- 13 hours ago
Omg My Snow White Is A Man Dramax
Category
๐ฅ
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00Beg me.
00:00:09Sorry, I...
00:00:10What's got you so focused? You forgot how to walk.
00:00:14Give it back. I... Give it back.
00:00:17Beg me.
00:00:23Get off me, nerd!
00:00:25Lucas!
00:00:31Don't laugh! Shut the hell up!
00:00:41I'm glad you won't get the chance to tell him.
00:00:45Die!
00:00:49Lucas, you're home. I made you your favorite, hot cocoa.
00:00:52Spare me the fake nice. I know what you're doing.
00:00:56You... You know?
00:00:57You're trying to win me over. But let me make this clear.
00:00:59You will never be the lady of this house.
00:01:05What the hell is that? Were you trying to poison me?
00:01:15Your father won't marry me because of you.
00:01:17If you're alive, I'll never inherit his fortune.
00:01:20So I have to get rid of you.
00:01:22If my dad finds out you tried to hurt me, he'll never marry a psycho like you.
00:01:27Too bad you won't get the chance to tell him.
00:01:30Die.
00:01:36Marcus!
00:01:37What are you doing here?
00:01:38I came down the chimney.
00:01:39Lucas, I need to explain why I mess with you.
00:02:08You have got to be kidding me.
00:02:10Good morning, princess.
00:02:11Princess Snow White sleep well.
00:02:13I'm a guy.
00:02:14Do you see the stubble?
00:02:15The Adam's apple?
00:02:16The entire male anatomagy package?
00:02:19Okay.
00:02:20Either I'm dead, or I blacked out at a renaissance fair.
00:02:23What are you? A flying paper cut?
00:02:25Ah! Our Prince Charming is finally awake!
00:02:28I am the guardian sprite of fairy tales.
00:02:30You awaken me, so I brought you into this storybook.
00:02:36Oh my god. I look like a rejected Disney extra.
00:02:40Why am I dressed like Prince Chanham's cousin who sells essential oils?
00:02:44How can I leave this ridiculous place?
00:02:48Your highness, the king commands you to depart at once to marry the princess Snow White of the neighboring kingdom.
00:02:53Snow White?
00:02:54Absolutely not. I'm gay.
00:02:56I'm not about to drag some innocent girl into a straight marriage starter pack.
00:02:59That's emotional terrorism.
00:03:03You have got to be kidding me.
00:03:05Good morning. Princess Snow White sleep well?
00:03:08I'm a guy. Do you see the stubble? The Adam's apple? The entire male anatomagy package?
00:03:12Hmm. Yeah. That's not supposed to happen.
00:03:16Okay. Looks like we've got a role assignment error.
00:03:19Let me file a ticket with fairytale tech support.
00:03:23Oh great. So how long is the wait time? Three business entries?
00:03:26Why won't this thing come off? I want men's clothes, pants, a hoodie, literally anything with sleeves that aren't made
00:03:32in.
00:03:32Can't. Your character is Snow White. Snow White has a dress. It's in the contract.
00:03:36I never signed anything.
00:03:38You did. You just didn't read the terms and conditions. Like everyone else.
00:03:43Look. You got unlimited dresses. Fresh options daily. It's basically princess Netflix.
00:03:48Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! No! No, no, no! Stop!
00:03:53All right. Ready to meet your Prince Charming? He'll be here soon to marry you!
00:03:58What? I'm straight. I don't like men. Tell me how to get out of this nightmare.
00:04:02Easy. You just have to truly fall in love with Prince Charming.
00:04:05You're insane.
00:04:07Accept reality, your highness. This is the only way you can return to the real world.
00:04:12Fall in love with a man? I'd rather be trapped here forever.
00:04:16Princess Snow White, you inherited your father's heroic masculinity.
00:04:21Ahem. Princess. The Queen request your presence.
00:04:25Mmm. What is it?
00:04:28Oh! My God! Lucas! You're Snow White?
00:04:33This is amazing!
00:04:35The evil Queen? Yeah. That tracks.
00:04:38You're dressed like a walking jewelry store. Afraid people might miss how greedy you are?
00:04:42Oh, my dear Lucas. In here, I'm the Queen. I have everything.
00:04:47And honestly, I'm in love with this place.
00:04:51And you are the key back to reality.
00:04:54So if I want to stay here, I'll have to kill you.
00:04:57He actually let that little trash escape issue a kingdom-wide manhunt now!
00:05:04A princess with an Adam's apple chest hair shouldn't be hard to spot.
00:05:09For the last time, I am not marrying Snow White!
00:05:11I only want Lucas.
00:05:12Your highness! Bad news! Snow White has gone missing!
00:05:16Missing? Perfect!
00:05:17This Snow White has a suspicious amount of testosterone.
00:05:21Wait! Snow White is... Lucas?
00:05:24You're sure he's the coldest killer in the kingdom?
00:05:29Yes, your majesty. He's the infamous hunter nicknamed...
00:05:33Mr. Alpha Male.
00:05:34I hate women. Especially women prettier than me.
00:05:38So Snow White, the most beautiful cannot be allowed to live.
00:05:44Leave your Snow White to me.
00:05:57Die, Snow White.
00:06:04Snow White is... a man?
00:06:06A man and he's hot?
00:06:10Who the hell are you?
00:06:13I'm your... secret lover.
00:06:16Snow White's taste is a felony.
00:06:18I get it! You're the queen's assassin!
00:06:21She sent you to kill me!
00:06:22She told me to eliminate you.
00:06:24She just forgot to mention you're a man.
00:06:27And exactly... my type.
00:06:30I've changed my mind. A face like yours?
00:06:33I couldn't possibly pull the trigger.
00:06:36You... you don't come any closer!
00:06:38The entire palace is under the queen's control.
00:06:41She won't stop until you're dead.
00:06:43But I can protect you.
00:06:44Whether you come with me... is your choice.
00:06:47You? Protect me? That's right.
00:06:50I'm the coldest killer alive.
00:06:53Mr. Alpha Male.
00:06:55I was born with heavy breasts and lush curves.
00:06:57My half-sister Chloe was afraid her mate Brad would go feral over me.
00:07:01So she sold me to an impotent Alpha.
00:07:04She patted my shoulder.
00:07:08Who knows? Maybe he's good at... other things.
00:07:12Three months later, I was begging for mercy every night.
00:07:15Funny. He seemed good at everything.
00:07:19Case Valerius.
00:07:20The Blackwood Pax Alpha.
00:07:21The Lycan King's most trusted war commander.
00:07:23He was carried back from the battlefield soaked in blood.
00:07:25Someone suggested...
00:07:26A mate bond shares life force.
00:07:29If Alpha Case was bound to a living, healthy mate,
00:07:31her strength could flow into him and pull him back.
00:07:34Chloe rushed to play matchmaker and presented me to Martha before I could object.
00:07:37I had no way to refuse.
00:07:38If I wouldn't agree, she'd transfer me to serve 60-year-old Elder Kevin.
00:07:42I knew she resented my history with her mate.
00:07:44I dropped to my knees and swore to the Moon Goddess.
00:07:47I swear, Chloe, I had no feelings for Brad.
00:07:50Chloe jabbed a finger at my forehead, fury in her eyes.
00:07:53What good is a vow?
00:07:55Do you have any idea how distracting you are?
00:07:57I hunched my shoulders. Tears slid down my cheeks.
00:08:00Just look at that ample body and those charming curves.
00:08:04Parading your body in front of every male in their clan.
00:08:08Who among them would not lose their minds at the smell of you?
00:08:12I wanted to tell her.
00:08:13To bind my chest, I'd wrapped myself layer after layer in the sweltering heat until I broke out in a
00:08:18rash.
00:08:18Her expression softened. She wiped my tears.
00:08:21It's not that I don't trust you. It's that I don't trust males.
00:08:25Do you know how powerful Alpha Case is?
00:08:27If my mother and Martha weren't old friends, you wouldn't even have this opportunity.
00:08:31Chloe, I don't want to be anyone's offering. I'd rather scrub kitchen floors. Just don't make me...
00:08:39Two sharp slaps landed across my face. My cheek burned.
00:08:43Leah, are you out of your mind? If I hadn't vouched for you, Martha wouldn't have given you a second
00:08:47glance.
00:08:48You wouldn't even be worthy of being Case's mate.
00:08:51The maid burst in breathless.
00:08:52Miss Chloe, word from the Valerius estate. Alpha Case has woken up.
00:08:59Chloe dragged me straight to Valerius estate. Enormous.
00:09:02I followed her through the main hall to a set of heavy double doors, pulled half shut.
00:09:05Through the gap, I could make out a man's shape in the bed. Thin, motionless, chest rattling with shallow coughs
00:09:10every few minutes.
00:09:11Martha stood on our side, eyes red.
00:09:13Thank you for everything you've done for Case. I won't destroy a girl's future over it.
00:09:17Chloe's eyes moved. Quick and calculating.
00:09:19This is Valerius. The bond should still be completed.
00:09:22Leah arrived the same day Case woke up.
00:09:24That's the moon goddess guiding us. Seal the bond properly.
00:09:27Her life force will keep pulling him back toward health.
00:09:30Before she could speak, the healer Ella stepped out. Expression tight.
00:09:33Alpha Case has regained consciousness, but an arrow struck his inner thigh during battle.
00:09:39I'm afraid he will no longer be able to-
00:09:41Unable to do what?
00:09:42He will no longer be able to get hard.
00:09:45Martha's knees gave out. I caught her before she hit the floor.
00:09:48She looked up at me with hollowed eyes.
00:09:49Leah, knowing this, are you still willing?
00:09:53Yes, she's been looking forward to it.
00:09:55Chloe was already answering for me.
00:09:56Of course she is. She's just an Omega with no prospects. She should be grateful.
00:10:01I didn't speak right away. My mind went to my past.
00:10:04There was a young wolf in the poor quarter behind our estate.
00:10:07I first saw him through the fence gaps.
00:10:09Thin wrists, hollow cheeks, hunched over a cracked bowl with nothing in it.
00:10:14I started passing food through the gaps.
00:10:15Bread first, then soup, then whatever I had.
00:10:18Day after day, I watched him change.
00:10:21The hollows in his cheeks filled out.
00:10:23His shoulders broadened.
00:10:24He started training before dawn, running laps around the back wall while I was still half asleep.
00:10:29He was going to enter the warrior trials.
00:10:31I knew it before he told me.
00:10:32When he passed, I went to find him that same night.
00:10:35I was happy.
00:10:35I remember it clearly.
00:10:36I was genuinely happy.
00:10:37I knocked on the gate.
00:10:38He didn't open it.
00:10:39His voice came.
00:10:40Leah, I'm betrothed now.
00:10:42It wouldn't be proper.
00:10:42Then a soft thud in the dirt at my feet.
00:10:44A pouch of silver.
00:10:45Consider my debt repaid.
00:10:46I stood there for a moment.
00:10:47Then I picked it up and walked away.
00:10:49That wolf became Chloe's mate.
00:10:51Brad.
00:10:52I acted like I'd never known him.
00:10:54Chloe found out anyway.
00:10:55I snapped back to reality.
00:10:57I gathered my skirts and knelt in front of Martha.
00:10:59My lady.
00:11:00I'm willing.
00:11:01I'll complete the bond.
00:11:03Care for Case.
00:11:04And serve you as long as you need me.
00:11:06Luna.
00:11:07Martha kept her word and prepared a dignified mating dress for me.
00:11:10Chloe deliberately chose a day when Brad was away on pack business to send me off.
00:11:13She walked me to the door, guilt on her face.
00:11:15Even though Case can't get hard, at least you'll be spared the pain of bearing pups.
00:11:21Don't worry.
00:11:22An alpha who can't perform in that area is probably exceptional in every other.
00:11:26Honestly, none of what Chloe said had even crossed my mind.
00:11:29I told myself I was simply moving to a new household.
00:11:33Case was too weak to stand through the full mate blessing ritual.
00:11:35I completed the bond rites beside his ceremonial sword instead.
00:11:39Martha watched from the front, eyes wet the whole time.
00:11:42When it was done, I was alpha Case's mate.
00:11:45The mating chamber was quiet.
00:11:47I pushed the door open carefully.
00:11:49Case was already inside, half reclined against the headboard in a white bathrobe.
00:11:53He turned when he heard me.
00:11:54Up close, he was strikingly handsome.
00:11:57Sharp jaw, dark eyes, the kind of face that didn't need color in it to hold attention.
00:12:01I had no intention of taking a mate, he said with a low voice.
00:12:05If it doesn't trouble you, we can treat this as a sibling arrangement.
00:12:08He pointed to the chaise along the far wall.
00:12:11Tonight the bed is yours.
00:12:13I'll take that.
00:12:15Tomorrow you move to the guest quarters.
00:12:16Alright, I nodded.
00:12:17He had thought of everything.
00:12:19It wasn't what I'd expected.
00:12:21Before the ritual, one of the older maids had pulled me aside and pressed something into my hands.
00:12:25A small handbook, worn at the corners.
00:12:28She'd whispered with a strange look.
00:12:30There are other ways between maids.
00:12:32You might find it useful.
00:12:33I had no idea what she meant until I opened it.
00:12:36Heat pooled in my core just from looking at the pages.
00:12:39Is it too hot?
00:12:40Case was watching me from the bed.
00:12:42Eyes direct, unblinking.
00:12:44The dress is heavy.
00:12:46I'm a little warm.
00:12:48Then wash up and rest.
00:12:49He pulled the blanket over himself and turned toward the wall.
00:12:52Within minutes, his breathing evened out.
00:12:54I set the handbook down on the vanity and took down my hair.
00:12:57Then the layered robes, piece by piece.
00:12:59Until I was standing in nothing but my nightgown.
00:13:01I turned to the mirror.
00:13:03The thin fabric clung to every curve.
00:13:05Heavy breath-
00:13:06Heavy breath-
00:13:06Heavy breath-
00:13:11Sorry, I-
00:13:13What's got you so focused?
00:13:15You forgot how to walk.
00:13:17Give- give back, I-
00:13:19Give it back.
00:13:20Beg me.
00:13:26get off me nerd
00:13:34don't laugh
00:13:35shut the hell up
00:13:45dad you won't get the chance to tell him
00:13:48die
00:13:52Lucas you're home
00:13:53I made you your favorite hot cocoa
00:13:55spare me the fake nice
00:13:57I know what you're doing
00:13:59you know
00:14:00you're trying to win me over
00:14:01but let me make this clear
00:14:02you will never be the lady of this house
00:14:08what the hell is that
00:14:10were you trying to poison me
00:14:18your father won't marry me because of you if you're alive I'll never inherit his fortune so I have to
00:14:24get rid of you
00:14:25if my dad finds out you tried to hurt me he'll never marry a psycho like you too bad you
00:14:31won't get the chance to tell him
00:14:33die
00:14:39Marcus
00:14:40what are you doing here
00:14:41I came down the chimney
00:14:42Lucas
00:14:43I need to explain why I mess with you
00:14:59let go of me
00:15:11you have got to be kidding me
00:15:13good morning princess snow white sleep well
00:15:16I'm a guy do you see the stubble the adam's apple the entire male anatomagy package
00:15:22ok
00:15:23either I'm dead
00:15:24or I blacked out
00:15:25at a renaissance fair
00:15:26what are you
00:15:27a flying paper cut
00:15:28ah
00:15:29our prince charming is finally awake
00:15:30I am the guardian sprite of fairy tales
00:15:33you awaken me
00:15:34so I brought you into this storybook
00:15:38oh my god
00:15:40I look like a rejected disney extra
00:15:43why am I dressed like prince chanam's cousin
00:15:45who sells essential oils
00:15:47how can I leave this ridiculous place
00:15:50your highness
00:15:51the king commands you to depart at once
00:15:53to marry the princess snow white of the neighboring kingdom
00:15:56snow white
00:15:56absolutely not
00:15:58I'm gay
00:15:59I'm not about to drag some innocent girl into a straight marriage starter pack
00:16:02that's emotional terrorism
00:16:06you have got to be kidding me
00:16:07good morning
00:16:08princess snow white sleep well
00:16:11I'm a guy
00:16:11do you see the stubble
00:16:12the adam's apple
00:16:13the entire male anatomagy package
00:16:15hmm
00:16:16yeah
00:16:16that's
00:16:17not supposed to happen
00:16:18okay
00:16:19looks like we've got a role assignment error
00:16:22let me file a ticket with fairy tale tech support
00:16:25oh great
00:16:26so how long is the wait time
00:16:28three business entries
00:16:29why won't this thing come off
00:16:30I want men's clothes
00:16:32pants
00:16:32a hoodie
00:16:33literally anything with sleeves that aren't made in
00:16:35can't
00:16:36your character is snow white
00:16:37snow white has a dress
00:16:38it's
00:16:39in the contract
00:16:39I never signed anything
00:16:41you did
00:16:42you just didn't read the terms and conditions
00:16:43like everyone else
00:16:46look
00:16:46you got unlimited dresses
00:16:48fresh options daily
00:16:49it's basically princess netflix
00:16:54no
00:16:54no no no
00:16:55stop
00:16:56all right
00:16:56ready to meet your prince charming
00:16:58he'll be here soon
00:17:00to marry you
00:17:01what
00:17:02I'm straight
00:17:03I don't like men
00:17:04tell me how to get out of this nightmare
00:17:05easy
00:17:06you just have to truly fall in love with prince charming
00:17:08you're insane
00:17:10accept reality
00:17:11your highness
00:17:12this is the only way you can return to the real world
00:17:14fall in love with a man
00:17:16I'd rather be trapped here forever
00:17:18princess snow white
00:17:20you
00:17:20inherited your father's heroic
00:17:22masculinity
00:17:25princess
00:17:25the queen request your presence
00:17:29what is it
00:17:31oh
00:17:32my god
00:17:33lucas
00:17:34you're snow white
00:17:36this is amazing
00:17:37the evil queen
00:17:39yeah
00:17:39that tracks
00:17:41you're dressed like a walking jewelry store
00:17:43afraid people might miss how greedy you are
00:17:45oh my dear lucas
00:17:47in here
00:17:48I'm the queen
00:17:49I have everything
00:17:50and honestly
00:17:52I'm in love with this place
00:17:54and you
00:17:55are the key back to reality
00:17:57so if I want to stay here
00:17:59I'll have to kill you
00:18:00he actually let that little truck escape
00:18:03issue a kingdom-wide manhunt
00:18:06no
00:18:06a princess with an atom's apple
00:18:08chest hair
00:18:09shouldn't be hard to spot
00:18:12for the last time
00:18:13I am not marrying snow white
00:18:14I only want lucas
00:18:15your highness
00:18:16bad news
00:18:17snow white has gone missing
00:18:19missing?
00:18:20perfect
00:18:20this snow white has
00:18:21a suspicious amount of testosterone
00:18:24wait
00:18:24snow white is lucas?
00:18:28you're sure he's the coldest killer in the kingdom?
00:18:32yes your majesty
00:18:34he's the infamous hunter nicknamed
00:18:36mr. alpha male
00:18:37I hate women
00:18:38especially women prettier than me
00:18:40so snow white
00:18:41the most beautiful
00:18:43cannot be allowed to live
00:18:47leave your snow white to me
00:19:00die snow white
00:19:06snow white is a man?
00:19:09a man and he's hot?
00:19:13who the hell are you?
00:19:16I'm your secret lover
00:19:19snow white's taste is a felony
00:19:21I get it
00:19:22you're the queen's assassin
00:19:24she sent you to kill me
00:19:25she told me to eliminate you
00:19:27she just forgot to mention
00:19:28you're a man
00:19:29and exactly my type
00:19:32I've changed my mind
00:19:34a face like yours?
00:19:36I couldn't possibly pull the trigger
00:19:39you don't come any closer
00:19:41the entire palace is under the queen's control
00:19:44she won't stop until you're dead
00:19:46but I can protect you
00:19:47whether you come with me
00:19:48is your choice
00:19:50you?
00:19:51protect me?
00:19:52that's right
00:19:53I'm the coldest killer alive
00:19:55mr. alpha male
00:19:57I was born with heavy breasts
00:19:59and lush curves
00:20:00my half-sister Chloe
00:20:02was afraid her mate Brad
00:20:03would go feral over me
00:20:04so she sold me to an impotent alpha
00:20:07she patted my shoulder
00:20:11who knows maybe he's good at
00:20:13other things
00:20:14three months later
00:20:15I was begging for mercy every night
00:20:18funny
00:20:18he seemed good at everything
00:20:22case valerius
00:20:23the blackwood pax alpha
00:20:24the lichen king's most trusted war commander
00:20:26he was carried back from the battlefield
00:20:27soaked in blood
00:20:28someone suggested
00:20:29a mate bond shares life force
00:20:31if alpha case was bound to a living healthy mate
00:20:34her strength could flow into him
00:20:36and pull him back
00:20:36Chloe rushed to play matchmaker
00:20:38and presented me to Martha
00:20:39before I could object
00:20:40I had no way to refuse
00:20:41if I wouldn't agree
00:20:42she'd transfer me to serve
00:20:44sixty-year-old elder Kevin
00:20:45I knew she resented my history
00:20:46with her mate
00:20:47I dropped to my knees
00:20:48and swore to the moon goddess
00:20:50I swear Chloe
00:20:52I had no feelings for Brad
00:20:53Chloe jabbed a finger at my forehead
00:20:55fury in her eyes
00:20:56what good is a vow
00:20:57do you have any idea
00:20:59how distracting you are
00:21:00I hunched my shoulders
00:21:01tears slid down my cheeks
00:21:03just look at that ample body
00:21:05and those charming curves
00:21:06her raving your body
00:21:08in front of every male in the clan
00:21:11who among them
00:21:12would not lose their minds
00:21:13at the smell of you
00:21:15I wanted to tell her
00:21:16to bind my chest
00:21:17I'd wrapped myself
00:21:18layer after layer
00:21:19in the sweltering heat
00:21:20until I broke out in a rash
00:21:21her expression softened
00:21:22she wiped my tears
00:21:24it's not that I don't trust you
00:21:26it's that I don't trust males
00:21:28do you know how powerful
00:21:29Alpha Case is?
00:21:30if my mother and Martha
00:21:31weren't old friends
00:21:32you wouldn't even have
00:21:33this opportunity
00:21:34Chloe I don't want to be
00:21:36anyone's offering
00:21:36I'd rather scrub
00:21:38kitchen floors
00:21:39just don't make me
00:21:42two sharp slaps
00:21:43landed across my face
00:21:44my cheek burned
00:21:45Leah
00:21:46are you out of your mind?
00:21:48if I hadn't vouched for you
00:21:49Martha wouldn't have
00:21:50given you a second glance
00:21:51you wouldn't even be worthy
00:21:52of being Case's mate
00:21:53the maid burst in breathless
00:21:55Miss Chloe
00:21:56word from the Valerius estate
00:21:58Alpha Case has woken up
00:22:02Chloe dragged me straight
00:22:03to Valerius estate
00:22:04enormous
00:22:05I followed her through
00:22:06the main hall
00:22:06to a set of heavy double doors
00:22:07pulled half shut
00:22:08through the gap
00:22:09I could make out
00:22:09a man's shape in the bed
00:22:10thin, motionless
00:22:12chest rattling
00:22:12with shallow coughs
00:22:13every few minutes
00:22:14Martha stood on our side
00:22:15eyes red
00:22:16thank you for everything
00:22:17you've done for Case
00:22:18I won't destroy
00:22:19a girl's future over it
00:22:20Chloe's eyes moved
00:22:21quick and calculating
00:22:22Miss Valerius
00:22:23the bond should still
00:22:24be completed
00:22:24Leah arrived the same
00:22:26day Case woke up
00:22:27that's the moon goddess
00:22:28guiding us
00:22:28seal the bond properly
00:22:30her life force
00:22:31will keep pulling him
00:22:32back toward health
00:22:32before she could speak
00:22:33the healer Ella stepped out
00:22:35expression tight
00:22:36Alpha Case has regained
00:22:37consciousness
00:22:38but an arrow struck
00:22:39his inner thigh
00:22:40during battle
00:22:42I'm afraid he will
00:22:43no longer be able to
00:22:44unable to do what?
00:22:46he will no longer
00:22:46be able to get hard
00:22:47Martha's knees gave out
00:22:49I caught her
00:22:49before she hit the floor
00:22:50she looked up at me
00:22:51with hollowed eyes
00:22:52Leah
00:22:54knowing this
00:22:55are you still willing?
00:22:56yes
00:22:56she's been looking
00:22:57forward to it
00:22:58Chloe was already
00:22:58answering for me
00:22:59of course she is
00:23:00she's just an omega
00:23:02with no prospects
00:23:02she should be grateful
00:23:04I didn't speak right away
00:23:05my mind went to my past
00:23:07there was a young wolf
00:23:08in the poor quarter
00:23:09behind our estate
00:23:10I first saw him
00:23:11through the fence gaps
00:23:12thin wrists
00:23:13hollow cheeks
00:23:14hunched over a cracked
00:23:15bowl with nothing in it
00:23:16I started passing food
00:23:17through the gaps
00:23:18bread first
00:23:19then soup
00:23:20then whatever I had
00:23:21day after day
00:23:22I watched him change
00:23:24the hollows in his cheeks
00:23:25filled out
00:23:25his shoulders broadened
00:23:27he started training
00:23:28before dawn
00:23:29running laps around
00:23:30the back wall
00:23:31while I was still
00:23:31half asleep
00:23:32he was going to enter
00:23:33the warrior trials
00:23:33I knew it before
00:23:35he told me
00:23:35when he passed
00:23:36I went to find him
00:23:37that same night
00:23:37I was happy
00:23:38I remember it clearly
00:23:39I was genuinely happy
00:23:40I knocked on the gate
00:23:41he didn't open it
00:23:42his voice came
00:23:43Leah
00:23:43I'm betrothed now
00:23:44it wouldn't be proper
00:23:45then a soft thud
00:23:46in the dirt at my feet
00:23:47a pouch of silver
00:23:48consider my debt repaid
00:23:49I stood there for a moment
00:23:50then I picked it up
00:23:51and walked away
00:23:52that wolf became
00:23:53Chloe's mate
00:23:53Brad
00:23:55I acted like I'd
00:23:56never known him
00:23:56Chloe found out anyway
00:23:58I snapped back to reality
00:23:59I gathered my skirts
00:24:01and knelt in front of Martha
00:24:02my lady
00:24:03I'm willing
00:24:04I'll complete the bond
00:24:05care for case
00:24:07and serve you
00:24:08as long as you need me
00:24:09Luna
00:24:09Martha kept her word
00:24:11and prepared a dignified
00:24:12mating dress for me
00:24:12Chloe deliberately chose
00:24:14a day when Brad
00:24:14was away on pack business
00:24:15to send me off
00:24:16she walked me to the door
00:24:17guilt on her face
00:24:18even though case
00:24:19can't get hard
00:24:20at least you'll be spared
00:24:22the pain of bearing pups
00:24:24don't worry
00:24:25an alpha who can't perform
00:24:27in that area
00:24:27is probably exceptional
00:24:28in every other
00:24:29honestly
00:24:30none of what Chloe said
00:24:31had even crossed my mind
00:24:32I told myself
00:24:33I was simply moving
00:24:34into a new household
00:24:35case was too weak
00:24:36to stand through
00:24:37the full mate blessing ritual
00:24:38I completed the bond rites
00:24:40beside his ceremonial sword
00:24:41instead
00:24:42Martha watched from the front
00:24:43eyes wet the whole time
00:24:45when it was done
00:24:46I was alpha case's mate
00:24:48the mating chamber
00:24:49was quiet
00:24:49I pushed the door
00:24:51open carefully
00:24:51case was already inside
00:24:53half reclined against
00:24:54the headboard
00:24:55in a white bathrobe
00:24:56he turned when he heard me
00:24:57up close
00:24:58he was strikingly handsome
00:24:59sharp jaw
00:25:00dark eyes
00:25:01the kind of face
00:25:02that didn't need color
00:25:03in it to hold attention
00:25:04I had no intention
00:25:05of taking a mate
00:25:06he said with a low voice
00:25:07if it doesn't trouble you
00:25:09we can treat this
00:25:10as a sibling arrangement
00:25:11he pointed to the chaise
00:25:12along the far wall
00:25:14tonight the bed is yours
00:25:16I'll take that
00:25:17tomorrow you move
00:25:18to the guest quarters
00:25:19alright
00:25:20I nodded
00:25:20he had thought of everything
00:25:22it wasn't what I'd expected
00:25:23before the ritual
00:25:24one of the older maids
00:25:26had pulled me aside
00:25:26and pressed something
00:25:27into my hands
00:25:28a small handbook
00:25:29worn at the corners
00:25:31she'd whispered
00:25:31with a strange look
00:25:32there are other ways
00:25:34between mates
00:25:34you might find it useful
00:25:36I had no idea
00:25:37what she meant
00:25:37until I opened it
00:25:38heat pooled in my core
00:25:40just from looking
00:25:40at the pages
00:25:42is it too hot
00:25:43case was watching me
00:25:44from the bed
00:25:44eyes direct
00:25:46unblinking
00:25:47the dress is heavy
00:25:48I'm a little warm
00:25:51then wash up and rest
00:25:52he pulled the blanket
00:25:53over himself
00:25:53and turned toward the wall
00:25:54within minutes
00:25:55his breathing evened out
00:25:56I set the handbook
00:25:58down on the vanity
00:25:58and took down my hair
00:25:59then the layered robes
00:26:01piece by piece
00:26:02until I was standing
00:26:03in nothing but my nightgown
00:26:04I turned to the mirror
00:26:05the thin fabric
00:26:07clung to every curve
00:26:08heavy breasts
00:26:09straining against the cloth
00:26:10slim waist giving way
00:26:11to the flare of my hips
00:26:12I walked straight
00:26:13into Case's gaze
00:26:14he wasn't asleep
00:26:15his chest rose hard
00:26:17the tips of his ears
00:26:18went red
00:26:19his throat worked
00:26:20as he swallowed
00:26:20I grabbed my outer robe
00:26:22and pressed it
00:26:22against my chest
00:26:24Alpha
00:26:24I thought you were asleep
00:26:26a long pause
00:26:27I could sleep later
00:26:29my breath hitched
00:26:31he rose slowly
00:26:32to his feet
00:26:32his tall frame
00:26:33casting a shadow
00:26:34over me
00:26:45the handbook's images
00:26:46came flooding in
00:26:47my breathing shifted
00:26:48without me meaning it to
00:26:49somehow falling into
00:26:50the same rhythm as his
00:26:51then Case turned
00:26:52and walked to the door
00:26:53the moment cool night air
00:26:55rushed in
00:26:55I snapped back to my senses
00:26:56he'd already disappeared
00:26:58into the darkness
00:26:59I turned it over
00:27:00in my mind
00:27:00when he'd looked at me
00:27:02just now
00:27:02his eyes had flashed
00:27:04with something unmistakably
00:27:05like shock
00:27:06had my figure
00:27:07actually frightened him
00:27:08before I lay down
00:27:09I made a firm decision
00:27:10tomorrow morning
00:27:11I was binding my chest
00:27:12at least one full loop tighter
00:27:14I was hovering somewhere
00:27:15between sleep and waking
00:27:16when Case slipped back in
00:27:18the tips of his hair
00:27:19still beaded with water
00:27:20he'd apparently gone to shower
00:27:21by morning
00:27:22he was already gone
00:27:23Ivy came in
00:27:23to help me dress
00:27:24from the corridor outside
00:27:26came the sound of a man
00:27:27once
00:27:28then again
00:27:30Martha's headmaid's voice
00:27:31carried clearly
00:27:32through the door
00:27:32Alpha Case
00:27:33why didn't you call someone
00:27:34to heat the water
00:27:36it's already summer
00:27:37but the nights are still cold
00:27:38of course you've caught a chill
00:27:39I'll go brew tea right now
00:27:42I glanced at Ivy
00:27:44does the Alpha usually
00:27:45take cold showers
00:27:46I honestly don't know miss
00:27:48I dismissed her
00:27:49and locked the door
00:27:50I wound a strip of cloth
00:27:51tight over my undergarments
00:27:53then pulled on
00:27:54the most conservative dress
00:27:55I could find in the wardrobe
00:27:56high neck
00:27:57loose cut
00:27:58heavy fabric
00:27:59then I went to living room
00:28:00Case was already there
00:28:02when I arrived
00:28:02seated beside Martha
00:28:03she lit up the moment
00:28:05she saw me
00:28:05her whole face
00:28:06warm with welcome
00:28:07until Case coughed
00:28:09and the warmth
00:28:09vanished instantly
00:28:11Cage
00:28:12I have a few private words
00:28:13for Leah
00:28:14go rest for a while
00:28:15Case rose and left
00:28:16without a word
00:28:17Martha waved me over
00:28:18and took both my hands
00:28:19in hers
00:28:19eyes glistening
00:28:21sweet girl
00:28:23our Case is lucky
00:28:24to have you
00:28:27the pack healer
00:28:28says the injury
00:28:29drained his life force
00:28:30there's no telling
00:28:31how long he has left
00:28:32some of the elders
00:28:33suggested I find a child
00:28:35for him to adopt
00:28:36to carry on the bloodline
00:28:39but if I did that
00:28:41wouldn't I be stealing
00:28:42your whole future
00:28:43from you
00:28:45I'm already grateful
00:28:46you came into this family
00:28:48to save Case
00:28:48I can't let you sacrifice
00:28:50the rest of your life
00:28:51on top of that
00:28:51I've thought it through
00:28:52if Case's time does come
00:28:54I'll have him issue you
00:28:55a formal mate release
00:28:56your future stays protected
00:28:57and I'll see to it
00:28:58that you receive property
00:28:59and a place of your own
00:29:01I reached up
00:29:02and wiped the tears
00:29:02from the corners of her eyes
00:29:03chest tight
00:29:04with an ache
00:29:05I couldn't name
00:29:06Mrs. Valerius
00:29:07thank you for looking out
00:29:08for me
00:29:09I'd come here
00:29:09thinking of myself
00:29:10as nothing more
00:29:11than a transferred
00:29:11Omega servant
00:29:12I never imagined
00:29:13she would think
00:29:14this far ahead
00:29:14on my behalf
00:29:15my thoughts drifted
00:29:16to the mother
00:29:16I had never known
00:29:17if she had been alive
00:29:18if I had grown up
00:29:19under a mother's protection
00:29:20I never would have
00:29:21ended up in any of the
00:29:22situations I'd been through
00:29:23Martha laughed
00:29:24through her tears
00:29:25look at me
00:29:25I've gone and made you
00:29:26cry too
00:29:27she squeezed my hands
00:29:29Leah there's no need
00:29:30to be so formal
00:29:31call me mom
00:29:32just like Case does
00:29:33she took a breath
00:29:34so I have a proposition
00:29:36for you
00:29:36Chloe mentioned
00:29:37you know how to
00:29:38prepare medicinal soups
00:29:39I'd like you to take over
00:29:40Case's daily meals
00:29:41and care
00:29:42I just want him to live
00:29:42a little longer
00:29:43that's my one selfish wish
00:29:45by the end her voice
00:29:46had gone rough
00:29:47I nodded
00:29:49I headed to the kitchen
00:29:50to gather ingredients
00:29:51the last time I'd prepared
00:29:52medicinal soup
00:29:53was several years ago
00:29:54back when Brad
00:29:55was not yet Chloe's mate
00:29:56he'd lost both parents
00:29:57and lived alone
00:29:58in a run down unit
00:29:59skipping meals
00:30:00to save every cent
00:30:01for his warrior training
00:30:03one day I found him
00:30:04collapsed at our back gate
00:30:05and brought him around
00:30:05out of sympathy
00:30:06I dug through
00:30:07my mother's old
00:30:08healer journals
00:30:08and prepared medicinal meals
00:30:10for him every day
00:30:11to rebuild his strength
00:30:12only the two of us
00:30:13ever knew about it
00:30:14from the looks of things
00:30:15he was the one
00:30:16who told Chloe
00:30:17just to get me driven out
00:30:18the lengths he had gone to
00:30:20were truly something
00:30:21I carried the steaming soup
00:30:23to the bedroom
00:30:23and found Case
00:30:24directing servants
00:30:25to pack up his belongings
00:30:27Alpha
00:30:28what's this about?
00:30:29weren't we agreed
00:30:30that I was moving
00:30:30to the guest room?
00:30:30his sharply handsome face
00:30:32didn't shift so much
00:30:32as a fraction
00:30:33I have fewer things
00:30:35it makes more sense
00:30:36for me to move
00:30:37at least eat first
00:30:38I set the food
00:30:39on the table
00:30:39he gave it a brief glance
00:30:41and sat down
00:30:44you can leave
00:30:44this kind of thing
00:30:45to the maid
00:30:45from now on
00:30:46it's no different
00:30:47coming from me
00:30:49it is different
00:30:51his voice remained
00:30:52flat and cool
00:30:52have Ivy bring it
00:30:54from now on
00:30:56he finished the soup
00:30:57in a few quick swallows
00:30:58said a few words
00:30:59to the servants
00:31:00and swept past me
00:31:01in that moment
00:31:02I confirmed one thing
00:31:03Alpha Case
00:31:04couldn't stand
00:31:05the sight of me
00:31:06I followed his instructions
00:31:07and had Ivy deliver
00:31:08his daily healing meals
00:31:09to the study
00:31:10from then on
00:31:11Martha couldn't stop
00:31:12singing my praises
00:31:13the pack healer says
00:31:14Case's condition
00:31:15has stabilized significantly
00:31:16I can see the color
00:31:17coming back to his face
00:31:18Leah that's entirely
00:31:20because of you
00:31:21delighted
00:31:21she pressed a gold bracelet
00:31:23into my hands
00:31:24back in my room
00:31:25I tucked it into my jewelry box
00:31:26which had been slowly
00:31:27filling with pieces
00:31:28Martha had gifted me
00:31:29since my arrival
00:31:30Leah you never wear
00:31:32any of the of these
00:31:33isn't it a waste
00:31:33to just put them away
00:31:34how is it a waste
00:31:36every one of these
00:31:36can be converted to cash
00:31:38that's my security fund
00:31:40but Lady Martha
00:31:40gave these to you personally
00:31:41are you really going
00:31:43to sell all of them
00:31:43not right now
00:31:44but if the mate bond
00:31:45is ever severed
00:31:46naturally I'd sell them
00:31:47and keep the money on hand
00:31:48Ivy's expression
00:31:49shifted to pure bewilderment
00:31:51as she turned away
00:31:52she dropped her voice
00:31:53to a murmur
00:31:55Alpha
00:31:57Alpha?
00:31:58I spun around
00:31:59and met a pair
00:31:59of ink dark eyes
00:32:00Martha's eyesight
00:32:01must truly be failing her
00:32:03Case looked worse
00:32:04than ever
00:32:07Case's face
00:32:07was even paler than before
00:32:09his gaze was sharp
00:32:10and cutting
00:32:10fixed on me
00:32:11with cold precision
00:32:13the look unsettled me
00:32:14completely
00:32:14but I didn't dare
00:32:15let a single trace
00:32:16of it show
00:32:18Alpha
00:32:19is there something
00:32:19you need?
00:32:20a journal
00:32:21we looked together
00:32:22I checked the shelves
00:32:23he checked the writing desk
00:32:25neither of us spoke
00:32:26I spotted the journal
00:32:27pushed to the very back
00:32:28of the top shelf
00:32:29behind a row
00:32:29of my mother's medical notes
00:32:31I reached up on my toes
00:32:32my fingertips
00:32:33just grazed the cover
00:32:35Case's hand came over mine
00:32:36warm, steady
00:32:38he reached past me
00:32:39without effort
00:32:39and closed his hand
00:32:40around the journal
00:32:41I turned my head
00:32:42his face was right there
00:32:44closer than I'd realized
00:32:45he was looking down at me
00:32:47then I lost my footing
00:32:48and pitched straight into him
00:32:50my heavy breasts
00:32:51hit his chest first
00:32:52my waist went straight
00:32:53into his palm
00:32:54his hand catching me
00:32:55before he could react
00:32:56Case didn't step back
00:32:57his eartips went red
00:32:59his throat worked
00:33:00as he swallowed
00:33:01when he exhaled
00:33:02the breath came out
00:33:03uneven against the top
00:33:04of my head
00:33:04his eyes flashed gold
00:33:06for a second
00:33:06then green
00:33:10I scrambled upright
00:33:11face burning
00:33:13your journal
00:33:13he took it without a word
00:33:15and walked out
00:33:15perfect
00:33:16my standing in his eyes
00:33:17had just sunk
00:33:18even lower
00:33:18after that day
00:33:19I made every effort
00:33:20to avoid crossing paths
00:33:21with Case
00:33:22he was injured
00:33:23and recovering
00:33:23he needed to stay calm
00:33:24but there was one more
00:33:25thing bothering me
00:33:26Brad had been sending notes
00:33:28three times already
00:33:29I hadn't opened
00:33:30a single one
00:33:31just dropped them
00:33:32in a box
00:33:32then Ivy pressed one
00:33:33into my hand that morning
00:33:34it's not just a note
00:33:35this time
00:33:35he's here
00:33:36side entrance
00:33:37says he won't leave
00:33:38until you come out
00:33:39I clenched my fist
00:33:40and walked out
00:33:40I didn't notice the figure
00:33:41that followed
00:33:42from the far end
00:33:42of the courtyard
00:33:43Brad was standing
00:33:43at the gate
00:33:45Leah
00:33:46you finally came
00:33:47you should be calling
00:33:48me Mrs. Valerius
00:33:49he paused
00:33:50dropped his voice
00:33:52Mrs. Valerius
00:33:53do you have any idea
00:33:54how many times
00:33:55you've put me
00:33:55in an impossible position
00:33:56with these meetings
00:33:57I know
00:33:59I just wanted to tell you
00:34:01I'll be securing
00:34:02more power in the pack
00:34:05soon I won't need
00:34:05Chloe's father
00:34:06backing me anymore
00:34:07he stepped closer
00:34:08I'll buy a house
00:34:09Leah
00:34:09come with me
00:34:11anything's better
00:34:11than staying
00:34:12with a dying man
00:34:12he reached for me
00:34:14I stepped back
00:34:16you want me
00:34:17as your mistress
00:34:18Brad nodded
00:34:19completely serious
00:34:20I laughed
00:34:21why would I give up
00:34:22being the alpha's mate
00:34:23to be your mistress
00:34:23the whole pack
00:34:25knows Case is dying
00:34:26he won't last
00:34:28and he can't even
00:34:29stand up anymore
00:34:30his eyes dropped
00:34:31deliberately to my chest
00:34:32isn't that a waste
00:34:34disgust surged
00:34:35through me
00:34:36Brad
00:34:37I will never be
00:34:38anyone's mistress
00:34:40Case fought on the front lines
00:34:41for this pack
00:34:42those injuries
00:34:43are his honor
00:34:44you've benefited
00:34:45from every battle
00:34:46he won
00:34:47and you're standing here
00:34:48calling him
00:34:48less of a man
00:34:50you're the one
00:34:51who's less
00:34:52come near me again
00:34:53and every note
00:34:54you've sent
00:34:55goes straight to Chloe
00:34:56how do you think
00:34:57that ends for you
00:34:59his face went white
00:35:00I swung the gate shut
00:35:03I turned around
00:35:04and came face to face
00:35:05with Case
00:35:06white t-shirt
00:35:06standing less than
00:35:07half a foot away
00:35:08his full height
00:35:09bearing down on me
00:35:09alpha
00:35:10I managed
00:35:10a faint edge
00:35:11flickered across
00:35:12his expression
00:35:12wasn't it my mate
00:35:13just a moment ago
00:35:14why so formal
00:35:15all of a sudden
00:35:17I looked down
00:35:17and started walking
00:35:20please don't misunderstand
00:35:21as long as I'm in this estate
00:35:22I honor this bond
00:35:23completely
00:35:23fast
00:35:24it's getting late
00:35:25I should go make
00:35:26your evening meal
00:35:27I moved to step past him
00:35:28his hand closed around my arm
00:35:29I lost my footing
00:35:30and pitched straight into him
00:35:31my heavy breasts
00:35:32against his chest
00:35:33my waist caught in his grip
00:35:34I looked up
00:35:35his face was inches from mine
00:35:38his eyes were deep
00:35:39and unreadable
00:35:40one tilt forward
00:35:41and our lips would have touched
00:35:42his breath hit my face
00:35:44warm
00:35:45my breath hitched
00:35:46heat pooled low
00:35:47in my core
00:35:49Case swallowed hard
00:35:50as long as I remain
00:35:52in this estate
00:35:52each word slow
00:35:53deliberate
00:35:54you counting down the days
00:35:56until you can leave
00:35:57I couldn't exactly tell him
00:35:58I'll leave the day you die
00:36:00no
00:36:01nothing like that
00:36:02I shifted in his grip
00:36:03alpha you're hurting my arm
00:36:05did you mean every word
00:36:06you said just now
00:36:07I blinked
00:36:08and asked which part
00:36:09he let out a quiet breath
00:36:11and released me
00:36:11I bolted
00:36:13and I noticed
00:36:14for the first time
00:36:15his face had actual color in it
00:36:17his cheeks were just as red as mine
00:36:20that night
00:36:20I had a strange dream
00:36:22Case's lips grazed slowly
00:36:23along my cheek
00:36:24his fingers hooked
00:36:25into the strap of my slip
00:36:26voice dropping to a low murmur
00:36:28does my luna want this
00:36:30I nodded like someone
00:36:32completely under a spell
00:36:33then a fierce consuming kiss
00:36:35caught my lips
00:36:35and wouldn't let go
00:36:36I jolted awake
00:36:37in a tangle of sheets
00:36:38heart still hammering
00:36:40breathless
00:36:42Ivy knocked and came in
00:36:44I asked her to bring
00:36:44a basin of cold water
00:36:45she stared at my sweat
00:36:47damp hair and murmured
00:36:48it really is getting hotter
00:36:49I splashed cold water
00:36:51onto my face
00:36:52and then it hit me
00:36:53that first night
00:36:54Case
00:36:54cold shower
00:36:56surely he hadn't also been
00:36:58no
00:36:59impossible
00:37:00he was injured and recovering
00:37:01he was supposed to be
00:37:03keeping himself calm
00:37:03at midday
00:37:04Martha's attendant arrived
00:37:05Martha would like dinner
00:37:06in the garden tonight
00:37:07she asks that you be sure
00:37:09to come
00:37:09been making excuses
00:37:10to avoid the main dining hall
00:37:11for days
00:37:12just to steer clear of Case
00:37:13but Martha had gone out
00:37:14of her way
00:37:15to personally extend
00:37:16the invitation
00:37:16I couldn't say no
00:37:17I stepped into the garden
00:37:18a sprawling rose of Sharon
00:37:20was in full bloom
00:37:21a gust of wind shook loose
00:37:23a handful of deep crimson petals
00:37:24drifting down onto the stone table
00:37:26covered with every dish
00:37:27I loved most
00:37:28Martha smiled
00:37:29and gestured for me to sit
00:37:30Case mentioned
00:37:31it's your birthday today
00:37:32he's the one who asked
00:37:33the kitchen to prepare
00:37:34all of this
00:37:36I looked up
00:37:37and met a pair of burning
00:37:38intent eyes
00:37:39heat rushed straight
00:37:40to my face
00:37:41Case lit a plate of chestnut cake
00:37:43in front of me
00:37:43without changing his expression
00:37:46how did you know
00:37:47today was my birthday
00:37:48I'd completely forgotten it myself
00:37:50my birth mother died
00:37:51bringing me into the world
00:37:52no one had ever once
00:37:53marked the day for me
00:37:55Case kept his eyes lowered
00:37:56and said evenly
00:37:58it's not difficult to know it
00:38:00something in my chest
00:38:01gave one quiet
00:38:01inexplicable pull
00:38:03Leah
00:38:04this peach blossom wine
00:38:05is from my private reserve
00:38:06I'm opening it
00:38:08just for you
00:38:08but you two had better
00:38:10not drink too much
00:38:11she pushed back her chair
00:38:12said the summer evening breeze
00:38:13was too much for her old bones
00:38:14and left
00:38:16the garden went quiet
00:38:17to avoid the silence
00:38:18I put my head down and drank
00:38:20one cup
00:38:21then another
00:38:21then another
00:38:22the wine was sweet
00:38:24and dangerously potent
00:38:25before long
00:38:26the edges of everything
00:38:27had gone soft and blurry
00:38:29Case watched me
00:38:30but said nothing
00:38:30by the third glass
00:38:32I'd stopped feeling
00:38:32the awkward silence
00:38:33by the fourth
00:38:34I'd stopped feeling
00:38:35much of anything
00:38:37I reached across the table
00:38:38toward the last piece
00:38:39of chestnut cake
00:38:39the dish was empty
00:38:41I looked up
00:38:42where's the last piece
00:38:44I ate it
00:38:45I have absolutely
00:38:46no idea
00:38:46where the boldness
00:38:47came from
00:38:47I leaned straight
00:38:48toward his face
00:38:52who told you
00:38:52to eat that
00:38:53spit it back out
00:38:54I pressed against
00:38:55his chest
00:38:56trying to peer
00:38:56into his mouth
00:38:57Case looked down
00:38:58at me
00:38:58perfectly calm
00:39:00you won't find
00:39:00it that way
00:39:01I straightened up
00:39:02and stared at him
00:39:03then how am I
00:39:04supposed to find it
00:39:05a faint flush
00:39:06crept across his cheeks
00:39:08try using your mouse
00:39:09my gaze drifted
00:39:10to his slightly
00:39:11reddened lips
00:39:11I swallowed once
00:39:13and kissed him
00:39:13without hesitation
00:39:14Case went rigid
00:39:16his breathing
00:39:17lurching unsteady
00:39:17then control shifted
00:39:19his hand cupped
00:39:20the back of my head
00:39:21and he pressed in
00:39:22deeper
00:39:22harder
00:39:23neither of us
00:39:24pulled away
00:39:24until footsteps
00:39:25sounded from behind
00:39:26the flower bed
00:39:28Alpha
00:39:28the night air is cool
00:39:30Lady Martha asked me
00:39:31to bring you both a rap
00:39:32I had no idea
00:39:34how much Ivy'd seen
00:39:35I shot to my feet
00:39:36and the next instant
00:39:37the world tilted
00:39:38everything went dark
00:39:41when I woke up
00:39:42with a splitting headache
00:39:43it was already morning
00:39:45I suddenly remembered
00:39:46I'd promised Martha
00:39:48to visit Case's
00:39:49father's grave
00:39:50it was late
00:39:51I started rushing around
00:39:52for my things
00:39:54Leah, don't worry
00:39:56the driver is still
00:39:57getting the car ready
00:39:58Ivy, was it you
00:40:00who brought me back
00:40:00last night?
00:40:01no
00:40:02the Alpha
00:40:03carried you back
00:40:05I spun around
00:40:06to check her face
00:40:07she nodded
00:40:08completely serious
00:40:11I didn't say
00:40:12anything stupid
00:40:12did I?
00:40:14Ivy bid back
00:40:14a smile
00:40:16the Alpha
00:40:16set you down
00:40:17on the bed
00:40:17and you grabbed
00:40:19his sleeve
00:40:19and wouldn't let go
00:40:20you kept calling
00:40:21him my mate
00:40:22over and over
00:40:23until his whole
00:40:24face went red
00:40:26Ivy, don't you dare
00:40:27make things up
00:40:29she covered her mouth
00:40:30laughing
00:40:31and ran out
00:40:32I met Martha
00:40:33at the front entrance
00:40:35Case's father's grave
00:40:36was on a hillside
00:40:37just beyond
00:40:37the pack territory
00:40:39I sat in the back
00:40:40of the car
00:40:40completely distracted
00:40:42replaying the moment
00:40:43I'd kissed Case
00:40:44last night
00:40:44Martha must have
00:40:46misread my expression
00:40:47because she said
00:40:48Leah
00:40:49is there someone
00:40:50you have feelings for?
00:40:54I've noticed
00:40:55you've been avoiding
00:40:55Case these past
00:40:56few days
00:40:58please don't be
00:40:58upset with me
00:40:59for pushing you two
00:41:00together at dinner
00:41:00last night
00:41:03I thought if the two
00:41:04of you couldn't be
00:41:04mates
00:41:05you could at least
00:41:05be friends
00:41:06but if you're
00:41:06uncomfortable
00:41:07or if you want
00:41:08to leave
00:41:09just say
00:41:10I'll have him
00:41:10sever the bond
00:41:11I won't let you
00:41:12be trapped here
00:41:13Mom, no
00:41:13it's not that
00:41:15I was thinking
00:41:16about something else
00:41:17what is it?
00:41:18I was still figuring
00:41:18out how to answer
00:41:19when the car lurched
00:41:20the engine screamed
00:41:21the car swung hard
00:41:22tires off the road
00:41:23crashing through brush
00:41:24the whole frame shaking
00:41:25I grabbed Martha
00:41:26and looked at the driver
00:41:27slumped over the wheel
00:41:28unconscious
00:41:30no one to hit the brakes
00:41:31a cliff
00:41:32straight ahead
00:41:33Martha grabbed my arm
00:41:34Leah
00:41:35what do we do?
00:41:36we jump
00:41:36now
00:41:37we'll be hurt
00:41:38we'll die if we don't
00:41:40hold on to me
00:41:41I wrapped myself around her
00:41:42and we threw ourselves clear
00:41:43the instant the wheels
00:41:43left solid ground
00:41:44we hit the cliff edge
00:41:45and went over
00:41:46my hand shot out
00:41:47and caught a root
00:41:48jutting from the rock face
00:41:49my other hand
00:41:50locked around Martha's wrist
00:41:52below her was a straight drop
00:41:54into nothing
00:41:56Mom
00:41:56don't look down
00:41:57don't look down
00:41:58hold on to me
00:41:59Ivy and the others
00:42:00are right behind us
00:42:01find us in the second car
00:42:03they'll be here soon
00:42:05the root ground
00:42:06under our weight
00:42:07Martha's voice broke
00:42:09Leah
00:42:10let me go
00:42:11we're too heavy
00:42:14it's going to snap
00:42:17I'm old
00:42:18I've lived my life
00:42:20you have to keep
00:42:22living yours
00:42:23my chest tightened so hard
00:42:25I could barely breathe
00:42:26I couldn't let go
00:42:28she'd been a mother to me
00:42:30from the first day
00:42:32Mom
00:42:32I would rather die with you
00:42:34than watch you fall
00:42:36hold on
00:42:40they're coming
00:42:41the truth was
00:42:43I had no idea
00:42:44my arms were going numb
00:42:46the pain had gone so deep
00:42:48it had stopped feeling like pain at all
00:42:50then I heard it
00:42:52a wolf's howl split the air
00:42:55deafening
00:42:56and close
00:42:58Leah
00:42:58don't move
00:43:00I'm coming down
00:43:01Case's voice
00:43:02he'd called me by my name
00:43:04the first time
00:43:06a strong arm came under me
00:43:08he'd climbed down the cliff face
00:43:11wolf claws dug into the rock
00:43:13he untied the rope from his own body
00:43:16and looped it around my waist
00:43:17then climbed down further
00:43:19and did the same for Martha
00:43:21the people above
00:43:22pulled together
00:43:23we came up
00:43:25one at a time
00:43:27it wasn't a hallucination
00:43:29Case had saved us
00:43:31he held me
00:43:32brow creased
00:43:35why is there so much blood
00:43:37Martha clutched her face
00:43:39she shielded me
00:43:41when we jumped
00:43:41I didn't get a scratch
00:43:44it's all hers
00:43:46my eyelids felt like lead
00:43:49Leah
00:43:50don't sleep
00:43:51I'm taking you to Ella
00:43:52he lifted me into the car
00:43:54and I stayed curled
00:43:55against his chest
00:43:56his forehead was damp
00:43:58with sweat
00:43:58he kept one hand
00:44:00on the wheel
00:44:00and kept talking
00:44:01Leah
00:44:02Leah
00:44:03Leah
00:44:03stay awake
00:44:05I'll get you chestnut cake
00:44:06I'll give you all the jewelry
00:44:08you want to sell
00:44:09you don't have to wait
00:44:10for me to die
00:44:10I'll write the bond release today
00:44:12you can leave whenever you want
00:44:13my chest kept clenching
00:44:15something wet hit my face
00:44:17I looked up at the sky
00:44:19through the windshield
00:44:20it wasn't raining
00:44:23then everything went black
00:44:24when I opened my eyes
00:44:25every part of my body
00:44:26felt like it had been
00:44:27taken apart
00:44:27and put back wrong
00:44:28my Luna
00:44:29the pack healer said
00:44:31you can't move yet
00:44:31Ivy pressed a bowl of medicine
00:44:32to my lips
00:44:33spooning it in slowly
00:44:35you're lucky nothing's broken
00:44:36her voice was steady
00:44:37but her eyes were red
00:44:38the scrapes were bad
00:44:39you need to stay flat
00:44:40or they'll scar
00:44:42your shoulder was dislocated
00:44:43too
00:44:43she kept talking
00:44:44my eyes had already
00:44:45drifted to the door
00:44:46after I finished the medicine
00:44:47I asked
00:44:49where's Case
00:44:49investigating
00:44:50someone poisoned the driver
00:44:51with wolf bite
00:44:52and cut the brake lines
00:44:53it was deliberate
00:44:54who would be bold enough
00:44:55to target the Alpha's family
00:44:56directly
00:44:56I was flat on my back
00:44:58for a full month
00:44:58I didn't see Case once
00:45:00Martha kept her door shut too
00:45:01still recovering from the shock
00:45:03everyone in the estate
00:45:04moved with tight faces
00:45:05and clipped voices
00:45:06like something was being held
00:45:07just below the surface
00:45:08I asked Ivy
00:45:09she said nothing was wrong
00:45:11today I was finally cleared
00:45:12to get out of bed
00:45:13I opened my door
00:45:14and walked straight
00:45:15into a familiar figure
00:45:16Case
00:45:17dark tactical shirt
00:45:18sharper than I remembered
00:45:19he held out a small
00:45:20wooden box
00:45:21I took it
00:45:22and lifted the lid
00:45:23a land deed
00:45:24a property contract
00:45:25a severance letter
00:45:26my body went rigid
00:45:28something locked around my chest
00:45:29and wouldn't let go
00:45:30Case
00:45:31are you throwing me out?
00:45:34you've been waiting for this
00:45:35since the day you arrived
00:45:37you avoided me
00:45:38stayed out of my way
00:45:39you never wanted anything
00:45:39to do with me
00:45:40you were counting down
00:45:41the days until I died
00:45:42so you could walk out cleanly
00:45:44I'm just doing it early
00:45:46Leah, go
00:45:47after today
00:45:48we're finished
00:45:48something sharp
00:45:49flooded my chest
00:45:50my mouth opened
00:45:51and closed
00:45:52it took a long time
00:45:53to get anything out
00:45:56so that's what you think of me
00:45:59leave now
00:46:00I don't want to see you anymore
00:46:02Case disappeared
00:46:03around the corner of the yard
00:46:04estate guards
00:46:05all but pushed me out the door
00:46:06Ivy fell in to step beside me
00:46:08and the alpha said
00:46:08you're used to having me around
00:46:09he told me to go with you
00:46:13I couldn't speak
00:46:17we moved into a small house
00:46:18on the edge of the territory
00:46:20by morning
00:46:21the pack's official announcement
00:46:22had gone up
00:46:23the announcement said
00:46:24Case had betrayed the pack
00:46:27the announcement said
00:46:28he had betrayed the pack
00:46:29that he had leaked
00:46:30the border patrol routes
00:46:31to a rogue faction
00:46:32by order of the Lycan king
00:46:34royal enforcers had been dispatched
00:46:36to seize him
00:46:36pending investigation
00:46:38Case was being held
00:46:40in the dungeons
00:46:40under royal guard
00:46:41the estate was locked down
00:46:43everyone inside
00:46:44was under scrutiny
00:46:46Case would never betray his pack
00:46:48he would die
00:46:49before he did something like that
00:46:50he rushed to get me out
00:46:51that was why
00:46:52that was the only reason
00:46:54Ivy was pacing circles
00:46:56around the living room
00:46:56she'd grown up
00:46:57inside the estate
00:46:58she couldn't stand still
00:47:00is there anything we can do
00:47:02I made myself sit down
00:47:03and think
00:47:04years ago
00:47:05Elder Reed's youngest child
00:47:06had gotten lost in the forest
00:47:07and been bitten by a snake
00:47:09I'd found him
00:47:10and used the right herbs
00:47:11to treat the wound
00:47:12Elder Reed had arrived
00:47:14while I was still
00:47:14crouched over the boy
00:47:15he'd seen my face
00:47:16I was sure he hadn't forgotten
00:47:19I tracked him down
00:47:20outside the council building
00:47:21and stepped into the pack
00:47:21Elder Reed
00:47:22you remember me
00:47:23I need a favor
00:47:25he looked at me
00:47:26for a long moment
00:47:27then he nodded
00:47:30Elder Reed led me
00:47:31into the dungeon
00:47:3130 minutes
00:47:32no more
00:47:33the door on the side
00:47:34Case stood up
00:47:34his eyes flashed
00:47:35with surprise
00:47:36how did you get in
00:47:37my chest ached
00:47:38as I looked at him
00:47:39through the blur of tears
00:47:40that's why you kicked me out
00:47:41isn't it
00:47:42you were framed
00:47:44think carefully
00:47:44is there any evidence
00:47:45to prove your innocence
00:47:47I will find it
00:47:48I will investigate
00:47:49I swear I will rescue you
00:47:51Case's gaze deepened
00:47:52then his arm shot out
00:47:53and pulled me into his chest
00:47:54Leah
00:47:55my heart hammered
00:47:56but time was running out
00:47:58this wasn't the moment
00:47:59I pushed against him
00:48:00he didn't budge
00:48:01Leah you don't need to do anything
00:48:03I can't say much
00:48:05I promise
00:48:07seven days later
00:48:08I will accompany you
00:48:09to watch the sunrise
00:48:10okay
00:48:11his eyes were steady
00:48:12certain
00:48:13like he was coaxing
00:48:14a frightened pup
00:48:16I walked out of the dungeon
00:48:17and straight into Brad
00:48:23he stepped into my path
00:48:24slow smile
00:48:25spreading across his face
00:48:26it's not too late
00:48:27to reconsider
00:48:28being my mistress
00:48:29beats being alone
00:48:31and disgraced
00:48:31I swung my hand
00:48:33and slapped him
00:48:33across the face
00:48:34he lunged for me
00:48:35I stepped sideways
00:48:36and put distance between us
00:48:37try that again
00:48:38and every note you sent me
00:48:38ends up in front of
00:48:39Chloe's father
00:48:40every single one
00:48:41you've been whispering
00:48:42in her ear for years
00:48:43haven't you
00:48:43trying to get me pushed out
00:48:44thinking I'd have nowhere to go
00:48:45and no choice but to run to you
00:48:47but you never counted on Chloe
00:48:48handing me straight to Case
00:48:49a man you can't touch
00:48:51his face changed
00:48:51I didn't wait for him to recover
00:48:53I walked away
00:48:54and didn't look back
00:48:54a wolf like that
00:48:56the further the better
00:48:57I didn't sleep well
00:48:58for the next five days
00:48:59Case's voice kept coming back to me
00:49:01I promise
00:49:02seven days later
00:49:03I will accompany you
00:49:04to watch the sunrise
00:49:04okay
00:49:05on the afternoon of the sixth day
00:49:07the Lichen King's official decree
00:49:08went up across the territory
00:49:09the leak hadn't come from Case
00:49:11it had come from Prince Marcus
00:49:13and his allies
00:49:14the truth is finally revealed
00:49:19the Lichen King
00:49:20had not yet named his heir
00:49:21both Prince Caden
00:49:22and Prince Marcus
00:49:23were in the running
00:49:23Case was Prince Caden's
00:49:24most powerful ally
00:49:25the alpha who commanded
00:49:26the most powerful pack
00:49:27taking Case down
00:49:28was the cleanest way
00:49:29to clear the path to the throne
00:49:30Prince Marcus had planted
00:49:31a spy inside the Blackwood Pack
00:49:33used him to steal
00:49:33the border patrol routes
00:49:34then framed Case for it
00:49:36so the injury had been faked
00:49:37all of it
00:49:38a deliberate trap
00:49:39to draw out the spy
00:49:40but why fake
00:49:40being unable to mate
00:49:41I turned that over
00:49:43in my mind all night
00:49:43and couldn't land on an answer
00:49:45dawn was just breaking
00:49:45when someone knocked at the door
00:49:46I didn't think
00:49:47I just ran
00:49:48I threw the door open
00:49:49and walked straight
00:49:50into Case's chest
00:49:51he went completely still
00:49:52then his arms came around me
00:49:53slow and deliberate
00:49:54and pulled me in hard
00:49:55I'd run out in nothing
00:49:56but a thin sleep shirt
00:49:57no warning
00:49:58through the thin fabric
00:49:59I could feel everything
00:50:00the hard muscle of his chest
00:50:02his arms locked tight around me
00:50:04I pressed my hands
00:50:05against his chest
00:50:05and tried to step back
00:50:06Leah
00:50:07his voice dropped low
00:50:08I'm back
00:50:09our eyes locked
00:50:10the heat between us
00:50:11was thick enough to touch
00:50:12then he lifted me off the ground
00:50:13and carried me straight toward the bedroom
00:50:14I beat a fist against his chest
00:50:17weren't we supposed to watch the sunrise?
00:50:20you first
00:50:21sunrise after
00:50:22we fell onto the bed together
00:50:28Case pinned me beneath him
00:50:30one hand working the buttons
00:50:31of my sleep shirt open
00:50:32eyes never leaving mine
00:50:33I covered his eyes with both hands
00:50:35don't look
00:50:36it's embarrassing
00:50:37he took my hands down
00:50:38his breathing had gone ragged
00:50:41it's beautiful
00:50:42his eyes were bright and fixed
00:50:43my skin went hot
00:50:45everywhere he touched
00:50:45I pressed my palm
00:50:46flat against his chest
00:50:47hard muscle
00:50:48warm skin
00:50:49the healer said
00:50:50you couldn't get hard
00:50:51how is any of this possible?
00:50:52lips dragging slowly
00:50:53along my jaw to my ear
00:50:54you wanna know if I can?
00:50:56there's one way to find out
00:50:57he kissed me
00:50:58one hand
00:50:59cupping my face
00:51:00tilting it up toward him
00:51:01I kissed him back hard
00:51:02my hands slid up his chest
00:51:04over his shoulders
00:51:05gripping his arms
00:51:06he pressed me further
00:51:08into the mattress
00:51:08his weight settling over me
00:51:10the heat built fast
00:51:11and took over completely
00:51:12my hands went slack
00:51:14he caught them
00:51:15laced his fingers through mine
00:51:17and pinned them above my head
00:51:18he loves me very much
00:51:20and completely occupies me
00:51:21my face gradually became rosy
00:51:24and we could only hear
00:51:25each other's heartbeats
00:51:26and breathing
00:51:27his lips dragged
00:51:28from my mouth to my jaw
00:51:29down the side of my neck
00:51:30slow and unhurried
00:51:32then he stopped
00:51:33his canines pierced
00:51:35my mating gland
00:51:35a second of sharp
00:51:37white hot pain
00:51:37and then it was done
00:51:39I lay there
00:51:40chest heaving
00:51:41fingers still tangled in his
00:51:42on my neck
00:51:43his mark ached
00:51:45finally
00:51:45we weren't just mates
00:51:46on paper anymore
00:51:49after the estate lockdown
00:51:50was lifted
00:51:51Case took me to meet
00:51:52Prince Caden
00:51:52a slow smile
00:51:53spreading across his face
00:51:54so you're the woman
00:51:55who brought Case to his knees
00:51:56I've been wanting to meet you
00:51:59you flatter me
00:51:59your highness
00:52:00Case helped the kingdom
00:52:01take down a real threat
00:52:02you stood by him
00:52:03through all of it
00:52:03I'll host an official
00:52:04luna ceremony for you
00:52:05and when that day comes
00:52:06I'll have a gift ready
00:52:07thank you your highness
00:52:09don't blame Case Leah
00:52:11faking the injury
00:52:12was always part of the plan
00:52:16too many enemies
00:52:17wanted him dead
00:52:18the only way to keep him safe
00:52:19was to make them think
00:52:20he was already finished
00:52:21part about not being able
00:52:22to get hard
00:52:23that was my idea
00:52:24I gave the pack doctor
00:52:25that order myself
00:52:28we grew up together
00:52:29I know exactly how he is
00:52:31never any interest in women
00:52:32never any weakness
00:52:34I figured it was time
00:52:35someone did something about that
00:52:36suddenly I understood
00:52:37just two old friends
00:52:38and one very elaborate prank
00:52:40the car accident
00:52:42that was prince marcus as well
00:52:43they intended it to look
00:52:44like an accident
00:52:45they didn't expect to hurt you
00:52:46in the process
00:52:47luna leah
00:52:48it's been dealt with
00:52:49you and Case are safe now
00:52:55I took a slow breath
00:52:57knowing it was over
00:52:58didn't make the memory
00:52:59of dangling off that cliff
00:53:00any less vivid
00:53:01we got back to the estate
00:53:02to find Chloe already inside
00:53:03crying
00:53:03she walked an hour ago
00:53:05and hasn't stopped
00:53:06Martha is getting a headache
00:53:07from it
00:53:08I told Case to go to his study
00:53:09I'd handle it
00:53:11I sat down next to Chloe
00:53:12face red
00:53:13eyes swollen
00:53:14word had already spread
00:53:15Brad had been identified
00:53:16as one of prince marcus' informants
00:53:18Chloe's father had been cleared
00:53:20but Chloe and Brad were finished
00:53:22still crying
00:53:23I'll have someone throw you out
00:53:25she stopped immediately
00:53:26still shaking
00:53:27but quiet
00:53:27I misjudged him
00:53:29I thought picking someone
00:53:30from a lower ranked family
00:53:31meant he'd be easy to manage
00:53:33I didn't think he'd be like this
00:53:35I told you
00:53:36he wasn't a good person
00:53:37you didn't say it clearly enough
00:53:39I rolled my eyes
00:53:40I wasn't a powerless omega anymore
00:53:42I didn't have to hold back
00:53:49were you ever angry at me
00:53:50for how I treated you back then
00:53:53no
00:53:53I cursed you in my head
00:53:55but I don't hold grudges
00:53:57you cursed me
00:53:58do you want to punish me for it
00:53:59Chloe laughed despite herself
00:54:01then caught herself
00:54:02and pressed her lips together
00:54:02I'm sorry
00:54:03for the slap
00:54:04did it hurt
00:54:05I already forgot about it
00:54:06then let me slap you back
00:54:07we'll be even
00:54:08she closed her eyes
00:54:09and braced herself
00:54:10I raised my hand
00:54:11and let it land soft
00:54:12against her cheek
00:54:14she opened her eyes
00:54:17I already gave that slap to Brad
00:54:19Chloe stared at me for a second
00:54:20then she laughed
00:54:21really laughed
00:54:22for the first time
00:54:23since she'd walked in
00:54:24don't call me Chloe anymore
00:54:25can we be friends?
00:54:27no
00:54:29I don't like friends
00:54:30who cry too much
00:54:32the light was still on
00:54:32when I passed Kase's study
00:54:33I pushed the door open
00:54:35before I could say a word
00:54:36an arm shot out from behind
00:54:37and wrapped around my waist
00:54:39bold intruder
00:54:40his voice dropped low
00:54:41against my ear
00:54:41you think you can just walk
00:54:42into the Alpha's office?
00:54:44the Alpha's mate is right here
00:54:45and you still dare make a move?
00:54:47Kase played it straight
00:54:48his lips found my neck
00:54:49here?
00:54:51really?
00:54:52right here
00:54:53I kept saying no
00:54:54my hand said something else entirely
00:54:56finding their way to his back
00:54:57he murmured against my ear
00:54:59you have no idea
00:55:00how many times
00:55:01I thought about this
00:55:02in this room
00:55:04I wanted to say something back
00:55:05but his hand was already moving
00:55:06and I couldn't get a single word out
00:55:08he carried me to the table
00:55:09and took off my clothes
00:55:11then we had a good time
00:55:18when I woke up
00:55:19it was almost dawn
00:55:21Kase was already awake
00:55:22sitting up against the headboard
00:55:23watching me
00:55:24his eyes were soft
00:55:25in a way that made it hard
00:55:26to look back
00:55:27morning
00:55:27I sat up and rubbed my eyes
00:55:29then I remembered
00:55:30the sunrise
00:55:31he'd promised
00:55:32the sunrise
00:55:36we still have time
00:55:37he was already up
00:55:38he dressed me slowly
00:55:40straightening each layer
00:55:41with both hands
00:55:41like he'd done it
00:55:42a thousand times before
00:55:43we walked out into the yard
00:55:44cool air
00:55:45the smell of pine
00:55:46to the east
00:55:47both arms around me
00:55:48we watched the horizon together
00:55:50the sun came up slowly
00:55:51gold light broke across the trees
00:55:53spread across the yard
00:55:54and landed on us
00:55:55the clouds caught the color
00:55:57and held it
00:55:58beautiful
00:55:58close to my ear
00:56:01beautiful
00:56:05I'll watch every sunrise
00:56:06and sunset with you
00:56:07his voice was quiet
00:56:07against my hair
00:56:08everyone
00:56:09for as long as we have
00:56:11I turned around
00:56:12and kissed him once
00:56:12quick and light
00:56:14deal
00:56:15the sun came up fully
00:56:16and the yard filled with light
00:56:17our shadows stretched long
00:56:19across the ground behind us
00:56:20over the next few days
00:56:21the estate came back to life
00:56:22servants moved through the halls
00:56:24with easy steps again
00:56:25Martha's health improved
00:56:26she called me in to talk
00:56:27every morning
00:56:28always smiling
00:56:29when I walked through the door
00:56:30one afternoon
00:56:31I was trimming the plants
00:56:32in the yard
00:56:32when Sunny came running over
00:56:33Leah
00:56:34Chloe is here again
00:56:35she brought a lot of stuff
00:56:36with her
00:56:37I set down my shears
00:56:38since the day she'd come in crying
00:56:40Chloe had been showing up regularly
00:56:41she said she was making up
00:56:42for lost time
00:56:43really she just had nothing to do
00:56:45and nowhere to be
00:56:47let her in
00:56:48I wiped my hands
00:56:49and went to meet her
00:56:53Chloe walked in
00:56:54with two attendants behind her
00:56:55carrying food boxes
00:56:56she changed a lot
00:56:57less restless
00:56:58she dressed simpler now
00:56:59and moved quieter
00:57:07I made your favorite
00:57:08chestnut cake
00:57:09I asked the royal kitchen
00:57:11for the recipe this time
00:57:12better than anything
00:57:13the blackwood kitchen
00:57:14has ever made
00:57:15I took a piece
00:57:16and bit into it
00:57:17sweet
00:57:17soft
00:57:18better than I expected
00:57:21good
00:57:22thank you
00:57:22so where's Case
00:57:24not home
00:57:25he went to the
00:57:26pack training ground
00:57:27something came up
00:57:28Chloe nodded
00:57:29and reached for a piece herself
00:57:30for a while
00:57:31neither of us said anything
00:57:32just the wind
00:57:33moving through the yard
00:57:34my father wants me
00:57:35to find a new mate
00:57:36I looked up
00:57:36don't rush for it
00:57:38I know
00:57:41after Brad
00:57:42I don't know how to
00:57:42trust anyone
00:57:43she looked at me
00:57:44something flickering
00:57:45in her eyes
00:57:47you have a good mate
00:57:49Case fights for you
00:57:50protects you
00:57:51and he's the strongest
00:57:52alpha in the kingdom
00:57:53we just got lucky
00:57:54you can't force these things
00:57:55Chloe nodded
00:57:56and didn't say anything else
00:57:57just ate her chestnut cake
00:57:59the yard went quiet
00:58:00just wind
00:58:01moving through the leaves
00:58:02then she said
00:58:04that slap
00:58:06do you really not
00:58:06hold it against me
00:58:08really
00:58:09it's in the past
00:58:10no point bringing it up
00:58:11the truth was
00:58:13I'd already let it go
00:58:13a long time ago
00:58:14she wasn't a bad person
00:58:15just spoiled
00:58:17used to getting her way
00:58:18Chloe's eyes went red
00:58:19at the edges
00:58:19thank you
00:58:21when I arranged the mating
00:58:22part of it was because
00:58:24I was scared you and Brad
00:58:25would find your way
00:58:25back to each other
00:58:27but part of it was genuine
00:58:28I really did think
00:58:29Case was a good man
00:58:30that he wouldn't
00:58:31treat you badly
00:58:31we looked at each other
00:58:33and smiled
00:58:33all the conflicts
00:58:34were solved
00:58:38I just didn't expect him
00:58:40to be faking the whole time
00:58:41Chloe laughed
00:58:42a little embarrassed
00:58:42it's in the past
00:58:45isn't this better
00:58:50it is
00:58:51she nodded
00:58:51can we be friends
00:58:52for real
00:58:53I won't be like
00:58:54I was before
00:58:57sure
00:58:58I nodded
00:58:59something warm
00:58:59moved through my chest
00:59:01letting go of old grudges
00:59:02and coming out the other side
00:59:03with a friend
00:59:04that wasn't a bad ending
00:59:05we sat in the yard
00:59:05for the rest of the afternoon
00:59:06eating and talking
00:59:08pack gossip
00:59:09small things
00:59:10nothing important
00:59:10the sun came through the leaves
00:59:12and the air was warm
00:59:13and easy
00:59:13when Case came back
00:59:15from the training grounds
00:59:15that evening
00:59:16and saw the two of us
00:59:17surprise crossed his face
00:59:18what are you two happy about?
00:59:21talking about you
00:59:21Chloe grinned
00:59:22about what a liar you are
00:59:24faking the whole thing
00:59:25and fooling everyone
00:59:28Case walked over
00:59:28and sat down beside me
00:59:31he reached over
00:59:32and took my hand
00:59:33eyes warm
00:59:34tricking you into becoming
00:59:35my Luna
00:59:36that's the luckiest thing
00:59:37I've ever done
00:59:37my face went red
00:59:38I gave him a look
00:59:39Chloe burst out laughing
00:59:41alright
00:59:41I'm leaving you two alone
00:59:42Leah I'll come by tomorrow
00:59:44sure
00:59:44take care
00:59:45I watched her go
00:59:46Case turned to me
00:59:48are you a good friend now?
00:59:50yes
00:59:51the past is the past
00:59:52no point holding on to it
00:59:54he squeezed my hand
00:59:55I'm glad you can think that way
00:59:57he knew how much
00:59:58I'd been through
00:59:59watching me let it go
00:59:59and just be happy
01:00:01I could tell it meant
01:00:01something to him
01:00:03we sat side by side
01:00:04at the stone table
01:00:05and looked out at the sky
01:00:06neither of us said much
01:00:07we didn't need to
01:00:09days like this
01:00:10quiet and unhurried
01:00:11became the rhythm of our life
01:00:13Case stayed busy with the pack
01:00:15and with royal matters
01:00:17but he always made time
01:00:19sunrises
01:00:20sunsets
01:00:20he spoiled me
01:00:21until I didn't know
01:00:22what to do with it
01:00:23Martha was healthy
01:00:24and smiling every day
01:00:25the estate was calm
01:00:27and easy again
01:00:27the way it used to be
01:00:30true to his word
01:00:31Prince Caden petitioned
01:00:32the Lycan King on my behalf
01:00:33at my official Luna ceremony
01:00:35the Lycan King's decree
01:00:36was read aloud
01:00:37a formal commendation
01:00:38in front of the entire pack
01:00:40the estate was lit up
01:00:41and full of noise that day
01:00:43Case lifted the veil
01:00:44and placed it over my head himself
01:00:45his eyes proud and soft
01:00:47the most beautiful Luna
01:00:49then he shifted
01:00:50right there in front of everyone
01:00:51his wolf was massive
01:00:53dark
01:00:54broad-shouldered
01:00:55still
01:00:55he lowered himself
01:00:57to the ground
01:00:57and waited
01:00:58I climbed onto his back
01:00:59he rose slowly
01:01:01carrying me steady
01:01:02and lifted his head
01:01:03toward the moon
01:01:03the howl that came out of him
01:01:05was long and deep
01:01:06and carried across
01:01:07the entire territory
01:01:09one by one
01:01:10the pack answered
01:01:11howl after howl
01:01:12rising into the night sky
01:01:14I thought about everything
01:01:15it had taken to get here
01:01:16a bastard Omega
01:01:17with no wolf
01:01:18no one to speak for her
01:01:20only I knew how hard the road had been
01:01:22and all of it
01:01:23every bit of the happiness
01:01:24on the other side of it
01:01:25came from the man standing behind me
01:01:28after the ceremony
01:01:29Case took me south
01:01:30open land
01:01:31warm air
01:01:32water catching the afternoon light
01:01:34far from everything
01:01:35that had tried to take us down
01:01:36the rest of our lives
01:01:38stretched out ahead of us
01:01:39every year
01:01:40every season
01:01:40together
01:01:43after the ceremony
01:01:44life settled into a new rhythm
01:01:45I stood beside Case
01:01:46at every pack meeting
01:01:47every decision
01:01:48every matter that came
01:01:49through the estate gates
01:01:50his pack was my pack
01:01:52his people were my people
01:01:54but he always made time
01:01:55a weekend drive
01:01:57with no destination
01:01:58a trail through the forest
01:01:59at dawn
01:02:00wherever he thought
01:02:01I'd want to see
01:02:02he took me there
01:02:02without being asked
01:02:04the rest of our lives
01:02:05stretched out ahead of us
01:02:06every year
01:02:07every season
01:02:08together
01:02:09you
Comments