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