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BlockbusterBeat
  • 8 hours ago
Omg My Snow White Is A Man Englishsub
Transcript
00:00Beg me.
00:09Sorry, I...
00:10What's got you so focused? You forgot how to walk.
00:14Give it back. I... Give it back.
00:17Beg me.
00:24Get off me, nerd!
00:26Lucas!
00:31Don't laugh! Shut the hell up!
00:42I'm glad you won't get the chance to tell him.
00:45Die!
00:49Lucas, you're home. I made you your favorite, hot cocoa.
00:53Spare me the fake nice. I know what you're doing.
00:56You... You know?
00:57You're trying to win me over. But let me make this clear.
01:00You will never be the lady of this house.
01:06What the hell is that? Were you trying to poison me?
01:15Your father won't marry me because of you. If you're alive, I'll never inherit his fortune. So I have to
01:21get rid of you!
01:22If my dad finds out you tried to hurt me, he'll never marry a psycho like you!
01:27Too bad you won't get the chance to tell him.
01:30Die!
01:36Marcus! What are you doing here?
01:38I came down the chimney. Lucas, I need to explain why I mess with you.
01:56Let go of me!
01:58Let go of me!
02:08You have got to be kidding me!
02:10Good morning! Princess Snow White? Sleep well?
02:13I'm a guy! Do you see the stubble? The Adam's apple? The entire male anatomy package?
02:19Okay. Either I'm dead, or I blacked out at a renaissance fair.
02:23What are you? A flying paper cut?
02:25Ah! Our Prince Charming is finally awake!
02:28I am the guardian sprite of fairy tales.
02:30You awakened me, so I brought you into this storybook.
02:36Oh my god! I look like a rejected Disney extra.
02:40Why am I dressed like Prince Chanham's cousin who sells essential oils?
02:44How can I leave this ridiculous place?
02:48Your highness, the king commands you to depart at once to marry the Princess Snow White of the neighboring kingdom.
02:53Snow White?
02:54Absolutely not. I'm gay.
02:56I'm not about to drag some innocent girl into a straight marriage starter pack.
02:59That's emotional terrorism.
03:03You have got to be kidding me!
03:05Good morning! Princess Snow White? Sleep well?
03:08I'm a guy! Do you see the stubble? The Adam's apple? The entire male anatomy package?
03:12Hmm. Yeah. That's... not supposed to happen.
03:16Okay. Looks like we've got a role assignment error.
03:19Let me file a ticket with fairytale tech support.
03:23Oh great! So how long is the wait time? Three business entries?
03:26Why won't this thing come off? I want men's clothes, pants, a hoodie, literally anything with sleeves that aren't made
03:32in.
03:32Can't! Your character is Snow White. Snow White has a dress. It's... in the contract.
03:37I never signed anything!
03:38You did! You just didn't read the terms and conditions. Like everyone else.
03:43Look! You got unlimited dresses! Flash options daily! It's basically Princess Netflix!
03:48Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!
03:51No! No, no, no! Stop!
03:53All right. Ready to meet your Prince Charming? He'll be here soon, to marry you!
03:58What? I'm straight! I don't like men! Tell me how to get out of this nightmare!
04:02Easy.
04:03You just have to truly fall in love with Prince Charming.
04:05You're insane.
04:07Accept reality, your highness.
04:09This is the only way you can return to the real world.
04:12Fall in love with a man?
04:13I'd rather be trapped here forever.
04:16Princess Snow White, you inherited your father's heroic masculinity.
04:22Princess, the queen requests your presence.
04:26What is it?
04:29Oh, my God.
04:30Lucas, you're Snow White?
04:33This is amazing.
04:35The evil queen?
04:36Yeah, that tracks.
04:38You're dressed like a walking jewelry store.
04:40Afraid people might miss how greedy you are?
04:42Oh, my dear Lucas.
04:44In here, I'm the queen.
04:46I have everything.
04:48And honestly, I'm in love with this place.
04:51And you are the key back to reality.
04:54So if I want to stay here, I'll have to kill you.
04:57He actually let that little trash escape issue a kingdom-wide manhunt now.
05:04A princess with an atom's apple.
05:05Chest hair shouldn't be hard to spot.
05:09For the last time, I am not marrying Snow White.
05:11I only want Lucas.
05:12Your highness.
05:13Bad news.
05:14Snow White has gone missing.
05:16Missing?
05:17Perfect.
05:18This Snow White has a suspicious amount of testosterone.
05:21Wait.
05:22Snow White is Lucas?
05:25You're sure he's the coldest killer in the kingdom?
05:29Yes, your majesty.
05:31He's the infamous hunter nicknamed Mr. Alpha Male.
05:34I hate women.
05:36Especially women prettier than me.
05:38So Snow White, the most beautiful cannot be allowed to live.
05:44Leave your Snow White to me.
05:57Die, Snow White.
06:04Snow White is a man?
06:07A man and he's hot?
06:10Who the hell are you?
06:13I'm your secret lover.
06:17Snow White's taste is a felony.
06:19I get it.
06:20You're the queen's assassin.
06:21She sent you to kill me.
06:22She told me to eliminate you.
06:24She just forgot to mention you're a man.
06:26And exactly my type.
06:30I've changed my mind.
06:31A face like yours?
06:33I couldn't possibly pull the trigger.
06:36You don't come any closer.
06:38The entire palace is under the queen's control.
06:41She won't stop until you're dead.
06:43But I can protect you.
06:44Whether you come with me is your choice.
06:47You protect me?
06:49That's right.
06:50I'm the coldest killer alive.
06:52Mr. Alpha Male.
06:54I was born with heavy breasts and lush curves.
06:58My half-sister Chloe was afraid her mate Brad would go feral over me.
07:01So she sold me to an impotent Alpha.
07:05She patted my shoulder.
07:08Who knows?
07:09Maybe he's good at other things.
07:11Three months later, I was begging for mercy every night.
07:15Funny.
07:15He seemed good at everything.
07:19Case Valerius.
07:20The Blackwood Pax Alpha.
07:21The Lycan King's most trusted war commander.
07:23He was carried back from the battlefield soaked in blood.
07:25Someone suggested...
07:27A mate bond shares life force.
07:29If Alpha Case was bound to a living, healthy mate, her strength could flow into him and pull him back.
07:34Chloe rushed to play matchmaker and presented me to Martha before I could object.
07:37I had no way to refuse.
07:38If I wouldn't agree, she'd transfer me to serve 60-year-old Elder Kevin.
07:42I knew she resented my history with her mate.
07:44I dropped to my knees and swore to the Moon Goddess.
07:47I swear, Chloe.
07:49I had no feelings for Brad.
07:51Chloe jabbed a finger at my forehead, fury in her eyes.
07:53What good is a vow?
07:55Do you have any idea how distracting you are?
07:57I hunched my shoulders.
07:58Tears slid down my cheeks.
08:00Just look at that ample body and those charming curves.
08:03Her raving your body in front of every male in the clan.
08:08Who among them would not lose their minds at the smell of you?
08:12I wanted to tell her.
08:13To bind my chest, I'd wrapped myself layer after layer in the sweltering heat until I broke out in a
08:18rash.
08:18Her expression softened.
08:20She wiped my tears.
08:22It's not that I don't trust you.
08:23It's that I don't trust males.
08:25Do you know how powerful Alpha Case is?
08:27If my mother and Martha weren't old friends, you wouldn't even have this opportunity.
08:31Chloe, I don't want to be anyone's offering.
08:34I'd rather scrub kitchen floors.
08:37Just don't make me...
08:39Two sharp slaps landed across my face.
08:42My cheek burned.
08:43Leah, are you out of your mind?
08:45If I hadn't vouched for you, Martha wouldn't have given you a second glance.
08:48You wouldn't even be worthy of being Case's mate.
08:51The maid burst in breathless.
08:53Miss Chloe, word from the Valerius Estate.
08:55Alpha Case has woken up.
08:59Chloe dragged me straight to Valerius Estate, enormous.
09:02I followed her through the main hall to a set of heavy double doors, pulled half shut.
09:05Through the gap, I could make out a man's shape in the bed.
09:08Thin, motionless, chest rattling with shallow coughs every few minutes.
09:11Martha stood on our side, eyes red.
09:13Thank you for everything you've done for Case.
09:15I won't destroy a girl's future over it.
09:17Chloe's eyes moved, quick and calculating.
09:19This is Valerius.
09:20The bond should still be completed.
09:22Leah arrived the same day Case woke up.
09:24That's the moon goddess guiding us.
09:25Seal the bond properly.
09:27Her life force will keep pulling him back toward health.
09:30Before she could speak, the healer Ella stepped out, expression tight.
09:33Alpha Case has regained consciousness, but an arrow struck his inner thigh during battle.
09:39I'm afraid he will no longer be able to-
09:41Unable to do what?
09:43He will no longer be able to get hard.
09:45Martha's knees gave out.
09:46I caught her before she hit the floor.
09:48She looked up at me with hollowed eyes.
09:50Leah, knowing this, are you still willing?
09:53Yes, she's been looking forward to it.
09:55Chloe was already answering for me.
09:56Of course she is.
09:58She's just an omega with no prospects.
10:00She should be grateful.
10:01I didn't speak right away.
10:03My mind went to my past.
10:05There was a young wolf in the poor quarter behind our estate.
10:07I first saw him through the fence gaps.
10:09Thin wrists, hollow cheeks, hunched over a cracked bowl with nothing in it.
10:14I started passing food through the gaps.
10:15Bread first, then soup, then whatever I had.
10:19Day after day, I watched him change.
10:21The hollows in his cheeks filled out.
10:23His shoulders broadened.
10:24He started training before dawn, running laps around the back wall while I was still half
10:28asleep.
10:29He was going to enter the warrior trials.
10:31I knew it before he told me.
10:32When he passed, I went to find him that same night.
10:34I was happy.
10:35I remember it clearly.
10:36I was genuinely happy.
10:38I knocked on the gate.
10:39He didn't open it.
10:39His voice came.
10:40Leah, I'm betrothed now.
10:42It wouldn't be proper.
10:42Then a soft thud in the dirt at my feet.
10:44A pouch of silver.
10:45Consider my debt repaid.
10:46I stood there for a moment.
10:47Then I picked it up and walked away.
10:49That wolf became Chloe's mate.
10:51Brad.
10:52I acted like I'd never known him.
10:54Chloe found out anyway.
10:55I snapped back to reality.
10:57I gathered my skirts and knelt in front of Martha.
10:59My lady, I'm willing.
11:01I'll complete the bond, care for Case, and serve you as long as you need me.
11:06Luna.
11:07Martha kept her word and prepared a dignified mating dress for me.
11:10Chloe deliberately chose a day when Brad was away on pack business to send me off.
11:13She walked me to the door, guilt on her face.
11:15Even though Case can't get hard, at least you'll be spared the pain of bearing pups.
11:21Don't worry.
11:22An alpha who can't perform in that area is probably exceptional in every other.
11:26Honestly, none of what Chloe said had even crossed my mind.
11:29I told myself I was simply moving into a new household.
11:33Case was too weak to stand through the full mate blessing ritual.
11:35I completed the bond rites beside his ceremonial sword instead.
11:39Martha watched from the front, eyes wet the whole time.
11:42When it was done, I was Alpha Case's mate.
11:45The mating chamber was quiet.
11:47I pushed the door open carefully.
11:49Case was already inside, half reclined against the headboard in a white bathrobe.
11:53He turned when he heard me.
11:54Up close, he was strikingly handsome.
11:57Sharp jaw, dark eyes, the kind of face that didn't need color in it to hold attention.
12:01I had no intention of taking a mate.
12:03He said with a low voice.
12:05If it doesn't trouble you, we can treat this as a sibling arrangement.
12:08He pointed to the chaise along the far wall.
12:11Tonight the bed is yours.
12:13I'll take that.
12:15Tomorrow you move to the guest quarters.
12:16All right.
12:17I nodded.
12:18He had thought of everything.
12:19It wasn't what I'd expected.
12:21Before the ritual, one of the older maids had pulled me aside and pressed something into my hands.
12:25A small handbook, worn at the corners.
12:28She'd whispered with a strange look.
12:29There are other ways between mates.
12:32You might find it useful.
12:33I had no idea what she meant until I opened it.
12:36Heat pooled in my core just from looking at the pages.
12:39Is it too hot?
12:40Case was watching me from the bed.
12:42Eyes direct.
12:43Unblinking.
12:44The dress is heavy.
12:46I'm a little warm.
12:48Then wash up and rest.
12:49He pulled the blanket over himself and turned toward the wall.
12:52Within minutes, his breathing evened out.
12:54I set the handbook down on the vanity and took down my hair.
12:57Then the layered robes, piece by piece, until I was standing in nothing but my nightgown.
13:01I turned to the mirror.
13:03The thin fabric clung to every curve.
13:05Heavy breasts straining against the cloth.
13:07Slim waist giving way to the flare of my hips.
13:09I walked straight into Case's gaze.
13:11He wasn't asleep.
13:13His chest rose hard.
13:14The tips of his ears went red.
13:16His throat worked as he swallowed.
13:18I grabbed my outer robe and pressed it against my chest.
13:21Alpha, I thought you were asleep.
13:23A long pause.
13:24I can sleep later.
13:26My breath hitched.
13:28He rose slowly to his feet.
13:30His tall frame casting a shadow over me.
13:42The handbook's images came flooding in.
13:44My breathing shifted without me meaning it to.
13:46Somehow falling into the same rhythm as his.
13:49Then Case turned and walked to the door.
13:51The moment cool night air rushed in, I snapped back to my senses.
13:54He'd already disappeared into the darkness.
13:56I turned it over in my mind.
13:58When he'd looked at me just now, his eyes had flashed with something unmistakably like shock.
14:03Had my figure actually frightened him?
14:05Before I lay down, I made a firm decision.
14:07Tomorrow morning, I was binding my chest at least one full loop tighter.
14:11I was hovering somewhere between sleep and waking when Case slipped back in.
14:15The tips of his hair still beaded with water.
14:17He'd apparently gone to shower.
14:18By morning, he was already gone.
14:20Ivy came in to help me dress.
14:22From the corridor outside came the sound of a man.
14:24Once.
14:25Then again.
14:27Martha's headmaid's voice carried clearly through the door.
14:30Alpha Case?
14:30Why didn't you call someone to heat the water?
14:33It's already summer, but the nights are still cold.
14:35Of course you've caught a chill.
14:37I'll go brew tea right now.
14:39I glanced at Ivy.
14:41Does the alpha usually take cold showers?
14:44I honestly don't know, miss.
14:45I dismissed her and locked the door.
14:47I wound a strip of cloth tight over my undergarments, then pulled on the most conservative dress I could find
14:52in the wardrobe.
14:53High neck, loose cut, heavy fabric.
14:56Then I went to living room.
14:58Case was already there when I arrived, seated beside Martha.
15:01She lit up the moment she saw me, her whole face warm with welcome.
15:05Until Case coughed, and the warmth vanished instantly.
15:08Case, I have a few private words for Leah.
15:11Go rest for a while.
15:12Case rose and left without a word.
15:14Martha waved me over and took both my hands in hers, eyes glistening.
15:19Sweet girl, our Case is lucky to have you.
15:24The pack healer says the injury drained his life force.
15:27There's no telling how long he has left.
15:30Some of the elders suggested I find a child for him to adopt, to carry on the bloodline.
15:36But if I did that, wouldn't I be stealing your whole future from you?
15:42I'm already grateful you came into this family to save Case.
15:46I can't let you sacrifice the rest of your life on top of that.
15:49I've thought it through.
15:50If Case's time does come, I'll have him issue you a formal mate release.
15:53Your future stays protected.
15:54And I'll see to it that you receive property, and a place of your own.
15:58I reached up and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, chest tight with an ache I couldn't
16:02name.
16:03Mrs. Valerius, thank you for looking out for me.
16:06I'd come here thinking of myself as nothing more than a transferred Omega servant.
16:09I never imagined she would think this far ahead on my behalf.
16:12My thoughts drifted to the mother I had never known.
16:14If she had been alive, if I had grown up under a mother's protection.
16:17I never would have ended up in any of the situations I'd been through.
16:20Martha laughed through her tears.
16:22Look at me, I've gone and made you cry too.
16:24She squeezed my hands.
16:26Leah, there's no need to be so formal.
16:28Call me mom, just like Case does.
16:30She took a breath.
16:31So, I have a proposition for you.
16:33Chloe mentioned you know how to prepare medicinal soups.
16:36I'd like you to take over Case's daily meals and care.
16:39I just want him to live a little longer.
16:40That's my one selfish wish.
16:42By the end, her voice had gone rough.
16:44I nodded.
16:46I headed to the kitchen to gather ingredients.
16:48The last time I'd prepared medicinal soup was several years ago, back when Brad was not yet Chloe's mate.
16:53He'd lost both parents and lived alone in a run-down unit, skipping meals to save every cent for his
16:58warrior training.
17:00One day, I found him collapsed at our back gate and brought him around.
17:03Out of sympathy, I dug through my mother's old healer journals and prepared medicinal meals for him every day to
17:08rebuild his strength.
17:09Only the two of us ever knew about it.
17:11From the looks of things, he was the one who told Chloe, just to get me driven out.
17:16The lengths he had gone to were truly something.
17:18I carried the steaming soup to the bedroom and found Case directing servants to pack up his belongings.
17:24Alpha, what's this about?
17:26Weren't we agreed that I was moving to the guest room?
17:28His sharply handsome face didn't shift so much as a fraction.
17:31I have fewer things.
17:32It makes more sense for me to move.
17:34At least eat first.
17:35I set the food on the table.
17:37He gave it a brief glance and sat down.
17:41You can leave this kind of thing to the maid from now on.
17:43It's no different coming from me.
17:46It is different.
17:48His voice remained flat and cool.
17:50Have Ivy bring it from now on.
17:53He finished the soup in a few quick swallows, said a few words to the servants, and swept past me.
17:58In that moment, I confirmed one thing.
18:01Alpha Case couldn't stand the sight of me.
18:03I followed his instructions and had Ivy deliver his daily healing meals to the study from then on.
18:08Martha couldn't stop singing my praises.
18:10The pack healer says Case's condition has stabilized significantly.
18:13I can see the color coming back to his face.
18:16Leah, that's entirely because of you.
18:18Delighted, she pressed a gold bracelet into my hands.
18:21Back in my room, I tucked it into my jewelry box, which had been slowly filling with pieces Martha had
18:26gifted me since my arrival.
18:28Leah, you never wear any of these.
18:30Isn't it a waste to just put them away?
18:32How is it a waste?
18:33Every one of these can be converted to cash.
18:35That's my security fund.
18:37But Lady Martha gave these to you personally.
18:39Are you really going to sell all of them?
18:40Not right now, but if the mate bond is ever severed, naturally I'd sell them and keep the money on
18:45hand.
18:46Ivy's expression shifted to pure bewilderment.
18:48As she turned away, she dropped her voice to a murmur.
18:52Alpha?
18:54Alpha?
18:55I spun around and met a pair of ink-dark eyes.
18:58Martha's eyesight must truly be failing her.
19:00Case looked worse than ever.
19:04Case's face was even paler than before.
19:06His gaze was sharp and cutting, fixed on me with cold precision.
19:10The look unsettled me completely, but I didn't dare let a single trace of it show.
19:15Alpha, is there something you need?
19:18A journal.
19:18We looked together.
19:19I checked the shelves, he checked the writing desk.
19:22Neither of us spoke.
19:23I spotted the journal pushed to the very back of the top shelf, behind a row of my mother's medical
19:27notes.
19:28I reached up on my toes.
19:30My fingertips just grazed the cover.
19:32Case's hand came over mine.
19:33Warm.
19:34Steady.
19:35He reached past me without effort and closed his hand around the journal.
19:38I turned my head.
19:40His face was right there, closer than I'd realized.
19:42He was looking down at me.
19:44Then, I lost my footing and pitched straight into him.
19:47My heavy breasts hit his chest first.
19:49My waist went straight into his palm, his hand catching me before he could react.
19:54Case didn't step back.
19:55His eartips went red.
19:56His throat worked as he swallowed.
19:58When he exhaled, the breath came out uneven against the top of my head.
20:02His eyes flashed gold for a second.
20:04Then, green.
20:07I scrambled upright, face burning.
20:10Your journal.
20:11He took it without a word and walked out.
20:12Perfect.
20:13My standing in his eyes had just sunk even lower.
20:16After that day, I made every effort to avoid crossing paths with Case.
20:19He was injured and recovering.
20:20He needed to stay calm.
20:22But there was one more thing bothering me.
20:24Brad had been sending notes.
20:25Three times already.
20:27I hadn't opened a single one.
20:28Just dropped them in a box.
20:29Then, Ivy pressed one into my hand that morning.
20:31It's not just a note this time.
20:33He's here.
20:34Side entrance.
20:35Says he won't leave until you come out.
20:36I clenched my fist and walked out.
20:37I didn't notice the figure that followed from the far end of the courtyard.
20:40Brad was standing at the gate.
20:42Leah, you finally came.
20:44You should be calling me Mrs. Valerius.
20:46He paused.
20:48Dropped his voice.
20:49Mrs. Valerius.
20:50Do you have any idea how many times you've put me in an impossible position with these meetings?
20:54I know.
20:56I just wanted to tell you.
20:58I'll be securing more power in the pack.
21:02Soon I won't need Chloe's father backing me anymore.
21:04He stepped closer.
21:05I'll buy a house, Leah.
21:07Come with me.
21:08Anything's better than staying with a dying man.
21:10He reached for me.
21:11I stepped back.
21:13You want me as your mistress?
21:15Brad nodded, completely serious.
21:17I laughed.
21:18Why would I give up being the Alpha's mate to be your mistress?
21:21The whole pack knows Case is dying.
21:23He won't last.
21:25And he can't even stand up anymore.
21:27His eyes dropped deliberately to my chest.
21:29Isn't that a waste?
21:32Disgust surged through me.
21:33Brad, I will never be anyone's mistress.
21:37Case fought on the front lines for this pack.
21:39Those injuries are his honor.
21:42You've benefited from every battle he won, and you're standing here calling him less of a man.
21:47You're the one who's less.
21:49Come near me again, and every note you've sent goes straight to Chloe.
21:53How do you think that ends for you?
21:56His face went white.
21:57I swung the gate shut.
22:01I turned around and came face to face with Case.
22:03White t-shirt, standing less than half a foot away.
22:05His full height bearing down on me.
22:06Alpha, I managed.
22:08A faint edge flickered across his expression.
22:10Wasn't it my mate just a moment ago?
22:12Why so formal all of a sudden?
22:14I looked down and started walking.
22:17Please don't misunderstand.
22:18As long as I'm in this estate, I honor this bond.
22:20Completely.
22:21Fast.
22:22It's getting late.
22:23I should go make your evening meal.
22:24I moved to step past him.
22:25His hand closed around my arm.
22:27I lost my footing and pitched straight into him.
22:29My heavy breasts against his chest.
22:30My waist caught in his grip.
22:32I looked up.
22:33His face was inches from mine.
22:35His eyes were deep and unreadable.
22:37One tilt forward and our lips would have touched.
22:39His breath hit my face.
22:41Warm.
22:42My breath hitched.
22:44Heat pooled low in my core.
22:46Case swallowed hard.
22:47As long as I remain in this estate.
22:50Each word slow.
22:51Deliberate.
22:52You counting down the days until you can leave?
22:54I couldn't exactly tell him I'll leave the day you die.
22:57No.
22:58Nothing like that.
22:59I shifted in his grip.
23:00Alpha, you're hurting my arm.
23:02Did you mean every word you said just now?
23:04I blinked and asked which part.
23:06He let out a quiet breath and released me.
23:08I bolted.
23:10And I noticed, for the first time, his face had actual color in it.
23:14His cheeks were just as red as mine.
23:17That night I had a strange dream.
23:19Case's lips grazed slowly along my cheek.
23:21His fingers hooked into the strap of my slip, voice dropping to a low murmur.
23:25Does my Luna want this?
23:28I nodded like someone completely under a spell.
23:30Then a fierce, consuming kiss caught my lips and wouldn't let go.
23:33I jolted awake in a tangle of sheets, heart still hammering.
23:37Breathless.
23:39Ivy knocked and came in.
23:41I asked her to bring a basin of cold water.
23:43She stared at my sweat damp hair and murmured,
23:45It really is getting hotter.
23:47I splashed cold water onto my face.
23:49And then it hit me.
23:50That first night.
23:51Case.
23:52Cold shower.
23:53Surely he hadn't also been...
23:55No.
23:56Impossible.
23:57He was injured and recovering.
23:59He was supposed to be keeping himself calm.
24:00At midday, Martha's attendant arrived.
24:02Martha would like dinner in the garden tonight.
24:05She asks that you be sure to come.
24:07I've been making excuses to avoid the main dining hall for days, just to steer clear of Case.
24:11But Martha had gone out of her way to personally extend the invitation.
24:14I couldn't say no.
24:14I stepped into the garden.
24:16A sprawling rose of Sharon was in full bloom.
24:18A gust of wind shook loose a handful of deep crimson petals, drifting down onto the stone table, covered with
24:24every dish I loved most.
24:26Martha smiled and gestured for me to sit.
24:27Case mentioned it's your birthday today.
24:29He's the one who asked the kitchen to prepare all of this.
24:33I looked up and met a pair of burning, intent eyes.
24:37Heat rushed straight to my face.
24:39Case lit a plate of chestnut cake in front of me without changing his expression.
24:43How did you know today was my birthday?
24:45I'd completely forgotten it myself.
24:47My birth mother died bringing me into the world.
24:49No one had ever once marked the day for me.
24:52Case kept his eyes lowered and said evenly,
24:55It's not difficult to know it.
24:57Something in my chest gave one quiet, inexplicable pull.
25:00Leah, this peach blossom wine is from my private reserve.
25:04I'm opening it just for you.
25:06But you two had better not drink too much.
25:08She pushed back her chair, said the summer evening breeze was too much for her old bones, and left.
25:13The garden went quiet.
25:14To avoid the silence, I put my head down and drank.
25:17One cup, then another, then another.
25:20The wine was sweet and dangerously potent.
25:22Before long, the edges of everything had gone soft and blurry.
25:26Case watched me but said nothing.
25:27By the third glass, I'd stopped feeling the awkward silence.
25:31By the fourth, I'd stopped feeling much of anything.
25:34I reached across the table toward the last piece of chestnut cake.
25:37The dish was empty.
25:38I looked up.
25:39Where's the last piece?
25:41I ate it.
25:42I have absolutely no idea where the boldness came from.
25:45I leaned straight toward his face.
25:49Who told you to eat that?
25:51Spit it back out.
25:52I pressed against his chest, trying to peer into his mouth.
25:54Case looked down at me, perfectly calm.
25:57You won't find it that way.
25:58I straightened up and stared at him.
26:00Then how am I supposed to find it?
26:02A faint flush crept across his cheeks.
26:05Try using your mouse.
26:06My gaze drifted to his slightly reddened lips.
26:09I swallowed once, and kissed him without hesitation.
26:12Case went rigid, his breathing lurching unsteady.
26:15Then control shifted.
26:16His hand cupped the back of my head, and he pressed in deeper.
26:19Harder.
26:20Neither of us pulled away until footsteps sounded from behind the flower bed.
26:25Alpha, the night air is cool.
26:27Lady Martin asked me to bring you both a wrap.
26:30I had no idea how much Ivy'd seen.
26:32I shot to my feet, and the next instant the world tilted.
26:35Everything went dark.
26:38When I woke up with a splitting headache, it was already morning.
26:42I suddenly remembered.
26:44I'd promised Martha to visit Case's father's grave.
26:47It was late.
26:48I started rushing around for my things.
26:52Leah, don't worry.
26:53The driver is still getting the car ready.
26:55Ivy, was it you who brought me back last night?
26:58No.
27:00The Alpha carried you back.
27:02I spun around to check her face.
27:04She nodded, completely serious.
27:08I didn't say anything stupid, did I?
27:11Ivy bid back a smile.
27:13The Alpha set you down on the bed, and you grabbed his sleeve and wouldn't let go.
27:18You kept calling him my mate, over and over, until his whole face went red.
27:23Ivy, don't you dare make things up.
27:26She covered her mouth, laughing, and ran out.
27:29I met Martha at the front entrance.
27:32Case's father's grave was on a hillside just beyond the pack territory.
27:36I sat in the back of the car, completely distracted, replaying the moment I'd kissed Case last night.
27:42Martha must have misread my expression because she said,
27:45Leah, is there someone you have feelings for?
27:51I've noticed you've been avoiding Case these past few days.
27:55Please don't be upset with me for pushing you two together at dinner last night.
28:00I thought if the two of you couldn't be mates, you could at least be friends.
28:03But if you're uncomfortable, or if you want to leave, just say.
28:07I'll have him sever the bond.
28:08I won't let you be trapped here.
28:10Mom, no.
28:11It's not that.
28:12I was thinking about something else.
28:14What is it?
28:15I was still figuring out how to answer when the car lurched.
28:17The engine screamed.
28:18The car swung hard.
28:19Tires off the road, crashing through brush, the whole frame shaking.
28:22I grabbed Martha and looked at the driver.
28:25Slumped over the wheel.
28:26Unconscious.
28:27No one to hit the brakes.
28:28A cliff, straight ahead.
28:30Martha grabbed my arm.
28:31Leah, what do we do?
28:33We jump.
28:34Now.
28:35We'll be hurt.
28:36We'll die if we don't.
28:37Hold on to me.
28:38I wrapped myself around her and we threw ourselves clear the instant the wheels left solid ground.
28:41We hit the cliff edge and went over.
28:43My hand shot out and caught a root jutting from the rock face.
28:46My other hand locked around Martha's wrist.
28:49Below her was a straight drop into nothing.
28:53Mom, don't look down.
28:54Don't look down.
28:55Hold on to me.
28:56Ivy and the others are right behind us.
28:58Behind us in the second car.
29:00They'll be here soon.
29:02The root ground under our weight.
29:04Martha's voice broke.
29:07Leah, let me go.
29:09We're too heavy.
29:11It's going to snap.
29:14I'm old.
29:16I've lived my life.
29:18You have to keep living yours.
29:20My chest tightened so hard I could barely breathe.
29:24I couldn't let go.
29:25She'd been a mother to me from the first day.
29:29Mom, I would rather die with you than watch you fall.
29:33Hold on.
29:37They're coming.
29:39The truth was, I had no idea.
29:41My arms were going numb.
29:43The pain had gone so deep it had stopped feeling like pain at all.
29:47Then I heard it.
29:49A wolf's howl split the air.
29:52Deafening and close.
29:55Leah, don't move.
29:57I'm coming down.
29:58Case's voice.
29:59He'd called me by my name.
30:01The first time.
30:03A strong arm came under me.
30:06He'd climbed down the cliff face.
30:08Wolf claws dug into the rock.
30:11He untied the rope from his own body and looped it around my waist.
30:15Then climbed down further and did the same for Martha.
30:17The people above pulled together.
30:21We came up one at a time.
30:24It wasn't a hallucination.
30:26Case had saved us.
30:28He held me, brow creased.
30:32Why is there so much blood?
30:34Martha clutched her face.
30:37She shielded me when we jumped.
30:39I didn't get a scratch.
30:41It's all hers.
30:43My eyelids felt like lead.
30:46Leah.
30:47Don't sleep.
30:48I'm taking you to Ella.
30:50He lifted me into the car and I stayed curled against his chest.
30:54His forehead was damp with sweat.
30:56He kept one hand on the wheel and kept talking.
30:59Leah.
30:59Leah.
31:00Leah.
31:01Stay awake.
31:02I'll get you chestnut cake.
31:04I'll give you all the jewelry you want to sell.
31:06You don't have to wait for me to die.
31:07I'll write the bond release today.
31:09You can leave whenever you want.
31:10My chest kept clenching.
31:12Something wet hit my face.
31:14I looked up at the sky through the windshield.
31:17It wasn't raining.
31:20Then everything went black.
31:21When I opened my eyes, every part of my body felt like it had been taken apart and put back
31:25wrong.
31:26My Luna.
31:27The pack healer said you can't move yet.
31:28Ivy pressed a bowl of medicine to my lips, spooning it in slowly.
31:32You're lucky nothing's broken.
31:33Her voice was steady, but her eyes were red.
31:35The scrapes were bad.
31:36You need to stay flat or they'll scar.
31:39Your shoulder was dislocated too.
31:40She kept talking.
31:41My eyes had already drifted to the door.
31:43After I finished the medicine, I asked.
31:46Where's Case?
31:47Investigating.
31:48Someone poisoned the driver with wolf bite and cut the brake lines.
31:50It was deliberate.
31:51Who would be bold enough to target the Alpha's family directly?
31:54I was flat on my back for a full month.
31:56I didn't see Case once.
31:57Martha kept her door shut too, still recovering from the shock.
32:00Everyone in the estate moved with tight faces and clipped voices, like something was being held just below the surface.
32:06I asked Ivy.
32:07She said nothing was wrong.
32:08Today, I was finally cleared to get out of bed.
32:10I opened my door and walked straight into a familiar figure.
32:13Case.
32:14Dark tactical shirt.
32:15Sharper than I remembered.
32:16He held out a small wooden box.
32:18I took it and lifted the lid.
32:20A land deed.
32:21A property contract.
32:22A severance letter.
32:24My body went rigid.
32:25Something locked around my chest and wouldn't let go.
32:27Case!
32:28Are you throwing me out?
32:32You've been waiting for this since the day you arrived.
32:34You avoided me, stayed out of my way.
32:36You never wanted anything to do with me.
32:37You were counting down the days until I died so you could walk out cleanly.
32:41I'm just doing it early.
32:43Leah, go.
32:44After today, we're finished.
32:45Something sharp flooded my chest.
32:48My mouth opened and closed.
32:49It took a long time to get anything out.
32:53So that's what you think of me.
32:56Leave now.
32:57I don't want to see you anymore.
32:59Case disappeared around the corner of the yard.
33:01Estate guards all but pushed me out the door.
33:03Ivy fell in to step beside me and the alpha said you're used to having me around.
33:07He told me to go with you.
33:10I couldn't speak.
33:14We moved into a small house on the edge of the territory.
33:17By morning, the pack's official announcement had gone up.
33:20The announcement said Case had betrayed the pack.
33:24The announcement said he had betrayed the pack.
33:26That he had leaked the Border Patrol routes to a rogue faction.
33:29By order of the Lycan King, royal enforcers had been dispatched to seize him, pending investigation.
33:36Case was being held in the dungeons under royal guard.
33:38The estate was locked down.
33:41Everyone inside was under scrutiny.
33:43Case would never betray his pack.
33:45He would die before he did something like that.
33:47He rushed to get me out.
33:48That was why.
33:49That was the only reason.
33:51Ivy was pacing circles around the living room.
33:54She'd grown up inside the estate.
33:55She couldn't stand still.
33:57Is there anything we can do?
33:59I made myself sit down and think.
34:01Years ago, Elder Reed's youngest child had gotten lost in the forest and been bitten by a snake.
34:06I'd found him and used the right herbs to treat the wound.
34:09Elder Reed had arrived while I was still crouched over the boy.
34:12He'd seen my face.
34:14I was sure he hadn't forgotten.
34:16I tracked him down outside the council building and stepped into the pack.
34:19Elder Reed.
34:20You remember me.
34:21I need a favor.
34:22He looked at me for a long moment.
34:24Then he nodded.
34:27Elder Reed led me into the dungeon.
34:2930 minutes.
34:29No more.
34:30The door on the side.
34:31Case stood up.
34:32His eyes flashed with surprise.
34:33How did you get in?
34:35My chest ached as I looked at him through the blur of tears.
34:37That's why you kicked me out, isn't it?
34:39You were framed.
34:41Think carefully.
34:42Is there any evidence to prove your innocence?
34:44I will find it.
34:45I will investigate.
34:46I swear I will rescue you.
34:48Case's gaze deepened.
34:49Then his arm shot out and pulled me into his chest.
34:51Leah.
34:52My heart hammered.
34:54But time was running out.
34:55This wasn't the moment.
34:56I pushed against him.
34:57He didn't budge.
34:58Leah, you don't need to do anything.
35:00I can't say much.
35:02I promise.
35:04Seven days later, I will accompany you to watch the sunrise.
35:07Okay?
35:08His eyes were steady.
35:09Certain.
35:10Like he was coaxing a frightened pup.
35:13I walked out of the dungeon and straight into Brad.
35:20He stepped into my path.
35:22Slow smile spreading across the face.
35:23It's not too late to reconsider.
35:25Being my mistress beats being alone and disgraced.
35:29I swung my hand and slapped him across the face.
35:31He lunged for me.
35:32I stepped sideways and put distance between us.
35:34Try that again and every note you sent me ends up in front of Chloe's father.
35:37Every single one.
35:38You've been whispering in her ear for years, haven't you?
35:40Trying to get me pushed out, thinking I'd have nowhere to go and no choice but to run
35:43to you.
35:44But you never counted on Chloe handing me straight to Case.
35:46A man you can't touch.
35:48His face changed.
35:49I didn't wait for him to recover.
35:50I walked away and didn't look back.
35:52A wolf like that.
35:53The further the better.
35:54I didn't sleep well for the next five days.
35:56Case's voice kept coming back to me.
35:58I promise.
35:59Seven days later, I will accompany you to watch the sunrise.
36:02Okay?
36:02On the afternoon of the sixth day, the Lichen King's official decree went up across the
36:06territory.
36:06The leak hadn't come from Case.
36:08It had come from Prince Marcus and his allies.
36:11The truth is finally revealed.
36:16The Lichen King had not yet named his heir.
36:18Both Prince Caden and Prince Marcus were in the running.
36:21Case was Prince Caden's most powerful ally, the alpha who commanded the most powerful pack.
36:25Taking Case down was the cleanest way to clear the path to the throne.
36:27Prince Marcus had planted a spy inside the Blackwood Pack, used him to steal the border
36:31patrol routes, then framed Case for it.
36:33So the injury had been faked.
36:34All of it.
36:35A deliberate trap to draw out the spy.
36:37But why fake being unable to mate?
36:39I turned that over in my mind all night and couldn't land on an answer.
36:42Dawn was just breaking when someone knocked at the door.
36:44I didn't think.
36:45I just ran.
36:45I threw the door open and walked straight into Case's chest.
36:48He went completely still.
36:49Then his arms came around me, slow and deliberate, and pulled me in hard.
36:53I'd run out in nothing but a thin sleep shirt.
36:55No warning.
36:56Through the thin fabric I could feel everything.
36:58The hard muscle of his chest.
36:59His arms locked tight around me.
37:01I pressed my hands against his chest and tried to step back.
37:03Leah.
37:04His voice dropped low.
37:05I'm back.
37:06Our eyes locked.
37:07The heat between us was thick enough to touch.
37:09Then he lifted me off the ground and carried me straight toward the bedroom.
37:12I beat a fist against his chest.
37:14Weren't we supposed to watch the sunrise?
37:17You first.
37:19Sunrise after.
37:20We fell onto the bed together.
37:25Case pinned me beneath him.
37:27One hand working the buttons of my sleep shirt open.
37:29Eyes never leaving mine.
37:30I covered his eyes with both hands.
37:32Don't look.
37:33It's embarrassing.
37:34He took my hands down.
37:35His breathing had gone ragged.
37:38It's beautiful.
37:39His eyes were bright and fixed.
37:41My skin went hot everywhere he touched.
37:43I pressed my palm flat against his chest.
37:45Hard muscle.
37:46Warm skin.
37:46Healer said he couldn't get hard.
37:48How is any of this possible?
37:49Lips dragging slowly along my jaw to my ear.
37:51You want to know if I can?
37:53There's one way to find out.
37:54He kissed me.
37:55One hand cupping my face.
37:57Tilting it up toward him.
37:58I kissed him back hard.
38:00My hands slid up his chest.
38:02Over his shoulders.
38:03Gripping his arms.
38:04He pressed me further into the mattress.
38:06His weight settling over me.
38:07The heat built fast and took over completely.
38:10My hands went slack.
38:11He caught them.
38:12Laced his fingers through mine.
38:14And pinned them above my head.
38:15He loves me very much.
38:17And completely occupies me.
38:19My face gradually became rosy.
38:21And we could only hear each other's heartbeats and breathing.
38:24His lips dragged from my mouth to my jaw.
38:26Down the side of my neck.
38:28Slow and unhurried.
38:30Then he stopped.
38:31His canines pierced my mating gland.
38:32A second of sharp, white-hot pain.
38:35And then it was done.
38:36I lay there, chest heaving.
38:38Fingers still tangled in his.
38:40On my neck, his mark ached.
38:42Finally, we weren't just mates on paper anymore.
38:46After the estate lockdown was lifted,
38:48Case took me to meet Prince Caden.
38:50A slow smile spreading across his face.
38:52So you're the woman who brought Case to his knees.
38:54I've been wanting to meet you.
38:56You flatter me, your highness.
38:57Case helped the kingdom take down a real threat.
38:59You stood by him through all of it.
39:00I'll host an official Luna ceremony for you.
39:03And when that day comes, I'll have a gift ready.
39:05Thank you, your highness.
39:06Don't blame Case, Leah.
39:08Faking the injury was always part of the plan.
39:13Too many enemies wanted him dead.
39:15The only way to keep him safe
39:16was to make them think he was already finished.
39:18The part about not being able to get hard,
39:20that was my idea.
39:21I gave the pack doctor that order myself.
39:25We grew up together.
39:26I know exactly how he is.
39:28Never any interest in women.
39:30Never any weakness.
39:31I figured it was time someone did something about that.
39:33Suddenly I understood.
39:34Just two old friends and one very elaborate prank.
39:37The car accident.
39:39That was Prince Marcus as well.
39:40They intended it to look like an accident.
39:42They didn't expect to hurt you in the process.
39:44Luna, Leah.
39:45It's been dealt with.
39:46You and Case are safe now.
39:53I took a slow breath.
39:54Knowing it was over didn't make the memory of dangling off that cliff any less vivid.
39:58We got back to the estate to find Chloe already inside, crying.
40:01She walked an hour ago and hasn't stopped.
40:03Martha is getting a headache from it.
40:05I told Case to go to his study.
40:07I'd handle it.
40:08I sat down next to Chloe.
40:10Face red, eyes swollen.
40:11Word had already spread.
40:13Brad had been identified as one of Prince Marcus' informants.
40:15Chloe's father had been cleared.
40:17But Chloe and Brad were finished.
40:19Still crying?
40:20I'll have someone throw you out.
40:22She stopped immediately.
40:23Still shaking, but quiet.
40:24I misjudged him.
40:26I thought picking someone from a lower-ranked family meant he'd be easy to manage.
40:30I didn't think he'd be like this.
40:32I told you he wasn't a good person.
40:35You didn't say it clearly enough.
40:36I rolled my eyes.
40:37I wasn't a powerless Omega anymore.
40:40I didn't have to hold back.
40:46Were you ever angry at me?
40:48For how I treated you back then?
40:50No.
40:51I cursed you in my head.
40:52But I don't hold grudges.
40:54You cursed me?
40:55Do you want to punish me for it?
40:57Chloe laughed despite herself.
40:58Then caught herself and pressed her lips together.
41:00I'm sorry.
41:00For the slap.
41:01Did it hurt?
41:02I already forgot about it.
41:03Then let me slap you back.
41:05We'll be even.
41:06She closed her eyes and braced herself.
41:07I raised my hand and let it land soft against her cheek.
41:11She opened her eyes.
41:14I already gave that slap to Brad.
41:16Chloe stared at me for a second.
41:17Then she laughed.
41:18Really laughed.
41:19For the first time since she'd walked in.
41:21Don't call me Chloe anymore.
41:22Can we be friends?
41:24No.
41:26I don't like friends who cry too much.
41:29The light was still on when I passed Case's study.
41:31I pushed the door open.
41:32Before I could say a word, an arm shot out from behind and wrapped around my waist.
41:36Bold intruder.
41:37His voice dropped low against my ear.
41:38You think you can just walk into the Alpha's office?
41:41The Alpha's mate is right here and you still dare make a move?
41:44Case played it straight.
41:46His lips found my neck.
41:47Here?
41:48Really?
41:49Right here.
41:50I kept saying no.
41:51My hands said something else entirely, finding their way to his back.
41:55He murmured against my ear.
41:56You have no idea how many times I thought about this in this room.
42:01I wanted to say something back, but his hand was already moving and I couldn't get a single
42:04word out.
42:05He carried me to the table and took off my clothes.
42:08Then we had a good time.
42:16When I woke up, it was almost dawn.
42:18Case was already awake, sitting up against the headboard, watching me.
42:21His eyes were soft in a way that made it hard to look back.
42:24Morning.
42:25I sat up and rubbed my eyes.
42:26Then I remembered.
42:27The sunrise.
42:28He'd promised.
42:30The sunrise.
42:33We still have time.
42:34He was already up.
42:35He picked up my clothes from beside the bed, handing them to me.
42:39He dressed me slowly, straightening each layer with both hands, like he'd done it a thousand
42:43times before.
42:43We walked out into the yard.
42:45Cool air.
42:46The smell of pine.
42:47To the east, the sky had just started to lighten at the edges.
42:49Case stood behind me and wrapped both arms around me.
42:52We watched the horizon together.
42:53The sun came up slowly.
42:55Gold light broke across the trees, spread across the yard and landed on us.
42:59The clouds caught the color and held it.
43:01Beautiful.
43:02Close to my ear.
43:04Beautiful.
43:05He pulled me in tighter and said nothing else.
43:07He didn't need to.
43:11I'll watch every sunrise and sunset with you.
43:13His voice was quiet against my hair.
43:14Everyone.
43:15For as long as we have.
43:17I turned around and kissed him once, quick and light.
43:20Deal.
43:21The sun came up fully and the yard filled with light.
43:24Our shadows stretched long across the ground behind us.
43:26Over the next few days, the estate came back to life.
43:29Servants moved through the halls with easy steps again.
43:31Martha's health improved.
43:32She called me in to talk every morning, always smiling when I walked through the door.
43:36One afternoon, I was trimming the plants in the yard when Sunny came running over.
43:40Leah.
43:40Chloe is here again.
43:42She brought a lot of stuff with her.
43:43I set down my shears.
43:45Since the day she'd come in crying, Chloe had been showing up regularly.
43:47She said she was making up for lost time.
43:50Really, she just had nothing to do and nowhere to be.
43:53Let her in.
43:54I wiped my hands and went to meet her.
43:59Chloe walked in with two attendants behind her, carrying food boxes.
44:02She changed a lot.
44:03Less restless.
44:04She dressed simpler now and moved quieter.
44:13I made your favorite, chestnut cake.
44:15I asked the Royal Kitchen for the recipe this time.
44:18Better than anything the Blackwood Kitchen has ever made.
44:21I took a piece and bit into it.
44:23Sweet.
44:24Soft.
44:24Better than I expected.
44:27Good.
44:29So where's Case?
44:30Not home?
44:31He went to the pack training ground.
44:33Something came up.
44:34Chloe nodded and reached for a piece herself.
44:36For a while, neither of us said anything.
44:38Just the wind moving through the yard.
44:40My father wants me to find a new mate.
44:42I looked up.
44:42Don't rush for it.
44:44I know.
44:47After Brad, I don't know how to trust anyone.
44:49She looked at me.
44:50Something flickering in her eyes.
44:53You have a good mate.
44:55Case fights for you, protects you, and he's the strongest alpha in the kingdom.
44:59We just got lucky.
45:01You can't force these things.
45:02Chloe nodded and didn't say anything else.
45:04Just ate her chestnut cake.
45:06The yard went quiet.
45:07Just wind moving through the leaves.
45:09Then she said,
45:10That slap.
45:12Do you really not hold it against me?
45:14Really.
45:15It's in the past.
45:16No point bringing it up.
45:18The truth was, I'd already let it go a long time ago.
45:20She wasn't a bad person.
45:22Just spoiled.
45:23Used to getting her way.
45:24Chloe's eyes went red at the edge of you.
45:27When I arranged the mating, part of it was because I was scared you and Brad would find your way
45:31back to each other.
45:33But part of it was genuine.
45:34I really did think Case was a good man.
45:36That he wouldn't treat you badly.
45:38We looked at each other and smiled.
45:40All the conflicts were solved.
45:44I just didn't expect him to be faking the whole time.
45:47Chloe laughed, a little embarrassed.
45:49It's in the past.
45:51Isn't this better?
45:56It is, she nodded.
45:58Can we be friends?
45:59For real?
45:59I won't be like I was before.
46:03Sure, I nodded.
46:05Something warm moved through my chest.
46:07Letting go of old grudges and coming out the other side with a friend.
46:10That wasn't a bad ending.
46:11We sat in the yard for the rest of the afternoon.
46:13Eating and talking.
46:14Pack gossip.
46:15Small things.
46:16Nothing important.
46:17The sun came through the leaves and the air was warm and easy.
46:20When Case came back from the training grounds that evening and saw the two of us,
46:23surprise crossed his face.
46:25What are you two happy about?
46:27Talking about you.
46:28Chloe grinned.
46:29About what a liar you are.
46:30Faking the whole thing and fooling everyone.
46:34Case walked over and sat down beside me.
46:38He reached over and took my hand.
46:39Eyes warm.
46:40Tricking you into becoming my Luna?
46:42That's the luckiest thing I've ever done.
46:44My face went red.
46:45I gave him a look.
46:46Chloe burst out laughing.
46:47Alright, I'm leaving you two alone.
46:49Leah, I'll come by tomorrow.
46:50Sure.
46:51Take care.
46:52I watched her go.
46:53Case turned to me.
46:54Are you a good friend now?
46:56Yes.
46:57The past is the past.
46:59No point holding on to it.
47:00He squeezed my hand.
47:01I'm glad you can think that way.
47:03He knew how much I'd been through.
47:05Watching me let it go and just be happy.
47:07I could tell it meant something to him.
47:09We sat side by side at the stone table and looked out at the sky.
47:12Neither of us said much.
47:14We didn't need to.
47:15Days like this, quiet and unhurried, became the rhythm of our life.
47:20Case stayed busy with the pack and with royal matters.
47:23But he always made time.
47:26Sunrises, sunsets.
47:27He spoiled me until I didn't know what to do with it.
47:30Martha was healthy and smiling every day.
47:32The estate was calm and easy again.
47:34The way it used to be.
47:36True to his word, Prince Caden petitioned the Lycan King on my behalf.
47:39At my official Luna ceremony, the Lycan King's decree was read aloud.
47:43A formal commendation in front of the entire pack.
47:46The estate was lit up and full of noise that day.
47:49Case lifted the veil and placed it over my head himself.
47:52His eyes proud and soft.
47:53The most beautiful Luna.
47:55Then he shifted.
47:56Right there in front of everyone.
47:58His wolf was massive.
48:00Dark, broad-shouldered, still.
48:02He lowered himself to the ground and waited.
48:04I climbed onto his back.
48:06He rose slowly, carrying me steady, and lifted his head toward the moon.
48:10The howl that came out of him was long and deep, and carried across the entire territory.
48:15One by one, the pack answered.
48:17Howl after howl rising into the night sky.
48:20I thought about everything it had taken to get here.
48:22A bastard Omega with no wolf, no one to speak for her.
48:26Only I knew how hard the road had been.
48:28And all of it.
48:29Every bit of the happiness on the other side of it, came from the man standing behind me.
48:34After the ceremony, Case took me south.
48:36Open land, warm air, water catching the afternoon light.
48:40Far from everything that had tried to take us down.
48:42The rest of our lives stretched out ahead of us.
48:45Every year, every season, together.
48:49After the ceremony, life settled into a new rhythm.
48:51I stood beside Case at every pack meeting, every decision, every matter that came through
48:56the estate gates.
48:57His pack was my pack.
48:58His people were my people.
49:00But he always made time.
49:02A weekend drive with no destination.
49:04A trail through the forest at dawn.
49:06Wherever he thought I'd want to see, he took me there without being asked.
49:10The rest of our lives stretched out ahead of us.
49:12Every year, every season, together.
49:15Patrick.
49:15With God.
49:16All that.
49:16Good morning.
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