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