- 5 hours ago
- The Alpha King’s Intoxicating Mate CineLatino Drama
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:01I was born with heavy breasts and lush curves.
00:04My half-sister Chloe was afraid her mate Brad would go feral over me,
00:07so 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.
00:20Funny. He seemed good at everything.
00:23Case Valerius.
00:24The Blackwood Pax Alpha.
00:25The Lycan King's most trusted war commander.
00:27He was carried back from the battlefield soaked in blood.
00:30Someone suggested.
00:31A mate bond shares life force.
00:33If Alpha Case was bound to a living, healthy mate,
00:35her strength could flow into him and pull him back.
00:37Chloe rushed to play matchmaker and presented me to Martha before I could object.
00:40I had no way to refuse.
00:42If I wouldn't agree, she'd transfer me to serve 60-year-old Elder Kevin.
00:45I knew she resented my history with her mate.
00:47I dropped to my knees and swore to the Moon Goddess.
00:50I swear, Chloe, I had no feelings for Brad.
00:53Chloe jabbed a finger at my forehead, fury in her eyes.
00:55What good is a vow?
00:56Do you have any idea how distracting you are?
00:58I hunched my shoulders.
01:00Tears slid down on my cheeks.
01:02Just look at that ample body and those charming curves,
01:04parading your body in front of every male in the clan.
01:07Who among them would not lose their minds at the smell of you?
01:09I wanted to tell her.
01:11To bind my chest, I'd wrapped myself layer after layer in the sweltering heat
01:14until I broke out in a rash.
01:15Her expression softened.
01:17She wiped my tears.
01:18It's not that I don't trust you.
01:20It's that I don't trust males.
01:22Do you know how powerful Alpha Case is?
01:23If my mother and Martha weren't old friends, you wouldn't even have this opportunity.
01:28Chloe, I don't want to be anyone's offering.
01:30I'd rather scrub kitchen floors.
01:33Just don't make me...
01:35Two sharp slaps landed across my face.
01:37My cheek burned.
01:38Leah, are you out of your mind?
01:40If I hadn't vouched for you, Martha wouldn't have given you a second glance.
01:43You wouldn't even be worthy of being Case's mate.
01:46The maid burst in breathless.
01:48Miss Chloe, word from the Valerius estate.
01:50Alpha Case has woken up.
01:52Chloe dragged me straight to Valerius' estate.
01:55Enormous.
01:55I followed her through the main hall to a set of heavy double doors, pulled half shut.
01:58Through the gap, I could make out a man's shape in the bed.
02:00Thin, motionless, chest rattling with shallow coughs every few minutes.
02:04Martha stood on our side, eyes red.
02:06Thank you for everything you've done for Case.
02:07I won't destroy a girl's future over it.
02:09Chloe's eyes moved.
02:10Quick and calculating.
02:11As Valerius, the bond should still be completed.
02:14Leah arrived the same day Case woke up.
02:15That's the moon goddess guiding us.
02:17Seal the bond properly.
02:19Her life force will keep pulling him back toward health.
02:21Before she could speak, the healer Ella stepped out, expression tight.
02:24Alpha Case has regained consciousness, but an arrow struck his inner thigh during battle.
02:30I'm afraid he will no longer be able to-
02:32Unable to do what?
02:33He will no longer be able to get hard.
02:35Martha's knees gave out.
02:36I caught her before she hit the floor.
02:37She looked up at me with hollowed eyes.
02:39Leah, knowing this, are you still willing?
02:43Yes, she's been looking forward to it.
02:44Chloe was already answering for me.
02:46Of course she is.
02:47She's just an Omega with no prospects.
02:49She should be grateful.
02:50I didn't speak right away.
02:52My mind went to my past.
02:53There was a young wolf in the poor quarter behind our estate.
02:56I first saw him through the fence gaps.
02:58Thin wrists, hollow cheeks, hunched over a cracked bowl with nothing in it.
03:01I started passing food through the gaps.
03:03Bread first.
03:04Then soup.
03:05Then whatever I had.
03:06Day after day.
03:07I watched him change.
03:08The hollows in his cheeks filled out.
03:10His shoulders broadened.
03:11He started training before dawn, running laps around the back wall while I was still half
03:15asleep.
03:15He was going to enter the warrior trials.
03:17I knew it before he told me.
03:19When he passed, I went to find him that same night.
03:21I was happy.
03:21I remember it clearly.
03:22I was genuinely happy.
03:23I knocked on the gate.
03:24He didn't open it.
03:25His voice came.
03:26Leah, I'm betrothed now.
03:27It wouldn't be proper.
03:28Then a soft thud in the dirt at my feet.
03:29A pouch of silver.
03:30Consider my debt repaid.
03:31I stood there for a moment.
03:33Then I picked it up and walked away.
03:34That wolf became Chloe's mate.
03:36Brad.
03:37I acted like I'd never known him.
03:38Chloe found out anyway.
03:40I snapped back to reality.
03:41I gathered my skirts and knelt in front of Martha.
03:44My lady, I'm willing.
03:46I'll complete the bond, care for Case, and serve you as long as you need me.
03:50Luna.
03:50Martha kept her word and prepared a dignified mating dress for me.
03:53Chloe deliberately chose a day when Brad was away on pack business to send me off.
03:56She walked me to the door, guilt on her face.
03:58Even though Case can't get hard, at least you'll be spared the pain of burying pups.
04:03Don't worry.
04:04An alpha who can't perform in that area is probably exceptional in every other.
04:07Honestly, none of what Chloe said had even crossed my mind.
04:10I told myself I was simply moving to a new household.
04:13Case was too weak to stand through the full mate blessing ritual.
04:16I completed the bond rites beside his ceremonial sword instead.
04:19Martha watched from the front, eyes wet the whole time.
04:22When it was done, I was alpha Case's mate.
04:25The mating chamber was quiet.
04:27I pushed the door open carefully.
04:29Case was already inside, half reclined against the headboard in a white bathrobe.
04:32He turned when he heard me.
04:34Up close, he was strikingly handsome.
04:36Sharp jaw, dark eyes, the kind of face that didn't need color in it to hold attention.
04:40I had no intention of taking a mate tonight.
04:42He said with a low voice.
04:43If it doesn't trouble you, we can treat this as a sibling arrangement.
04:47He pointed to the chaise along the far wall.
04:49Tonight the bed is yours.
04:51I'll take that.
04:52Tomorrow you move to the guest quarters.
04:54All right, I nodded.
04:55He had thought of everything.
04:56It wasn't what I'd expected.
04:58Before the ritual, one of the older maids had pulled me aside and pressed something into my hands.
05:02A small handbook, worn at the corners.
05:04She'd whispered with a strange look.
05:06There are other ways between mates.
05:08You might find it useful.
05:10I had no idea what she meant until I opened it.
05:12Heat pooled in my core just from looking at the pages.
05:15Is it too hot?
05:16Case was watching me from the bed.
05:18Eyes direct.
05:19Unblinking.
05:20The dress is heavy.
05:21I'm a little warm.
05:23Then wash up and rest.
05:25He pulled the blanket over himself and turned toward the wall.
05:27Within minutes, his breathing evened out.
05:28I set the handbook down on the vanity and took down my hair.
05:32Then the layered robes, piece by piece, until I was standing in nothing but my nightgown.
05:36I turned to the mirror.
05:37The thin fabric clung to every curve, heavy breasts straining against the cloth,
05:41slim waist giving way to the flare of my hips.
05:43I walked straight into Case's gaze.
05:45He wasn't asleep.
05:46His chest rose hard.
05:48The tips of his ears went red.
05:49His throat worked as he swallowed.
05:51I grabbed my outer robe and pressed it against my chest.
05:54Alpha, I thought you were asleep.
05:56A long pause.
05:57I could sleep later.
05:59My breath hitched.
06:00He rose slowly to his feet, his tall frame casting a shadow over me.
06:12The handbook's images came flooding in.
06:14My breathing shifted without me meaning it to, somehow falling into the same rhythm as his.
06:18Then Case turned and walked to the door.
06:20The moment cool night air rushed in, I snapped back to my senses.
06:23He'd already disappeared into the darkness.
06:25I turned it over in my mind.
06:27When he'd looked at me just now, his eyes had flashed with something unmistakably like shock.
06:32Had my figure actually frightened him?
06:34Before I lay down, I made a firm decision.
06:36Tomorrow morning, I was binding my chest at least one full loop tighter.
06:39I was hovering somewhere between sleep and waking when Case slipped back in.
06:43The tips of his hair still beaded with water.
06:45He'd apparently gone to shower.
06:46By morning, he was already gone.
06:47Ivy came in to help me dress.
06:49From the corridor outside came the sound of a man.
06:51Once.
06:52Then again.
06:54Martha's headmaid's voice carried clearly through the door.
06:56Alpha Case?
06:57Why didn't you call someone to heat the water?
06:59It's already summer, but the nights are still cold.
07:02Of course you've caught a chill.
07:03I'll go brew tea right now.
07:04I glanced at Ivy.
07:06Does the alpha usually take cold showers?
07:08I honestly don't know, miss.
07:10I dismissed her and locked the door.
07:11I wound a strip of cloth tight over my undergarments, then pulled on the most conservative dress I could find
07:16in the wardrobe.
07:17High neck, loose cut, heavy fabric.
07:19Then I went to living room.
07:21Case was already there when I arrived, seated beside Martha.
07:24She lit up the moment she saw me, her whole face warm with welcome.
07:27Until Case coughed, and the warmth vanished instantly.
07:31Cage, I have a few private words for Leah.
07:33Go rest for a while.
07:34Case rose and left without a word.
07:36Martha waved me over and took both my hands in hers, eyes glistening.
07:40Sweet girl, our Case is lucky to have you.
07:45The pack healer says the injury drained his life force.
07:49There's no telling how long he has left.
07:51Some of the elders suggested I find a child for him to adopt, to carry on the bloodline.
07:57But if I did that, wouldn't I be stealing your whole future from you?
08:01I'm already grateful you came into this family to save Case.
08:04I can't let you sacrifice the rest of your life on top of that.
08:07I've thought it through.
08:07If Case's time does come, I'll have him issue you a formal mate release.
08:11Your future stays protected, and I'll see to it that you receive property, and a place
08:15of your own.
08:16I reached up and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, chest tight with an ache
08:19I couldn't name.
08:20Mrs. Valerius, thank you for looking out for me.
08:23I'd come here thinking of myself as nothing more than a transferred Omega servant.
08:26I never imagined she would think this far ahead on my behalf.
08:29My thoughts drifted to the mother I had never known.
08:31If she had been alive, if I had grown up under a mother's protection, I never would have
08:34ended up in any of the situations I'd been through.
08:36Martha laughed through her tears.
08:38Look at me.
08:38I've gone and made you cry, too.
08:40She squeezed my hands.
08:42Leah, there's no need to be so formal.
08:44Call me mom, just like Case does.
08:46She took a breath.
08:47So, I have a proposition for you.
08:49Chloe mentioned you know how to prepare medicinal soups.
08:51I'd like you to take over Case's daily meals and care.
08:54I just want him to live a little longer.
08:55That's my one selfish wish.
08:57By the end, her voice had gone rough.
08:58I nodded.
08:59I headed to the kitchen to gather ingredients.
09:01The last time I'd prepared medicinal soup was several years ago, back when Brad was
09:04not yet Chloe's mate.
09:06He'd lost both parents and lived alone in a run-down unit, skipping meals to save every
09:10cent for his warrior training.
09:12One day, I found him collapsed at our back gate and brought him around.
09:15Out of sympathy, I dug through my mother's old healer journals and prepared medicinal
09:18meals for him every day to rebuild his strength.
09:20Only the two of us ever knew about it.
09:22From the looks of things, he was the one who told Chloe, just to get me driven out.
09:26The lengths he had gone to were truly something.
09:29I carried the steaming soup to the bedroom and found Case directing servants to pack up
09:33his belongings.
09:35Alpha, what's this about?
09:36Weren't we agreed that I was moving to the guest room?
09:38His sharply handsome face didn't shift so much as a fraction.
09:40I have fewer things.
09:42It makes more sense for me to move.
09:44At least eat first.
09:45I set the food on the table.
09:46He gave it a brief glance and sat down.
09:50You can leave this kind of thing to the maid from now on.
09:52It's no different coming from me.
09:55It is different.
09:56His voice remained flat and cool.
09:58Have Ivy bring it from now on.
10:00He finished the soup in a few quick swallows, said a few words to the servants, and swept
10:04past me.
10:05In that moment, I confirmed one thing.
10:07Alpha Case couldn't stand the sight of me.
10:09I followed his instructions and had Ivy deliver his daily healing meals to the study from then
10:13on.
10:14Martha couldn't stop singing my praises.
10:16The pack healer says Case's condition has stabilized significantly.
10:19I can see the color coming back to his face.
10:21Leah, that's entirely because of you.
10:23Delighted, she pressed a gold bracelet into my hands.
10:26Back in my room, I tucked it into my jewelry box, which had been slowly filling with pieces
10:30Martha had gifted me since my arrival.
10:32Leah, you never wear any of the of these.
10:34Isn't it a waste to just put them away?
10:36How is it a waste?
10:37Every one of these can be converted to cash.
10:39That's my security fund.
10:41But Lady Martha gave these to you personally.
10:43Are you really going to sell all of them?
10:44Not right now.
10:45But if the mate bond is ever severed, naturally I'd sell them and keep the money on hand.
10:49Ivy's expression shifted to pure bewilderment.
10:51As she turned away, she dropped her voice to a murmur.
10:55Alpha.
10:57Alpha?
10:58I spun around and met a pair of ink-dark eyes.
11:00Martha's eyesight must truly be failing her.
11:03Case looked worse than ever.
11:04Case's face was even paler than before.
11:06His gaze was sharp and cutting, fixed on me with cold precision.
11:09The look unsettled me completely, but I didn't dare let a single trace of it show.
11:15Alpha, is there something you need?
11:17A journal.
11:17We looked together.
11:19I checked the shelves, he checked the writing desk.
11:21Neither of us spoke.
11:22I spotted the journal pushed to the very back of the top shelf, behind a row of my mother's
11:25medical notes.
11:26I reached up on my toes.
11:28My fingertips just grazed the cover.
11:30Case's hand came over mine.
11:31Warm, steady.
11:33He reached past me without effort and closed his hand around the journal.
11:36I turned my head.
11:37His face was right there, closer than I'd realized.
11:40He was looking down at me.
11:42Then I lost my footing and pitched straight into him.
11:44My heavy breast hit his chest first.
11:46My waist went straight into his palm, his hand catching me before he could react.
11:50Case didn't step back.
11:51His eartips went red.
11:53His throat worked as he swallowed.
11:54When he exhaled, the breath came out uneven against the top of my head.
11:58His eyes flashed gold for a second.
12:00Then green.
12:01I scrambled upright, face burning.
12:04Your journal.
12:04He took it without a word and walked out.
12:06Perfect.
12:07My standing in his eyes had just sunk even lower.
12:09After that day, I made every effort to avoid crossing paths with Case.
12:12He was injured and recovering.
12:14He needed to stay calm.
12:15But there was one more thing bothering me.
12:17Brad had been sending notes.
12:18Three times already.
12:19I hadn't opened a single one.
12:21Just dropped them in a box.
12:22Then, Ivy pressed one into my hand that morning.
12:24It's not just a note this time.
12:25He's here.
12:26Side entrance.
12:27He says he won't leave until you come out.
12:28I clenched my fist and walked out.
12:29I didn't notice the figure that followed from the far end of the courtyard.
12:32Brad was standing at the gate.
12:34Leah!
12:35You finally came!
12:36You should be calling me Mrs. Valerius.
12:38He paused.
12:39Dropped his voice.
12:40Mrs. Valerius.
12:41Do you have any idea how many times you've put me in an impossible position with these meetings?
12:45I know.
12:47I just wanted to tell you.
12:48I'll be securing more power in the pack.
12:50Soon I won't need Chloe's father backing me anymore.
12:53He stepped closer.
12:54I'll buy a house, Leah.
12:55Come with me.
12:56Anything's better than staying with a dying man.
12:58He reached for me.
12:59I stepped back.
13:01You want me as your mistress?
13:03Brad nodded, completely serious.
13:05I laughed.
13:05Why would I give up being the Alpha's mate to be your mistress?
13:08The whole pack knows Case is dying.
13:10He won't last.
13:12And he can't even stand up anymore.
13:14His eyes dropped deliberately to my chest.
13:16Isn't that a waste?
13:18Disgust surged through me.
13:20Brad, I will never be anyone's mistress.
13:23Case fought on the front lines for this pack.
13:25Those injuries are his honor.
13:27You've benefited from every battle he won,
13:30and you're standing here calling him less of a man.
13:33You're the one who's less.
13:35Come near me again,
13:36and every note you've sent goes straight to Chloe.
13:38How do you think that ends for you?
13:41His face went white.
13:42I swung the gate shut.
13:44I turned around and came face to face with Case.
13:46White t-shirt, standing less than half a foot away.
13:48His full height bearing down on me.
13:49Alpha, I managed.
13:50A faint edge flickered across his expression.
13:52Wasn't it my mate just a moment ago?
13:54Why so formal all of a sudden?
13:56I looked down and started walking.
13:59Please don't misunderstand.
14:00As long as I'm in this estate, I honor this bond.
14:02Completely.
14:03Fast.
14:03It's getting late.
14:04I should go make your evening meal.
14:05I moved to step past him.
14:07His hand closed around my arm.
14:08I lost my footing and pitched straight into him.
14:10My heavy breasts against his chest.
14:11My waist caught in his grip.
14:13I looked up.
14:14His face was inches from mine.
14:15His eyes were deep and unreadable.
14:17One tilt forward and our lips would have touched.
14:19His breath hit my face.
14:20Warm.
14:21My breath hitched.
14:23Heat pooled low in my core.
14:25Case swallowed hard.
14:26As long as I remain in this estate.
14:28Each word slow.
14:30Deliberate.
14:30Are you counting down the days until you can leave?
14:32I couldn't exactly tell him, I'll leave the day you die.
14:36No.
14:36Nothing like that.
14:37I shifted in his grip.
14:38Alpha, you're hurting my arm.
14:40Did you mean every word you said just now?
14:42I blinked and asked which part.
14:44He let out a quiet breath and released me.
14:46I bolted.
14:47And I noticed, for the first time, his face had actual color in it.
14:51His cheeks were just as red as mine.
14:53That night, I had a strange dream.
14:56Case's lips grazed slowly along my cheek.
14:58His fingers hooked into the strap of my slip, voice dropping to a low murmur.
15:02Does my Luna want this?
15:03I nodded like someone completely under a spell.
15:06Then a fierce, consuming kiss caught my lips and wouldn't let go.
15:09I jolted awake in a tangle of sheets.
15:11Heart still hammering.
15:12Breathless.
15:14Ivy knocked and came in.
15:15I asked her to bring a basin of cold water.
15:17She stared at my sweat-damp hair and murmured,
15:19It really is getting hotter.
15:20I splashed cold water onto my face.
15:22And then it hit me.
15:23That first night.
15:24Case.
15:25Cold shower.
15:27Surely he hadn't also been...
15:28No.
15:29Impossible.
15:30He was injured and recovering.
15:32He was supposed to be keeping himself calm.
15:33At midday, Martha's attendant arrived.
15:35Martha would like dinner in the garden tonight.
15:37She asks that you be sure to come.
15:39I've been making excuses to avoid the main dining hall for days,
15:41just to steer clear of Case.
15:43But Martha had gone out of her way to personally extend the invitation.
15:45I couldn't say no.
15:46I stepped into the garden.
15:47A sprawling rose of Sharon was in full bloom.
15:50A gust of wind shook loose a handful of deep crimson petals,
15:53drifting down onto the stone table,
15:55covered with every dish I loved most.
15:57Martha smiled and gestured for me to sit.
15:58Case mentioned it's your birthday today.
16:00He's the one who asked the kitchen to prepare all of this.
16:03I looked up and met a pair of burning, intent eyes.
16:05Heat rushed straight to my face.
16:07Case lit a plate of chestnut cake in front of me without changing his expression.
16:11How did you know today was my birthday?
16:13I'd completely forgotten it myself.
16:15My birth mother died bringing me into the world.
16:18No one had ever once marked the day for me.
16:20Case kept his eyes lowered and said evenly,
16:23It's not difficult to know it.
16:24Something in my chest gave one quiet, inexplicable pull.
16:28Leah, this peach blossom wine is from my private reserve.
16:31I'm opening it just for you.
16:33But you two had better not drink too much.
16:34She pushed back her chair,
16:36said the summer evening breeze was too much for her old bones,
16:38and left.
16:39The garden went quiet.
16:41To avoid the silence, I put my head down and drank.
16:43One cup, then another, then another.
16:46The wine was sweet and dangerously potent.
16:48Before long, the edges of everything had gone soft and blurry.
16:52Case watched me but said nothing.
16:53By the third glass, I'd stopped feeling the awkward silence.
16:56By the fourth, I'd stopped feeling much of anything.
16:59I reached across the table toward the last piece of chestnut cake.
17:01The dish was empty.
17:03I looked up.
17:04Where's the last piece?
17:05I ate it.
17:06I have absolutely no idea where the boldness came from.
17:09I leaned straight toward his face.
17:11Who told you to eat that?
17:13Spit it back out.
17:14I pressed against his chest, trying to peer into his mouth.
17:17Case looked down at me, perfectly calm.
17:19You won't find it that way.
17:20I straightened up and stared at him.
17:22Then how am I supposed to find it?
17:24A faint flush crept across his cheeks.
17:27Try using your mouse.
17:28My gaze drifted to his slightly reddened lips.
17:30I swallowed once, and kissed him without hesitation.
17:33Case went rigid, his breathing lurching unsteady.
17:36Then control shifted.
17:37His hand cupped the back of my head, and he pressed in deeper, harder.
17:41Neither of us pulled away until footsteps sounded from behind the flower bed.
17:45Alpha, the night air is cool.
17:48Lady Martha asked me to bring you both a wrap.
17:50I had no idea how much Ivy'd seen.
17:52I shot to my feet, and the next instant, the world tilted.
17:55Everything went dark.
17:58When I woke up with a splitting headache, it was already morning.
18:00I suddenly remembered.
18:02I'd promised Martha to visit Case's father's grave.
18:05It was late.
18:06I started rushing around for my things.
18:09Leah, don't worry.
18:10The driver is still getting the car ready.
18:13Ivy, was it you who brought me back last night?
18:15No.
18:16The Alpha carried you back.
18:19I spun around to check her face.
18:20She nodded, completely serious.
18:23I didn't say anything stupid, did I?
18:26Ivy bid back a smile.
18:27The Alpha set you down on the bed, and you grabbed his sleeve and wouldn't let go.
18:32You kept calling him my mate, over and over, until his whole face went red.
18:37Ivy, don't you dare make things up.
18:40She covered her mouth, laughing, and ran out.
18:43I met Martha at the front entrance.
18:45Case's father's grave was on a hillside just beyond the pack territory.
18:49I sat in the back of the car, completely distracted, replaying the moment I'd kissed Case last night.
18:55Martha must have misread my expression because she said,
18:58Leah, is there someone you have feelings for?
19:03I've noticed you've been avoiding Case these past few days.
19:07Please don't be upset with me for pushing you two together at dinner last night.
19:10I thought if the two of you couldn't be mates, you could at least be friends.
19:13But if you're uncomfortable, or if you want to leave, just say.
19:17I'll have him sever the bond.
19:18I won't let you be trapped here.
19:19Mom, no.
19:20It's not that.
19:22I was thinking about something else.
19:23What is it?
19:24I was still figuring out how to answer when the car lurched.
19:26The engine screamed.
19:27The car swung hard.
19:28Tires off the road, crashing through brush, the whole frame shaking.
19:31I grabbed Martha and looked at the driver.
19:33Slumped over the wheel.
19:34Unconscious.
19:35No one to hit the brakes.
19:37A cliff.
19:38Straight ahead.
19:38Martha grabbed my arm.
19:40Leah, what do we do?
19:41We jump.
19:42Now.
19:42We'll be hurt.
19:44We'll die if we don't.
19:45Hold on to me.
19:45I wrapped myself around her and we threw ourselves clear the instant the wheels left solid ground.
19:49We hit the cliff edge and went over.
19:51My hand shot out and caught a root jutting from the rock face.
19:53My other hand locked around Martha's wrist.
19:55Below her was a straight drop into nothing.
19:58Mom, don't look down.
20:00Don't look down.
20:01Hold on to me.
20:02Ivy and the others are right behind us.
20:04Behind us in the second car.
20:05They'll be here soon.
20:07The root ground under our weight.
20:09Martha's voice broke.
20:11Leah, let me go.
20:13We're too heavy.
20:15It's going to snap.
20:18I'm old.
20:20I've lived my life.
20:21You have to keep living yours.
20:24My chest tightened so hard I could barely breathe.
20:27I couldn't let go.
20:29She'd been a mother to me from the first day.
20:32Mom, I would rather die with you than watch you fall.
20:36Hold on.
20:40They're coming.
20:41The truth was, I had no idea.
20:43My arms were going numb.
20:45The pain had gone so deep it had stopped feeling like pain at all.
20:49Then I heard it.
20:51A wolf's howl split the air.
20:53Deafening.
20:54And close.
20:56Leah.
20:57Don't move.
20:58I'm coming down.
20:59Case's voice.
21:00He'd called me by my name.
21:02The first time.
21:04A strong arm came under me.
21:06He'd climbed down the cliff face.
21:08Wolf claws dug into the rock.
21:10He untied the rope from his own body and looped it around my waist.
21:14Then climbed down further and did the same for Martha.
21:17The people above pulled together.
21:20We came up one at a time.
21:21It wasn't a hallucination.
21:23Case had saved us.
21:25He held me, brow creased.
21:29Why is there so much blood?
21:30Martha clutched her face.
21:32She shielded me when we jumped.
21:35I didn't get a scratch.
21:37It's all hers.
21:39My eyelids felt like lead.
21:41Leah.
21:42Don't sleep.
21:43I'm taking you to Ella.
21:45He lifted me into the car and I stayed curled against his chest.
21:48His forehead was damp with sweat.
21:50He kept one hand on the wheel and kept talking.
21:53Leah.
21:53Leah.
21:54Leah.
21:55Stay awake.
21:56I'll get you chestnut cake.
21:58I'll give you all the jewelry you want to sell.
22:00You don't have to wait for me to die.
22:01I'll write the bond release today.
22:03You can leave whenever you want.
22:04My chest kept clenching.
22:06Something wet hit my face.
22:08I looked up at the sky through the windshield.
22:10It wasn't raining.
22:11Then everything went black.
22:12When I opened my eyes, every part of my body felt like it had been taken apart and put back
22:16wrong.
22:16My Luna.
22:17The pack healer said you can't move yet.
22:19Ivy pressed a bowl of medicine to my lips, spooning it in slowly.
22:22You're lucky nothing's broken.
22:24Her voice was steady, but her eyes were red.
22:25The scrapes were bad.
22:26You need to stay flat or they'll scar.
22:29Your shoulder was dislocated, too.
22:30She kept talking.
22:31My eyes had already drifted to the door.
22:33After I finished the medicine, I asked.
22:35Where's Case?
22:36Investigating.
22:37Someone poisoned the driver with wolf bite and cut the brake lines.
22:39It was deliberate.
22:40Who would be bold enough to target the Alpha's family directly?
22:43I was flat on my back for a full month.
22:45I didn't see Case once.
22:46Martha kept her door shut, too, still recovering from the shock.
22:49Everyone in the estate moved with tight faces and clipped voices,
22:51like something was being held just below the surface.
22:53I asked Ivy.
22:55She said nothing was wrong.
22:56Today, I was finally cleared to get out of bed.
22:58I opened my door and walked straight into a familiar figure.
23:01Case.
23:01Dark tactical shirt.
23:03Sharper than I remembered.
23:04He held out a small wooden box.
23:06I took it and lifted the lid.
23:07A land deed.
23:08A property contract.
23:09A severance letter.
23:11My body went rigid.
23:12Something locked around my chest and wouldn't let go.
23:14Case!
23:15Are you throwing me out?
23:16You've been waiting for this since the day you arrived.
23:18You avoided me, stayed out of my way.
23:20You never wanted anything to do with me.
23:22You were counting down the days until I died so you could walk out cleanly.
23:25I'm just doing it early.
23:27Leah, go.
23:28After today, we're finished.
23:29Something sharp flooded my chest.
23:31My mouth opened and closed.
23:33It took a long time to get anything out.
23:36So that's what you think of me.
23:39Leave now.
23:40I don't want to see you anymore.
23:42Case disappeared around the corner of the yard.
23:44Estate guards all but pushed me out the door.
23:45Ivy fell in to step beside me and the alpha said you're used to having me around.
23:49He told me to go with you.
23:52I couldn't speak.
23:55We moved into a small house on the edge of the territory.
23:59By morning, the pack's official announcement had gone up.
24:01The announcement said Case had betrayed the pack.
24:03The announcement said he had betrayed the pack.
24:05That he had leaked the Border Patrol routes to a rogue faction.
24:08By order of the Lycan King, royal enforcers had been dispatched to seize him, pending investigation.
24:14Case was being held in the dungeons under royal guard.
24:17The estate was locked down.
24:19Everyone inside was under scrutiny.
24:21Case would never betray his pack.
24:23He would die before he did something like that.
24:25He rushed to get me out.
24:26That was why.
24:27That was the only reason.
24:29Ivy was pacing circles around the living room.
24:31She'd grown up inside the estate.
24:32She couldn't stand still.
24:34Is there anything we can do?
24:36I made myself sit down and think.
24:38Years ago, Elder Reed's youngest child had gotten lost in the forest and been bitten by a snake.
24:43I'd found him and used the right herbs to treat the wound.
24:46Elder Reed had arrived while I was still crouched over the boy.
24:48He'd seen my face.
24:49I was sure he hadn't forgotten.
24:51I tracked him down outside the council building and stepped into his pack.
24:54Elder Reed.
24:55You remember me.
24:56I need a favor.
24:57He looked at me for a long moment.
24:59Then he nodded.
25:00Elder Reed led me into the dungeon.
25:0230 minutes.
25:02No more.
25:03The door on the side.
25:04Case stood up.
25:05His eyes flashed with surprise.
25:06How did you get in?
25:07My chest ached as I looked at him through the blur of tears.
25:10That's why you kicked me out, isn't it?
25:11You were framed.
25:13Think carefully.
25:14Is there any evidence to prove your innocence?
25:16I will find it.
25:17I will investigate.
25:18I swear I will rescue you.
25:20Case's gaze deepened.
25:21Then his arm shot out and pulled me into his chest.
25:23Leah.
25:24My heart hammered.
25:25But time was running out.
25:26This wasn't the moment.
25:28I pushed against him.
25:29He didn't budge.
25:29Leah, you don't need to do anything.
25:31I can't say much.
25:33I promise.
25:35Seven days later, I will accompany you to watch the sunrise.
25:38Okay?
25:39His eyes were steady.
25:40Certain.
25:40Like he was coaxing a frightened pup.
25:43I walked out of the dungeon and straight into Brad.
25:48He stepped into my path.
25:50Slow smile spreading across the face.
25:51It's not too late to reconsider.
25:53Being my mistress beats being alone and disgraced.
25:56I swung my hand and slapped him across the face.
25:58He lunged for me.
25:59I stepped sideways and put distance between us.
26:01Try that again and every note you sent me ends up in front of Chloe's father.
26:04Every single one.
26:05You've been whispering in her ear for years, haven't you?
26:07Trying to get me pushed out, thinking I'd have nowhere to go and no choice but to run to you.
26:10But you never counted on Chloe handing me straight to Case.
26:12A man you can't touch.
26:14His face changed.
26:15I didn't wait for him to recover.
26:16I walked away and didn't look back.
26:18A wolf like that.
26:19The further the better.
26:20I didn't sleep well for the next five days.
26:22Case's voice kept coming back to me.
26:23I promise.
26:25Seven days later I will accompany you to watch the sunrise.
26:27Okay?
26:27On the afternoon of the sixth day, the Lichen King's official decree went up across the territory.
26:31The leak hadn't come from Case.
26:33It had come from Prince Marcus and his allies.
26:36The truth is finally revealed.
26:39The Lichen King had not yet named his heir.
26:41Both Prince Caden and Prince Marcus were in the running.
26:43Case was Prince Caden's most powerful ally.
26:45The Alpha who commanded the most powerful pack.
26:47Taking Case down was the cleanest way to clear the path to the throne.
26:49Prince Marcus had planted a spy inside the Blackwood Pack.
26:51Used him to steal the border patrol routes, then framed Case for it.
26:54So the injury had been faked.
26:56All of it.
26:56A deliberate trap to draw out the spy.
26:58But why fake being unable to make some...
27:00I turned that over in my mind all night and couldn't land on an answer.
27:03Dawn was just breaking when someone knocked at the door.
27:04I didn't think.
27:05I just ran.
27:06I threw the door open and walked straight into Case's chest.
27:08He went completely still.
27:09Then his arms came around me, slow and deliberate, and pulled me in hard.
27:13I'd run out in nothing but a thin sleep shirt.
27:15No warning.
27:16Through the thin fabric I could feel everything.
27:17The hard muscle of his chest, his arms locked tight around me.
27:20I pressed my hands against his chest and tried to step back.
27:23Leah.
27:23His voice dropped low.
27:25I'm back.
27:25Our eyes locked.
27:26The heat between us was thick enough to touch.
27:28Then he lifted me off the ground and carried me straight toward the bedroom.
27:30I beat a fist against his chest.
27:33Weren't we supposed to watch the sunrise?
27:35You first.
27:37Sunrise after.
27:38We fell onto the bed together.
27:42Case pinned me beneath him.
27:43One hand working the buttons of my sleep shirt open.
27:45Eyes never leaving mine.
27:46I covered his eyes with both hands.
27:48Don't look.
27:49It's embarrassing.
27:50He took my hands down.
27:51His breathing had gone ragged.
27:53It's beautiful.
27:55His eyes were bright and fixed.
27:56My skin went hot everywhere he touched.
27:58I pressed my palm flat against his chest.
28:00Hard muscle, warm skin.
28:01Healer said you couldn't get hard.
28:03How is any of this possible?
28:04Lips dragging slowly along my jaw to my ear.
28:06You want to know if I can?
28:08There's one way to find out.
28:09He kissed me.
28:09One hand cupping my face.
28:11Tilting it up toward him.
28:12I kissed him back hard.
28:13My hands slid up his chest, over his shoulders, gripping his arms.
28:17He pressed me further into the mattress, his weight settling over me.
28:21The heat built fast and took over completely.
28:23My hands went slack.
28:24He caught them, laced his fingers through mine, and pinned them above my head.
28:28He loves me very much and completely occupies me.
28:31My face gradually became rosy, and we could only hear each other's heartbeats and breathing.
28:36His lips dragged from my mouth to my jaw, down the side of my neck, slow and unhurried.
28:41Then he stopped.
28:42His canines pierced my mating gland.
28:44A second of sharp, white-hot pain.
28:46And then it was done.
28:47I lay there, chest heaving, fingers still tangled in his.
28:50On my neck, his mark ached.
28:52Finally, we weren't just mates on paper anymore.
28:56After the estate lockdown was lifted, Case took me to meet Prince Caden, a slow smile spreading
29:00across his face.
29:01So you're the woman who brought Case to his knees.
29:02I've been wanting to meet you.
29:05You flatter me, your highness.
29:06Case helped the kingdom take down a real threat.
29:08You stood by him through all of it.
29:09I'll host an official Luna ceremony for you.
29:11And when that day comes, I'll have a gift ready.
29:13Thank you, your highness.
29:14Don't blame Case, Leah.
29:16Faking the injury was always part of the plan.
29:21Too many enemies wanted him dead.
29:23The only way to keep him safe was to make them think he was already finished.
29:26The part about not being able to get hard, that was my idea.
29:28I gave the pack doctor that order.
29:30Myself.
29:32We grew up together.
29:33I know exactly how he is.
29:35Never any interest in women.
29:36Never any weakness.
29:37I figured it was time someone did something about that.
29:39Suddenly, I understood.
29:41Just two old friends and one very elaborate prank.
29:43The car accident.
29:44That was Prince Marcus as well.
29:46They intended it to look like an accident.
29:47They didn't expect to hurt you in the process.
29:50Luna, Leah.
29:50It's been dealt with.
29:52You and Case are safe now.
29:56I took a slow breath.
29:58Knowing it was over didn't make the memory of dangling off that cliff any less vivid.
30:01We got back to the estate to find Chloe already inside, crying.
30:04She walked an hour ago and hasn't stopped.
30:06Martha is getting a headache from it.
30:08I told Case to go to his study.
30:09I'd handle it.
30:10I sat down next to Chloe.
30:12Face red.
30:13Eyes swollen.
30:14Word had already spread.
30:15Brad had been identified as one of Prince Marcus's informants.
30:18Chloe's father had been cleared.
30:19But Chloe and Brad were finished.
30:21Still crying?
30:22I'll have someone throw you out.
30:24She stopped immediately.
30:24Still shaking, but quiet.
30:26I misjudged him.
30:27I thought picking someone from a lower-ranked family meant he'd be easy to manage.
30:32I didn't think he'd be like this.
30:33I told you he wasn't a good person.
30:35You didn't say it clearly enough.
30:37I rolled my eyes.
30:38I wasn't a powerless Omega anymore.
30:40I didn't have to hold back.
30:45Were you ever angry at me?
30:47For how I treated you back then?
30:49No.
30:49I cursed you in my head.
30:51But I don't hold grudges.
30:52You cursed me?
30:53Do you want to punish me for it?
30:55Chloe laughed despite herself.
30:56Then caught herself and pressed her lips together.
30:58I'm sorry.
30:58For the slap.
30:59Did it hurt?
31:00I already forgot about it.
31:01Then let me slap you back.
31:02We'll be even.
31:03She closed her eyes and braced herself.
31:05I raised my hand and let it land soft against her cheek.
31:08She opened her eyes.
31:11I already gave that slap to Brad.
31:13Chloe stared at me for a second.
31:14Then she laughed.
31:15Really laughed.
31:16For the first time since she'd walked in.
31:17Don't call me Chloe anymore.
31:18Can we be friends?
31:20No.
31:22I don't like friends who cry too much.
31:24The light was still on when I passed Case's study.
31:26I pushed the door open.
31:27Before I could say a word, an arm shot out from behind and wrapped around my waist.
31:31Bold intruder.
31:31His voice dropped low against my ear.
31:33You think you can just walk into the Alpha's office?
31:35The Alpha's mate is right here and you still dare make a move?
31:38Case played it straight.
31:39His lips found my neck.
31:41Here?
31:42Really?
31:43Right here.
31:44I kept saying no.
31:45My hand said something else entirely, finding their way to his back.
31:48He murmured against my ear.
31:49You have no idea how many times I thought about this in this room.
31:53I wanted to say something back, but his hand was already moving and I couldn't get a single
31:57word out.
31:57He carried me to the table and took off my clothes.
32:00Then we had a good time.
32:06When I woke up, it was almost dawn.
32:08Case was already awake, sitting up against the headboard, watching me.
32:11His eyes were soft in a way that made it hard to look back.
32:14Morning.
32:15I sat up and rubbed my eyes.
32:16Then I remembered.
32:17The sunrise.
32:18He'd promised.
32:19The sunrise.
32:22You still have time.
32:24He was already up.
32:25He picked up my clothes from the side of the bed, handing them to me.
32:28He dressed me slowly, straightening each layer with both hands, like he'd done it a thousand
32:31times before.
32:32We walked out into the yard.
32:33Cool air.
32:34The smell of pine.
32:35To the east, the sky had just started to lighten at the edges.
32:38Case stood behind me and wrapped both arms around me.
32:40We watched the horizon together.
32:41The sun came up slowly.
32:43The gold light broke across the trees, spread across the yard and landed on us.
32:46The clouds caught the color and held it.
32:49Beautiful.
32:49Close to my ear.
32:51Beautiful.
32:52He pulled me in tighter and said nothing else.
32:54He didn't need to.
32:56I'll watch every sunrise and sunset with you.
32:58His voice was quiet against my hair.
33:00Everyone.
33:00For as long as we have.
33:02I turned around and kissed him once, quick and light.
33:05Deal.
33:06The sun came up fully and the yard filled with light.
33:08Our shadows stretched long across the ground behind us.
33:11Over the next few days, the estate came back to life.
33:13Servants moved through the halls with easy steps again.
33:16Martha's health improved.
33:17She called me in to talk every morning, always smiling when I walked through the door.
33:20One afternoon, I was trimming the plants in the yard when Sunny came running over.
33:23Leah.
33:24Chloe is here again.
33:25She brought a lot of stuff with her.
33:27I set down my shears.
33:28Since the day she'd come in crying, Chloe had been showing up regularly.
33:31She said she was making up for lost time.
33:33Really, she just had nothing to do and nowhere to be.
33:36Let her in.
33:37I wiped my hands and went to meet her.
33:40Chloe walked in with two attendants behind her, carrying food boxes.
33:43She'd changed a lot.
33:44Less restless.
33:45She dressed simpler now and moved quieter.
33:53I made your favorite, chestnut cake.
33:56I asked the Royal Kitchen for the recipe this time.
33:58Better than anything the Blackwood Kitchen has ever made.
34:01I took a piece and bit into it.
34:03Sweet.
34:03Soft.
34:04Better than I expected.
34:06Good.
34:08So where's Case?
34:09Not home?
34:10He went to the pack training ground.
34:12Something came up.
34:13Chloe nodded and reached for a piece herself.
34:15For a while, neither of us said anything.
34:17Just the wind moving through the yard.
34:18My father wants me to find a new mate.
34:20I looked up.
34:21Don't rush for it.
34:22I don't know.
34:25After Brad, I don't know how to trust anyone.
34:27She looked at me.
34:28Something flickering in her eyes.
34:29You have a good mate.
34:31Case fights for you, protects you, and he's the strongest alpha in the kingdom.
34:35We just got lucky.
34:36You can't force these things.
34:38Chloe nodded and didn't say anything else.
34:39Just ate her chestnut cake.
34:41The yard went quiet.
34:42Just wind moving through the leaves.
34:44Then she said,
34:46That slap.
34:47Do you really not hold it against me?
34:49Really.
34:50It's in the past.
34:51No point bringing it up.
34:53The truth was, I'd already let it go a long time ago.
34:55She wasn't a bad person.
34:56Just spoiled.
34:57Used to getting her way.
34:58Chloe's eyes went red at the edge of you.
35:01When I arranged the mating,
35:03part of it was because I was scared you and Brad would find your way back to each other.
35:06But part of it was genuine.
35:08I really did think Case was a good man.
35:10That he wouldn't treat you badly.
35:11We looked at each other and smiled.
35:13All the conflicts were solved.
35:16I just didn't expect him to be faking the whole time.
35:18Chloe laughed, a little embarrassed.
35:20It's in the past.
35:22Isn't this better?
35:27It is, she nodded.
35:28Can we be friends?
35:29For real?
35:30I won't be like I was before.
35:34Sure, I nodded.
35:35Something warm moved through my chest.
35:37Letting go of old grudges and coming out the other side with a friend.
35:40That wasn't a bad ending.
35:40We sat in the yard for the rest of the afternoon.
35:43Eating and talking.
35:43Pack gossip.
35:45Small things.
35:45Nothing important.
35:46The sun came through the leaves and the air was warm and easy.
35:49When Case came back from the training grounds that evening and saw the two of us,
35:52surprise crossed his face.
35:54What are you two happy about?
35:55Talking about you.
35:56Chloe grinned.
35:57About what a liar you are.
35:59Faking the whole thing and fooling everyone.
36:02Case walked over and sat down beside me.
36:04He reached over and took my hand.
36:06Eyes warm.
36:07Tricking you into becoming my Luna?
36:08That's the luckiest thing I've ever done.
36:10My face went red.
36:11I gave him a look.
36:12Chloe burst out laughing.
36:13Alright, I'm leaving you two alone.
36:15Leah, I'll come by tomorrow.
36:16Sure.
36:17Take care.
36:17I watched her go.
36:18Case turned to me.
36:20Are you a good friend now?
36:22Yes.
36:22The past is the past.
36:24No point holding on to it.
36:25He squeezed my hand.
36:26I'm glad you can think that way.
36:28He knew how much I'd been through.
36:30Watching me let it go and just be happy.
36:31I could tell it meant something to him.
36:33We sat side by side at the stone table and looked out at the sky.
36:37Neither of us said much.
36:38We didn't need to.
36:39Days like this, quiet and unhurried, became the rhythm of our life.
36:43Case stayed busy with the pack and with royal matters.
36:46But he always made time.
36:48Sunrises, sunsets.
36:49He spoiled me until I didn't know what to do with it.
36:52Martha was healthy and smiling every day.
36:54The estate was calm and easy again, the way it used to be.
36:57True to his word, Prince Caden petitioned the Lycan King on my behalf.
37:01At my official Luna ceremony, the Lycan King's decree was read aloud.
37:04A formal commendation in front of the entire pack.
37:07The estate was lit up and full of noise that day.
37:10Case lifted the veil and placed it over my head himself, his eyes proud and soft.
37:14The most beautiful Luna.
37:15Then he shifted, right there in front of everyone.
37:18His wolf was massive, dark, broad-shouldered, still.
37:22He lowered himself to the ground and waited.
37:24I climbed onto his back.
37:25He rose slowly, carrying me steady, and lifted his head toward the moon.
37:29The howl that came out of him was long and deep, and carried across the entire territory.
37:34One by one, the pack answered.
37:36Howl after howl, rising into the night sky.
37:39I thought about everything it had taken to get here.
37:41A bastard Omega with no wolf, no one to speak for her.
37:44Only I knew how hard the road had been.
37:46And all of it, every bit of the happiness on the other side of it,
37:49came from the man standing behind me.
37:51After the ceremony, Case took me south.
37:53Open land, warm air, water catching the afternoon light.
37:56Far from everything that had tried to take us down.
37:58The rest of our lives stretched out ahead of us.
38:01Every year, every season, together.
38:04After the ceremony, life settled into a new rhythm.
38:07I stood beside Case at every pack meeting, every decision,
38:10every matter that came through the estate gates.
38:12His pack was my pack.
38:13His people were my people.
38:15But he always made time.
38:17A weekend drive with no destination.
38:19A trail through the forest at dawn.
38:20Wherever he thought I'd want to see, he took me there without being asked.
38:23The rest of our lives stretched out ahead of us.
38:26Every year, every season, together.
Comments