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00:00Beg me
00:08Sorry I
00:10What's got you so focused you forgot how to walk?
00:14Give back I give it back beg me
00:23Get off me nerd
00:31Don't laugh shut the hell up
00:42Ad you won't get the chance to tell him die
00:49Lucas you're home. I made you your favorite hot cocoa spare me the fake nice
00:54I know what you're doing. You know you're trying to win me over, but let me make this clear
01:00You will never be the lady of this house
01:05What the hell is that were you trying to poison me?
01:15Your father won't marry me because of you if you're alive. I'll never inherit his fortune
01:20So I have to get rid of you if my dad finds out you tried to hurt me
01:25He'll never marry a psycho like you too bad. You won't get the chance to tell him
01:30die
01:36Marcus what are you doing here? I came down the chimney Lucas. I need to explain why I mess with
01:41you
02:07You have got to be kidding me good morning princess snow white sleep. Well, I'm a guy
02:14Do you see the stubble the Adam's apple the entire male anatomy package?
02:17Oh
02:19Okay, either. I'm dead or I blacked out at a renaissance fair
02:23What are you a flying paper cut ah our prince charming is finally awake?
02:27I am the guardian sprite of fairy tales you awaken me, so I brought you into this story book. Oh
02:36My god, I look like a rejected Disney extra
02:40Why am I dressed like Prince Channum's cousin who sells essential oils? How can I leave this ridiculous place?
02:47Your highness the king commands you to depart at once to marry the princess snow white of the neighboring kingdom
02:52snow white
02:54Absolutely not. I'm gay. I'm not about to drag some innocent girl into a straight marriage starter pack. That's emotional
03:00terrorism
03:02You have got to be kidding me good morning princess snow white sleep. Well, I'm a guy
03:08Do you see the stubble the Adam's apple the entire male anatomy package?
03:12Hmm. Yeah, that's not supposed to happen
03:15Okay, looks like we've got a roll assignment error
03:19Let me file a ticket with fairy tale tech support. Oh great. So how long is the wait time three
03:25business centuries?
03:26Why won't this thing come off? I want men's clothes pants a hoodie literally anything with sleeves that aren't made
03:32in can't your character is snow white snow white has a dress
03:35It's in the contract. I never signed anything
03:38You did you just didn't read the terms and conditions like everyone else
03:43Look you got unlimited dresses fresh options daily. It's basically princess Netflix
03:51No, no, no, no stop all right ready to meet your prince charming. He'll be here soon to marry you
03:58What I'm straight. I don't like men tell me how to get out of this nightmare easy
04:03You just have to truly fall in love with Prince charming. You're insane
04:07Accept reality your highness. This is the only way you can return to the real world fall in love with
04:12a man
04:13I'd rather be trapped here forever
04:15Princess snow white you inherited your father's heroic
04:20masculinity
04:20Um princess the queen request your presence
04:24Mmm. What is it? Oh, my god Lucas you're snow white
04:32The evil queen yeah that tracks you're dressed like a walking jewelry store afraid people might miss how greedy you
04:41are
04:42Oh, my dear Lucas in here. I'm the queen. I have everything and
04:48Honestly, I'm in love with this place and you are the key back to reality
04:53So if I want to stay here, I'll have to kill you
04:57He actually let that little trash escape
05:00Issue a kingdom-wide manhunt now a princess with an Adam's apple chest hair shouldn't be hard to spot
05:09For the last time I am NOT marrying snow white. I only want Lucas your highness bad news snow white
05:14has gone missing
05:16Missing perfect this snow white has a suspicious amount of testosterone. Wait snow white is Lucas
05:24You're sure he's the coldest killer in the kingdom
05:29Yes, your majesty, he's the infamous hunter nicknamed mr. Alpha male. I hate women
05:35Especially women prettier than me so snow white the most beautiful cannot be allowed to live
05:44Leave your snow white to me
05:57Die snow white
06:04Snow white
06:05Snow white is a man a man and he's hot
06:10Who the hell are you?
06:13I'm your
06:15Secret lover
06:16Snow white's taste is a felony. I get it. You're the queen's assassin. She sent you to kill me
06:22She told me to eliminate you. She just forgot to mention. You're a man and
06:27Exactly my type
06:29I've changed my mind a face like yours. I couldn't possibly pull the trigger
06:36You don't come any closer the entire palace is under the queen's control
06:40She won't stop until you're dead, but I can protect you whether you come with me is your choice
06:47You protect me. That's right. I'm the coldest killer alive
06:52Mr. Alpha male
06:54I was born with heavy breasts and lush curves. My half sister Chloe was afraid her mate Brad would go
07:00feral over me
07:01So she sold me to an impotent alpha
07:04She patted my shoulder
07:08Who knows maybe he's good at other things three months later, I was begging for mercy every night
07:15Funny he seemed good at everything
07:19Case Valerius the blackwood packs alpha the lichen king's most trusted war commander
07:23He was carried back from the battlefield soaked in blood someone suggested
07:26A mate bond shares life force if alpha case was bound to a living healthy mate
07:31Her strength could flow into him and pull him back
07:33Chloe rushed to play matchmaker and presented me to Martha before I could object
07:36I had no way to refuse if I wouldn't agree she'd transfer me to serve 60 year old elder Kevin
07:41I knew she resented my history with her mate
07:44I dropped to my knees and swore to the moon goddess
07:46I swear Chloe I
07:49Had no feelings for Brad
07:50Chloe jabbed a finger at my forehead fury in her eyes
07:53What good is a vow? Do you have any idea how distracting you are? I hunched my shoulders tears slid
07:59down my cheeks
08:00Just look at that ample body and those charming curves
08:03Her raving your body in front of every male in the clan
08:08Who among them would not lose their minds at the smell of you?
08:11I wanted to tell her
08:13To bind my chest, I'd wrapped myself layer after layer in the sweltering heat
08:16Until I broke out in a rash
08:18Her expression softened
08:19She wiped my tears
08:21It's not that I don't trust you
08:23It's that I don't trust males
08:25Do you know how powerful alpha case is?
08:27If my mother and Martha weren't old friends
08:29You wouldn't even have this opportunity
08:31Chloe, I don't want to be anyone's offering
08:33I'd rather scrub kitchen floors
08:36Just don't make me
08:39Two sharp slaps landed across my face
08:41My cheek burned
08:42Leah, are you out of your mind?
08:44If I hadn't vouched for you, Martha wouldn't have given you a second glance
08:48You wouldn't even be worthy of being Case's mate
08:50The maid burst in breathless
08:52Miss Chloe, word from the Valerius estate
08:55Alpha Case has woken up
08:59Chloe dragged me straight to Valerius estate
09:01Enormous
09:02I followed her through the main hall
09:03To a set of heavy double doors
09:04Pulled half shut
09:05Through the gap
09:06I could make out a man's shape in the bed
09:07Thin, motionless
09:09Chest rattling with shallow coughs every few minutes
09:11Martha stood on our side
09:12Eyes red
09:13Thank you for everything you've done for Case
09:15I won't destroy a girl's future over it
09:17Chloe's eyes moved
09:18Quick and calculating
09:19As Valerius
09:19The bond should still be completed
09:21Leah arrived the same day Case woke up
09:23That's the moon goddess guiding us
09:25Seal the bond properly
09:27Her life force will keep pulling him back toward health
09:29Before she could speak
09:30The healer Ella stepped out
09:32Expression tight
09:33Alpha Case has regained consciousness
09:35But an arrow struck his inner thigh during battle
09:39I'm afraid he will no longer be able to
09:41Unable to do what?
09:42He will no longer be able to get hard
09:44Martha's knees gave out
09:45I caught her before she hit the floor
09:47She looked up at me with hollowed eyes
09:49Leah
09:51Knowing this
09:52Are you still willing?
09:53Yes
09:53She's been looking forward to it
09:55Chloe was already answering for me
09:56Of course she is
09:57She's just an omega with no prospects
09:59She should be grateful
10:01I didn't speak right away
10:02My mind went to my past
10:04There was a young wolf in the poor quarter behind our estate
10:07I first saw him through the fence gaps
10:09Thin wrists
10:10Hollow cheeks
10:11Hunched over a cracked bowl with nothing in it
10:13I started passing food through the gaps
10:15Bread first
10:16Then soup
10:17Then whatever I had
10:18Day after day
10:19I watched him change
10:20The hollows in his cheeks filled out
10:22His shoulders broadened
10:24He started training before dawn
10:26Running laps around the back wall
10:27While I was still half asleep
10:28He was going to enter the warrior trials
10:31I knew it before he told me
10:32When he passed
10:33I went to find him that same night
10:34I was happy
10:35I remember it clearly
10:36I was genuinely happy
10:37I knocked on the gate
10:38He didn't open it
10:39His voice came
10:40Leah
10:40I'm betrothed now
10:41It wouldn't be proper
10:42Then a soft thud in the dirt at my feet
10:44A pouch of silver
10:44Consider my debt repaid
10:46I stood there for a moment
10:47Then I picked it up and walked away
10:48That wolf became Chloe's mate
10:50Brad
10:51I acted like I'd never known him
10:53Chloe found out anyway
10:55I snapped back to reality
10:56I gathered my skirts
10:58And knelt in front of Martha
10:59My lady
11:00I'm willing
11:01I'll complete the bond
11:02Care for Case
11:03And serve you as long as you need me
11:06Luna
11:06Martha kept her word
11:07And prepared a dignified mating dress for me
11:09Chloe deliberately chose a day
11:11When Brad was away on pack business
11:12To send me off
11:13She walked me to the door
11:14Guilt on her face
11:15Even though Case can't get hard
11:17At least you'll be spared
11:18The pain of bearing pups
11:21Don't worry
11:22An alpha who can't perform in that area
11:24Is probably exceptional in every other
11:26Honestly
11:26None of what Chloe said
11:28Had even crossed my mind
11:29I told myself
11:30I was simply moving into a new household
11:32Case was too weak to stand through
11:34The full mate blessing ritual
11:35I completed the bond rites
11:36Beside his ceremonial sword instead
11:39Martha watched from the front
11:40Eyes wet the whole time
11:41When it was done
11:43I was alpha Case's mate
11:44The mating chamber was quiet
11:46I pushed the door open carefully
11:49Case was already inside
11:50Half reclined against the headboard
11:52In a white bathrobe
11:52He turned when he heard me
11:54Up close
11:55He was strikingly handsome
11:56Sharp jaw
11:57Dark eyes
11:58The kind of face
11:59That didn't need color in it
12:00To hold attention
12:01I had no intention
12:02Of taking a mate
12:03He said with a low voice
12:04If it doesn't trouble you
12:06We can treat this
12:07As a sibling arrangement
12:08He pointed to the chaise
12:09Along the far wall
12:11Tonight the bed is yours
12:13I'll take that
12:14Tomorrow you move
12:15To the guest quarters
12:16All right
12:16I nodded
12:17He had thought of everything
12:18It wasn't what I'd expected
12:20Before the ritual
12:21One of the older maids
12:23Had pulled me aside
12:23And pressed something
12:24Into my hands
12:25A small handbook
12:26Worn at the corners
12:27She'd whispered
12:28With a strange look
12:29There are other ways
12:30Between mates
12:31You might find it useful
12:33I had no idea
12:34What she meant
12:34Until I opened it
12:36Heat pooled in my core
12:37Just from looking at the pages
12:39Is it too hot?
12:40Case was watching me
12:41From the bed
12:41Eyes direct
12:43Unblinking
12:44The dress is heavy
12:45I'm a little warm
12:48Then wash up and rest
12:49He pulled the blanket
12:50Over himself
12:50And turned toward the wall
12:51Within minutes
12:52His breathing evened out
12:54I set the handbook
12:54Down on the vanity
12:55And took down my hair
12:57Then the layered robes
12:58Piece by piece
12:59Until I was standing
13:00In nothing but my nightgown
13:01I turned to the mirror
13:02The thin fabric
13:03Clung to every curve
13:04Heavy breasts
13:06Straining against the cloth
13:07Slim waist
13:08Giving way to the flare
13:08Of my hips
13:09I walked straight
13:10Into Case's gaze
13:11He wasn't asleep
13:12His chest rose hard
13:14The tips of his ears
13:15Went red
13:15His throat worked
13:16As he swallowed
13:17I grabbed my outer robe
13:19And pressed it
13:19Against my chest
13:21Alpha
13:21I thought you were asleep
13:23A long pause
13:24I could sleep later
13:26My breath hitched
13:27He rose slowly
13:29To his feet
13:29His tall frame
13:30Casting a shadow
13:31Over me
13:42The handbook's images
13:43Came flooding in
13:44My breathing shifted
13:45Without me meaning it to
13:46Somehow falling into
13:47The same rhythm as his
13:48Then Case turned
13:49And walked to the door
13:50The moment cool night air
13:52Rushed in
13:52I snapped back to my senses
13:53He'd already disappeared
13:55Into the darkness
13:55I turned it over
13:57In my mind
13:57When he'd looked at me
13:59Just now
13:59His eyes had flashed
14:01With something unmistakably
14:02Like shock
14:02Had my figure
14:03Actually frightened him
14:04Before I lay down
14:06I made a firm decision
14:07Tomorrow morning
14:08I was binding my chest
14:09At least one full loop tighter
14:10I was hovering somewhere
14:12Between sleep and waking
14:13When Case slipped back in
14:14The tips of his hair
14:15Still beaded with water
14:16He'd apparently gone to shower
14:18By morning
14:18He was already gone
14:19Ivy came in to help me dress
14:21From the corridor outside
14:22Came the sound of a man
14:24Once
14:25Then again
14:27Martha's headmaid's voice
14:28Carried clearly through the door
14:29Alpha Case
14:30Why didn't you call someone
14:31To heat the water
14:32It's already summer
14:34But the nights are still cold
14:35Of course you've caught a chill
14:36I'll go brew tea right now
14:39I glanced at Ivy
14:41Does the Alpha usually take cold showers?
14:44I honestly don't know miss
14:45I dismissed her
14:46And locked the door
14:47I wound a strip of cloth
14:48Tight over my undergarments
14:50Then pulled on
14:50The most conservative dress
14:52I could find in the wardrobe
14:53High neck
14:54Loose cut
14:54Heavy fabric
14:55Then I went to living room
14:57Case was already there
14:58When I arrived
14:59Seated beside Martha
15:00She lit up the moment she saw me
15:02Her whole face warm with welcome
15:04Until Case coughed
15:06And the warmth vanished instantly
15:08Cage
15:08I have a few private words for Leah
15:10Go rest for a while
15:12Case rose and left without a word
15:13Martha waved me over
15:15And took both my hands in hers
15:16Eyes glistening
15:18Sweet girl
15:20Our Case is lucky to have you
15:24The pack healer says
15:25The injury drained his life force
15:27There's no telling how long he has left
15:29Some of the elders suggested
15:31I find a child for him to adopt
15:32To carry on the bloodline
15:36But if I did that
15:38Wouldn't I be stealing
15:39Your whole future from you
15:42I'm already grateful
15:43You came into this family
15:45To save Case
15:45I can't let you sacrifice
15:47The rest of your life
15:47On top of that
15:48I've thought it through
15:49If Case's time does come
15:50I'll have him issue you
15:52A formal mate release
15:52Your future stays protected
15:54And I'll see to it
15:55That you receive property
15:56And a place of your own
15:58I reached up and wiped the tears
15:59From the corners of her eyes
16:00Chest tight with an ache
16:02I couldn't name
16:02Mrs. Valerius
16:04Thank you for looking out for me
16:06I'd come here thinking of myself
16:07As nothing more than
16:08A transferred Omega servant
16:09I never imagined she would think
16:11This far ahead on my behalf
16:12My thoughts drifted to the mother
16:13I had never known
16:14If she had been alive
16:15If I had grown up
16:16Under a mother's protection
16:17I never would have ended up
16:18In any of the situations
16:19I'd been through
16:20Martha laughed through her tears
16:21Look at me
16:22I've gone and made you cry too
16:24She squeezed my hands
16:25Leah there's no need
16:27To be so formal
16:27Call me mom
16:29Just like Case does
16:30She took a breath
16:31So I have a proposition for you
16:33Chloe mentioned you know
16:34How to prepare medicinal soups
16:36I'd like you to take over
16:37Case's daily meals and care
16:38I just want him to live
16:39A little longer
16:40That's my one selfish wish
16:42By the end
16:42Her voice had gone rough
16:43I nodded
16:46I headed to the kitchen
16:47To gather ingredients
16:47The last time I'd prepared
16:49Medicinal soup
16:50Was several years ago
16:51Back when Brad
16:52Was not yet Chloe's mate
16:53He'd lost both parents
16:54And lived alone
16:55In a run down unit
16:56Skipping meals
16:57To save every cent
16:58For his warrior training
16:59One day I found him
17:00Collapsed at our back gate
17:01And brought him around
17:02Out of sympathy
17:03I dug through my mother's
17:04Old healer journals
17:05And prepared medicinal meals
17:07For him every day
17:07To rebuild his strength
17:09Only the two of us
17:10Ever knew about it
17:11From the looks of things
17:12He was the one
17:13Who told Chloe
17:14Just to get me driven out
17:15The lengths he had gone to
17:17Were truly something
17:18I carried the steaming soup
17:20To the bedroom
17:20And found Case
17:21Directing servants
17:21To pack up his belongings
17:24Alpha
17:25What's this about?
17:26Weren't we agreed
17:26That I was moving to the guest room?
17:27His sharply handsome face
17:28Didn't shift so much
17:29As a fraction
17:30I have fewer things
17:32It makes more sense
17:33For me to move
17:34At least eat first
17:35I set the food on the table
17:36He gave it a brief glance
17:38And sat down
17:41You can leave this kind of thing
17:42To the maid from now on
17:43It's no different
17:44Coming from me
17:46It is different
17:47His voice remained flat
17:49And cool
17:50Have Ivy bring it
17:51From now on
17:53He finished the soup
17:54And a few quick swallows
17:55Said a few words
17:56To the servants
17:57And swept past me
17:58In that moment
17:59I confirmed one thing
18:00Alpha Case
18:01Couldn't stand the sight of me
18:03I followed his instructions
18:04And had Ivy deliver
18:05His daily healing meals
18:06To the study from then on
18:07Martha couldn't stop
18:08Singing my praises
18:09The pack healer says
18:11Case's condition
18:11Has stabilized significantly
18:13I can see the color
18:14Coming back to his face
18:15Leah
18:16That's entirely because of you
18:17Delighted
18:18She pressed a gold bracelet
18:20Into my hands
18:20Back in my room
18:22I tucked it into my jewelry box
18:23Which had been slowly filling
18:25With pieces Martha had gifted me
18:26Since my arrival
18:27Leah
18:28You never wear any of these
18:29Isn't it a waste
18:30To just put them away?
18:32How is it a waste?
18:33Every one of these
18:33Can be converted to cash
18:35That's my security fund
18:36But Lady Martha
18:37Gave these to you personally
18:38Are you really going to sell
18:40All of them?
18:40Not right now
18:41But if the mate bond
18:42Is ever severed
18:43Naturally I'd sell them
18:44And keep the money on hand
18:45Ivy's expression shifted
18:46To pure bewilderment
18:48As she turned away
18:49She dropped her voice
18:50To a murmur
18:52Alpha
18:54Alpha?
18:55I spun around
18:56And met a pair
18:56Of ink dark eyes
18:57Martha's eyesight
18:58Must truly be failing her
19:00Case looked worse than ever
19:04Case's face
19:04Was even paler than before
19:05His gaze was sharp
19:07And cutting
19:07Fixed on me
19:08With cold precision
19:09The look unsettled me completely
19:11But I didn't dare
19:12Let a single trace of it show
19:14Alpha
19:15Is there something you need?
19:17A journal
19:18We looked together
19:19I checked the shelves
19:20He checked the writing desk
19:21Neither of us spoke
19:23I spotted the journal
19:24Pushed to the very back
19:25Of the top shelf
19:25Behind a row of my mother's
19:27Medical notes
19:28I reached up on my toes
19:29My fingertips just grazed the cover
19:31Case's hand came over mine
19:33Warm
19:33Steady
19:35He reached past me without effort
19:36And closed his hand around the journal
19:38I turned my head
19:39His face was right there
19:41Closer than I'd realized
19:42He was looking down at me
19:44Then I lost my footing
19:45And pitched straight into him
19:46My heavy breasts
19:48Hit his chest first
19:49My waist went straight into his palm
19:51His hand catching me
19:52Before he could react
19:53Case didn't step back
19:54His ear tips went red
19:56His throat worked as he swallowed
19:57When he exhaled
19:59The breath came out uneven
20:00Against the top of my head
20:01His eyes flashed gold for a second
20:03Then green
20:07I scrambled upright
20:08Face burning
20:09Your journal
20:10He took it without a word
20:11And walked out
20:12Perfect
20:12My standing in his eyes
20:14Had just sunk even lower
20:15After that day
20:16I made every effort
20:17To avoid crossing paths with Case
20:18He was injured and recovering
20:20He needed to stay calm
20:21But there was one more thing
20:22Bothering me
20:23Brad had been sending notes
20:25Three times already
20:26I hadn't opened a single one
20:28Just dropped them in a box
20:29Then Ivy pressed one
20:30Into my hand that morning
20:31It's not just a note this time
20:32He's here
20:33Side entrance
20:34Says he won't leave
20:35Until you come out
20:36I clenched my fist
20:37And walked out
20:37I didn't notice the figure
20:38That followed from the far end
20:39Of the courtyard
20:40Brad was standing at the gate
20:42Leah
20:43You finally came
20:44You should be calling me
20:45Mrs. Valerius
20:46He paused
20:47Dropped his voice
20:49Mrs. Valerius
20:50Do you have any idea
20:51How many times
20:51You've put me in an impossible position
20:53With these meetings
20:54I know
20:56I just wanted to tell you
20:58I'll be securing more power
20:59In the pack
21:02Soon I won't need
21:02Chloe's father backing me anymore
21:04He stepped closer
21:05I'll buy a house, Leah
21:06Come with me
21:08Anything's better than
21:08Staying with a dying man
21:09He reached for me
21:11I stepped back
21:13You want me as your mistress?
21:15Brad nodded
21:15Completely serious
21:17I laughed
21:18Why would I give up
21:18Being the Alpha's mate
21:19To be your mistress?
21:21The whole pack
21:22Knows Case is dying
21:23He won't last
21:24And he can't even stand up anymore
21:26His eyes dropped deliberately
21:28To my chest
21:29Isn't that a waste?
21:31Disgust surged through me
21:33Brad
21:34I will never be anyone's mistress
21:36Case fought on the front lines
21:38For this pack
21:39Those injuries are his honor
21:41You've benefited from
21:43Every battle he won
21:44And you're standing here
21:45Calling him less of a man
21:47You're the one who's less
21:49Come near me again
21:50And every note you've sent
21:51Goes straight to Chloe
21:53How do you think
21:54That ends for you?
21:56His face went white
21:57I swung the gate shut
22:00I turned around
22:01And came face to face
22:02With Case
22:02White t-shirt
22:03Standing less than
22:04Half a foot away
22:05His full height
22:05Bearing down on me
22:06Alpha
22:06I managed
22:07A faint edge
22:08Flickered across his expression
22:09Wasn't it my mate
22:10Just a moment ago?
22:11Why so formal
22:12All of a sudden?
22:14I looked down
22:14And started walking
22:17Please don't misunderstand
22:18As long as I'm in this estate
22:19I honor this bond
22:20Completely
22:20Fast
22:21It's getting late
22:22I should go make your evening meal
22:23I moved to step past him
22:25His hand closed around my arm
22:26I lost my footing
22:27And pitched straight into him
22:28My heavy breasts against his chest
22:30My waist caught in his grip
22:31I looked up
22:32His face was inches from mine
22:35His eyes were deep and unreadable
22:37One tilt forward
22:38And our lips would have touched
22:39His breath hit my face
22:41Warm
22:41My breath hitched
22:43Heat pooled low in my core
22:46Case swallowed hard
22:47As long as I remain
22:49In this estate
22:49Each word slow
22:51Deliberate
22:51You counting down the days
22:53Until you can leave?
22:54I couldn't exactly tell him
22:55I'll leave the day you die
22:57No
22:58Nothing like that
22:59I shifted in his grip
23:00Alpha
23:00You're hurting my arm
23:02Did you mean every word
23:03You said just now?
23:04I blinked
23:05And asked which part
23:06He let out a quiet breath
23:08And released me
23:08I bolted
23:10And I noticed
23:11For the first time
23:12His face had actual color in it
23:14His cheeks were just as red as mine
23:16That night I had a strange dream
23:19Case's lips grazed slowly along my cheek
23:21His fingers hooked into the strap of my slip
23:23Voice dropping to a low murmur
23:25Does my Luna want this?
23:27I nodded like someone completely under a spell
23:29Then a fierce, consuming kiss caught my lips
23:32And wouldn't let go
23:33I jolted awake in a tangle of sheets
23:35Heart still hammering
23:37Breathless
23:39Ivy knocked and came in
23:40I asked her to bring a basin of cold water
23:42She stared at my sweat-damp hair and murmured
23:45It really is getting hotter
23:46I splashed cold water onto my face
23:48And then it hit me
23:49That first night
23:50Case
23:51Cold shower
23:53Surely he hadn't also been
23:55No
23:56Impossible
23:56He was injured and recovering
23:58He was supposed to be keeping himself calm
24:00At midday, Martha's attendant arrived
24:02Martha would like dinner in the garden tonight
24:04She asks that you be sure to come
24:06I've been making excuses to avoid the main dining hall for days
24:09Just to steer clear of Case
24:10But Martha had gone out of her way to personally extend the invitation
24:13I couldn't say no
24:14I stepped into the garden
24:15A sprawling rose of Sharon was in full bloom
24:18A gust of wind shook loose a handful of deep crimson petals
24:21Drifting down onto the stone table
24:23Covered with every dish I loved most
24:25Martha smiled and gestured for me to sit
24:27Case mentioned it's your birthday today
24:29He's the one who asked the kitchen to prepare all of this
24:33I looked up and met a pair of burning, intent eyes
24:36Heat rushed straight to my face
24:38Case lit a plate of chestnut cake in front of me without changing his expression
24:43How did you know today was my birthday?
24:45I'd completely forgotten it myself
24:47My birth mother died bringing me into the world
24:49No one had ever once marked the day for me
24:52Case kept his eyes lowered and said evenly
24:55It's not difficult to know it
24:56Something in my chest gave one quiet, inexplicable pull
25:00Leah, this peach blossom wine is from my private reserve
25:03I'm opening it just for you
25:05But you two had better not drink too much
25:07She pushed back her chair, said the summer evening breeze was too much for her old bones
25:11And left
25:12The garden went quiet
25:14To avoid the silence, I put my head down and drank
25:16One cup, then another, then another
25:19The wine was sweet and dangerously potent
25:22Before long, the edges of everything had gone soft and blurry
25:26Case watched me but said nothing
25:28By the third glass, I'd stopped feeling the awkward silence
25:30By the fourth, I'd stopped feeling much of anything
25:33I reached across the table toward the last piece of chestnut cake
25:36The dish was empty
25:38I looked up
25:39Where's the last piece?
25:41I ate it
25:42I have absolutely no idea where the boldness came from
25:44I leaned straight toward his face
25:48Who told you to eat that?
25:50Spit it back out
25:51I pressed against his chest, trying to peer into his mouth
25:54Case looked down at me, perfectly calm
25:56You won't find it that way
25:58I straightened up and stared at him
26:00Then how am I supposed to find it?
26:01A faint flush crept across his cheeks
26:04Try using your mouse
26:06My gaze drifted to his slightly reddened lips
26:08I swallowed once, and kissed him without hesitation
26:12Case went rigid, his breathing lurching unsteady
26:14Then control shifted
26:16His hand cupped the back of my head
26:18And he pressed in deeper, harder
26:20Neither of us pulled away until footsteps sounded from behind the flower bed
26:25Alpha, the night air is cool
26:27Lady Martha asked me to bring you both a wrap
26:30I had no idea how much Ivy'd seen
26:31I shot to my feet, and the next instant the world tilted
26:35Everything went dark
26:38When I woke up with a splitting headache, it was already morning
26:42I suddenly remembered
26:44I'd promised Martha to visit Case's father's grave
26:47It was late
26:48I started rushing around for my things
26:51Leah, don't worry
26:52The driver is still getting the car ready
26:55Ivy, was it you who brought me back last night?
26:58No
26:59The Alpha carried you back
27:02I spun around to check her face
27:04She nodded, completely serious
27:07I didn't say anything stupid, did I?
27:10Ivy bid back a smile
27:12The Alpha set you down on the bed
27:15And you grabbed his sleeve and wouldn't let go
27:17You kept calling him my mate
27:19Over and over
27:20Until his whole face went red
27:23Ivy, don't you dare make things up
27:26She covered her mouth, laughing, and ran out
27:29I met Martha at the front entrance
27:32Case's father's grave was on a hillside just beyond the pack territory
27:36I sat in the back of the car, completely distracted
27:38Replaying the moment I'd kissed Case last night
27:42Martha must have misread my expression because she said
27:46Leah, is there someone you have feelings for?
27:51I've noticed you've been avoiding Case these past few days
27:54Please don't be upset with me for pushing you two together at dinner last night
27:59I thought if the two of you couldn't be mates, you could at least be friends
28:03But if you're uncomfortable, or if you want to leave, just say
28:07I'll have him sever the bond, I won't let you be trapped here
28:09Mom, no, it's not that
28:12I was thinking about something else
28:14What is it?
28:14I was still figuring out how to answer when the car lurched
28:16The engine screamed
28:18The car swung hard
28:19Tires off the road, crashing through brush
28:21The whole frame shaking
28:22I grabbed Martha and looked at the driver
28:24Slumped over the wheel
28:26Unconscious
28:27No one to hit the brakes
28:28A cliff, straight ahead
28:29Martha grabbed my arm
28:31Leah, what do we do?
28:33We jump, now
28:34We'll be hurt
28:35We'll die if we don't, hold on to me
28:37I wrapped myself around her and we threw ourselves clear the instant the wheels left solid ground
28:41We hit the cliff edge and went over
28:43My hand shot out and caught a root jutting from the rock face
28:46My other hand locked around Martha's wrist
28:49Below her was a straight drop into nothing
28:53Mom, don't look down, don't look down
28:55Hold on to me
28:56Ivy and the others are right behind us
28:58Behind us in the second car
29:00They'll be here soon
29:01The root ground under our weight
29:04Martha's voice broke
29:06Leah, let me go
29:08We're too heavy
29:11It's going to snap
29:14I'm old
29:15I've lived my life
29:17You have to keep living yours
29:20My chest tightened so hard I could barely breathe
29:23I couldn't let go
29:25She'd been a mother to me from the first day
29:29Mom, I would rather die with you than watch you fall
29:32Hold on
29:37They're coming
29:38The truth was, I had no idea
29:41My arms were going numb
29:43The pain had gone so deep it had stopped feeling like pain at all
29:47Then I heard it
29:49A wolf's howl split the air
29:52Deafening and close
29:55Leah, don't move
29:56I'm coming down
29:58Case's voice
29:59He'd called me by my name
30:01The first time
30:03A strong arm came under me
30:05He'd climbed down the cliff face
30:08Wolf claws dug into the rock
30:10He untied the rope from his own body
30:13And looped it around my waist
30:14Then climbed down further and did the same for Martha
30:18The people above pulled together
30:20We came up one at a time
30:24It wasn't a hallucination
30:26Case had saved us
30:27He held me, brow creased
30:32Why is there so much blood?
30:34Martha clutched her face
30:36She shielded me when we jumped
30:38I didn't get a scratch
30:41It's all hers
30:43My eyelids felt like lead
30:46Leah, don't sleep
30:48I'm taking you to Ella
30:49He lifted me into the car
30:51And I stayed curled against his chest
30:53His forehead was damp with sweat
30:56He kept one hand on the wheel
30:57And kept talking
30:58Leah, Leah, Leah
31:00Stay awake
31:02I'll get you chestnut cake
31:03I'll give you all the jewelry you want to sell
31:06You don't have to wait for me to die
31:07I'll write the bond release today
31:09You can leave whenever you want
31:10My chest kept clenching
31:12Something wet hit my face
31:14I looked up at the sky through the windshield
31:17It wasn't raining
31:19Then everything went black
31:21When I opened my eyes
31:22Every part of my body felt like it had been taken apart
31:24And put back wrong
31:25My Luna
31:26The pack healer said you can't move yet
31:28Ivy pressed a bowl of medicine to my lips
31:30Spooning it in slowly
31:31You're lucky nothing's broken
31:33Her voice was steady
31:34But her eyes were red
31:35The scrapes were bad
31:36You need to stay flat or they'll scar
31:38Your shoulder was dislocated too
31:40She kept talking
31:41My eyes had already drifted to the door
31:43After I finished the medicine
31:44I asked
31:46Where's Case?
31:47Investigating
31:47Someone poisoned the driver with wolf bite
31:49And cut the brake lines
31:50It was deliberate
31:50Who would be bold enough to target the Alpha's family directly?
31:53I was flat on my back for a full month
31:55I didn't see Case once
31:57Martha kept her door shut too
31:58Still recovering from the shock
31:59Everyone in the estate moved with tight faces
32:02And clipped voices
32:03Like something was being held just below the surface
32:05I asked Ivy
32:06She said nothing was wrong
32:08Today I was finally cleared to get out of bed
32:10I opened my door and walked straight into a familiar figure
32:13Case
32:13Dark tactical shirt
32:15Sharper than I remembered
32:16He held out a small wooden box
32:18I took it and lifted the lid
32:19A land deed
32:21A property contract
32:22A severance letter
32:23My body went rigid
32:24Something locked around my chest and wouldn't let go
32:27Case
32:27Are you throwing me out?
32:31You've been waiting for this since the day you arrived
32:33You avoided me
32:35Stayed out of my way
32:36You never wanted anything to do with me
32:37You were counting down the days until I died so you could walk out cleanly
32:40I'm just doing it early
32:43Leah, go
32:44After today, we're finished
32:45Something sharp flooded my chest
32:47My mouth opened and closed
32:49It took a long time to get anything out
32:52So that's what you think of me?
32:56Leave now
32:57I don't want to see you anymore
32:59Case disappeared around the corner of the yard
33:01Estate guards all but pushed me out the door
33:03Ivy fell in to step beside me
33:04And the Alpha said you're used to having me around
33:06He told me to go with you
33:09I couldn't speak
33:14We moved into a small house on the edge of the territory
33:17By morning, the pack's official announcement had gone up
33:20The announcement said Case had betrayed the pack
33:24The announcement said he had betrayed the pack
33:26That he had leaked the Border Patrol routes to a rogue faction
33:29By order of the Lycan King
33:31Royal Enforcers had been dispatched to seize him
33:33Pending investigation
33:35Case was being held in the dungeons under royal guard
33:38The estate was locked down
33:40Everyone inside was under scrutiny
33:43Case would never betray his pack
33:45He would die before he did something like that
33:47He rushed to get me out
33:48That was why
33:49That was the only reason
33:51Ivy was pacing circles around the living room
33:53She'd grown up inside the estate
33:55She couldn't stand still
33:57Is there anything we can do?
33:59I made myself sit down and think
34:01Years ago, Elder Reed's youngest child had gotten lost in the forest and been bitten by a snake
34:06I'd found him and used the right herbs to treat the wound
34:09Elder Reed had arrived while I was still crouched over the boy
34:12He'd seen my face
34:13I was sure he hadn't forgotten
34:15I tracked him down outside the council building and stepped into his pack
34:18Elder Reed
34:19You remember me
34:20I need a favor
34:22He looked at me for a long moment
34:24Then he nodded
34:27Elder Reed led me into the dungeon
34:2830 minutes, no more
34:30The door unlocked
34:30Case stood up
34:31His eyes flashed with surprise
34:33How did you get in?
34:34My chest ached as I looked at him through the blur of tears
34:37That's why you kicked me out, isn't it?
34:39You were framed
34:40Think carefully
34:41Is there any evidence to prove your innocence?
34:43I will find it
34:44I will investigate
34:45I swear I will rescue you
34:47Case's gaze deepened
34:49Then his arm shot out and pulled me into his chest
34:51Leah
34:52My heart hammered
34:53But time was running out
34:55This wasn't the moment
34:56I pushed against him
34:57He didn't budge
34:58Leah, you don't need to do anything
35:00I can't say much
35:02I promise
35:04Seven days later
35:05I will accompany you to watch the sunrise
35:07Okay?
35:08His eyes were steady
35:09Certain
35:10Like he was coaxing a frightened pup
35:13I walked out of the dungeon
35:14And straight into Brad
35:20He stepped into my path
35:21Slow smile spreading across his face
35:23It's not too late to reconsider
35:25Being my mistress
35:26Beats being alone and disgraced
35:28I swung my hand and slapped him across the face
35:31He lunged for me
35:32I stepped sideways and put distance between us
35:34Try that again and every note you sent me ends up in front of Chloe's father
35:37Every single one
35:38You've been whispering in her ear for years, haven't you?
35:40Trying to get me pushed out thinking I'd have nowhere to go and no choice but to run to you
35:43But you never counted on Chloe handing me straight to Case
35:46A man you can't touch
35:47His face changed
35:48I didn't wait for him to recover
35:50I walked away and didn't look back
35:51A wolf like that
35:52The further the better
35:54I didn't sleep well for the next five days
35:56Case's voice kept coming back to me
35:58I promise
35:59Seven days later I will accompany you to watch the sunrise
36:01Okay?
36:02On the afternoon of the sixth day
36:04The Lichen King's official decree went up across the territory
36:06The leak hadn't come from Case
36:08It had come from Prince Marcus and his allies
36:11The truth is finally revealed
36:16The Lichen King had not yet named his heir
36:18Both Prince Caden and Prince Marcus were in the running
36:20Case was Prince Caden's most powerful ally
36:22The Alpha who commanded the most powerful pack
36:24Taking Case down was the cleanest way to clear the path to the throne
36:27Prince Marcus had planted a spy inside the Blackwood Pack
36:30Used him to steal the border patrol routes
36:31Then framed Case for it
36:32So the injury had been faked
36:34All of it
36:35A deliberate trap to draw out the spy
36:36But why fake being unable to mate?
36:39I turned that over in my mind all night and couldn't land on an answer
36:41Dawn was just breaking when someone knocked at the door
36:43I didn't think
36:44I just ran
36:45I threw the door open and walked straight into Case's chest
36:47He went completely still
36:49Then his arms came around me
36:50Slow and deliberate
36:51And pulled me in hard
36:52I'd run out in nothing but a thin sleep shirt
36:54No warning
36:55Through the thin fabric I could feel everything
36:57The hard muscle of his chest
36:59His arms locked tight around me
37:01I pressed my hands against his chest and tried to step back
37:03Leah
37:03His voice dropped low
37:05I'm back
37:06Our eyes locked
37:07The heat between us was thick enough to touch
37:09Then he lifted me off the ground and carried me straight toward the bedroom
37:11I beat a fist against his chest
37:14Weren't we supposed to watch the sunrise?
37:17You first
37:18Sunrise after
37:20We fell onto the bed together
37:25Case pinned me beneath him
37:26One hand working the buttons of my sleep shirt open
37:29Eyes never leaving mine
37:30I covered his eyes with both hands
37:32Don't look
37:33It's embarrassing
37:34He took my hands down
37:35His breathing had gone ragged
37:37It's beautiful
37:39His eyes were bright and fixed
37:40My skin went hot everywhere he touched
37:42I pressed my palm flat against his chest
37:44Hard muscle, warm skin
37:46Healer said you couldn't get hard
37:48How is any of this possible?
37:49Lips dragging slowly along my jaw to my ear
37:51You wanna know if I can?
37:53There's one way to find out
37:54He kissed me
37:55One hand cupping my face
37:57Tilting it up toward him
37:58I kissed him back hard
37:59My hand slid up his chest
38:01Over his shoulders
38:02Gripping his arms
38:03He pressed me further into the mattress
38:05His weight settling over me
38:07The heat built fast and took over completely
38:09My hands went slack
38:11He caught them
38:12Laced his fingers through mine
38:13And pinned them above my head
38:15He loves me very much
38:17And completely occupies me
38:18My face gradually became rosy
38:20And we could only hear each other's heartbeats and breathing
38:24His lips dragged from my mouth to my jaw
38:26Down the side of my neck
38:27Slow and unhurried
38:29Then he stopped
38:30His canines pierced my mating gland
38:32A second of sharp, white-hot pain
38:34And then it was done
38:36I lay there, chest heaving
38:37Fingers still tangled in his
38:39On my neck, his mark ached
38:41Finally
38:42We weren't just mates on paper anymore
38:46After the estate lockdown was lifted
38:48Case took me to meet Prince Caden
38:49A slow smile spreading across his face
38:51So you're the woman who brought Case to his knees
38:53I've been wanting to meet you
38:55You flatter me, your highness
38:57Case helped the kingdom take down a real threat
38:58You stood by him through all of it
39:00I'll host an official Luna ceremony for you
39:02And when that day comes, I'll have a gift ready
39:04Thank you, your highness
39:06Don't blame Case, Leah
39:08Faking the injury was always part of the plan
39:13Too many enemies wanted him dead
39:14The only way to keep him safe
39:16Was to make them think he was already finished
39:18The part about not being able to get hard
39:20That was my idea
39:21I gave the pack doctor that order myself
39:25We grew up together
39:26I know exactly how he is
39:28Never any interest in women
39:29Never any weakness
39:31I figured it was time someone did something about that
39:33Suddenly I understood
39:34Just two old friends and one very elaborate prank
39:37The car accident
39:38That was Prince Marcus as well
39:40They intended it to look like an accident
39:42They didn't expect to hurt you in the process
39:44Luna, Leah
39:45It's been dealt with
39:46You and Case are safe now
39:52I took a slow breath
39:54Knowing it was over didn't make the memory of dangling off that cliff any less vivid
39:58We got back to the estate to find Chloe already inside, crying
40:00She walked an hour ago and hasn't stopped
40:03Martha is getting a headache from it
40:04I told Case to go to his study
40:06I'd handle it
40:08I sat down next to Chloe
40:09Face red, eyes swollen
40:11Word had already spread
40:12Brad had been identified as one of Prince Marcus' informants
40:15Chloe's father had been cleared
40:16But Chloe and Brad were finished
40:19Still crying?
40:20I'll have someone throw you out
40:22She stopped immediately
40:22Still shaking, but quiet
40:24I misjudged him
40:25I thought picking someone from a lower-ranked family meant he'd be easy to manage
40:30I didn't think he'd be like this
40:32I told you he wasn't a good person
40:34You didn't say it clearly enough
40:36I rolled my eyes
40:37I wasn't a powerless Omega anymore
40:39I didn't have to hold back
40:46Were you ever angry at me?
40:47For how I treated you back then?
40:50No
40:50I cursed you in my head
40:52But I don't hold grudges
40:54You cursed me?
40:55Do you want to punish me for it?
40:56Chloe laughed despite herself
40:58Then caught herself and pressed her lips together
40:59I'm sorry
41:00For the slap
41:01Did it hurt?
41:02I already forgot about it
41:03Then let me slap you back
41:04We'll be even
41:05She closed her eyes and braced herself
41:07I raised my hand and let it land soft against her cheek
41:11She opened her eyes
41:14I already gave that slap to Brad
41:16Chloe stared at me for a second
41:17Then she laughed
41:18Really laughed
41:19For the first time since she'd walked in
41:21Don't call me Chloe anymore
41:22Can we be friends?
41:23No
41:26I don't like friends who cry too much
41:28The light was still on when I passed Case's study
41:30I pushed the door open
41:32Before I could say a word
41:33An arm shot out from behind and wrapped around my waist
41:36Bold intruder
41:37His voice dropped low against my ear
41:38You think you can just walk into the Alpha's office?
41:40The Alpha's mate is right here
41:42And you still dare make a move?
41:44Case played it straight
41:45His lips found my neck
41:46Here?
41:48Really?
41:49Right here
41:50I kept saying no
41:51My hand said something else entirely
41:53Finding their way to his back
41:54He murmured against my ear
41:56You have no idea how many times I thought about this in this room
42:00I wanted to say something back
42:02But his hand was already moving
42:03And I couldn't get a single word out
42:04He carried me to the table and took off my clothes
42:07Then we had a good time
42:16When I woke up it was almost dawn
42:17Case was already awake
42:19Sitting up against the headboard
42:20Watching me
42:21His eyes were soft in a way that made it hard to look back
42:24Morning
42:24I sat up and rubbed my eyes
42:26Then I remembered
42:27The sunrise
42:28He'd promised
42:29The sunrise
42:33We still have time
42:34He was already up
42:35He picked up my clothes from beside the bed
42:37Handing them to me
42:38He dressed me slowly
42:39Straightening each layer with both hands
42:41Like he'd done it a thousand times before
42:43We walked out into the yard
42:44Cool air
42:45The smell of pine
42:46To the east
42:47The sky had just started to lighten at the edges
42:49Case stood behind me
42:50And wrapped both arms around me
42:51We watched the horizon together
42:53The sun came up slowly
42:55Gold light broke across the trees
42:56Spread across the yard
42:57And landed on us
42:58The clouds caught the color
43:00And held it
43:01Beautiful
43:01Close to my ear
43:04Beautiful
43:05He pulled me in tighter
43:06And said nothing else
43:07He didn't need to
43:10I'll watch every sunrise and sunset with you
43:12His voice was quiet against my hair
43:14Everyone
43:15For as long as we have
43:17I turned around and kissed him once
43:18Quick and light
43:20Deal
43:21The sun came up fully
43:22And the yard filled with light
43:23Our shadows stretched long
43:25Across the ground behind us
43:26Over the next few days
43:27The estate came back to life
43:29Servants moved through the halls
43:30With easy steps again
43:31Martha's health improved
43:32She called me in to talk every morning
43:34Always smiling when I walked through the door
43:36One afternoon I was trimming the plants in the yard
43:38When Sunny came running over
43:39Leah
43:40Chloe is here again
43:41She brought a lot of stuff with her
43:43I set down my shears
43:44Since the day she'd come in crying
43:46Chloe had been showing up regularly
43:47She said she was making up for lost time
43:49Really she just had nothing to do
43:51And nowhere to be
43:53Let her in
43:54I wiped my hands and went to meet her
43:59Chloe walked in with two attendants behind her
44:01Carrying food boxes
44:02She changed a lot
44:03Less restless
44:04She dressed simpler now
44:05And moved quieter
44:12I made your favorite
44:14Chestnut cake
44:15I asked the Royal Kitchen for the recipe this time
44:18Better than anything the Blackwood Kitchen has ever made
44:21I took a piece and bit into it
44:22Sweet
44:23Soft
44:24Better than I expected
44:27Good
44:28Thank you
44:28So where's Case?
44:30Not home?
44:31He went to the pack training ground
44:33Something came up
44:33Chloe nodded and reached for a piece herself
44:36For a while neither of us said anything
44:38Just the wind moving through the yard
44:39My father wants me to find a new mate
44:41I looked up
44:42Don't rush for it
44:44I know
44:47After Brad I don't know how to trust anyone
44:49She looked at me
44:50Something flickering in her eyes
44:53You have a good mate
44:55Case fights for you
44:56Protects you
44:57And he's the strongest alpha in the kingdom
44:59We just got lucky
45:00You can't force these things
45:01Chloe nodded
45:02And didn't say anything else
45:03Just ate her chestnut cake
45:05The yard went quiet
45:06Just wind moving through the leaves
45:08Then she said
45:10That slap
45:11Do you really not hold it against me?
45:14Really
45:15It's in the past
45:16No point bringing it up
45:18The truth was
45:19I'd already let it go a long time ago
45:20She wasn't a bad person
45:21Just spoiled
45:23Used to getting her way
45:24Chloe's eyes went red at the edges
45:25Thank you
45:27When I arranged the mating
45:28Part of it was because
45:29I was scared you and Brad
45:30Would find your way back to each other
45:32But part of it was genuine
45:34I really did think Case was a good man
45:36That he wouldn't treat you badly
45:37We looked at each other and smiled
45:39All the conflicts were solved
45:44I just didn't expect him to be faking the whole time
45:46Chloe laughed
45:48A little embarrassed
45:48It's in the past
45:51Isn't this better?
45:56It is
45:57She nodded
45:57Can we be friends?
45:58For real?
45:59I won't be like I was before
46:03Sure
46:04I nodded
46:04Something warm moved through my chest
46:07Letting go of old grudges
46:08And coming out the other side with a friend
46:09That wasn't a bad ending
46:10We sat in the yard for the rest of the afternoon
46:12Eating and talking
46:14Pack gossip
46:15Small things
46:16Nothing important
46:16The sun came through the leaves
46:18And the air was warm and easy
46:19When Case came back from the training grounds that evening
46:22And saw the two of us
46:23Surprise crossed his face
46:24What are you two happy about?
46:26Talking about you
46:27Chloe grinned
46:28About what a liar you are
46:30Faking the whole thing
46:31And fooling everyone
46:33Case walked over and sat down beside me
46:37He reached over and took my hand
46:39Eyes warm
46:40Tricking you into becoming my Luna
46:42That's the luckiest thing I've ever done
46:43My face went red
46:44I gave him a look
46:45Chloe burst out laughing
46:47Alright, I'm leaving you two alone
46:48Leah, I'll come by tomorrow
46:50Sure, take care
46:51I watched her go
46:52Case turned to me
46:54Are you a good friend now?
46:56Yes
46:57The past is the past
46:58No point holding on to it
47:00He squeezed my hand
47:01I'm glad you can think that way
47:03He knew how much I'd been through
47:04Watching me let it go and just be happy
47:06I could tell it meant something to him
47:08We sat side by side at the stone table
47:10And looked out at the sky
47:12Neither of us said much
47:13We didn't need to
47:14Days like this
47:16Quiet and unhurried
47:17Became the rhythm of our life
47:19Case stayed busy with the pack
47:21And with royal matters
47:23But he always made time
47:25Sunrises, sunsets
47:26He spoiled me until I didn't know what to do with it
47:29Martha was healthy and smiling every day
47:32The estate was calm and easy again
47:33The way it used to be
47:36True to his word
47:36Prince Caden petitioned the Lycan King on my behalf
47:39At my official Luna ceremony
47:41The Lycan King's decree was read aloud
47:42A formal commendation
47:44In front of the entire pack
47:46The estate was lit up and full of noise that day
47:49Case lifted the veil
47:50And placed it over my head himself
47:51His eyes proud and soft
47:53The most beautiful Luna
47:55Then he shifted
47:56Right there in front of everyone
47:58His wolf was massive
47:59Dark, broad-shouldered
48:01Still
48:01He lowered himself to the ground and waited
48:04I climbed onto his back
48:05He rose slowly
48:07Carrying me steady
48:08And lifted his head toward the moon
48:10The howl that came out of him
48:11Was long and deep
48:12And carried across the entire territory
48:15One by one
48:15The pack answered
48:17Howl after howl
48:18Rising into the night sky
48:20I thought about everything
48:21It had taken to get here
48:22A bastard Omega with no wolf
48:24No one to speak for her
48:26Only I knew how hard the road had been
48:27And all of it
48:29Every bit of the happiness
48:30On the other side of it
48:31Came from the man standing behind me
48:34After the ceremony
48:35Case took me south
48:36Open land
48:37Warm air
48:38Water catching the afternoon light
48:39Far from everything
48:41That had tried to take us down
48:42The rest of our lives
48:43Stretched out ahead of us
48:44Every year
48:45Every season
48:46Together
48:48After the ceremony
48:49Life settled into a new rhythm
48:51I stood beside Case
48:52At every pack meeting
48:53Every decision
48:54Every matter that came
48:55Through the estate gates
48:56His pack was my pack
48:58His people were my people
49:00But he always made time
49:01A weekend drive
49:03With no destination
49:04A trail through the forest
49:05At dawn
49:06Wherever he thought
49:07I'd want to see
49:07He took me there
49:08Without being asked
49:10The rest of our lives
49:11Stretched out ahead of us
49:12Every year
49:13Every season
49:14Together
49:14Together
49:15To be continued
49:15To be continued
49:15To be continued
49:16To be continued
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