look unsettled me completely, but I didn't dare let a single trace of it show.
21:58Alpha, is there something you need?
22:01A journal.
22:02We looked together.
22:03I checked the shelves.
22:04He checked the writing desk.
22:05Neither of us spoke.
22:06I spotted the journal pushed to the very back of the top shelf, behind a row of my mother's
22:10medical notes.
22:11I reached up on my toes.
22:13My fingertips just grazed the cover.
22:15Case's hand came over mine.
22:16Warm.
22:17Steady.
22:18He reached past me without effort and closed his hand around the journal.
22:22I turned my head.
22:22His face was right there, closer than I'd realized.
22:26He was looking down at me.
22:27Then, I lost my footing and pitched straight into him.
22:30My heavy breasts hit his chest first.
22:32My waist went straight into his palm, his hand catching me before he could react.
22:37Case didn't step back.
22:38His ear tips went red.
22:39His throat worked as he swallowed.
22:41When he exhaled, the breath came out uneven against the top of my head.
22:45His eyes flashed gold for a second, then green.
22:48I scrambled upright, face burning.
22:51Your journal.
22:52He took it without a word and walked out.
22:54Perfect.
22:54My standing in his eyes had just sunk even lower.
22:57After that day, I made every effort to avoid crossing paths with Case.
23:00He was injured and recovering.
23:02He needed to stay calm.
23:03But there was one more thing bothering me.
23:05Brad had been sending notes.
23:07Three times already.
23:08I hadn't opened a single one.
23:09Just dropped them in a box.
23:11Then, Ivy pressed one into my hand that morning.
23:13It's not just a note this time.
23:14He's here.
23:15Side entrance.
23:16Says he won't leave until you come out.
23:17I clenched my fist and walked out.
23:19I didn't notice the figure that followed from the far end of the courtyard.
23:21Brad was standing at the gate.
23:24Leah!
23:24You finally came!
23:26You should be calling me Mrs. Valerius.
23:28He paused.
23:29Dropped his voice.
23:30Mrs. Valerius.
23:31Do you have any idea how many times you've put me in an impossible position with these meetings?
23:36I know.
23:37I just wanted to tell you.
23:39I'll be securing more power in the pack.
23:41Soon I won't need Chloe's father backing me anymore.
23:44He stepped closer.
23:45I'll buy a house, Leah.
23:46Come with me.
23:47Anything's better than staying with a dying man.
23:49He reached for me.
23:51I stepped back.
23:53You want me as your mistress?
23:54Brad nodded, completely serious.
23:56I laughed.
23:57Why would I give up being the Alpha's mate to be your mistress?
24:00The whole pack knows Case is dying.
24:03He won't last.
24:04And he can't even stand up anymore.
24:06His eyes dropped deliberately to my chest.
24:09Isn't that a waste?
24:11Disgust.
24:11Disgust surged through me.
24:13Brad, I will never be anyone's mistress.
24:16Case fought on the front lines for this pack.
24:19Those injuries are his honor.
24:21You've benefited from every battle he won and you're standing here calling him less of a man.
24:27You're the one who's less.
24:29Come near me again and every note you've sent goes straight to Chloe.
24:33How do you think that ends for you?
24:36His face went white.
24:37I swung the gate shut.
24:39I turned around and came face to face with Case.
24:41White t-shirt, standing less than half a foot away.
24:43His full height bearing down on me.
24:44Alpha, I managed.
24:46A faint edge flickered across his expression.
24:48Wasn't it my mate just a moment ago?
24:50Why so formal all of a sudden?
24:52I looked down and started walking.
24:55Please don't misunderstand.
24:56As long as I'm in this estate, I honor this bond.
24:58Completely.
24:59Fast.
25:00It's getting late.
25:00I should go make your evening meal.
25:02I moved to step past him.
25:03His hand closed around my arm.
25:05I lost my footing and pitched straight into him.
25:06My heavy breasts against his chest.
25:08My waist caught in his grip.
25:10I looked up.
25:11His face was inches from mine.
25:12His eyes were deep and unreadable.
25:14One tilt forward and our lips would have touched.
25:17His breath hit my face.
25:18Warm.
25:19My breath hitched.
25:20Heat pooled low in my core.
25:23Case swallowed hard.
25:24As long as I remain in this estate.
25:26Each word slow.
25:28Deliberate.
25:28You counting down the days until you can leave?
25:31I couldn't exactly tell him I'll leave the day you die.
25:34No.
25:35Nothing like that.
25:36I shifted in his grip.
25:37Alpha, you're hurting my arm.
25:39Did you mean every word you said just now?
25:41I blinked and asked which part.
25:43He let out a quiet breath and released me.
25:45I bolted.
25:47And I noticed, for the first time, his face had actual color in it.
25:51His cheeks were just as red as mine.
25:53That night, I had a strange dream.
25:56Case's lips grazed slowly along my cheek.
25:58His fingers hooked into the strap of my slip, voice dropping to a low murmur.
26:02Does my Luna want this?
26:04I nodded like someone completely under a spell.
26:07Then a fierce, consuming kiss caught my lips and wouldn't let go.
26:10I jolted awake in a tangle of sheets, heart still hammering.
26:14Breathless.
26:15Ivy knocked and came in.
26:17I asked her to bring a basin of cold water.
26:18She stared at my sweat-damp hair and murmured,
26:20It really is getting hotter.
26:22I splashed cold water onto my face.
26:24And then it hit me.
26:25That first night.
26:27Case.
26:27Cold shower.
26:29Surely he hadn't also been...
26:31No.
26:32Impossible.
26:33He was injured and recovering.
26:34He was supposed to be keeping himself calm.
26:36At midday, Martha's attendant arrived.
26:38Martha would like dinner in the garden tonight.
26:40She asks that you be sure to come.
26:42I've been making excuses to avoid the main dining hall for days.
26:45Just to steer clear of Case.
26:46But Martha had gone out of her way to personally extend the invitation.
26:49I couldn't say no.
26:50I stepped into the garden.
26:51A sprawling rose of Sharon was in full bloom.
26:54A gust of wind shook loose a handful of deep crimson petals,
26:57drifting down onto the stone table,
26:59covered with every dish I loved most.
27:01Martha smiled and gestured for me to sit.
27:03Case mentioned it's your birthday today.
27:05He's the one who asked the kitchen to prepare all of this.
27:08I looked up and met a pair of burning, intent eyes.
27:11Heat rushed straight to my face.
27:13Case lit a plate of chestnut cake in front of me
27:15without changing his expression.
27:17How did you know today was my birthday?
27:19I'd completely forgotten it myself.
27:22My birth mother died bringing me into the world.
27:24No one had ever once marked the day for me.
27:26Case kept his eyes lowered and said evenly,
27:29It's not difficult to know it.
27:31Something in my chest gave one quiet, inexplicable pull.
27:35Leah, this peach blossom wine is from my private reserve.
27:38I'm opening it just for you.
27:40But you two had better not drink too much.
27:42She pushed back her chair, said the summer evening breeze was too much for her old bones, and left.
27:47The garden went quiet.
27:49To avoid the silence, I put my head down and drank.
27:51One cup, then another, then another.
27:54The wine was sweet and dangerously potent.
27:57Before long, the edges of everything had gone soft and blurry.
28:00Case watched me but said nothing.
28:02By the third glass, I'd stopped feeling the awkward silence.
28:05By the fourth, I'd stopped feeling much of anything.
28:08I reached across the table toward the last piece of chestnut cake.
28:11The dish was empty.
28:12I looked up.
28:14Where's the last piece?
28:15I ate it.
28:16I have absolutely no idea where the boldness came from.
28:19I leaned straight toward his face.
28:22Who told you to eat that?
28:24Spit it back out.
28:25I pressed against his chest, trying to peer into his mouth.
28:28Case looked down at me, perfectly calm.
28:30You won't find it that way.
28:31I straightened up and stared at him.
28:33Then how am I supposed to find it?
28:35A faint flush crept across his cheeks.
28:38Try using your mouse.
28:39My gaze drifted to his slightly reddened lips.
28:42I swallowed once, and kissed him without hesitation.
28:45Case went rigid, his breathing lurching unsteady.
28:48Then control shifted.
28:49His hand cupped the back of my head, and he pressed in deeper.
28:52Harder.
28:53Neither of us pulled away until footsteps sounded from behind the flower bed.
28:58Alpha, the night air is cool.
29:00Lady Martha asked me to bring you both a wrap.
29:03I had no idea how much Ivy'd seen.
29:05I shot to my feet, and the next instant the world tilted.
29:08Everything went dark.
29:11When I woke up with a splitting headache, it was already morning.
29:14I suddenly remembered.
29:16I'd promised Martha to visit Case's father's grave.
29:19It was late.
29:20I started rushing around for my things.
29:24Leah, don't worry.
29:25The driver is still getting the car ready.
29:27Ivy, was it you who brought me back last night?
29:30No.
29:31The Alpha carried you back.
29:34I spun around to check her face.
29:36She nodded, completely serious.
29:38I didn't say anything stupid, did I?
29:41Ivy bit back a smile.
29:43The Alpha set you down on the bed, and you grabbed his sleeve and wouldn't let go.
29:48You kept calling him my mate, over and over, until his whole face went red.
29:54Ivy, don't you dare make things up.
29:57She covered her mouth, laughing, and ran out.
30:00I met Martha at the front entrance.
30:03Case's father's grave was on a hillside just beyond the pack territory.
30:06I sat in the back of the car, completely distracted, replaying the moment I'd kissed Case last night.
30:12Martha must have misread my expression because she said,
30:16Leah, is there someone you have feelings for?
30:22I've noticed you've been avoiding Case these past few days.
30:25Please don't be upset with me for pushing you two together at dinner last night.
30:29I thought if the two of you couldn't be mates, you could at least be friends.
30:32But if you're uncomfortable, or if you want to leave, just say.
30:36I'll have him sever the bond. I won't let you be trapped here.
30:39Mom, no. It's not that. I was thinking about something else.
30:43What is it?
30:44I was still figuring out how to answer when the car lurched.
30:46The engine screamed. The car swung hard.
30:49Tires off the road, crashing through brush, the whole frame shaking.
30:52I grabbed Martha and looked at the driver.
30:54Slumped over the wheel, unconscious.
30:56No one to hit the brakes.
30:58A cliff, straight ahead.
30:59Martha grabbed my arm.
31:01Leah, what do we do?
31:02We jump. Now.
31:04We'll be hurt.
31:05We'll die if we don't. Hold on to me.
31:07I wrapped myself around her and we threw ourselves clear the instant the wheels left solid ground.
31:11We hit the cliff edge and went over.
31:12My hand shot out and caught a root jutting from the rock face.
31:15My other hand locked around Martha's wrist.
31:17Below her was a straight drop into nothing.
31:21Mom, don't look down. Don't look down.
31:23Hold on to me. Ivy and the others are right behind us.
31:26Behind us in the second car.
31:28They'll be here soon.
31:30The root ground under our weight.
31:32Martha's voice broke.
31:33Leah, let me go. We're too heavy. It's going to snap. I'm old. I've lived my life. You have to
31:47keep living yours.
31:48My chest tightened so hard I could barely breathe. I couldn't let go.
31:53She'd been a mother to me from the first day.
31:57Mom, I would rather die with you than watch you fall. Hold on.
32:05They're coming.
32:07The truth was, I had no idea. My arms were going numb. The pain had gone so deep it had
32:13stopped feeling like pain at all.
32:15Then I heard it.
32:17A wolf's howl split the air. Deafening and close.
32:23Leah, don't move. I'm coming down.
32:26Case's voice.
32:27He'd called me by my name. The first time.
32:31A strong arm came under me.
32:34He'd climbed down the cliff face. Wolf claws dug into the rock.
32:38He untied the rope from his own body and looped it around my waist.
32:42Then climbed down further and did the same for Martha.
32:46The people above pulled together.
32:48We came up one at a time.
32:50It wasn't a hallucination.
32:52Case had saved us.
32:53He held me, brow creased.
32:58Why is there so much blood?
33:00Martha clutched her face.
33:02She shielded me when we jumped.
33:04I didn't get a scratch.
33:06It's all hers.
33:08My eyelids felt like lead.
33:12Leah, don't sleep.
33:13I'm taking you to Ella.
33:15He lifted me into the car and I stayed curled against his chest.
33:19His forehead was damp with sweat.
33:21He kept one hand on the wheel and kept talking.
33:24Leah, Leah, Leah, stay awake.
33:27I'll get you chestnut cake.
33:29I'll give you all the jewelry you want to sell.
33:31You don't have to wait for me to die.
33:33I'll write the bond release today.
33:34You can leave whenever you want.
33:35My chest kept clenching.
33:38Something wet hit my face.
33:40I looked up at the sky through the windshield.
33:42It wasn't raining.
33:43Then everything went black.
33:45When I opened my eyes,
33:46every part of my body felt like it had been taken apart and put back wrong.
33:49My Luna, the pack healer said you can't move yet.
33:52Ivy pressed a bowl of medicine to my lips, spooning it in slowly.
33:55You're lucky nothing's broken.
33:57Her voice was steady, but her eyes were red.
33:59The scrapes were bad.
34:00You need to stay flat or they'll scar.
34:02Your shoulder was dislocated too.
34:04She kept talking.
34:05My eyes had already drifted to the door.
34:07After I finished the medicine, I asked.
34:09Where's Case?
34:10Investigating.
34:11Someone poisoned the driver with wolf bite and cut the brake lines.
34:14It was deliberate.
34:14Who would be bold enough to target the Alpha's family directly?
34:17I was flat on my back for a full month.
34:19I didn't see Case once.
34:21Martha kept her door shut too, still recovering from the shock.
34:24Everyone in the estate moved with tight faces and clipped voices.
34:26Like something was being held just below the surface.
34:29I asked Ivy.
34:30She said nothing was wrong.
34:32Today, I was finally cleared to get out of bed.
34:34I opened my door and walked straight into a familiar figure.
34:37Case.
34:37Dark tactical shirt.
34:39Sharper than I remembered.
34:40He held out a small wooden box.
34:42I took it and lifted the lid.
34:43A land deed.
34:44A property contract.
34:46A severance letter.
34:47My body went rigid.
34:48Something locked around my chest and wouldn't let go.
34:51Case!
34:52Are you throwing me out?
34:53You've been waiting for this since the day you arrived.
34:56You avoided me, stayed out of my way.
34:57You never wanted anything to do with me.
34:59You were counting down the days until I died so you could walk out cleanly.
35:02I'm just doing it early.
35:04Leah, go.
35:06After today, we're finished.
35:07Something sharp flooded my chest.
35:09My mouth opened and closed.
35:11It took a long time to get anything out.
35:14So that's what you think of me.
35:18Leave now.
35:19I don't want to see you anymore.
35:21Case disappeared around the corner of the yard.
35:23Estate guards all but pushed me out the door.
35:25Ivy fell in to step beside me and the Alpha said you were used to having me around.
35:28He told me to go with you.
35:31I couldn't speak.
35:35We moved into a small house on the edge of the territory.
35:39By morning, the pack's official announcement had gone up.
35:41The announcement said Case had betrayed the pack.
35:44The announcement said he had betrayed the pack.
35:46That he had leaked the border patrol routes to a rogue faction.
35:49By order of the Lycan king, royal enforcers had been dispatched to seize him, pending investigation.
35:55Case was being held in the dungeons under royal guard.
35:58The estate was locked down.
36:00Everyone inside was under scrutiny.
36:03Case would never betray his pack.
36:05He would die before he did something like that.
36:07He rushed to get me out.
36:08That was why.
36:09That was the only reason.
36:11Ivy was pacing circles around the living room.
36:13She'd grown up inside the estate.
36:15She couldn't stand still.
36:17Is there anything we can do?
36:19I made myself sit down and think.
36:21Years ago, Elder Reed's youngest child had gotten lost in the forest and been bitten by a snake.
36:26I'd found him and used the right herbs to treat the wound.
36:29Elder Reed had arrived while I was still crouched over the boy.
36:32He'd seen my face.
36:33I was sure he hadn't forgotten.
36:35I tracked him down outside the council building and stepped into his pack.
36:38Elder Reed.
36:39You remember me.
36:41I need a favor.
36:42He looked at me for a long moment.
36:44Then he nodded.
36:45Elder Reed led me into the dungeon.
36:46Thirty minutes.
36:47No more.
36:48The door on the front.
36:49Case stood up.
36:50His eyes flashed with surprise.
36:51How did you get in?
36:52My chest ached as I looked at him through the blur of tears.
36:55That's why you kicked me out, isn't it?
36:57You were framed.
36:59Think carefully.
37:00Is there any evidence to prove your innocence?
37:02I will find it.
37:03I will investigate.
37:04I swear I will rescue you.
37:06Case's gaze deepened.
37:07Then his arm shot out and pulled me into his chest.
37:09Leah.
37:10My heart hammered.
37:12But time was running out.
37:13This wasn't the moment.
37:14I pushed against him.
37:15He didn't budge.
37:16Leah, you don't need to do anything.
37:18I can't say much.
37:20I promise.
37:22Seven days later, I will accompany you to watch the sunrise.
37:25Okay?
37:26His eyes were steady.
37:27Certain.
37:28Like he was coaxing a frightened pup.
37:31I walked out of the dungeon and straight into Brad.
37:36He stepped into my path.
37:38Slow smile spreading across his face.
37:39It's not too late to reconsider.
37:42Being my mistress beats being alone and disgraced.
37:45I swung my hand and slapped him across the face.
37:47He lunged for me.
37:48I stepped sideways and put distance between us.
37:50Try that again and every note you sent me ends up in front of Chloe's father.
37:53Every single one.
37:54You've been whispering in her ear for years, haven't you?
37:57Trying to get me pushed out thinking I'd have nowhere to go and no choice but to run to you.
38:00But you never counted on Chloe handing me straight to Case.
38:03A man you can't touch.
38:04His face changed.
38:05I didn't wait for him to recover.
38:06I walked away and didn't look back.
38:08A wolf like that.
38:09The further the better.
38:10I didn't sleep well for the next five days.
38:13Case's voice kept coming back to me.
38:14I promise.
38:15Seven days later, I will accompany you to watch the sunrise.
38:18Okay?
38:19On the afternoon of the sixth day, the Lichen King's official decree went up across the
38:22territory.
38:22The leak hadn't come from Case.
38:24It had come from Prince Marcus and his allies.
38:27The truth is finally revealed.
38:31The Lichen King had not yet named his heir.
38:33Both Prince Caden and Prince Marcus were in the running.
38:35Case was Prince Caden's most powerful ally.
38:37The Alpha who commanded the most powerful pack.
38:39Taking Case down was the cleanest way to clear the path to the throne.
38:42Prince Marcus had planted a spy inside the blackwood pack.
38:44Used him to steal the border patrol routes.
38:46Then framed Case for it.
38:47So the injury had been faked.
38:49All of it.
38:50A deliberate trap to draw out the spy.
38:52But why fake being unable to mate?
38:54I turned that over in my mind all night and couldn't land on an answer.
38:56Dawn was just breaking when someone knocked at the door.
38:58I didn't think.
38:59I just ran.
39:00I threw the door open and walked straight into Case's chest.
39:03He went completely still.
39:04Then his arms came around me.
39:05Slow and deliberate.
39:06And pulled me in hard.
39:07I'd run out in nothing but a thin sleep shirt.
39:09No warning.
39:10Through the thin fabric I could feel everything.
39:12The hard muscle of his chest.
39:14His arms locked tight around me.
39:16I pressed my hands against his chest and tried to step back.
39:18Leah.
39:19His voice dropped low.
39:20I'm back.
39:21Our eyes locked.
39:22The heat between us was thick enough to touch.
39:24Then he lifted me off the ground and carried me straight toward the bedroom.
39:26I beat a fist against his chest.
39:29Weren't we supposed to watch the sunrise?
39:32You first.
39:33Sunrise after.
39:35We fell onto the bed together.
39:38Case pinned me beneath him.
39:40One hand working the buttons of my sleep shirt open.
39:42Eyes never leaving mine.
39:43I covered his eyes with both hands.
39:45Don't look.
39:46It's embarrassing.
39:47He took my hands down.
39:49His breathing had gone ragged.
39:51It's beautiful.
39:52His eyes were bright and fixed.
39:54My skin went hot everywhere he touched.
39:56I pressed my palm flat against his chest.
39:58Hard muscle.
39:59Warm skin.
39:59Healer said you couldn't get hard.
40:01How is any of this possible?
40:02Lips dragging slowly along my jaw to my ear.
40:04You want to know if I can?
40:06There's one way to find out.
40:07He kissed me.
40:08One hand cupping my face.
40:10Tilting it up toward him.
40:11I kissed him back hard.
40:12My hands slid up his chest.
40:14Over his shoulders.
40:15Gripping his arms.
40:16He pressed me further into the mattress.
40:19His weight settling over me.
40:20The heat built fast and took over completely.
40:23My hands went slack.
40:24He caught them.
40:25Laced his fingers through mine.
40:26And pinned them above my head.
40:28He loves me very much.
40:30And completely occupies me.
40:32My face gradually became rosy.
40:33And we could only hear each other's heartbeats and breathing.
40:37His lips dragged from my mouth to my jaw.
40:39Down the side of my neck.
40:40Slow and unhurried.
40:42Then he stopped.
40:43His canines pierced my mating gland.
40:45A second of sharp, white-hot pain.
40:47And then it was done.
40:49I lay there, chest heaving.
40:51Fingers still tangled in his.
40:52On my neck, his mark ached.
40:54Finally, we weren't just mates on paper anymore.
40:58After the estate lockdown was lifted,
41:00Case took me to meet Prince Caden.
41:01A slow smile spreading across his face.
41:03So you're the woman who brought Case to his knees.
41:05I've been wanting to meet you.
41:07You flatter me, your highness.
41:09Case helped the kingdom take down a real threat.
41:11You stood by him through all of it.
41:12I'll host an official Luna ceremony for you.
41:14And when that day comes, I'll have a gift ready.
41:16Thank you, your highness.
41:18Don't blame Case, Leah.
41:20Faking the injury was always part of the plan.
41:25Too many enemies wanted him dead.
41:26The only way to keep him safe
41:28was to make them think he was already finished.
41:30The part about not being able to get hard,
41:32that was my idea.
41:33I gave the pack doctor that order myself.
41:37We grew up together.
41:38I know exactly how he is.
41:40Never any interest in women.
41:41Never any weakness.
41:42I figured it was time someone did something about that.
41:45Suddenly I understood.
41:46Just two old friends and one very elaborate prank.
41:49The car accident.
41:50That was Prince Marcus as well.
41:52They intended it to look like an accident.
41:53They didn't expect to hurt you in the process.
41:56Luna, Leah.
41:57It's been dealt with.
41:58You and Case are safe now.
42:03I took a slow breath.
42:04Knowing it was over
42:05didn't make the memory of dangling off that cliff
42:07any less vivid.
42:08We got back to the estate
42:09to find Chloe already inside crying.
42:11She walked an hour ago and hasn't stopped.
42:14Martha is getting a headache from it.
42:15I told Case to go to his study.
42:17I'd handle it.
42:18I sat down next to Chloe.
42:20Face red.
42:21Eyes swollen.
42:21Word had already spread.
42:23Brad had been identified as one of Prince Marcus' informants.
42:26Chloe's father had been cleared.
42:27But Chloe and Brad were finished.
42:29Still crying?
42:31I'll have someone throw you out.
42:32She stopped immediately.
42:33Still shaking, but quiet.
42:34I misjudged him.
42:36I thought picking someone from a lower-ranked family meant he'd be easy to manage.
42:41I didn't think he'd be like this.
42:43I told you he wasn't a good person.
42:45You didn't say it clearly enough.
42:46I rolled my eyes.
42:48I wasn't a powerless Omega anymore.
42:50I didn't have to hold back.
42:55Were you ever angry at me?
42:57For how I treated you back then?
42:59No.
43:00I cursed you in my head.
43:01But I don't hold grudges.
43:03You cursed me?
43:04Do you want to punish me for it?
43:05Chloe laughed despite herself.
43:07Then caught herself and pressed her lips together.
43:08I'm sorry.
43:09For the slap.
43:10Did it hurt?
43:11I already forgot about it.
43:12Then let me slap you back.
43:14We'll be even.
43:15She closed her eyes and braced herself.
43:16I raised my hand and let it land soft against her cheek.
43:20She opened her eyes.
43:23I already gave that slap to Brad.
43:25Chloe stared at me for a second.
43:26Then she laughed.
43:27Really laughed.
43:28For the first time since she'd walked in.
43:30Don't call me Chloe anymore.
43:31Can we be friends?
43:32No.
43:35I don't like friends who cry too much.
43:36The light was still on when I passed Case's study.
43:39I pushed the door open.
43:40Before I could say a word, an arm shot out from behind and wrapped around my waist.
43:44Bold intruder.
43:45His voice dropped low against my ear.
43:46You think you can just walk into the Alpha's office?
43:49The Alpha's mate is right here and you still dare make a move?
43:52Case played it straight.
43:53His lips found my neck.
43:55Here?
43:56Really?
43:57Right here.
43:58I kept saying no.
43:59My hands said something else entirely, finding their way to his back.
44:03He murmured against my ear.
44:04You have no idea how many times I thought about this in this room.
44:08I wanted to say something back, but his hand was already moving and I couldn't get a single word out.
44:13He carried me to the table and took off my clothes.
44:15Then we had a good time.
44:22When I woke up it was almost dawn.
44:25Case was already awake, sitting up against the headboard, watching me.
44:27His eyes were soft in a way that made it hard to look back.
44:31Morning.
44:31I sat up and rubbed my eyes.
44:33Then I remembered.
44:34The sunrise.
44:35He'd promised.
44:36The sunrise.
44:40We still have time.
44:41He was already up.
44:42He picked up my clothes from beside the bed, handing them to me.
44:45He dressed me slowly, straightening each layer with both hands, like he'd done it a thousand times before.
44:50We walked out into the yard.
44:51Cool air.
44:52The smell of pine.
44:53To the east, the sky had just started to lighten at the edges.
44:56Case stood behind me and wrapped both arms around me.
44:58We watched the horizon together.
45:00The sun came up slowly.
45:02Gold light broke across the trees, spread across the yard and landed on us.
45:05The clouds caught the color and held it.
45:08Beautiful.
45:08Close to my ear.
45:11Beautiful.
45:12He pulled me in tighter and said nothing else.
45:14He didn't need to.
45:16I'll watch every sunrise and sunset with you.
45:18His voice was quiet against my hair.
45:19Everyone.
45:20For as long as we have.
45:22I turned around and kissed him once, quick and light.
45:25Deal.
45:27The sun came up fully and the yard filled with light.
45:29Our shadows stretched long across the ground behind us.
45:32Over the next few days, the estate came back to life.
45:34Servants moved through the halls with easy steps again.
45:37Martha's health improved.
45:38She called me in to talk every morning, always smiling when I walked through the door.
45:42One afternoon I was trimming the plants in the yard when Sunny came running over.
45:45Leah, Chloe is here again.
45:47She brought a lot of stuff with her.
45:48I set down my shears.
45:50Since the day she'd come in crying, Chloe had been showing up regularly.
45:53She said she was making up for lost time.
45:55Really, she just had nothing to do and nowhere to be.
45:59Let her in.
46:00I wiped my hands and went to meet her.
46:03Chloe walked in with two attendants behind her, carrying food boxes.
46:06She'd changed a lot.
46:07Less restless.
46:08She dressed simpler now and moved quieter.
46:17I made your favorite.
46:18Chestnut cake.
46:19I asked the Royal Kitchen for the recipe this time.
46:23Better than anything the Blackwood Kitchen has ever made.
46:25I took a piece and bit into it.
46:27Sweet. Soft.
46:28Better than I expected.
46:31Good.
46:32So where's Case?
46:34Not home?
46:35He went to the PAC training ground.
46:37Something came up.
46:38Chloe nodded and reached for a piece herself.
46:40For a while, neither of us said anything.
46:42Just the wind moving through the yard.
46:44My father wants me to find a new mate.
46:46I looked up.
46:46Don't rush for it.
46:48I know.
46:51After Brad, I don't know how to trust anyone.
46:53She looked at me.
46:54Something flickering in her eyes.
46:56You have a good mate.
46:58Case fights for you, protects you, and he's the strongest alpha in the kingdom.
47:02We just got lucky.
47:03You can't force these things.
47:05Chloe nodded and didn't say anything else.
47:07Just ate her chestnut cake.
47:08The yard went quiet.
47:10Just wind moving through the leaves.
47:12Then she said,
47:13That slap.
47:15Do you really not hold it against me?
47:17Really.
47:18It's in the past.
47:19No point bringing it up.
47:21The truth was, I'd already let it go a long time ago.
47:23She wasn't a bad person.
47:25Just spoiled.
47:26Used to getting her way.
47:27Chloe's eyes went red at the edges.
47:30When I arranged the mating, part of it was because I was scared you and Brad would find your way
47:34back to each other.
47:35But part of it was genuine.
47:37I really did think Case was a good man.
47:39That he wouldn't treat you badly.
47:41We looked at each other and smiled.
47:42All the conflicts were solved.
47:46I just didn't expect him to be faking the whole time.
47:49Chloe laughed, a little embarrassed.
47:50It's in the past.
47:53Isn't this better?
47:58It is.
47:58She nodded.
47:59Can we be friends?
48:00For real?
48:01I won't be like I was before.
48:05Sure.
48:05I nodded.
48:06Something warm moved through my chest.
48:08Letting go of old grudges and coming out the other side with a friend.
48:11That wasn't a bad ending.
48:12We sat in the yard for the rest of the afternoon.
48:14Eating and talking.
48:16Pack gossip.
48:17Small things.
48:17Nothing important.
48:18The sun came through the leaves and the air was warm and easy.
48:21When Case came back from the training grounds that evening and saw the two of us,
48:24surprise crossed his face.
48:26What are you two happy about?
48:28Talking about you.
48:29Chloe grinned.
48:30About what a liar you are.
48:32Faking the whole thing and fooling everyone.
48:35Case walked over and sat down beside me.
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