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