- 12 minutes ago
La CompañEra Irresistible đEl Rey Afa PelíCula
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Brad. I was born with heavy breasts and lush curves. My half-sister Chloe was afraid her mate Brad would
00:06go 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.
00:19Three months later, I was begging for mercy every night. Funny. He seemed good at everything.
00:26Case Valerius. The Blackwood Pax Alpha. The Lycan King's most trusted war commander. He was carried back from the battlefield,
00:33soaked in blood. Someone suggested...
00:35A mate bond shares life force. If Alpha Case was bound to a living, healthy mate, her strength could flow
00:41into him and pull him back.
00:43Chloe rushed to play matchmaker and presented me to Martha before I could object. I had no way to refuse.
00:48If I wouldn't agree, she'd transfer me to serve 60-year-old Elder Kevin.
00:52I knew she resented my history with her mate. I dropped to my knees and swore to the moon goddess.
00:58I swear, Chloe, I had no feelings for Brad.
01:01Chloe jabbed a finger at my forehead, fury in her eyes.
01:04What good is a vow? Do you have any idea how distracting you are?
01:08I hunched my shoulders. Tears slid down my cheeks.
01:12Just look at that ample body and those charming curves. Her raving your body in front of every male in
01:19the clan.
01:21Who among them would not lose their minds at the smell of you?
01:25I wanted to tell her. To bind my chest, I'd wrapped myself layer after layer in the sweltering heat until
01:31I broke out in a rash.
01:32Her expression softened. She wiped my tears.
01:35It's not that I don't trust you. It's that I don't trust males.
01:39Do you know how powerful Alpha Case is? If my mother and Martha weren't old friends, you wouldn't even have
01:45this opportunity.
01:46Chloe, I 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.
01:59Leah, are you out of your mind? If I hadn't vouched for you, Martha wouldn't have given you a second
02:04glance.
02:05You wouldn't even be worthy of being Case's mate.
02:07The maid burst in breathless.
02:10Miss Chloe, word from the Valerius Estate. Alpha Case has woken up.
02:17Chloe dragged me straight to Valerius Estate, enormous.
02:20I followed her through the main hall to a set of heavy double doors, pulled half shut.
02:24Through the gap, I could make out a man's shape in the bed. Thin, motionless, chest rattling with shallow coughs
02:29every few minutes.
02:30Martha stood on our side, eyes red.
02:32Thank you for everything you've done for Case. I won't destroy a girl's future over it.
02:36Chloe's eyes moved, quick and calculating.
02:39This is Valerius. The bond should still be completed.
02:42Leah arrived the same day Case woke up.
02:44That's the moon goddess guiding us. Seal the bond properly.
02:47Her life force will keep pulling him back toward health.
02:50Before she could speak, the healer Ella stepped out, expression tight.
02:54Alpha Case has regained consciousness, but an arrow struck his inner thigh during battle.
03:01I'm afraid he will no longer be able to-
03:03Unable to do what?
03:04He will no longer be able to get hard.
03:07Martha's knees gave out.
03:08I caught her before she hit the floor.
03:10She looked up at me with hollowed eyes.
03:12Leah, knowing this, are you still willing?
03:16Yes, she's been looking forward to it.
03:18Chloe was already answering for me.
03:20Of course she is.
03:21She's just an Omega with no prospects.
03:24She should be grateful.
03:25I didn't speak right away.
03:27My mind went to my past.
03:29There was a young wolf in the poor quarter behind our estate.
03:32I first saw him through the fence gaps.
03:34Thin wrists, hollow cheeks, hunched over a cracked bowl with nothing in it.
03:38I started passing food through the gaps.
03:41Bread first.
03:42Then soup.
03:43Then whatever I had.
03:44Day after day.
03:45I watched him change.
03:47The hollows in his cheeks filled out.
03:49His shoulders broadened.
03:51He started training before dawn.
03:53Running laps around the back wall while I was still half asleep.
03:55He was going to enter the warrior trials.
03:58I knew it before he told me.
03:59When he passed, I went to find him that same night.
04:02I was happy.
04:02I remember it clearly.
04:04I was genuinely happy.
04:05I knocked on the gate.
04:06He didn't open it.
04:07His voice came.
04:08Leah.
04:08I'm betrothed now.
04:10It wouldn't be proper.
04:10Then a soft thud in the dirt at my feet.
04:12A pouch of silver.
04:13Consider my debt repaid.
04:14I stood there for a moment.
04:16Then I picked it up and walked away.
04:18That wolf became Chloe's mate.
04:19Brad.
04:21I acted like I'd never known him.
04:23Chloe found out anyway.
04:24I snapped back to reality.
04:26I gathered my skirts and knelt in front of Martha.
04:29My lady.
04:30I'm willing.
04:31I'll complete the bond.
04:33Care for Case.
04:34I'll serve you as long as you need me.
04:36Luna.
04:37Martha kept her word and prepared a dignified mating dress for me.
04:40Chloe deliberately chose a day when Brad was away on pack business to send me off.
04:44She walked me to the door, guilt on her face.
04:47Even though Case can't get hard, at least you'll be spared the pain of bearing pups.
04:53Don't worry.
04:54An 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.
05:02I told myself I was simply moving to a new household.
05:06Case was too weak to stand through the full mate blessing ritual.
05:09I completed the bond rites beside his ceremonial sword instead.
05:13Martha watched from the front, eyes wet the whole time.
05:16When it was done, I was alpha Case's mate.
05:19The mating chamber was quiet.
05:21I pushed the door open carefully.
05:24Case was already inside, half reclined against the headboard in a white bathrobe.
05:28He turned when he heard me.
05:29Up close, he was strikingly handsome.
05:32Sharp jaw, dark eyes, the kind of face that didn't need color in it to hold attention.
05:37I had no intention of taking a mate.
05:39He said with a low voice.
05:41If it doesn't trouble you, we can treat this as a sibling arrangement.
05:45He pointed to the chaise along the far wall.
05:48Tonight the bed is yours.
05:50I'll take that.
05:52Tomorrow you move to the guest quarters.
05:54Alright.
05:54I nodded.
05:55He had thought of everything.
05:57It wasn't what I'd expected.
05:59Before the ritual, one of the older maids had pulled me aside and pressed something into my hands.
06:03A small handbook, worn at the corners.
06:06She'd whispered with a strange look.
06:08There are other ways between mates.
06:11You might find it useful.
06:12I had no idea what she meant until I opened it.
06:15Heat pooled in my core just from looking at the pages.
06:19Is it too hot?
06:20Case was watching me from the bed, eyes direct, unblinking.
06:24The dress is heavy.
06:26I'm a little warm.
06:28Then wash up and rest.
06:30He pulled the blanket over himself and turned toward the wall.
06:32Within minutes, his breathing evened out.
06:35I 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.
06:45The thin fabric clung to every curve.
06:47Heavy breasts straining against the cloth.
06:50Slim waist giving way to the flare of my hips.
06:52I walked straight into Case's gaze.
06:54He wasn't asleep.
06:56His chest rose hard.
06:57The tips of his ears went red.
06:59His throat worked as he swallowed.
07:01I grabbed my outer robe and pressed it against my chest.
07:05Alpha, I thought you were asleep.
07:07A long pause.
07:09I could sleep later.
07:11My breath hitched.
07:12He rose slowly to his feet.
07:14His tall frame casting a shadow over me.
07:28The handbook's images came flooding in.
07:30My breathing shifted without me meaning it to.
07:33Somehow falling into the same rhythm as his.
07:35Then Case turned and walked to the door.
07:37The moment cool night air rushed in, I snapped back to my senses.
07:41He'd already disappeared into the darkness.
07:43I turned it over in my mind.
07:46When he'd looked at me just now, his eyes had flashed with something unmistakably like shock.
07:51Had my figure actually frightened him?
07:53Before I lay down, I made a firm decision.
07:56Tomorrow morning, I was binding my chest at least one full loop tighter.
08:00I was hovering somewhere between sleep and waking when Case slipped back in.
08:04The tips of his hair still beaded with water.
08:06He'd apparently gone to shower.
08:08By morning, he was already gone.
08:10Ivy came in to help me dress.
08:11From the corridor outside came the sound of a man.
08:15Once.
08:16Then again.
08:17Martha's headmaid's voice carried clearly through the door.
08:20Alpha Case?
08:21Why didn't you call someone to heat the water?
08:24It's already summer, but the nights are still cold.
08:26Of 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?
08:36I honestly don't know, miss.
08:38I dismissed her and locked the door.
08:40I wound a strip of cloth tight over my undergarments,
08:42then pulled on the most conservative dress I could find in the wardrobe.
08:46High neck, loose cut, heavy fabric.
08:49Then I went to living room.
08:51Case was already there when I arrived, seated beside Martha.
08:54She lit up the moment she saw me, her whole face warm with welcome.
08:59Until Case coughed, and the warmth vanished instantly.
09:03Cage, I have a few private words for Leah.
09:06Go rest for a while.
09:07Case rose and left without a word.
09:09Martha 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.
09:24There'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.
09:44I can't let you sacrifice the rest of your life on top of that.
09:47I've thought it through.
09:48If Case's time does come, I'll have him issue you a formal mate release.
09:52Your future stays protected.
09:54And I'll see to it that you receive property, and a place of your own.
09:57I reached up and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, chest tight with an ache I couldn't
10:02name.
10:03Mrs. Valerius, thank you for looking out for me.
10:06I'd come here thinking of myself as nothing more than a transferred Omega servant.
10:10I never imagined she would think this far ahead on my behalf.
10:13My thoughts drifted to the mother I had never known.
10:15If she had been alive, if I had grown up under a mother's protection.
10:19I never would have ended up in any of the situations I'd been through.
10:22Martha laughed through her tears.
10:24Look at me, I've gone and made you cry too.
10:27She squeezed my hands.
10:28Leah, there's no need to be so formal.
10:30Call me mom, just like Case does.
10:33She took a breath.
10:34So, I have a proposition for you.
10:36Chloe mentioned you know how to prepare medicinal soups.
10:39I'd like you to take over Case's daily meals and care.
10:42I just want him to live a little longer.
10:44That's my one selfish wish.
10:46By the end, her voice had gone rough.
10:48I nodded.
10:50I headed to the kitchen to gather ingredients.
10:53The last time I'd prepared medicinal soup was several years ago,
10:56back when Brad was not yet Chloe's mate.
10:58He'd lost both parents and lived alone in a run-down unit,
11:02skipping meals to save every cent for his warrior training.
11:05One day I found him collapsed at our back gate and brought him around.
11:09Out of sympathy, I dug through my mother's old healer journals
11:12and prepared medicinal meals for him every day to rebuild his strength.
11:16Only the two of us ever knew about it.
11:18From the looks of things, he was the one who told Chloe,
11:21just to get me driven out.
11:23The lengths he had gone to were truly something.
11:26I carried the steaming soup to the bedroom
11:28and found Case directing servants to pack up his belongings.
11:32Alpha, what's this about?
11:34Weren't we agreed that I was moving to the guest room?
11:36His sharply handsome face didn't shift so much as a fraction.
11:39I have fewer things.
11:41It makes more sense for me to move.
11:43At least eat first.
11:45I set the food on the table.
11:46He gave it a brief glance and sat down.
11:51You can leave this kind of thing to the maid from now on.
11:53It's no different coming from me.
11:56It is different.
11:58His voice remained flat and cool.
12:01Have Ivy bring it from now on.
12:04He finished the soup and a few quick swallows,
12:06said a few words to the servants and swept past me.
12:10In that moment, I confirmed one thing.
12:12Alpha 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.
12:23The pack healer says Case's condition has stabilized significantly.
12:26I can see the color coming back to his face.
12:29Leah, that's entirely because of you.
12:32Delighted, she pressed a gold bracelet into my hands.
12:35Back in my room, I tucked it into my jewelry box,
12:37which had been slowly filling with pieces Martha had gifted me since my arrival.
12:42Leah, you never wear any of thee of these.
12:45Isn't it a waste to just put them away?
12:46How is it a waste?
12:48Every one of these can be converted to cash.
12:51That's my security fund.
12:52But Lady Martha gave these to you personally.
12:55Are you really going to sell all of them?
12:56Not right now.
12:57But if the mate bond is ever severed,
12:59naturally I'd sell them and keep the money on hand.
13:02Ivy's expression shifted to pure bewilderment.
13:05As she turned away, she dropped her voice to a murmur.
13:09Alpha.
13:12Alpha?
13:12I spun around and met a pair of ink-dark eyes.
13:15Martha's eyesight must truly be failing her.
13:18Case looked worse than ever.
13:22Case's face was even paler than before.
13:24His gaze was sharp and cutting, fixed on me with cold precision.
13:28The look unsettled me completely, but I didn't dare let a single trace of it show.
13:34Alpha, is there something you need?
13:37A journal.
13:38We looked together.
13:39I checked the shelves, he checked the writing desk.
13:42Neither of us spoke.
13:43I spotted the journal pushed to the very back of the top shelf,
13:46behind a row of my mother's medical notes.
13:48I reached up on my toes.
13:50My fingertips just grazed the cover.
13:53Case's hand came over mine.
13:54Warm.
13:55Steady.
13:56He reached past me without effort and closed his hand around the journal.
14:00I turned my head.
14:01His face was right there, closer than I'd realized.
14:04He was looking down at me.
14:06Then, I lost my footing and pitched straight into him.
14:09My 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.
14:18His ear tips went red.
14:20His 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.
14:28Then green.
14:31I scrambled upright, face burning.
14:34Your journal.
14:35He took it without a word and walked out.
14:37Perfect.
14:38My standing in his eyes had just sunk even lower.
14:41After that day, I made every effort to avoid crossing paths with Case.
14:44He was injured and recovering.
14:46He needed to stay calm.
14:48But there was one more thing bothering me.
14:50Brad had been sending notes.
14:52Three times already.
14:53I hadn't opened a single one.
14:55Just dropped them in a box.
14:56Then, Ivy pressed one into my hand that morning.
14:58It's not just a note this time.
15:00He's here.
15:01Side entrance.
15:02Says he won't leave until you come out.
15:03I clenched my fist and walked out.
15:05I didn't notice the figure that followed from the far end of the courtyard.
15:08Brad was standing at the gate.
15:10Leah!
15:11You finally came!
15:13You should be calling me Mrs. Valerius.
15:15He paused.
15:16Dropped 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.
15:25I just wanted to tell you.
15:27I'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.
15:37Come with me.
15:38Anything's better than staying with a dying man.
15:41He reached for me.
15:42I stepped back.
15:44You want me as your mistress?
15:46Brad 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.
15:55He 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?
16:32His 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?
16:49Why 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 breasts 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.
17:19His 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.
18:37That 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.
18:55Been 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.
19:12Drifting 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.
20:00But 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.
21:06My gaze drifted to his slightly reddened lips.
21:09I swallowed once, and kissed him without hesitation.
21:13Case went rigid, his 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 Martha 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.
21:39Everything 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.
21:57Leah, 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?
22:18Ivy 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,
22:55Leah, 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. I won't let you be trapped here.
23:22Mom, no. It'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. The 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, unconscious.
23:41No one to hit the brakes.
23:43A cliff, straight ahead.
23:45Martha grabbed my arm.
23:47Leah, what do we do?
23:48We jump. Now.
23:50We'll be hurt.
23:51We'll die if we don't. Hold on to me.
23:53I wrapped myself around her and we threw ourselves clear the instant the wheels left solid ground.
23:57We 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. Don't look down.
24:12Hold 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.
25:27A 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.
25:44The 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?
26:01Martha 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.
26:18He 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, Leah, Leah, stay 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, you 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,
27:39like 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?
28:11You've been waiting for this since the day you arrived.
28:13You avoided me, stayed out of my way.
28:15You never wanted anything to do with me.
28:17You were counting down the days until I died so you could walk out cleanly.
28:21I'm just doing it early.
28:23Leah, go.
28:24After today, we're finished.
28:26Something sharp flooded my chest.
28:28My mouth opened and closed.
28:30It took a long time to get anything out.
28:34So that's what you think of me.
28:38Leave now.
28:39I 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.
29:00By morning, the pack's official announcement had gone up.
29:04The 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.
29:13By order of the Lycan King, royal 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.
29:34He rushed to get me out.
29:35That was why.
29:36That was the only reason.
29:38Ivy was pacing circles around the living room.
29:40She'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.
30:1930 minutes. No 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.
30:57I 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.
31:17Slow 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.
31:44Case.
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.
31:51A 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.
32:49I 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.
33:34The case 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.
33:56Healer 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 wanna 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.
34:25Laced 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.
34:46His canines pierced my mating gland.
34:48A second of sharp, white-hot pain.
34:50And then it was done.
34:52I lay there, chest heaving.
34:54Fingers 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, Case took me to meet Prince Kayden.
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.
36:07Luna, Leah.
36:07It'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.
36:40Chloe'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, but I don't hold grudges.
37:23You cursed me?
37:24Do you want to punish me for it?
37:26Chloe laughed despite herself, then caught herself and pressed her lips together.
37:29I'm sorry.
37:30For the slap.
37:31Did it hurt?
37:32I already forgot about it.
37:34Then 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.
38:10His 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.
38:21Here?
38:23Really?
38:24Right here.
38:25I kept saying no.
38:26My hands 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.
39:23We 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.
40:18She 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.
40:53She dressed simpler now, and moved quieter.
41:02I made your favorite.
41:04Chestnut 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.
41:19So where's Case?
41:21Not home?
41:22He went to the pack training ground.
41:24Something came up.
41:26Chloe 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.
41:50Protects you.
41:51And 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.
42:04Then 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.
42:47A 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.
43:04Sure.
43:04I nodded.
43:05Something warm moved through my chest.
43:07Letting 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.
43:14Eating 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 crossed 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.
43:54Leah, I'll come by tomorrow.
43:55Sure.
43:56Take care.
43:57I watched her go.
43:58Case turned to me.
43:59Are you a good friend now?
44:02Yes.
44:03The 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.
44:28Case 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.
44:43The 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, came from the man standing
45:48behind 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, every 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.
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