- 9 hours ago
La compañera irresistible del rey Alfa
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Short filmTranscript
00:05I was born with heavy breasts and lush curves.
00:08My half-sister Chloe was afraid her mate Brad would go feral over me.
00:12So she sold me to an impotent alpha.
00:15She patted my shoulder.
00:20Who knows, maybe he's good at other things.
00:23Three months later, I was begging for mercy every night.
00:27Funny. He seemed good at everything.
00:31Case Valerius, the Blackwood Pax Alpha, the Lycan King's most trusted war commander.
00:36He was carried back from the battlefield soaked in blood.
00:39Someone suggested,
00:40A mate bond shares life force.
00:42If Alpha Case was bound to a living, healthy mate, her strength could flow into him and pull him back.
00:48Chloe rushed to play matchmaker and presented me to Martha before I could object.
00:51I had no way to refuse.
00:53If I wouldn't agree, she'd transfer me to serve 60-year-old Elder Kevin.
00:57I knew she resented my history with her mate.
01:00I dropped to my knees and swore to the moon goddess.
01:03I swear, Chloe, I had no feelings for Brad.
01:07Chloe jabbed a finger at my forehead, fury in her eyes.
01:09What good is a vow?
01:11Do you have any idea how distracting you are?
01:13I hunched my shoulders.
01:15Tears slid down my cheeks.
01:16Just look at that ample body and those charming curves, parading your body in front of every male in the
01:22clan.
01:23Who among them would not lose their minds at the smell of you?
01:26I wanted to tell her.
01:28To bind my chest, I'd wrapped myself layer after layer in the sweltering heat, until I broke out in a
01:33rash.
01:34Her expression softened.
01:35She wiped my tears.
01:37It's not that I don't trust you.
01:39It's that I don't trust males.
01:41Do you know how powerful Alpha Case is?
01:44If my mother and Martha weren't old friends, you wouldn't even have this opportunity.
01:48Chloe, I don't want to be anyone's offering.
01:51I'd rather scrub kitchen floors.
01:54Just don't make me...
01:57Two sharp slaps landed across my face.
02:00My cheek burned.
02:01Leah, are you out of your mind?
02:03If I hadn't vouched for you, Martha wouldn't have given you a second glance.
02:07You wouldn't even be worthy of being Case's mate.
02:10The maid burst in breathless.
02:12Miss Chloe, word from the Valerius Estate.
02:15Alpha Case has woken up.
02:18Chloe dragged me straight to Valerius Estate, enormous.
02:21I followed her through the main hall to a set of heavy double doors, pulled half shut.
02:25Through the gap, I could make out a man's shape in the bed.
02:28Thin, motionless, chest rattling with shallow coughs every few minutes.
02:32Martha stood on our side, eyes red.
02:34Thank you for everything you've done for Case.
02:36I won't destroy a girl's future over it.
02:38Chloe's eyes moved, quick and calculating.
02:41Valerius, the bond should still be completed.
02:43Leah arrived the same day Case woke up.
02:46That's the moon goddess guiding us.
02:48Seal the bond properly.
02:49Her life force will keep pulling him back toward health.
02:52Before she could speak, the healer Ella stepped out, expression tight.
02:56Alpha Case has regained consciousness, but an arrow struck his inner thigh during battle.
03:03I'm afraid he will no longer be able to-
03:05Unable to do what?
03:06He will no longer be able to get hard.
03:09Martha's knees gave out.
03:10I caught her before she hit the floor.
03:12She looked up at me with hollowed eyes.
03:14Leah, knowing this, are you still willing?
03:18Yes, she's been looking forward to it.
03:20Chloe was already answering for me.
03:22Of course she is.
03:23She's just an omega with no prospects.
03:26She should be grateful.
03:27I didn't speak right away.
03:29My mind went to my past.
03:31There was a young wolf in the poor quarter behind our estate.
03:34I first saw him through the fence gaps.
03:36Thin wrists, hollow cheeks, hunched over a cracked bowl with nothing in it.
03:41I started passing food through the gaps.
03:43Bread first, then soup, then whatever I had.
03:46Day after day, I watched him change.
03:49The hollows in his cheeks filled out.
03:51His shoulders broadened.
03:53He started training before dawn, running laps around the back wall while I was still half
03:57asleep.
03:57He was going to enter the warrior trials.
04:00I knew it before he told me.
04:01When he passed, I went to find him that same night.
04:04I was happy.
04:05I remember it clearly.
04:06I was genuinely happy.
04:07I knocked on the gate.
04:08He didn't open it.
04:09His voice came, Leah, I'm betrothed now.
04:12It wouldn't be proper.
04:13Then a soft thud in the dirt at my feet.
04:14A pouch of silver.
04:15Consider my debt repaid.
04:16I stood there for a moment.
04:18Then I picked it up and walked away.
04:20That wolf became Chloe's mate, Brad.
04:23I acted like I'd never known him.
04:25Chloe found out anyway.
04:27I snapped back to reality.
04:29I gathered my skirts and knelt in front of Martha.
04:31My lady, I'm willing.
04:34I'll complete the bond, care for Case, and serve you as long as you need me.
04:39Luna.
04:39Martha kept her word and prepared a dignified mating dress for me.
04:43Chloe deliberately chose a day when Brad was away on pack business to send me off.
04:47She walked me to the door, guilt on her face.
04:49Even though Case can't get hard, at least you'll be spared the pain of bearing pups.
04:54Don't worry.
04:56An alpha who can't perform in that area is probably exceptional in every other.
05:00Honestly, none of what Chloe said had even crossed my mind.
05:03I told myself I was simply moving to a new household.
05:07Case was too weak to stand through the full mate blessing ritual.
05:10I completed the bond rites beside his ceremonial sword instead.
05:14Martha watched from the front, eyes wet the whole time.
05:18When it was done, I was alpha Case's mate.
05:21The mating chamber was quiet.
05:23I pushed the door open carefully.
05:25Case was already inside, half reclined against the headboard in a white bathrobe.
05:30He turned when he heard me.
05:31Up close, he was strikingly handsome.
05:34Sharp jaw, dark eyes, the kind of face that didn't need color in it to hold attention.
05:39I had no intention of taking a mate.
05:42He said with a low voice.
05:43If it doesn't trouble you, we can treat this as a sibling arrangement.
05:47He pointed to the chaise along the far wall.
05:50Tonight the bed is yours.
05:52I'll take that.
05:54Tomorrow you move to the guest quarters.
05:56All right.
05:56I nodded.
05:57He had thought of everything.
05:58It wasn't what I'd expected.
06:01Before the ritual, one of the older maids had pulled me aside and pressed something into my hands.
06:06A small handbook, worn at the corners.
06:08She'd whispered with a strange look.
06:11There are other ways between mates.
06:13You might find it useful.
06:15I had no idea what she meant until I opened it.
06:18Heat pooled in my core just from looking at the pages.
06:21Is it too hot?
06:22Case was watching me from the bed.
06:24Eyes direct.
06:26Unblinking.
06:27The dress is heavy.
06:29I'm a little warm.
06:31Then wash up and rest.
06:33He pulled the blanket over himself and turned toward the wall.
06:35Within minutes, his breathing evened out.
06:38I set the handbook down on the vanity and took down my hair.
06:41Then the layered robes, piece by piece, until I was standing in nothing but my nightgown.
06:46I turned to the mirror.
06:48The thin fabric clung to every curve.
06:50Heavy breasts straining against the cloth.
06:52Slim waist giving way to the flare of my hips.
06:55I walked straight into Case's gaze.
06:57He wasn't asleep.
06:59His chest rose hard.
07:00The tips of his ears went red.
07:02His throat worked as he swallowed.
07:04I grabbed my outer robe and pressed it against my chest.
07:08Alpha, I thought you were asleep.
07:10A long pause.
07:12I could sleep later.
07:14My breath hitched.
07:16He rose slowly to his feet, his tall frame casting a shadow over me.
07:30The handbook's images came flooding in.
07:32My breathing shifted without me meaning it to.
07:34Somehow falling into the same rhythm as his.
07:37Then Case turned and walked to the door.
07:39The moment cool night air rushed in, I snapped back to my senses.
07:43He'd already disappeared into the darkness.
07:45I turned it over in my mind.
07:47When he'd looked at me just now,
07:49his eyes had flashed with something unmistakably like shock.
07:53Had my figure actually frightened him?
07:55Before I lay down, I made a firm decision.
07:58Tomorrow morning, I was binding my chest at least one full loop tighter.
08:02I was hovering somewhere between sleep and waking when Case slipped back in.
08:06The tips of his hair still beaded with water.
08:09He'd apparently gone to shower.
08:10By morning, he was already gone.
08:12Ivy came in to help me dress.
08:14From the corridor outside came the sound of a man.
08:17Once.
08:18Then again.
08:20Martha's headmaid's voice carried clearly through the door.
08:23Alpha Case?
08:24Why didn't you call someone to heat the water?
08:26It's already summer, but the nights are still cold.
08:29Of course you've caught a chill.
08:31I'll go brew tea right now.
08:32I glanced at Ivy.
08:34Does the Alpha usually take cold showers?
08:37I honestly don't know, miss.
08:39I dismissed her and locked the door.
08:41I wound a strip of cloth tight over my undergarments, then pulled on the most conservative dress I could find
08:46in the wardrobe.
08:47High neck, loose cut, heavy fabric.
08:50Then I went to living room.
08:53Case was already there when I arrived, seated beside Martha.
08:55She lit up the moment she saw me, her whole face warm with welcome.
09:00Until Case coughed, and the warmth vanished instantly.
09:04Cage, I have a few private words for Leah.
09:07Go rest for a while.
09:08Case rose and left without a word.
09:11Martha waved me over and took both my hands in hers, eyes glistening.
09:16Sweet girl, our Case is lucky to have you.
09:22The pack healer says the injury drained his life force.
09:25There's no telling how long he has left.
09:28Some of the elders suggested I find a child for him to adopt, to carry on the bloodline.
09:35But if I did that, wouldn't I be stealing your whole future from you?
09:40I'm already grateful you came into this family to save Case.
09:44I can't let you sacrifice the rest of your life on top of that.
09:47I've thought it through.
09:48If Case's time does come, I'll have him issue you a formal mate release.
09:52Your future stays protected.
09:54And I'll see to it that you receive property, and a place of your own.
09:58I reached up and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes,
10:01chest tight with an ache I couldn't name.
10:03Mrs. Valerius, thank you for looking out for me.
10:07I'd come here thinking of myself as nothing more than a transferred Omega servant.
10:10I never imagined she would think this far ahead on my behalf.
10:14My thoughts drifted to the mother I had never known.
10:16If she had been alive, if I had grown up under a mother's protection.
10:19I never would have ended up in any of the situations I'd been through.
10:23Martha laughed through her tears.
10:24Look at me, I've gone and made you cry too.
10:27She squeezed my hands.
10:29Leah, there's no need to be so formal.
10:31Call me mom, just like Case does.
10:34She took a breath.
10:35So, I have a proposition for you.
10:37Chloe mentioned you know how to prepare medicinal soups.
10:40I'd like you to take over Case's daily meals and care.
10:43I just want him to live a little longer.
10:45That's my one selfish wish.
10:47By the end, her voice had gone rough.
10:49I nodded.
10:50I headed to the kitchen to gather ingredients.
10:52The last time I'd prepared medicinal soup was several years ago,
10:55back when Brad was not yet Chloe's mate.
10:58He'd lost both parents and lived alone in a run-down unit,
11:01skipping meals to save every cent for his warrior training.
11:05One day, I found him collapsed at our back gate and brought him around.
11:08Out of sympathy, I dug through my mother's old healer journals
11:11and prepared medicinal meals for him every day to rebuild his strength.
11:16Only the two of us ever knew about it.
11:18From the looks of things, he was the one who told Chloe,
11:21just to get me driven out.
11:23The lengths he had gone to were truly something.
11:26I carried the steaming soup to the bedroom
11:28and found Case directing servants to pack up his belongings.
11:33Alpha, what's this about?
11:34Weren't we agreed that I was moving to the guest room?
11:36His sharply handsome face didn't shift so much as a fraction.
11:39I have fewer things.
11:42It makes more sense for me to move.
11:43At least eat first.
11:45I set the food on the table.
11:46He gave it a brief glance and sat down.
11:51You can leave this kind of thing to the maid from now on.
11:54It's no different coming from me.
11:57It is different.
11:59His voice remained flat and cool.
12:01Have Ivy bring it from now on.
12:03He finished the soup in a few quick swallows,
12:06said a few words to the servants,
12:08and swept past me.
12:09In that moment, I confirmed one thing.
12:12Alpha Case couldn't stand the sight of me.
12:14I followed his instructions
12:16and had Ivy deliver his daily healing meals
12:18to the study from then on.
12:20Martha couldn't stop singing my praises.
12:22The pack healer says Case's condition
12:24has stabilized significantly.
12:26I can see the color coming back to his face.
12:28Leah, that's entirely because of you.
12:31Delighted, she pressed a gold bracelet into my hands.
12:34Back in my room, I tucked it into my jewelry box,
12:37which had been slowly filling with pieces
12:39Martha had gifted me since my arrival.
12:42Leah, you never wear any of these.
12:44Isn't it a waste to just put them away?
12:46How is it a waste?
12:48Every one of these can be converted to cash.
12:50That's my security fund.
12:52But Lady Martha gave these to you personally.
12:54Are you really going to sell all of them?
12:56Not right now.
12:57But if the mate bond is ever severed,
12:59naturally I'd sell them and keep the money on hand.
13:02Ivy's expression shifted to pure bewilderment.
13:05As she turned away,
13:07she dropped her voice to a murmur.
13:09Alpha.
13:12Alpha?
13:12I spun around and met a pair of ink-dark eyes.
13:15Martha's eyesight must truly be failing her.
13:19Case looked worse than ever.
13:20Case's face was even paler than before.
13:23His gaze was sharp and cutting,
13:25fixed on me with cold precision.
13:26The look unsettled me completely,
13:29but I didn't dare let a single trace of a show.
13:32Alpha,
13:33is there something you need?
13:35A journal.
13:36We looked together.
13:37I checked the shelves,
13:39he checked the writing desk.
13:40Neither of us spoke.
13:42I spotted the journal
13:43pushed to the very back of the top shelf,
13:45behind a row of my mother's medical notes.
13:47I reached up on my toes.
13:49My fingertips just grazed the cover.
13:51Case's hand came over mine.
13:53Warm, steady.
13:55He reached past me without effort
13:56and closed his hand around the journal.
13:58I turned my head.
13:59His face was right there,
14:02closer than I'd realized.
14:03He was looking down at me.
14:05Then I lost my footing
14:06and pitched straight into him.
14:08My heavy breasts hit his chest first.
14:11My waist went straight into his palm,
14:13his hand catching me before he could react.
14:15Case didn't step back.
14:17His eartips went red.
14:18His throat worked as he swallowed.
14:20When he exhaled,
14:22the breath came out uneven
14:23against the top of my head.
14:25His eyes flashed gold for a second,
14:27then green.
14:28I scrambled upright,
14:30face burning.
14:31Your journal.
14:32He took it without a word
14:33and walked out.
14:34Perfect.
14:35My standing in his eyes
14:36had just sunk even lower.
14:38After that day,
14:39I made every effort
14:40to avoid crossing paths with Case.
14:42He was injured and recovering.
14:43He needed to stay calm.
14:45But there was one more thing bothering me.
14:47Brad had been sending notes.
14:49Three times already.
14:50I hadn't opened a single one,
14:52just dropped them in a box.
14:53Then,
14:54Ivy pressed one into my hand that morning.
14:56It's not just a note this time.
14:57He's here.
14:58Side entrance.
14:59It says he won't leave until you come out.
15:01I clenched my fist and walked out.
15:02I didn't notice the figure
15:03that followed from the far end of the courtyard.
15:05Brad was standing at the gate.
15:08Leah,
15:09you finally came.
15:10You should be calling me
15:11Mrs. Valerius.
15:13He paused,
15:14dropped his voice.
15:15Mrs. Valerius.
15:16Do you have any idea
15:17how many times you've put me
15:19in an impossible position
15:20with these meetings?
15:21I know.
15:23I just wanted to tell you.
15:25I'll be securing more power in the pack.
15:28Soon I won't need Chloe's father
15:29backing me anymore.
15:30He stepped closer.
15:32I'll buy a house, Leah.
15:33Come with me.
15:34Anything's better than staying
15:35with a dying man.
15:37He reached for me.
15:38I stepped back.
15:40You want me as your mistress?
15:42Brad nodded,
15:43completely serious.
15:44I laughed.
15:45Why would I give up
15:46being the alpha's mate
15:48to be your mistress?
15:49The whole pack knows Case is dying.
15:51He won't last.
15:53And he can't even stand up anymore.
15:56His eyes dropped deliberately
15:57to my chest.
15:58Isn't that a waste?
16:01Disgust surged through me.
16:03Brad,
16:04I will never be anyone's mistress.
16:07Case fought on the front lines
16:08for this pack.
16:09Those injuries are his honor.
16:12You've benefited from
16:13every battle he won,
16:15and you're standing here
16:16calling him less of a man.
16:18You're the one who's less.
16:21Come near me again
16:22and every note you've sent
16:23goes straight to Chloe.
16:25How do you think
16:26that ends for you?
16:28His face went white.
16:29I swung the gate shut.
16:32I turned around
16:32and came face to face
16:33with Case.
16:34White t-shirt,
16:35standing less than half a foot away,
16:36his full height
16:37bearing down on me.
16:38Alpha,
16:38I managed.
16:39A faint edge flickered
16:40across his expression.
16:42Wasn't it my mate
16:43just a moment ago?
16:44Why so formal
16:45all of a sudden?
16:46I looked down
16:47and started walking.
16:50Please don't misunderstand.
16:51As long as I'm in this estate,
16:52I honor this bond.
16:53Completely.
16:54Fast.
16:55It's getting late.
16:56I should go make your evening meal.
16:58I moved to step past him.
16:59His hand closed around my arm.
17:01I lost my footing
17:01and pitched straight into him.
17:03My heavy breasts
17:04against his chest.
17:05My waist caught in his grip.
17:06I looked up.
17:07His face was inches from mine.
17:09His eyes were deep
17:10and unreadable.
17:11One tilt forward
17:12and our lips would have touched.
17:14His breath hit my face.
17:16Warm.
17:17My breath hitched.
17:18Heat pooled low in my core.
17:21Case swallowed hard.
17:23As long as I remain
17:24in this estate.
17:25Each word slow.
17:26Deliberate.
17:27You counting down the days
17:29until you can leave?
17:30I couldn't exactly tell him
17:31I'll leave the day you die.
17:34No.
17:34Nothing like that.
17:36I shifted in his grip.
17:37Alpha,
17:37you're hurting my arm.
17:39Did you mean
17:40every word you said just now?
17:42I blinked
17:42and asked which part.
17:44He let out a quiet breath
17:45and released me.
17:47I bolted.
17:48And I noticed,
17:49for the first time,
17:50his face had actual color in it.
17:52His cheeks were just as red as mine.
17:55That night,
17:56I had a strange dream.
17:58Case's lips grazed slowly
17:59along my cheek.
18:01His fingers hooked
18:02into the strap of my slip,
18:03voice dropping to a low murmur.
18:05Does my Luna want this?
18:07I nodded like someone
18:09completely under a spell.
18:10Then a fierce,
18:11consuming kiss
18:12caught my lips
18:13and wouldn't let go.
18:14I jolted awake
18:15in a tangle of sheets,
18:16heart still hammering,
18:18breathless.
18:19Ivy knocked and came in.
18:20I asked her to bring
18:21a basin of cold water.
18:22She stared at my sweat-damp hair
18:24and murmured,
18:25it really is getting hotter.
18:27I splashed cold water
18:28onto my face.
18:29And then it hit me.
18:30That first night,
18:32Case,
18:32cold shower.
18:34Surely he hadn't also been,
18:36no,
18:38impossible.
18:38He was injured and recovering.
18:40He was supposed to be
18:41keeping himself calm.
18:42At midday,
18:43Martha's attendant arrived.
18:44Martha would like dinner
18:45in the garden tonight.
18:47She asks that you be sure to come.
18:49I've been making excuses
18:50to avoid the main dining hall
18:51for days,
18:52just to steer clear of Case.
18:53But Martha had gone out of her way
18:55to personally extend the invitation.
18:57I couldn't say no.
18:58I stepped into the garden,
18:59A sprawling rose of Sharon
19:01was in full bloom.
19:02A gust of wind shook loose
19:04a handful of deep crimson petals,
19:06drifting down onto the stone table,
19:08covered with every dish
19:09I loved most.
19:10Martha smiled and gestured
19:12for me to sit.
19:12Case mentioned
19:13it's your birthday today.
19:14He's the one who asked the kitchen
19:16to prepare all of this.
19:17I looked up and met a pair
19:19of burning,
19:19intent eyes.
19:21Heat rushed straight to my face.
19:23Case lit a plate of chestnut cake
19:25in front of me
19:25without changing his expression.
19:28How did you know today
19:29was my birthday?
19:30I'd completely forgotten it myself.
19:33My birth mother died
19:34bringing me into the world.
19:35No one had ever once
19:37marked the day for me.
19:39Case kept his eyes lowered
19:40and said evenly,
19:41It's not difficult to know it.
19:43Something in my chest
19:45gave one quiet,
19:46inexplicable pull.
19:47Leah,
19:48this peach blossom wine
19:50is from my private reserve.
19:51I'm opening it just for you.
19:54But you two had better
19:55not drink too much.
19:56She pushed back her chair,
19:57said the summer evening breeze
19:58was too much for her old bones,
20:00and left.
20:01The garden went quiet.
20:03To avoid the silence,
20:04I put my head down and drank.
20:06One cup,
20:07then another,
20:08then another.
20:09The wine was sweet
20:10and dangerously potent.
20:12Before long,
20:13the edges of everything
20:14had gone soft and blurry.
20:16Case watched me
20:17but said nothing.
20:18By the third glass,
20:20I'd stopped feeling
20:20the awkward silence.
20:22By the fourth,
20:22I'd stopped feeling
20:23much of anything.
20:25I reached across the table
20:26toward the last piece
20:27of chestnut cake.
20:28The dish was empty.
20:30I looked up.
20:31Where's the last piece?
20:33I ate it.
20:34I have absolutely no idea
20:36where the boldness came from.
20:37I leaned straight
20:38toward his face.
20:40Who told you to eat that?
20:42Spit it back out.
20:44I pressed against his chest,
20:45trying to peer into his mouth.
20:47Case looked down at me,
20:48perfectly calm.
20:49You won't find it that way.
20:51I straightened up
20:52and stared at him.
20:53Then how am I supposed
20:54to find it?
20:55A faint flush crept
20:57across his cheeks.
20:58Try using your mouse.
21:00My gaze drifted
21:01to his slightly reddened lips.
21:03I swallowed once
21:04and kissed him
21:05without hesitation.
21:06Case went rigid,
21:08his breathing lurching unsteady.
21:09Then control shifted.
21:11His hand cupped
21:12the back of my head
21:13and he pressed in deeper,
21:15harder.
21:16Neither of us pulled away
21:17until footsteps sounded
21:18from behind the flower bed.
21:21Alpha,
21:22the night air is cool.
21:24Lady Martha asked me
21:25to bring you both a wrap.
21:26I had no idea
21:27how much Ivy'd seen.
21:29I shot to my feet
21:30and the next instant
21:31the world tilted.
21:33Everything went dark.
21:36When I woke up
21:37with a splitting headache,
21:38it was already morning.
21:39I suddenly remembered.
21:41I'd promised Martha
21:42to visit Case's father's grave.
21:44It was late.
21:45I started rushing around
21:47for my things.
21:49Leah,
21:50don't worry.
21:51The driver is still
21:52getting the car ready.
21:54Ivy,
21:54was it you
21:55who brought me back
21:56last night?
21:57No.
21:58The Alpha
21:59carried you back.
22:01I spun around
22:02to check her face.
22:03She nodded,
22:04completely serious.
22:06I didn't say
22:07anything stupid,
22:08did I?
22:09Ivy bid back a smile.
22:11The Alpha
22:12set you down
22:13on the bed
22:13and you grabbed
22:15his sleeve
22:16and wouldn't let go.
22:17You kept calling him
22:18my mate
22:19over and over
22:20until his whole face
22:21went red.
22:23Ivy,
22:24don't you dare
22:25make things up.
22:26She covered her mouth,
22:28laughing,
22:28and ran out.
22:30I met Martha
22:31at the front entrance.
22:33Case's father's grave
22:34was on a hillside
22:35just beyond
22:36the pack territory.
22:37I sat in the back
22:38of the car,
22:39completely distracted,
22:41replaying the moment
22:42I'd kissed Case
22:43last night.
22:44Martha must have
22:45misread my expression
22:46because she said,
22:48Leah,
22:49is there someone
22:50you have feelings for?
22:54I've noticed
22:55you've been avoiding Case
22:56these past few days.
22:58Please don't be upset
22:59with me for pushing
23:00you two together
23:01at dinner last night.
23:02I thought if the two of you
23:04couldn't be mates,
23:05you could at least
23:05be friends,
23:06but if you're uncomfortable
23:07or if you want to leave,
23:10just say.
23:10I'll have him sever the bond.
23:12I won't let you
23:13be trapped here.
23:14Mom, no.
23:15It's not that.
23:16I was thinking
23:17about something else.
23:18What is it?
23:19I was still figuring out
23:20how to answer
23:20when the car lurched.
23:22The engine screamed.
23:23The car swung hard,
23:25tires off the road,
23:26crashing through brush,
23:27the whole frame shaking.
23:28I grabbed Martha
23:28and looked at the driver,
23:30slumped over the wheel,
23:32unconscious.
23:33No one to hit the brakes.
23:34A cliff,
23:35straight ahead.
23:36Martha grabbed my arm.
23:38Leah,
23:39what do we do?
23:40We jump.
23:41Now.
23:41We'll be hurt.
23:43We'll die if we don't.
23:44Hold on to me.
23:45I wrapped myself around her
23:46and we threw ourselves clear
23:47the instant the wheels
23:48left solid ground.
23:49We hit the cliff edge
23:50and went over.
23:51My hand shot out
23:52and caught a root
23:53jutting from the rock face.
23:54My other hand
23:55locked around Martha's wrist.
23:57Below her was a straight drop
23:58into nothing.
24:00Mom,
24:01don't look down,
24:02don't look down.
24:03Hold on to me.
24:05Ivy and the others
24:05are right behind us.
24:07Behind us in the second car.
24:09They'll be here soon.
24:11The root ground under our weight.
24:13Martha's voice broke.
24:16Leah,
24:17let me go.
24:18We're too heavy.
24:21It's going to snap.
24:24I'm old.
24:26I've lived my life.
24:28You have to keep living yours.
24:32My chest tightened so hard
24:33I could barely breathe.
24:35I couldn't let go.
24:37She'd been a mother to me
24:38from the first day.
24:41Mom,
24:42I would rather die with you
24:43than watch you fall.
24:45Hold on.
24:50They're coming.
24:52The truth was,
24:53I had no idea.
24:54My arms were going numb.
24:57The pain had gone so deep
24:59it had stopped feeling
25:00like pain at all.
25:01Then I heard it.
25:03A wolf's howl split the air,
25:07deafening
25:07and close.
25:09Leah,
25:11don't move.
25:12I'm coming down.
25:13Case's voice.
25:14He'd called me by my name
25:16the first time.
25:19A strong arm
25:21came under me.
25:22He'd climbed down
25:23the cliff face,
25:25wolf claws
25:25dug into the rock.
25:27He untied the rope
25:28from his own body
25:29and looped it
25:30around my waist.
25:31Then climbed down further
25:33and did the same
25:34for Martha.
25:35The people above
25:36pulled together.
25:38We came up
25:39one at a time.
25:40It wasn't a hallucination.
25:42Case had saved us.
25:44He held me,
25:45brow creased.
25:49Why is there
25:50so much blood?
25:51Martha clutched
25:52her face.
25:53She shielded me
25:55when we jumped.
25:56I didn't get a scratch.
25:58It's all hers.
26:01My eyelids felt like lead.
26:04Leah,
26:05don't sleep.
26:06I'm taking you to Ella.
26:08He lifted me
26:09into the car
26:09and I stayed curled
26:10against his chest.
26:12His forehead
26:13was damp with sweat.
26:15He kept one hand
26:16on the wheel
26:17and kept talking.
26:18Leah,
26:18Leah,
26:20Leah,
26:20stay awake.
26:22I'll get you
26:23chestnut cake.
26:24I'll give you
26:24all the jewelry
26:25you want to sell.
26:26You don't have to
26:27wait for me to die.
26:28I'll write the bond
26:29release today.
26:30You can leave
26:30whenever you want.
26:31My chest
26:32kept clenching.
26:33Something wet
26:34hit my face.
26:35I looked up at the sky
26:37through the windshield.
26:38It wasn't raining.
26:40Then everything
26:40went black.
26:41When I opened my eyes,
26:42every part of my body
26:43felt like it had been
26:44taken apart
26:45and put back wrong.
26:46My Luna,
26:47the pack healer
26:48said you can't move yet.
26:49Ivy pressed a bowl
26:50of medicine to my lips,
26:52spooning it in slowly.
26:53You're lucky
26:54nothing's broken.
26:55Her voice was steady,
26:56but her eyes were red.
26:57The scrapes were bad.
26:58You need to stay flat
26:59or they'll scar.
27:01Your shoulder
27:02was dislocated too.
27:03She kept talking.
27:04My eyes had already
27:05drifted to the door.
27:06After I finished
27:07the medicine,
27:07I asked,
27:09Where's Case?
27:10Investigating.
27:11Someone poisoned
27:11the driver with wolf bite
27:12and cut the brake lines.
27:14It was deliberate.
27:14Who would be bold enough
27:15to target the Alpha's
27:16family directly?
27:17I was flat on my back
27:19for a full month.
27:20I didn't see Case once.
27:22Martha kept her door shut too,
27:23still recovering
27:24from the shock.
27:25Everyone in the estate
27:26moved with tight faces
27:27and clipped voices,
27:28like something was being held
27:29just below the surface.
27:31I asked Ivy.
27:32She said nothing was wrong.
27:34Today,
27:34I was finally cleared
27:35to get out of bed.
27:36I opened my door
27:37and walked straight
27:38into a familiar figure.
27:40Case.
27:40Dark tactical shirt.
27:42Sharper than I remembered.
27:43He held out a small wooden box.
27:45I took it
27:46and lifted the lid.
27:47A land deed.
27:48A property contract.
27:50A severance letter.
27:51My body went rigid.
27:53Something locked around my chest
27:54and wouldn't let go.
27:55Case!
27:56Are you throwing me out?
27:58You've been waiting for this
27:59since the day you arrived.
28:00You avoided me,
28:02stayed out of my way,
28:02you never wanted anything
28:03to do with me.
28:04You were counting down the days
28:05until I died
28:06so you could walk out cleanly.
28:08I'm just doing it early.
28:10Leah, go.
28:12After today, we're finished.
28:13Something sharp flooded my chest.
28:16My mouth opened and closed.
28:18It took a long time
28:19to get anything out.
28:21So that's what you think of me.
28:25Leave now.
28:26I don't want to see you anymore.
28:29Case disappeared
28:30around the corner of the yard.
28:31Estate guards
28:32all but pushed me out the door.
28:33Ivy fell in to step beside me
28:35and the Alpha said
28:36you're used to having me around.
28:37He told me to go with you.
28:40I couldn't speak.
28:45We moved into a small house
28:47on the edge of the territory.
28:49By morning,
28:50the pack's official announcement
28:51had gone up.
28:52The announcement said
28:53Case had betrayed the pack.
28:54The announcement said
28:55he had betrayed the pack.
28:57That he had leaked
28:58the Border Patrol routes
28:59to a rogue faction.
29:00By order of the Lycan King,
29:02royal enforcers
29:03had been dispatched
29:04to seize him
29:05pending investigation.
29:07Case was being held
29:08in the dungeons
29:09under royal guard.
29:10The estate was locked down.
29:13Everyone inside
29:14was under scrutiny.
29:16Case would never
29:17betray his pack.
29:18He would die
29:19before he did something like that.
29:20He rushed to get me out.
29:22That was why.
29:22That was the only reason.
29:25Ivy was pacing circles
29:26around the living room.
29:27She'd grown up
29:28inside the estate.
29:29She couldn't stand still.
29:31Is there anything
29:32we can do?
29:33I made myself
29:34sit down and think.
29:36Years ago,
29:37Elder Reed's youngest child
29:38had gotten lost
29:39in the forest
29:40and been bitten by a snake.
29:41I'd found him
29:42and used the right herbs
29:43to treat the wound.
29:45Elder Reed had arrived
29:46while I was still
29:47crouched over the boy.
29:48He'd seen my face.
29:50I was sure
29:50he hadn't forgotten.
29:52I tracked him down
29:53outside the council building
29:54and stepped into his path.
29:55Elder Reed,
29:56you remember me.
29:58I need a favor.
30:00He looked at me
30:00for a long moment.
30:01Then he nodded.
30:03Elder Reed led me
30:04into the dungeon.
30:0430 minutes.
30:05No more.
30:06The door unlocked.
30:07Case stood up.
30:08His eyes flashed
30:09with surprise.
30:10How did you get in?
30:11My chest ached
30:12as I looked at him
30:13through the blur of tears.
30:14That's why you kicked me out,
30:16isn't it?
30:16You were framed.
30:18Think carefully.
30:19Is there any evidence
30:20to prove your innocence?
30:21I will find it.
30:23I will investigate.
30:24I swear I will rescue you.
30:26Case's gaze deepened.
30:27Then his arm shot out
30:28and pulled me into his chest.
30:30Leah.
30:31My heart hammered.
30:32But time was running out.
30:34This wasn't the moment.
30:35I pushed against him.
30:37He didn't budge.
30:38Leah, you don't need to do anything.
30:39I can't say much.
30:42I promise.
30:44Seven days later,
30:46I will accompany you
30:46to watch the sunrise.
30:48Okay?
30:49His eyes were steady.
30:50Certain.
30:51Like he was coaxing
30:52a frightened pup.
30:54I walked out of the dungeon
30:56and straight into Brad.
31:00He stepped into my path.
31:02Slow smile spreading
31:03across his face.
31:03It's not too late
31:04to reconsider.
31:06Being my mistress
31:07beats being alone
31:09and disgraced.
31:10I swung my hand
31:11and slapped him
31:11across the face.
31:12He lunged for me.
31:14I stepped sideways
31:14and put distance between us.
31:16Try that again
31:16and every note you sent me
31:17ends up in front of
31:18Chloe's father.
31:19Every single one.
31:20You've been whispering
31:21in her ear for years,
31:22haven't you?
31:23Trying to get me pushed out
31:24thinking I'd have nowhere to go
31:25and no choice but to run to you.
31:27But you never counted on
31:27Chloe handing me straight to Case.
31:29A man you can't touch.
31:31His face changed.
31:32I didn't wait for him to recover.
31:34I walked away
31:34and didn't look back.
31:36A wolf like that.
31:37The further the better.
31:38I didn't sleep well
31:39for the next five days.
31:41Case's voice kept
31:42coming back to me.
31:42I promise
31:44seven days later
31:45I will accompany you
31:46to watch the sunrise.
31:47Okay?
31:48On the afternoon
31:48of the sixth day,
31:49the Lichen King's official decree
31:50went up across the territory.
31:52The leak hadn't come from Case.
31:54It had come from
31:55Prince Marcus
31:56and his allies.
31:57The truth is finally revealed.
32:01The Lichen King
32:02had not yet named his heir.
32:04Both Prince Caden
32:04and Prince Marcus
32:05were in the running.
32:06Case was Prince Caden's
32:07most powerful ally,
32:08the Alpha
32:09who commanded
32:09the most powerful pack.
32:10Taking Case down
32:11was the cleanest way
32:12to clear the path
32:13to the throne.
32:14Prince Marcus
32:14had planted a spy
32:15inside the Blackwood pack,
32:16used him to steal
32:17the border patrol routes,
32:18then framed Case for it.
32:19So the injury
32:20had been faked.
32:21All of it.
32:22A deliberate trap
32:23to draw out the spy.
32:24But why fake
32:25being unable to mate?
32:26I turned that over
32:27in my mind all night
32:28and couldn't land
32:29on an answer.
32:30Dawn was just breaking
32:30when someone
32:31knocked at the door.
32:32I didn't think.
32:33I just ran.
32:34I threw the door open
32:35and walked straight
32:35into Case's chest.
32:36He went completely still.
32:38Then his arms came around me,
32:39slow and deliberate,
32:40and pulled me in hard.
32:42I'd run out in nothing
32:42but a thin sleep shirt.
32:44No warning.
32:45Through the thin fabric
32:46I could feel everything.
32:47The hard muscle of his chest,
32:49his arms locked tight around me.
32:51I pressed my hands
32:52against his chest
32:53and tried to step back.
32:54Leah.
32:54His voice dropped low.
32:56I'm back.
32:57Our eyes locked.
32:58The heat between us
32:59was thick enough to touch.
33:00Then he lifted me off the ground
33:01and carried me straight
33:02toward the bedroom.
33:03I beat a fist against his chest.
33:05Weren't we supposed
33:06to watch the sunrise?
33:09You first.
33:11Sunrise after.
33:12We fell onto the bed together.
33:16Case pinned me beneath him,
33:18one hand working the buttons
33:19of my sleep shirt open,
33:21eyes never leaving mine.
33:22I covered his eyes
33:23with both hands.
33:24Don't look.
33:25It's embarrassing.
33:27He took my hands down.
33:28His breathing had gone ragged.
33:30It's beautiful.
33:32His eyes were bright and fixed.
33:34My skin went hot
33:35everywhere he touched.
33:36I pressed my palm
33:37flat against his chest.
33:38Hard muscle,
33:39warm skin.
33:40Healer said you couldn't get hard.
33:42How is any of this possible?
33:43Lips dragging slowly
33:44along my jaw to my ear.
33:45You want to know if I can?
33:48There's one way to find out.
33:49He kissed me.
33:50One hand cupping my face,
33:52tilting it up toward him.
33:53I kissed him back hard.
33:55My hands slid up his chest,
33:57over his shoulders,
33:58gripping his arms.
33:59He pressed me further
34:00into the mattress,
34:02his weight settling over me.
34:03The heat built fast
34:04and took over completely.
34:06My hands went slack.
34:07He caught them,
34:09laced his fingers through mine,
34:10and pinned them above my head.
34:12He loves me very much
34:14and completely occupies me.
34:16My face gradually became rosy,
34:18and we could only hear
34:19each other's heartbeats
34:20and breathing.
34:22His lips dragged
34:23from my mouth to my jaw,
34:24down the side of my neck,
34:26slow and unhurried.
34:27Then he stopped.
34:29His canines pierced
34:30my mating gland,
34:31a second of sharp,
34:33white-hot pain,
34:33and then it was done.
34:35I lay there,
34:36chest heaving,
34:37fingers still tangled in his.
34:39On my neck,
34:40his mark ached.
34:41Finally,
34:42we weren't just mates
34:43on paper anymore.
34:45After the estate lockdown
34:47was lifted,
34:47Case took me to meet
34:48Prince Caden,
34:49a slow smile
34:50spreading across his face.
34:51So you're the woman
34:52who brought Case to his knees.
34:53I've been wanting
34:54to meet you.
34:56You flatter me,
34:57your highness.
34:58Case helped the kingdom
34:58take down a real threat.
34:59You stood by him
35:00through all of it.
35:01I'll host an official
35:02Luna ceremony for you,
35:03and when that day comes,
35:05I'll have a gift ready.
35:06Thank you,
35:07your highness.
35:08Don't blame Case,
35:09Leah.
35:10Faking the injury
35:11was always part of the plan.
35:15Too many enemies
35:16wanted him dead.
35:17The only way
35:18to keep him safe
35:19was to make them
35:19think he was already finished.
35:21The part about
35:22not being able to get hard,
35:23that was my idea.
35:24I gave the pack doctor
35:26that order myself.
35:29We grew up together.
35:30I know exactly how he is.
35:32Never any interest in women.
35:34Never any weakness.
35:35I figured it was time
35:36someone did something about that.
35:38Suddenly,
35:38I understood.
35:39Just two old friends
35:40and one very elaborate prank.
35:42The car accident.
35:44That was Prince Marcus as well.
35:46They intended it
35:46to look like an accident.
35:47They didn't expect
35:48to hurt you in the process.
35:50Luna, Leah,
35:51it's been dealt with.
35:52You and Case are safe now.
35:58I took a slow breath.
36:00Knowing it was over
36:01didn't make the memory
36:02of dangling off that cliff
36:03any less vivid.
36:04We got back to the estate
36:05to find Chloe already inside,
36:07crying.
36:07She walked an hour ago
36:08and hasn't stopped.
36:10Martha is getting
36:11a headache from it.
36:12I told Case to go
36:13to his study.
36:14I'd handle it.
36:15I sat down next to Chloe.
36:17Face red,
36:18eyes swollen.
36:19Word had already spread.
36:20Brad had been identified
36:21as one of Prince Marcus' informants.
36:24Chloe's father
36:24had been cleared,
36:25but Chloe and Brad
36:26were finished.
36:28Still crying?
36:29I'll have someone
36:30throw you out.
36:31She stopped immediately.
36:32Still shaking,
36:33but quiet.
36:34I misjudged him.
36:35I thought picking someone
36:36from a lower-ranked family
36:38meant he'd be easy
36:39to manage.
36:40I didn't think
36:41he'd be like this.
36:42I told you
36:44he wasn't a good person.
36:45You didn't say it
36:46clearly enough.
36:46I rolled my eyes.
36:48I wasn't a powerless
36:49Omega anymore.
36:51I didn't have to hold back.
36:56Were you ever angry at me
36:58for how I treated you
36:59back then?
37:01No.
37:02I cursed you in my head,
37:03but I don't hold grudges.
37:05You cursed me?
37:06Do you want to
37:07punish me for it?
37:08Chloe laughed
37:09despite herself,
37:10then caught herself
37:10and pressed her lips together.
37:12I'm sorry
37:12for the slap.
37:14Did it hurt?
37:14I already forgot about it.
37:16Then let me slap you back.
37:17We'll be even.
37:18She closed her eyes
37:19and braced herself.
37:20I raised my hand
37:21and let it land soft
37:22against her cheek.
37:24She opened her eyes.
37:28I already gave that
37:29slap to Brad.
37:30Chloe stared at me
37:31for a second.
37:31Then she laughed,
37:32really laughed,
37:33for the first time
37:34since she'd walked in.
37:35Don't call me Chloe anymore.
37:36Can we be friends?
37:38No.
37:41I don't like friends
37:42who cry too much.
37:43The light was still on
37:44when I passed
37:44Case's study.
37:45I pushed the door open.
37:47Before I could say a word,
37:48an arm shot out from behind
37:49and wrapped around my waist.
37:51Bold intruder.
37:52His voice dropped low
37:53against my ear.
37:54You think you can just
37:55walk into the Alpha's office?
37:56The Alpha's mate
37:57is right here
37:58and you still dare
37:59make a move?
38:00Case played it straight.
38:02His lips found my neck.
38:03Here?
38:04Really?
38:06Right here.
38:07I kept saying no.
38:08My hand said
38:09something else entirely,
38:10finding their way
38:11to his back.
38:12He murmured
38:12against my ear.
38:14You have no idea
38:15how many times
38:16I thought about this
38:16in this room.
38:18I wanted to say
38:19something back
38:20but his hand
38:21was already moving
38:21and I couldn't
38:22get a single word out.
38:23He carried me
38:24to the table
38:25and took off my clothes.
38:26Then we had a good time.
38:28Hmm.
38:34When I woke up
38:35it was almost dawn.
38:37Case was already awake,
38:38sitting up against
38:38the headboard,
38:39watching me.
38:40His eyes were soft
38:41in a way that made it
38:42hard to look back.
38:43Morning.
38:44I sat up
38:45and rubbed my eyes.
38:46Then I remembered.
38:47The sunrise.
38:48He'd promised.
38:49The sunrise.
38:53We still have time.
38:55He was already up.
38:56He picked up my clothes
38:57from beside the bed
38:58and handing them to me.
39:00He dressed me slowly,
39:01straightening each layer
39:02with both hands,
39:03like he'd done it
39:04a thousand times before.
39:05We walked out
39:06into the yard.
39:07Cool air.
39:07The smell of pine.
39:09To the east,
39:10the sky had just started
39:11to lighten at the edges.
39:12Case stood behind me
39:13and wrapped both arms
39:14around me.
39:14We watched the horizon
39:15together.
39:16The sun came up slowly.
39:18Gold light broke
39:19across the trees,
39:20spread across the yard
39:21and landed on us.
39:22The clouds caught
39:23the color and held it.
39:25Beautiful.
39:26Close to my ear.
39:28Beautiful.
39:29He pulled me in tighter
39:31and said nothing else.
39:32He didn't need to.
39:34I'll watch every sunrise
39:35and sunset with you.
39:37His voice was quiet
39:37against my hair.
39:38Everyone.
39:39For as long as we have.
39:41I turned around
39:42and kissed him once,
39:43quick and light.
39:45Deal.
39:46The sun came up fully
39:47and the yard filled
39:48with light.
39:48Our shadows stretched long
39:50across the ground
39:51behind us.
39:52Over the next few days,
39:53the estate came back
39:54to life.
39:55Servants moved through
39:55the halls with easy
39:56steps again.
39:57Martha's health improved.
39:59She called me in
39:59to talk every morning,
40:00always smiling
40:01when I walked
40:01through the door.
40:03One afternoon,
40:04I was trimming the plants
40:04in the yard
40:05when Sunny came running over.
40:06Leah,
40:07Chloe is here again.
40:09She brought a lot
40:09of stuff with her.
40:10I set down my shears.
40:12Since the day
40:12she'd come in crying,
40:13Chloe had been showing up
40:14regularly.
40:15She said she was making up
40:16for lost time.
40:17Really,
40:18she just had nothing to do
40:19and nowhere to be.
40:22Let her in.
40:23I wiped my hands
40:24and went to meet her.
40:27Chloe walked in
40:28with two attendants
40:28behind her,
40:29carrying food boxes.
40:30She'd changed a lot.
40:31Less restless.
40:33She dressed simpler now
40:34and moved quieter.
40:42I made your favorite,
40:44chestnut cake.
40:45I asked the Royal Kitchen
40:46for the recipe this time.
40:48Better than anything
40:50the Blackwood Kitchen
40:50has ever made.
40:51I took a piece
40:52and bit into it.
40:53Sweet,
40:54soft,
40:55better than I expected.
40:58Good.
41:00So where's Case?
41:01Not home?
41:02He went to the
41:03pack training ground
41:04and something came up.
41:06Chloe nodded
41:06and reached for a piece
41:07herself.
41:08For a while,
41:09neither of us said anything.
41:10Just the wind
41:11moving through the yard.
41:12My father wants me
41:13to find a new mate.
41:14I looked up.
41:15Don't rush for it.
41:17I know.
41:21After Brad,
41:22I don't know
41:22how to trust anyone.
41:23She looked at me,
41:24something flickering
41:25in her eyes.
41:26You have a good mate.
41:28Case fights for you,
41:30protects you,
41:31and he's the strongest
41:31alpha in the kingdom.
41:33We just got lucky.
41:34You can't force
41:35these things.
41:35Chloe nodded
41:36and didn't say anything else.
41:38Just ate her chestnut cake.
41:40The yard went quiet,
41:41just wind moving
41:42through the leaves.
41:43Then she said,
41:45That slap,
41:47do you really not
41:48hold it against me?
41:49Really.
41:50It's in the past.
41:52No point bringing it up.
41:54The truth was,
41:54I'd already let it go
41:55a long time ago.
41:56She wasn't a bad person,
41:58just spoiled,
41:59used to getting her way.
42:00Chloe's eyes went red
42:01at the edges.
42:04When I arranged the mating,
42:06part of it was because
42:07I was scared you and Brad
42:08would find your way
42:08back to each other,
42:10but part of it was genuine.
42:12I really did think
42:13Case was a good man,
42:14that he wouldn't
42:15treat you badly.
42:16We looked at each other
42:17and smiled.
42:18All the conflicts
42:19were solved.
42:22I just didn't expect him
42:23to be faking
42:24the whole time.
42:25Chloe laughed,
42:26a little embarrassed.
42:27It's in the past.
42:29Isn't this better?
42:35It is,
42:36she nodded.
42:36Can we be friends?
42:37For real?
42:38I won't be like
42:39I was before.
42:43Sure,
42:44I nodded.
42:45Something warm
42:45moved through my chest,
42:47letting go of old grudges
42:48and coming out
42:49the other side
42:49with a friend.
42:50That wasn't a bad ending.
42:51We sat in the yard
42:52for the rest of the afternoon,
42:53eating and talking.
42:55Pack gossip,
42:56small things,
42:57nothing important.
42:58The sun came through
42:59the leaves
42:59and the air was warm
43:00and easy.
43:01When Case came back
43:02from the training grounds
43:03that evening
43:03and saw the two of us,
43:05surprise crossed his face.
43:07What are you two happy about?
43:08Talking about you.
43:10Chloe grinned.
43:11About what a liar you are,
43:13faking the whole thing
43:14and fooling everyone.
43:17Case walked over
43:18and sat down beside me.
43:20He reached over
43:20and took my hand,
43:21eyes warm.
43:23Tricking you
43:23into becoming my Luna?
43:25That's the luckiest thing
43:26I've ever done.
43:26My face went red.
43:28I gave him a look.
43:29Chloe burst out laughing.
43:30Alright,
43:30I'm leaving you two alone.
43:32Leah,
43:32I'll come by tomorrow.
43:34Sure.
43:34Take care.
43:35I watched her go.
43:36Case turned to me.
43:38Are you a good friend now?
43:40Yes.
43:41The past is the past.
43:43No point holding on to it.
43:45He squeezed my hand.
43:46I'm glad you can think that way.
43:48He knew how much
43:49I'd been through.
43:50Watching me let it go
43:51and just be happy.
43:52I could tell it meant
43:53something to him.
43:54We sat side by side
43:56at the stone table
43:56and looked out at the sky.
43:58Neither of us said much.
44:00We didn't need to.
44:02Days like this,
44:03quiet and unhurried,
44:04became the rhythm of our life.
44:07Case stayed busy with the pack
44:08and with royal matters,
44:09but he always made time.
44:12Sunrises,
44:12sunsets,
44:13he spoiled me
44:14until I didn't know
44:15what to do with it.
44:16Martha was healthy
44:17and smiling every day.
44:19The estate was calm
44:20and easy again,
44:21the way it used to be.
44:23True to his word,
44:24Prince Caden petitioned
44:25the Lichen King
44:26on my behalf.
44:27At my official Luna ceremony,
44:29the Lichen King's decree
44:30was read aloud.
44:31A formal commendation
44:33in front of the entire pack.
44:35The estate was lit up
44:36and full of noise that day.
44:38Case lifted the veil
44:39and placed it over
44:40my head himself,
44:41his eyes proud and soft.
44:43The most beautiful Luna.
44:45Then he shifted,
44:46right there
44:47in front of everyone.
44:48His wolf was massive,
44:50dark,
44:50broad-shouldered,
44:52still.
44:52He lowered himself
44:54to the ground
44:54and waited.
44:55I climbed onto his back.
44:57He rose slowly,
44:58carrying me steady,
44:59and lifted his head
45:00toward the moon.
45:02The howl that came out
45:03of him was long
45:04and deep
45:04and carried across
45:05the entire territory.
45:07One by one,
45:08the pack answered.
45:09Howl after howl
45:10rising into the night sky.
45:13I thought about everything
45:14it had taken to get here.
45:15A bastard Omega
45:16with no wolf,
45:17no one to speak for her.
45:19Only I knew
45:20how hard the road had been.
45:22And all of it,
45:23every bit of the happiness
45:24on the other side of it,
45:25came from the man
45:26standing behind me.
45:27After the ceremony,
45:28Case took me south.
45:30Open land,
45:31warm air,
45:32water catching
45:32the afternoon light.
45:34Far from everything
45:35that had tried
45:35to take us down.
45:36The rest of our lives
45:37stretched out ahead of us.
45:39Every year,
45:40every season,
45:41together.
45:43After the ceremony,
45:45life settled
45:45into a new rhythm.
45:46I stood beside Case
45:48at every pack meeting,
45:49every decision,
45:50every matter
45:51that came through
45:51the estate gates.
45:52His pack was my pack.
45:54His people were my people.
45:56But he always made time.
45:58A weekend drive
45:59with no destination.
46:01A trail through
46:01the forest at dawn.
46:03Wherever he thought
46:04I'd want to see,
46:05he took me there
46:05without being asked.
46:07The rest of our lives
46:08stretched out ahead of us.
46:10Every year,
46:11every season,
46:12together.
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