- 8 hours ago
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00:00The premium service class wolf I bought didn't like me.
00:02He only wagged his tail for my adopted sister.
00:04So I brought home a low-class stress relief wolf instead.
00:08I was drunk sitting outside the bar and smoking to sober up.
00:11A street vendor crept over.
00:13Miss, you look totally stressed out.
00:15Need to let it all out?
00:17I've got a stress relief wolf.
00:18Good for unwinding.
00:20What?
00:20The dealer glanced around nervously.
00:23A wolf shifter stepped into the light.
00:24He stepped forward and his shadow fell across my face.
00:27The vendor yanked the rough collar and dragged him to one knee.
00:30He unclipped a rusted bite guard,
00:32then grabbed the wolf's hair and pulled his head back, exposing his face.
00:35His narrow eyes locked on me like a wild beast.
00:38Look at that face, miss.
00:40Wouldn't it feel good to smack something that pretty?
00:42He was exactly my type.
00:43And my doctor had said my stress hormones were out of control.
00:46I genuinely needed an outlet.
00:48But I already had a wolf at home.
00:50Ash would mind.
00:51Get up.
00:52Show her your build.
00:53The wolf stood slowly.
00:54He peeled off his shirt.
00:57I saw the bruises layered over bruises.
00:59High stamina.
01:00Heals fast.
01:012,000 for two hours of release.
01:03You can do whatever you want.
01:05Just don't slit his throat and drain his blood, and he'll recover.
01:08Slit his throat?
01:09People's tastes had gotten that dark?
01:11Forget it.
01:12My wolf at home wouldn't let me touch him anyway.
01:14This one was cheap.
01:15Obedient sounded fine.
01:16How much to buy him outright?
01:18Not cheap.
01:19He's our best.
01:20Name your price.
01:21I'll give you a discount.
01:23Just 58,800.
01:25My parents spent millions on Ash, my premium service wolf gift.
01:30This one was practically free by comparison.
01:33Too much?
01:34Fine.
01:35Round it down.
01:3650 grand.
01:36I bought him for 5,000 in the end.
01:38I wasn't ready to go home yet, so I took him to a hotel.
01:43The vendor gave me a long list of warnings on the way out.
01:46Don't remove the bike guard until he's fully tamed.
01:49Keep the chains on.
01:51Both of them.
01:52In the hotel suite, Eli stood still in the entryway, eyes down, waiting for whatever came
01:57next.
01:58I came out of the shower wrapped in a robe, still not daring to take off his restraints
02:02yet.
02:02Go shower.
02:03He looked at me for a few seconds, then turned and walked into the bathroom.
02:07After a few minutes, I knocked.
02:10I left my phone in there.
02:11He hadn't locked the door.
02:13Eli froze his back to me.
02:14His pale skin made his scars all the more shocking.
02:17Water streamed down his shoulders along the rusted chains, washing away rust and dried
02:21blood.
02:22His tail hung low, trembling slightly.
02:24The fur was dull, brittle, wild, and fragile at the same time.
02:28My brain went offline.
02:30I crossed the room and hugged him from behind, pressed my lips to the bruising on his spine.
02:34Eli shuddered.
02:35His whole body went rigid.
02:37What are you doing?
02:38First time I'd heard his voice.
02:40Take it easy.
02:41That's not...
02:42Hmm?
02:43What is that?
02:43That's not how stress, Ramif, works.
02:45I've never done this before.
02:47Bear with me.
02:48I pushed him onto the bed.
02:49I kissed every bruise, one by one.
02:51He lay still and let me, his body tense the whole time.
02:54He didn't know how to respond.
02:56Then, at the crucial moment, he reached out and locked his hand around my waist.
03:00Are you sure?
03:01Yeah.
03:02I'm just a low-class wolf.
03:04My answer was to stop waiting.
03:05He let out a muffled sound and closed his eyes.
03:10Ash was my parents' apology, a premium, competition-grade service wolf, a compensation for the 18 years
03:16they lost me.
03:17I was 5 when I disappeared, 23 when they finally found me.
03:20When I came home, I found out my parents had already adopted a little girl, Emma.
03:25She'd been with them since she was a baby.
03:27She was 17 now.
03:28When I appeared, Emma fell apart.
03:30Get out!
03:31I'm their real daughter!
03:33Why are you here taking my parents?
03:36This is my home!
03:38Get out!
03:38She screamed and sobbed and threw everything she could reach at me.
03:42Don't cry.
03:44You'll always be our daughter.
03:46Zoe coming back doesn't change how much we love you.
03:50Emma's been spoiled.
03:52You're 6 years older.
03:53Just try to be patient with her.
03:55I should have been devastated, but I was 23.
03:57I survived those lonely years craving my parents.
04:00Now, I was in the phase of desperately needing money.
04:03I let my eyes well up, looked down.
04:06I understand, Dad.
04:08Playing vulnerable worked.
04:09The monthly allowance they wired me kept going up.
04:13Morning.
04:14I had my cheek pressed against Eli's arm.
04:17My best friend Lily texted me.
04:19Where are you?
04:19Did you do your usual disappearing act and go home alone again?
04:23No.
04:23I bought a new stress relief wolf last night.
04:26Been busy.
04:27Zoe, what is wrong with you?
04:28I know you're upset that your wolf at home ignores you, but you can't just go buy a punching bag.
04:33You couldn't bring yourself to hit the expensive one, so you went out and bought a cheap one to beat
04:38up?
04:39I would report you if you weren't my best friend.
04:42I am appalled.
04:43I didn't hit him.
04:44Why would I hit a dog?
04:46Then how did you unwind?
04:48The way you're thinking.
04:49On bed.
04:49We both stopped typing.
04:51Then she sent me a long message explaining everything.
04:54Stress relief wolves were illegal.
04:56Traffickers stole young shifters or bought low-class ones cheap.
05:00Then they tortured and filtered them, keeping only those with strong bodies and fast healing.
05:04Some became living punching bags for paying clients.
05:07Others ended up in underground fight rings, death matches.
05:10Even after rescue, these wolves were considered feral and untamable.
05:14Official shelters offered them for free adoption.
05:17The ones no one took.
05:19Euthanized.
05:23I know where he lives, if you regret it.
05:26I startled.
05:27Quickly darkened my screen and turned over.
05:33He runs with a crew.
05:34They probably won't give you the money back.
05:37But if I catch him alone, I might be able to...
05:41I don't regret it.
05:42As long as you behave.
05:44Only listen to me.
05:46Nobody else.
05:47Okay.
05:48There were a few faint scars along the fur of his ears.
05:51I couldn't help it.
05:52I reached out to touch them.
05:53His ears snapped back instantly.
05:55He flinched away.
05:56This one wouldn't let me touch his ears either.
05:59Sorry.
06:00Force of habit.
06:04You can touch them now.
06:07If you still want to.
06:09I didn't hesitate.
06:09I swung up and sat across his waist.
06:12Braced my hands on his chest and squeezed his ears between my fingers.
06:15Eli's breathing deepened.
06:16His whole body got warmer.
06:18He tipped his head back.
06:19Eyes half-lidded.
06:20Watching me.
06:22Can we do it again?
06:25We didn't go straight home.
06:27I took Eli to a shifter clinic first.
06:29The doctor said his healing ability was excellent.
06:31The bruising wasn't a concern.
06:33But severe malnutrition.
06:34He needed long-term supplementation.
06:36The total for all the supplements cost more than I'd paid for him.
06:40I don't need it.
06:41I can eat anything.
06:42Don't spend the money.
06:43I won't die.
06:44This amount was what Ash burned through on snacks every month.
06:47It's fine.
06:48Do you like these?
06:49I held out a new collar and bite guard in front of him.
06:52Slim black metal collar.
06:54Custom black bite guard to match.
06:56I hadn't wanted him to keep wearing restraints.
06:58But the doctor was firm.
06:59Don't let a feral wolf's looks fool you.
07:02He could take out your throat in one bite.
07:04So I'd picked the most comfortable version I could find.
07:07When the doctor removed the old bite guard, he held it up to the light.
07:10Fight ring or stress relief.
07:12Before this, I mean.
07:15Both.
07:15Figured.
07:17Look at these bite marks.
07:18He did this to himself when the pain got too bad.
07:22Those are from last night.
07:24I went very still.
07:25In the ring?
07:26No.
07:27He looked at my back.
07:28From when I was being used.
07:29We got home past midnight.
07:31Mom and Dad were already asleep.
07:33Ash was probably in Emma's room, as usual.
07:36Come in.
07:38He hadn't moved.
07:40He was staring at something on the floor.
07:41I bent down and picked it up.
07:43This is Ash's.
07:46On my first birthday in this house, Mom and Dad had given me Ash.
07:50Zoe's too quiet.
07:51We thought having a companion might open her up.
07:54Back then, Ash hadn't shifted yet.
07:56Just a small black wolf pup.
07:58Why does she get one and I don't?
08:00You said you wouldn't pick favorites.
08:02He's mine.
08:05She snatched the puppy and ran out.
08:07Didn't come back.
08:08My birthday dinner was ruined.
08:09My birthday present was gone.
08:11Mom and Dad were a mess for days.
08:13I cried too.
08:14I'm so sorry.
08:16I made her leave.
08:17It's my fault.
08:18Twelve days later, one girl and one scruffy wolf pup appeared at the front door.
08:23Mom.
08:23Dad.
08:24I'm so hungry.
08:26I was wrong.
08:27I'm never running again.
08:28Mom and Dad rushed out and all three of them sobbed together on the doorstep.
08:32When they finally looked up, Mom's face went guilty the instant she saw me standing there.
08:38Mom, you hit me?
08:39Do you know what the last 12 days were like?
08:41I just got back and you're ready.
08:42Do you ever think about what your sister's last 18 years were like?
08:48If you ever make Zoe feel unwelcome in this house again, don't call me Mom.
08:52After that, Emma stopped coming after me openly.
08:55She gave Ash back a few weeks later.
08:57Not long after that, he shifted dark curls, soft, downturned eyes.
09:02He tilted his head at me and said his first shifted word.
09:05E.
09:07I'm Emma.
09:09You remember me?
09:10You remember me?
09:14Of course.
09:16I remember everything about Emma.
09:18Mom and Dad sighed and put an arm around me.
09:20It took weeks of trying before Ash reluctantly accepted that I was his owner.
09:25But he refused to wag his tail for me.
09:27Refused to let me touch his ears.
09:29Never waited by the door for me.
09:31He only reacted to Emma's footsteps.
09:33He only waited for her.
09:34I watched them every time.
09:36I told myself I didn't really care.
09:38Because Ash's monthly expenses came out of the account in my name.
09:41And Mom and Dad's quiet guilt kept filling that same account.
09:44But lately, I'd been breaking out.
09:46Stress hormones, the doctor said.
09:48Ash wouldn't touch me.
09:50Eli had shown up at exactly the right moment.
09:52I had no reason to say no.
09:56Sleep with me tonight?
09:57I'll take you shopping for clothes.
09:59Will he mind?
10:00Who?
10:00Ash.
10:01Wolves are territorial.
10:03He doesn't like sleeping with me.
10:04It's fine.
10:05Do you need it again tonight?
10:07Need what?
10:08Stress relief.
10:09I do.
10:10But my legs are killing me.
10:11I have good stamina.
10:12You can just lie there.
10:13That's very considerate of you.
10:15It's nothing.
10:17In the morning, I stepped out of my room at the exact same time as Ash.
10:21Zoe.
10:21Why were you talking in your sleep last night?
10:23All those little sounds, it was loud.
10:25Sorry.
10:26I'll keep it down.
10:27Were you having a nightmare?
10:28I thought I heard you crying.
10:30I was having the time of my life.
10:32If you ever have a nightmare, you can-
10:33Ash, I can't find my slippers.
10:35Don't walk around barefoot.
10:37He stepped right past me and went into Emma's room.
10:39How did your slippers end up in the living room if you were in your room?
10:43Because you carried me to bed last night and forgot to bring them.
10:46He sat her on his knee, found the bunny slippers, and put them on her feet.
10:50One by one, patient.
10:51Then he headed upstairs to the bathroom.
10:53Perfect service, Wolf.
10:54Just not mine.
10:55Zoe, my laundry's in the hamper.
10:57Take it to the dry cleaner.
11:00What's that smell?
11:01What?
11:02He stepped close, pressed his nose to my neck, then inhaled.
11:05The deeper he breathed, the harder his hand gripped my waist.
11:07Zoe, why do you smell like another wolf?
11:10Eli had just opened the door and walked out.
11:12He was half a head taller than Ash.
11:14That's my scent.
11:19Zoe, who is that?
11:20His name is Eli.
11:21He's my new wolf.
11:22What?
11:23You got another wolf?
11:26What about me?
11:27Oh, wow.
11:28Mom, Dad, come look.
11:30Zoe got a new wolf.
11:31This is Eli, our newest family member.
11:34Sir, ma'am.
11:35He's even more handsome than Ash.
11:37Competition grade, I assume?
11:38Zoe gets so much allowance.
11:39Competition grade?
11:40He's wearing a muzzle.
11:41His fur is splitting.
11:42His shirt is falling apart.
11:43He's shedding everywhere.
11:44He's feral bottom class.
11:45The kind shelters can't even give away.
11:47Zoe, you only brought him home to mess with me, didn't you?
11:49If he goes feral and hurts you, don't come crying to me.
11:51Zoe, we're not against you keeping him.
11:53We just want you safe.
11:54We can't lose you again.
11:55I won't hurt her.
11:57If it makes you feel better, I'll keep the restraints on.
11:59I can sleep in a crate at night.
12:01Only fight ring wolves sleep in crates.
12:03That's lower than a stress relief slave.
12:05I've already decided he's staying.
12:06Ash's expenses come from Mom and Dad.
12:09Eli's are on me.
12:10Zoe!
12:11Relax.
12:12Given how Zoe grew up, it makes sense she has a thing for low-class wolves.
12:16It's basically her aesthetic.
12:18Mom, Dad, since Zoe has a new wolf, can I have Ash?
12:22He likes me more anyway.
12:23I'm just taking what's left over.
12:26Leftover drained the color from Ash's face.
12:28No.
12:29Ash was a gift from Mom and Dad.
12:31He's mine.
12:32I decide what happens to him.
12:33My certainty knocked something loose in him.
12:35For the first time, Ash wagged his tail for me.
12:38Just barely.
12:38Small, uncontrolled flicks.
12:40Even if you say that, I'm not forgiving you.
12:43I had no intention of giving him away.
12:44Not because I was attached.
12:46First, the budget they gave me for his upkeep was generous.
12:48I pocketed a healthy margin every month.
12:51Second, Ash was worth a lot.
12:52If I ever decided I was done, I could sell him for seven figures.
12:55Why would I hand that to Emma for free?
12:56She's right.
12:57He was given to Zoe.
12:59If you want him, talk to your sister.
13:02A few months earlier, Mom and Dad had planned a family camping trip to get us all bonding.
13:07Seven days.
13:07On the night we set up tents, everyone drank a little too much.
13:10Emma called me sis every five minutes.
13:12I called her sis back.
13:13Mom and Dad were so happy.
13:14When I came back from a cigarette break, I saw Emma in my tent.
13:17The campfire had gone out.
13:18One small lantern flickered inside.
13:20Ash was lying on my sleeping bag.
13:22Emma was slowly crawling on top of him, leaning toward his mouth.
13:25Their shadows overlapped against the canvas.
13:27I watched Ash reach up and tuck her hair behind her ear, and kissed her back.
13:30Ash, promise me you won't touch her.
13:33But-
13:33Wait until I'm 18.
13:35It's only a few months.
13:36In this world, a wolf who slept with a human under 18 faced immediate disposal.
13:41You know I have standards.
13:42I don't like her touching me.
13:43Can't we just keep this clean between us?
13:45Ash said yes.
13:48The video ended.
13:49Emma, is this how I raised you?
13:51Using yourself to manipulate a wolf just to spite your sister?
13:54Zoe, I was drunk that night.
13:57I-I thought it was you coming-
13:58Nobody asked you.
13:59I paid for you.
14:00You're here to serve my daughter, not audition replacements.
14:02I'm calling your cellar today.
14:03Mom, why aren't you yelling at her?
14:05Can't you see how calculating she is?
14:06She recorded it.
14:07I made one stupid mistake and she plays it like this.
14:10Ever since she came back, you love me less.
14:12Are you really gonna let her run my life?
14:13Emma, you did this.
14:15If you hadn't, there'd be nothing to record.
14:17Both of you, this month's allowances go to Zoe.
14:19And you're both grounded for three days.
14:20A large sum landed in my account that afternoon.
14:23Mom and Dad's invisible scale tipped a little more in my direction.
14:26I'd been fighting for things my whole life.
14:28This was no different.
14:31Three days without Emma or Ash hovering around, I took Eli shopping.
14:35Everywhere.
14:36He was a specimen.
14:38Built like every suit had been cut for him specifically.
14:41Everything looked good on him.
14:43So I wanted to buy him everything.
14:45But the best part was watching him in a dress suit.
14:49I went slightly feral and bought 12 custom tailored ones.
14:53Then I was too tired to walk.
14:55Eli carried everything with one arm and me with the other.
14:58I had my arm hooked around his neck, tracing the line of his nose with one finger.
15:02Eli, you look like this.
15:05Didn't they try to make you sell yourself?
15:07They tried.
15:08He set me on the bed and dropped to one knee.
15:11Took off my heels.
15:12Swapped them out for slippers.
15:14He'd watched Ash do it for Emma a hundred times.
15:17He hadn't fully adjusted to human-scale gentleness yet.
15:21He kept catching himself, recalibrating his grip.
15:24But he'd memorized every step.
15:27And?
15:27He went a little pink.
15:29I didn't.
15:30I hurt the client and ran.
15:31They caught me.
15:33I stopped eating to fight back.
15:35They got scared I'd die and cost them money so they threw me in the ring.
15:39I hadn't eaten in three days.
15:41I don't know how I did it.
15:42I bit through the other wolf's throat.
15:45After that, I stayed in the ring.
15:47They kept my food limited so I'd be too weak to resist.
15:51The last fight, I got badly injured.
15:54They figured I was done, so they put me on stress relief work.
15:57I survived that too.
15:59This week, they were debating sending me back to the ring.
16:02Then you bought me.
16:05Eli was still kneeling.
16:07Wearing the new suit I'd just bought him.
16:08Both hands wrapped lightly around mine.
16:12He had no idea he looked like he was proposing.
16:15I'm not hiding anything from you.
16:18I am a low-class, violent wolf.
16:20I've hurt humans.
16:22I've hurt my own kind.
16:23I grew up without learning to be around people.
16:26I don't know how to take care of someone.
16:28I barely know how to use a fork.
16:30I don't know how hard to hold you without hurting you.
16:33Last night when you cried,
16:35I panicked.
16:39I remembered.
16:40The second time was so much better than the first.
16:42I'd lost control and made a sound I hadn't expected.
16:45I'm sorry, did I hurt you?
16:47I misjudged.
16:48It's my fault.
16:49You can punish me, hit me, starve me, whatever you want.
16:53Just don't cry.
16:55Please.
16:56I remembered the apology going on for a while,
16:58but I'd passed out mid-sentence.
17:00No wonder the atmosphere that morning had been so heavy.
17:03He'd been stewing in it all night.
17:05You didn't hurt me.
17:06I cried because it was good.
17:08He pressed his nose against my neck.
17:10His silver-white ears brushed my face.
17:12I grabbed them.
17:14Eli's breathing hitched.
17:17He reached up, fingers calloused, deliberate,
17:20and slowly traced the side of my neck.
17:23The same spot Ash had pressed his nose against that morning.
17:26Methodical.
17:27Inch by inch.
17:29Are you trying to cover his scent?
17:31It's fine.
17:32I don't mind.
17:33I just don't understand.
17:35You went three days without food to avoid being sold.
17:38But you never fought back against me.
17:40Not once.
17:41You gave up?
17:42He looked up.
17:43His eyes didn't quite meet mine.
17:45They landed on my mouth.
17:47Maybe because you were young and beautiful.
17:49That's an airtight reason.
17:51Maybe because you said you had no experience.
17:54Also because that was the first time I'd ever been kissed.
17:58I just want you to know I am violent and feral.
18:01But I will never hurt you.
18:03Never.
18:05Not ever.
18:06I believe you.
18:07As a reward.
18:12Let me kiss you again.
18:16Eli and I fell into a rhythm.
18:18I finally understood why people spent fortunes on me.
18:22With Ash, everything had been a production.
18:25Premium Wolves had standards.
18:27I'd had to train with him daily.
18:29Manage his nutrition.
18:30Force feed him supplements.
18:32And run a full grooming routine just to keep him in condition.
18:36So he could use that condition to take care of Emma.
18:39Eli was different.
18:40I followed the doctor's supplement plan and he just glowed.
18:44I felt a little guilty about the contrast.
18:46So I sat him down and did a proper grooming session on him.
18:50Ash walked in while I had both hands buried in Eli's foam-covered ears.
18:55Zoe!
18:57That's my special foam soap.
18:59I bought this one for Eli.
19:01Out of your room already?
19:02You must be so pleased with yourself.
19:04Not really.
19:05You got off easy.
19:06But I'll try harder next time.
19:09Zoe!
19:10Send him out.
19:11I can explain the video, but I am not sharing this house with a bottom-class wolf.
19:15You're not sharing anything.
19:17You sleep in Emma's room.
19:19You always have.
19:21Wolves had sharp senses.
19:23Ash had been the only one in the house who knew about my smoking habit.
19:26He'd always complained my room smelled and used it as an excuse to sleep in Emma's room instead.
19:31It's fine, Ash.
19:32You always said she smelled anyway.
19:34Come stay with me.
19:36Zoe.
19:37You're going to regret this.
19:39Take good care of him, won't you, Emma?
19:43The house settled into a strange cold war.
19:46Ash and Emma spent a while putting on a show in front of me.
19:49They were all warmth and sweetness, trying to get a reaction out of me.
19:52I had none.
19:53As long as they weren't doing it in my face, I could handle it.
19:58Eli spent a lot of time watching them.
20:00Emma kept flushing every time she caught him looking.
20:03Then pretending she hadn't noticed, he was studying.
20:06He watched every move Ash made with Emma.
20:08The grip, the order of things, and translated it all into how he took care of me.
20:14Ash, meanwhile, looked like a ghost.
20:16He kept catching himself staring at me with something half-formed in his expression.
20:21I knew why.
20:22A few days earlier, I'd heard an argument spilling from Emma's room.
20:26Emma, you haven't groomed me in forever.
20:28You have hands.
20:29Do it yourself.
20:30Am I your pet or am you mine?
20:32My products are running out too.
20:35Then ask Zoe.
20:36It's her account, not mine.
20:39Emma, why are you like this?
20:41You used to actually like spending time with me.
20:44If you hadn't kissed me that night, Zoe wouldn't have-
20:47Zoe always groomed you every day.
20:50She never complained about how much work it was.
20:52Blame me?
20:53You didn't exactly stop me.
20:55And now you think she's better?
20:57Then go to her!
20:58Go on!
20:59See if she even wants you.
21:02Did Emma love Ash?
21:04I doubted it.
21:06Emma just loved being the center.
21:08The one everyone orbited.
21:10Ash fawning over her fit that.
21:12Me existing complicated it.
21:14After that fight, Ash deteriorated fast.
21:17He kept starting sentences near me and never finishing them.
21:20Too proud to ask.
21:21I ignored it.
21:23Until one night.
21:25I was out on the second floor balcony in my slip dress, smoking a post-session cigarette.
21:30Ash came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me without a word.
21:35Warm tears dropped onto my neck.
21:37One at a time.
21:41You're not complaining about the smell?
21:43I'm sorry.
21:45Can you forgive me?
21:46I was drunk that night.
21:48I swear I thought it was you.
21:50I wanted it to be you.
21:51I believe you.
21:52If you'd known it was Emma, you wouldn't have stopped her either.
21:56That's not true.
21:58Before I shifted, Emma and I were on the streets together.
22:02A group of guys tried to grab me.
22:05We could struck and tweet pad me.
22:07She ran at them, screaming and crying, until they gave up and fled.
22:12You're my owner.
22:13But she saved my life.
22:14I couldn't refuse her.
22:16In the tent that night, I was half as asleep.
22:19I thought it was you.
22:21When I opened my eyes and saw her, I felt sick.
22:25I realized I'd wanted it to be you.
22:28I'd wanted you all along.
22:30But she saved my life.
22:32How could I turn her down?
22:35Then keep being grateful to her.
22:37I was never in the way.
22:38Zoe, please don't.
22:45Ash, do you know why I smoke?
22:47Because I grew up with a crew of street girls who were never going to win any etiquette awards.
22:52When I got caught stealing and got beaten up, they took the hits with me.
22:57When a man tried to assault me, they scratched his face apart.
23:01When I had a fever and passed out, they pulled whatever they had and dragged me to a back alley
23:07clinic.
23:09So, I had more people doing things for me than you ever did.
23:13And I never crawled into anyone's bed over it.
23:15Never said yes just because someone asked.
23:18Ash, you're wired to follow whoever pays you the most attention.
23:21Someone gives you a little warmth and off you go.
23:23Ash, they say premium wolves have the highest human-like cognitiveness.
23:26I believe it.
23:27You've even evolved past a dog's most basic trait.
23:30Loyalty.
23:31I don't know.
23:32I'm sorry, Zoe.
23:33You never talked about before.
23:34I didn't know what you went through.
23:36I only ever heard Emma's side.
23:38She made it sound like you were the one taking things from her.
23:40Like Ash and everything that came with him should have been hers.
23:43If I'd known, I wouldn't have complained about the smoking.
23:45I wouldn't have helped her make things harder for you.
23:47His tear-wet face pressed into my collar and passed his shoulder, two figures in the dark.
23:52The closer one, tall and still, was Eli.
23:54The farther one was Mom.
23:56I met her eyes.
23:57My cigarette hand barely paused.
23:59I didn't hide it.
24:00Fine.
24:01She saw.
24:02When I came home, I'd glossed over the first years.
24:05They'd worked so hard on Emma.
24:07Piano.
24:09Ballet.
24:10Flower arranging.
24:12Everything polished.
24:13Me?
24:13Good at stealing?
24:15Lockpicking with a hairpin.
24:17Chain-smoking before I was old enough to buy them.
24:20I hadn't thought parents who'd replaced me in a year would love me very much.
24:24Tell them the real version and they'd probably fear me as much as pity me.
24:27And Emma would run a reason to attack me.
24:30So I'd shown them the clean resume.
24:32Good grades.
24:33Sweet face.
24:34Polite answers.
24:35Like interviewing for the role of daughter.
24:38Mom said,
24:38Go to sleep.
24:39Then she went back to her room.
24:41The hall was dark again, except for Eli's outline.
24:43He stood watching Ash press his face into my shoulder and make small, unhappy sounds.
24:48Eli said quietly,
24:50It's cold out here.
24:51Ash noticed him for the first time.
24:52He stepped in front of me, sent the low warning growl at Eli again.
24:57Eli didn't react.
24:58He stepped closer.
24:59Ash shifted back without meaning to.
25:01Eli draped a jacket over my shoulders, looked at Ash.
25:04You can keep going.
25:05I'm just here for the coat.
25:07Ash didn't take him up on it.
25:08He said instead, to me,
25:10Stay with me tonight.
25:11I know what to do.
25:13I was trained.
25:14I'd be better than him.
25:16Is that right?
25:17I mean it.
25:19Please, let me fix this.
25:20His tail went into overdrive.
25:22Eli's expression didn't change.
25:24But his hand at his side closed into a fist.
25:27I don't think so.
25:28You kissed Emma.
25:29The thought of it ruins it for me.
25:31Good night, Ash.
25:35Eli followed me back to the bedroom.
25:37I shrugged off the jacket and looked at him.
25:39Jealous?
25:39He took the jacket and said,
25:41No.
25:41You're exceptional.
25:43You'll have a boyfriend.
25:44Someday.
25:45A husband.
25:46I know my place.
25:48Should I run a bath?
25:49I'd been heading for bed.
25:51Why?
25:52You have Ash's tears and saliva on you.
25:54And his scent.
25:56I went to the bathroom.
25:58Eli followed and washed every inch of skin with focused, careful attention.
26:02He was kneeling on the wet bathroom tile looking up at me.
26:06Hey.
26:06I reached down and touched his ears.
26:09What is it?
26:10Can't get it clean.
26:12What?
26:13Can I take this off?
26:14Licking might work better.
26:16He pointed to his bite guard.
26:17I thought for a moment.
26:19Then unclipped it.
26:21That spot doesn't have his scent on it.
26:23He said.
26:25Didn't stop.
26:26He kissed upward.
26:27Inch by inch.
26:28All the way to my chin.
26:31May I?
26:32He cupped my face in one hand.
26:33Yes.
26:34His kiss was careful.
26:35Unpracticed.
26:36I cracked one eye open to look at him.
26:38Steam and fog all around him.
26:41Eyes shut tight.
26:42Long lashes trembling.
26:43I thought this might have been our first real kiss.
26:48I stopped making Eli wear the bite guard.
26:50Mom and dad kept reminding me to be careful, but they didn't push.
26:53I worked at the family company.
26:55Most days I didn't come home for lunch.
26:57One afternoon I did.
26:58Just wanted to nap.
27:00Voices drifted up from the living room.
27:02Eli and Ash.
27:03I leaned on the second floor railing and watched.
27:05Eli was sitting on the couch, watching TV.
27:08Ash planted himself in front of him, tail bristling.
27:10You think Zoe actually likes you?
27:13She's using you to get at me.
27:15Once she's over it, she'll throw you out like trash.
27:18So what?
27:19Zoe said you're dirty.
27:20At least I'm clean.
27:22Anyone who tries to touch me, I bite their throat out.
27:24Unlike you.
27:25Half pushing someone away and then giving in anyway.
27:29Interesting.
27:29In front of me, Eli was steady and careful and almost meek.
27:33This was the first time I'd seen his edges.
27:36Clean?
27:37You've killed wolves in a ring!
27:39Do you even know how many?
27:41He stood up slowly.
27:43I know.
27:44Useful information.
27:46Honestly, you bother me.
27:48Me?
27:48Ash nearly went airborne.
27:49You're the outsider here!
27:51Zoe paid millions for me!
27:53I was here first!
27:54Millions?
27:55Eli looked him over.
27:56You don't look worth that.
27:57He stepped forward.
27:58Do you know which part of the throat to bite so the other person can't make a sound?
28:04Another step.
28:04How to make a wolf disappear quietly.
28:06I'm probably the only kind who knows that.
28:10What are you doing?
28:11What would I do?
28:12Eli shrugged.
28:12I'm just a low-class wolf.
28:14Then he lunged.
28:15Ash panicked and shifted into full wolf form on instinct.
28:18The black wolf tackled Eli, teeth sinking into his forearm.
28:22Eli crashed into the coffee table.
28:24Porcelain cracked.
28:25Shards scattered across the floor.
28:26When mom came running at the noise, she found Eli on the ground.
28:30Arm bleeding badly.
28:31Sitting up pale and pressing the wound.
28:36I'm sorry, ma'am.
28:37I've been too close to Zoe lately.
28:40Ash was unhappy.
28:41I should have been more careful.
28:43I came downstairs.
28:44Eli, what happened?
28:46It's nothing.
28:46He said softly.
28:47Nothing like what I dealt with in the ring.
28:49I was biting down hard on a laugh.
28:51Yesterday, he'd sworn up and down he had no jealousy whatsoever.
28:54And he'd already planned this.
28:56It's not true!
28:57Ash stumbled over his own words.
28:58He went at me first!
29:00He's setting me up!
29:02Setting you up?
29:03If he wanted to hurt you, you'd still be on the floor.
29:06Zoe, I'm serious!
29:08I'm calling the seller.
29:09This wolf is going back.
29:10Mom was already on her phone.
29:12No need.
29:12I'll sell him to a friend who's been looking for a premium wolf.
29:16Mom paused.
29:17That works.
29:18He's yours to decide.
29:20Zoe, you'd sell me for him?
29:21Ash's face went blank.
29:22You said you liked me.
29:23I know you did.
29:24You used to grab my tail in your sleep so you wouldn't have nightmares.
29:27You wrote in your journal that you were lonely here.
29:29That at least you had me, even if I didn't like you.
29:32You'd sneak pets when I was asleep.
29:34You asked me once when you were drunk why I never liked you.
29:37Why even I was always on Emma's side.
29:39Zoe, you can't feel nothing for me.
29:41He was right.
29:41I wasn't as detached as I like to think.
29:44Even at 23, arriving at a stranger's house had still scared me.
29:47Watching my parents tilt toward Emma had still stung.
29:50Thinking about Emma living the life that should have been mine.
29:53That had still burned.
29:54When I found out my birthday gift was going to be a wolf, I had been genuinely excited.
29:58I had put hope in Ash.
30:00He'd ground it down slowly, over months.
30:03I imagined too much.
30:04I said.
30:05To me, I met his eyes.
30:07You're just a disloyal dog.
30:10I moved fast.
30:12Ash was gone the next day.
30:13I handed him to a contact who dealt in resale.
30:16I didn't ask where he ended up.
30:17Maybe he'd be used for breeding.
30:19Maybe he'd find a kinder owner.
30:20Either way, he had served his purpose in my life.
30:23Financial conversion.
30:24Complete.
30:25Eli, meanwhile, was draped across my bed looking tragically injured.
30:28He'd been worse than this the first night I met him.
30:30And still propped himself up with one arm to do things.
30:33But now.
30:35He said weakly, taking the soup I brought.
30:37He's really gone?
30:38Yes.
30:39Eli stared into his bowl.
30:41That's a shame.
30:42I really did want to get along with him.
30:44Want me to bring him back?
30:45You two can be best friends.
30:47The buyer already has him.
30:48They probably won't return him.
30:50I could offer them a little extra?
30:52Eli put tremendous effort into not snapping the porcelain bowl in his hand.
30:56That would be ideal.
30:57He said carefully.
30:58I'll go now then.
31:00But-
31:00He looked up, nervous.
31:01What?
31:02If he bites me again, what do I do?
31:04I said nothing.
31:05Just watched him.
31:06His expression went from nervous to tense to lost.
31:08And then landed on stunned.
31:10Zoe, you already knew?
31:12I don't know what you're talking about.
31:14Can you tell me which part of the throat stops someone from making a sound?
31:17I'm sorry.
31:18I-
31:19He kept coming at me.
31:20Please don't send me away.
31:21I was bluffing.
31:22I would never actually hurt him.
31:24I'll be good.
31:25It's fine.
31:25Honestly, I kinda like you with an edge.
31:28In a way, Emma and Ash were the same type.
31:31Both spoiled by affection.
31:32Both certain they were the main character.
31:34Eli and I were the same type.
31:36If I'd been in his position, I'd have done the same thing.
31:40Getting rid of Ash bought me two months of peace.
31:43Emma stopped crying in hallways.
31:45Stopped leaving Ash's old leash where I could see it.
31:47Stopped making wounded little comments over breakfast.
31:50She was waiting.
31:51People like Emma didn't give up.
31:52They just changed costumes.
31:54Then her 18th birthday arrived.
31:55Mom and dad gave her an apartment.
31:57Downtown, good location, good building.
31:59Expensive enough to make my smile freeze.
32:02I held it in place anyway.
32:03Inside, I was on fire.
32:05I wished I could physically lift the building and scream,
32:07It's mine.
32:08A colleague at work had once said,
32:10It all comes to you eventually anyway.
32:11Why do you fight so hard over small things?
32:14That was exactly why.
32:15I didn't trust eventually.
32:16What was in my hand was mine.
32:18Emma swept over with mom and dad on her arm,
32:20bright-eyed and glowing, ready to gloat.
32:22Zoe, did you get me a birthday present?
32:24I set down my champagne.
32:26My parents are already yours.
32:28What more do you want?
32:29The room went quiet.
32:30Emma blinked.
32:31Everything you eat, wear, and use,
32:34did any of it belong to you first?
32:36And you're asking me for a gift?
32:37Do you want my blood too?
32:39Would that satisfy you?
32:40Emma's face twisted.
32:42Mom, dad, do you see this?
32:43Today is my birthday and she's attacking me.
32:47I always said she was faking it.
32:49You never believed me.
32:50Dad's hand landed gently on my shoulder.
32:52Not hers.
32:53Mine.
32:53We know.
32:54Emma froze.
32:55Mom looked tired in a way I hadn't seen before.
32:58Zoe is right.
32:59Emma's mouth opened.
33:00Nothing came out.
33:00Your mother and I have been afraid to ask about your past.
33:02We didn't want to reopen wounds.
33:04You didn't feel safe enough to be yourself here.
33:06That's on us.
33:06My throat went tight.
33:08I hated that.
33:08I hated how badly I still wanted to hear it.
33:13Emma did not scream at first.
33:14That was how I knew it was bad.
33:16She just stood there.
33:17Still.
33:18Pretty.
33:18Ruined.
33:19Then she laughed.
33:20So that's it?
33:22You found your real daughter and now I become Charity?
33:27We gave you a home.
33:29Education.
33:30Love.
33:31Security.
33:32We are not abandoning you.
33:34You gave her everything!
33:36No.
33:37You borrowed everything.
33:39Emma turned to me slowly.
33:40There it was.
33:41The real thing under the tears.
33:43Hatred.
33:44Not fear.
33:45Not grief.
33:46Hatred.
33:46You think you won because you bought a filthy wolf and sold the pretty one?
33:50Eli had been standing near the wall, silent the whole time.
33:54At that, his eyes lifted.
33:57Don't look at me like that.
33:59Everyone knows what you are.
34:00A stress relief slave.
34:03A ring dog.
34:05A thing people throw money at when they want something to hurt.
34:08Emma.
34:09But Emma wasn't looking at her.
34:10She was looking at me.
34:11You act so proud, Zoe.
34:13But you picked him because he reminds you of yourself.
34:16Cheap.
34:17Dirty.
34:18Raised wrong.
34:19The glass in Eli's hand cracked.
34:21I turned my head slightly.
34:23Eli.
34:24He lowered his eyes at once.
34:26Sorry.
34:26The obedience in his voice made Emma's smile sharpen.
34:29Oh.
34:29He listens well.
34:31I walked across the room.
34:32Everyone watched me.
34:34Emma lifted her chin like she expected a slap.
34:37I didn't give her one.
34:39Careful.
34:40Low-class wolves bite.
34:43Her face paled.
34:45Enough.
34:45Emma, the apartment remains yours.
34:48We will support you through school.
34:50But tomorrow, 20% of the company's shares transfer to Zoe.
34:54Emma stopped breathing.
34:56The rest will be placed in an irridisible will.
34:59Everything else goes to you.
35:01Emma's face collapsed.
35:02This time when she screamed, no one moved to comfort her.
35:08Emma left for university across the country.
35:11The house breathed for the first time.
35:13Breakfast became quiet.
35:14Mom started asking me what I liked to eat.
35:17Dad started bringing company documents home and explaining things without making it sound
35:20like a favor.
35:21It was strange.
35:23Almost peaceful.
35:24I didn't adapt to it.
35:26Peace was usually the moment before someone climbed through a window.
35:30Then I saw the apartment listing online.
35:32Emma had put it up for sale at a huge loss.
35:35I stared at the screen.
35:36That was not my business.
35:37Closed the tab.
35:38Three days later, Eli found me in the garage.
35:40He was holding my coat.
35:42You forgot this.
35:43I was going to the office.
35:45I know.
35:46He didn't move.
35:48What?
35:49There's a wolf scent by the east gate.
35:53Ash?
35:54No.
35:55Then his gaze flicked toward the driveway.
35:57Not only Ash.
35:58A black SUV rolled through the gate.
36:01Emma stepped out first.
36:03Hair perfect.
36:04Eyes red.
36:05Smile too bright.
36:06Then Ash climbed out behind her.
36:08Thinner than before.
36:10Collar different.
36:11Expression worse.
36:12He looked at me first.
36:14His tail moved once.
36:15Then stopped.
36:16Emma saw it.
36:17Her smile cracked.
36:20Surprise?
36:21I bought him back.
36:23I looked at Ash.
36:25With the apartment money?
36:27Yeah.
36:28I can afford it.
36:30He's mine now.
36:31Ash's face went pale.
36:33No.
36:33I didn't know she was selling the apartment.
36:34I told her not to.
36:36Eli stepped slightly in front of me.
36:38Quiet.
36:39Calm.
36:40Too calm.
36:42Ash stared at him.
36:43For one second, neither of them looked human.
36:46Emma lifted her chin.
36:47You sold him like trash.
36:49So I picked him up.
36:50Funny, isn't it?
36:52I looked at Ash's new collar.
36:53Emma couldn't hide her triumphant look.
36:55No.
36:57It's predictable.
37:01Emma wanted a reaction.
37:02I gave her none.
37:03It filled her with rage.
37:04For two weeks, she brought Ash everywhere.
37:07Family dinners.
37:08Company lobby.
37:08Even the clinic where Eli went for follow-up checks.
37:11Ash followed her, but badly.
37:13Too quiet.
37:13Too delayed.
37:14Like a dog walking toward an owner while looking back at the door.
37:17Emma noticed every time.
37:18So did Eli.
37:19He said nothing.
37:20That was how I knew he was furious.
37:21At night, he got sweeter.
37:22More careful.
37:23More unbearable.
37:24He'd kneel to take off my shoes.
37:26Brush my hair.
37:26Wore my hands between his palms.
37:28Then look at me like he was waiting for me to compare.
37:30I finally put down my book.
37:32Eli.
37:33Yes?
37:34Are you competing with Ash?
37:36No.
37:37His tail was absolutely still.
37:39Suspiciously still.
37:40I reached out and touched one ear.
37:42It twitched under my fingers.
37:43I sold him.
37:44I know.
37:45I don't want him back.
37:47I know.
37:48You don't sound like you know.
37:50He was expensive.
37:53So?
37:55Premium.
37:56So?
37:58Trained.
38:00Do you think I kept you because you were useful?
38:05At first?
38:06At first, I kept you because you were beautiful and I was drunk.
38:10He blinked.
38:12Then because you were mine.
38:15His ears flushed pink.
38:16I kissed the corner of his mouth.
38:18Now I keep you because I like you.
38:20His hands tightened around my waist.
38:22Outside the window, something clicked.
38:23Eli went still.
38:24A red dot slid across the glass.
38:26Then disappeared.
38:27He moved before I understood.
38:29One arm around me.
38:30One hand over my head.
38:31The window shattered inward.
38:35Eli threw me behind the bed.
38:36Glass exploded across the floor.
38:38He didn't shout.
38:39Didn't panic.
38:39The careful, gentle wolf vanished.
38:41What stood in his place was something the fight ring had built and failed to destroy.
38:45A man came through the broken window.
38:46Then another.
38:47Then another.
38:48Masks.
38:48Shock collars.
38:49Tranquilizer guns.
38:50Not here for me, but for Eli.
38:52One raised the gun.
38:53Eli caught his wrist and twisted.
38:55A crack.
38:55The man dropped without making a sound.
38:57I understood then.
38:58The throat thing had not been a threat.
38:59It had been restraint.
39:00Downstairs.
39:01Mom screamed.
39:02Dad shouted my name.
39:03Eli glanced toward the door.
39:04Just once.
39:05That was enough.
39:06One of the men lunged at me.
39:07Eli crossed the room faster than thought.
39:09His teeth bared.
39:10His eyes gone silver bright.
39:11He hit the man so hard they both crashed through the wardrobe.
39:14Wood split.
39:14The man didn't get up.
39:15Eli!
39:16He froze.
39:16Breathing hard.
39:17Blood on his mouth.
39:18Not his.
39:18His eyes snapped to mine.
39:20Horror cut through the violence.
39:21I'm sorry.
39:24I didn't mean to scare you.
39:25Another man behind him lifted a collar pole.
39:28Ash appeared in the doorway.
39:29For one second, he hesitated.
39:30Then he launched himself forward and took the shock rod in his side.
39:33He dropped with a strangled yelp.
39:35Eli turned.
39:35The last man ran.
39:36He didn't get far.
39:37Hands visible.
39:38Head lowered.
39:39Blood everywhere.
39:43Don't put me down.
39:45Please.
39:46I crossed the glass barefoot and took his face in both hands.
39:49Look at me.
39:51Good wolf.
39:51His whole body shuddered.
39:55The police came.
39:56Then animal control.
39:57Then the shifter welfare officers.
39:59Then three men in expensive suits who tried very hard not to look afraid of Eli.
40:03They looked at his file.
40:05Fight ring.
40:05Stress relief trafficking.
40:07Prior violence.
40:08Human injury.
40:09Wolf fatalities.
40:11He's dangerous.
40:12Eli didn't defend himself.
40:14He sat on the edge of the bed with his hands folded.
40:16Too still.
40:17Too obedient.
40:17Like he had already prepared himself for a cage.
40:20I hated that.
40:21Ash was on the floor beside the paramedics.
40:23Shaking from the shock rod.
40:25Emma stood near the door.
40:26White faced.
40:27Did you know?
40:28Mom turned on her.
40:29I didn't think they'd come here.
40:31What did you do?
40:33I just wanted to check him.
40:35He's dangerous.
40:36Everyone knows wolves like him go feral.
40:38I sent them his old seller's contact.
40:39That's all.
40:40I didn't know they were traffickers.
40:42Ash looked at her.
40:43For the first time, he looked at her like he truly saw her.
40:46You called them?
40:47I was scared.
40:49No.
40:50You were jealous.
40:52You stole everything!
40:54No.
40:56You lost everything because you couldn't stand anyone loving me.
41:00Security has the gate records.
41:02The police can take her statement.
41:03Take my statement?
41:04Dad?
41:05You brought traffickers to our home.
41:07Mom was crying, but she didn't reach for Emma.
41:10The officer cleared his throat.
41:12About the silver wolf?
41:13Eli stays with me.
41:15Miss?
41:16He protected me.
41:19And if anyone tries to take him, I will bury this department in court until your grandchildren are tired.
41:27So will I.
41:30So will I.
41:31Eli looked up slowly, like he didn't know what to do with a family standing behind him.
41:38Emma was not arrested that night.
41:40Rich families had ways of making things quiet.
41:42But quiet did not mean forgiven.
41:44Dad cut off her accounts.
41:45Mom packed her things herself.
41:47University.
41:48Dorm housing.
41:49Monthly allowance.
41:50Nothing else.
41:51Emma screamed until her voice broke.
41:53No one changed their mind.
41:54Ash did not leave with her.
41:55That surprised me.
41:56He stood in the hall with a bandage around his ribs, eyes fixed on the floor.
42:00Come on.
42:01Emma turned on him.
42:03Ash.
42:05After everything I did to get you back?
42:08You didn't get me back.
42:11You bought me to hurt Zoe.
42:13Emma slapped him.
42:14Hard.
42:15His face turned with it.
42:16In the past, he would have lowered his head.
42:18Apologized.
42:19Followed.
42:20This time, his tail stayed still.
42:21Thank you for saving me when I was a pup.
42:24I mean that.
42:25But I paid for it too long.
42:27Emma stared.
42:28You think she'll take you?
42:30He looked at me.
42:31I said nothing.
42:32That was answer enough.
42:33His face crumpled.
42:34But he nodded.
42:35I know.
42:37After Emma left, Dad asked what I wanted done with Ash.
42:39I looked at him for a long moment.
42:41Then at Eli.
42:42Eli's expression was blank.
42:43His tail was not.
42:44It had curled possessively around my ankle.
42:48Send Ash to a rehabilitation shelter.
42:50Not resale.
42:55I don't want him.
42:57But I'm done turning damaged things into money.
43:00Eli's tail tightened around me.
43:02I glanced down.
43:02Except you.
43:04You're still very profitable emotionally.
43:06He didn't understand the joke.
43:08But he looked pleased anyway.
43:11After the attack, I stopped pretending this was only personal.
43:14The traffickers had come through an old chain.
43:17Seller.
43:17Ring handler.
43:18Client list.
43:19Transport crew.
43:20Fake shelter permits.
43:21All connected.
43:23All alive.
43:24All making money.
43:25I took the folder to the company boardroom.
43:28Dad sat at the head of the table.
43:30Mom beside him.
43:31Eli behind my chair.
43:32No bike guard.
43:33No chains.
43:34Just a black suit and quiet eyes.
43:37Some directors stared.
43:38I let them.
43:39This is a liability.
43:41I opened the folder.
43:43Photographs slid across the table.
43:45Wolves in cages.
43:46Medical reports.
43:47Death records.
43:48Payment ledgers.
43:49The room went silent.
43:51This is a market.
43:52Illegal.
43:53Profitable.
43:54And sitting close enough to our logistics partners to poison us if we ignore it.
43:59So we don't ignore it.
44:01I tapped the final page.
44:02We fund a rescue center.
44:04We fund a rescue center.
44:05Publicly.
44:06Medical care.
44:07Legal shelter.
44:09Rehabilitation.
44:10Placement.
44:12And privately, we cooperate with investigators to collapse the trafficking chain.
44:17Another director frowned.
44:18And him?
44:18He nodded toward Eli.
44:20Eli didn't move.
44:22He runs wolf assessment.
44:24A few people laughed.
44:26Then Eli lifted his eyes.
44:28The laughter died.
44:30He survived the ring.
44:31He knows who can be saved, who needs distance, and who is lying.
44:36Dad signed first.
44:37Mom second.
44:39Then the rest followed.
44:42That night, the first raid happened.
44:44Police stormed three holding sites.
44:47Forty-seven wolves were covered.
44:49Most were half-starved.
44:50Some feral.
44:52Some too quiet.
44:53When Eli stepped into the temporary shelter, every wolf in the room went still.
44:57One injured gray wolf lifted his head.
45:00Sniffed.
45:00Then lowered it.
45:01Not submission, exactly.
45:03Recognition.
45:04Another whispered.
45:05Silver.
45:06Eli stopped.
45:07I looked at him.
45:09What does that mean?
45:10He didn't answer.
45:12But all around us, broken wolves began lowering their heads.
45:16One by one.
45:17Like they had just found someone they remembered from a nightmare.
45:20Or a king.
45:24Eli avoided the word for three days.
45:26Silver.
45:27I let him.
45:28He read intake files until dawn.
45:30Sorted wolves by risk.
45:31By trauma response.
45:32By food aggression.
45:34By whether they flinched from women.
45:36Men.
45:37Collars.
45:38Water.
45:39Doors.
45:39He knew things no textbook knew.
45:42Which silence meant fear.
45:44Which stillness meant attack.
45:46Which wolf needed distance.
45:47Which one needed someone to sit nearby and pretend not to watch.
45:50The staff started listening to him.
45:52The wolves already did.
45:54One afternoon, I found him in the largest enclosure.
45:56A young wolf had bitten two handlers and refused food for a week.
46:00Eli sat on the ground ten feet away.
46:03Motionless.
46:04An hour later, the wolf crawled forward and dropped his head into Eli's lap.
46:09Eli's hand hovered above him.
46:11Uncertain.
46:12Then touched him gently.
46:14The wolf shuddered and went still.
46:16I stood behind the glass and watched.
46:19This was the first time I'd seen Eli look like something other than mine.
46:23Not less mine.
46:24More.
46:25Like he had been built for more than surviving.
46:29When he came out, he looked embarrassed.
46:31They keep listening to me.
46:34That's terrible.
46:35I don't know how to lead anyone.
46:38You learned how to survive men who tried to break you.
46:41I fixed his collar.
46:43Leadership is easier.
46:44Zoe.
46:46Why are you doing all this?
46:48The ring.
46:49The center.
46:50Me.
46:51I looked through the glass.
46:53At the wolves sleeping safely for the first time.
46:56Then back at him.
46:58I ran with a rough crowd growing up.
47:00Girls who stole food with me.
47:02Lied for me.
47:03Took hits with me.
47:06That kind of loyalty sticks.
47:08He stared at me for a long moment.
47:10Then leaned down and kissed me.
47:12Not careful.
47:14Not tentative.
47:15All of him.
47:17Held nothing back.
47:18When he pulled away, his forehead rested against mine.
47:21How am I supposed to repay you?
47:24I smiled.
47:26Easy.
47:27His ears tilted toward me.
47:28Give me your loyalty.
47:30For the rest of your life.
47:32Eli's tail wrapped around my waist.
47:34Already yours.
47:36And this time, I believed him.
47:37He was just gonna take him back.
47:39That's good.
47:39Yes.
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