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