- 9 hours ago
She Bought Him for S...e....x Episodes
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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.
00:05So 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.
00:16Need to let it all out?
00:17I've got a stress relief wolf.
00:18Good for unwinding.
00:20What?
00:21The dealer glanced around nervously.
00:23A wolf shifter stepped into the light.
00:25He 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, then grabbed the wolf's hair and pulled his head back,
00:34exposing his face.
00:35His narrow eyes locked on me like a wild beast.
00:39Look 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.
00:47I genuinely needed an outlet.
00:49But 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.
01:04You can do whatever you want.
01:05Just don't slit his throat and drain his blood, and he'll recover.
01:08Slit his throat?
01:10People'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.
01:26My 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.
01:37I bought him for 5,000 in the end.
01:39I 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 bite guard until he's fully tamed.
01:50Keep 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.
03:12Ash was my parents' apology.
03:12A premium, competition-grade service wolf.
03:14A compensation for the 18 years they lost me.
03:17I was 5 when I disappeared.
03:1823 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!
03:37Get out!
03:38She screamed and sobbed and threw everything she could reach at me.
03:42Don't cry.
03:43You'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.
03:56But 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.
04:05Looked down.
04:06I understand, Dad.
04:07Playing 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.
04:18Where 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.
04:26Zoe, what is wrong with you?
04:28I know you're upset that your wolf at home ignores you,
04:31but you can't just go buy a punching bag.
04:33You couldn't bring yourself to hit the expensive ones,
04:35so you went out and bought a cheap one to beat up?
04:38I would report you if you weren't my best friend.
04:41I am appalled.
04:43I didn't hit him.
04:44Why would I hit a dog?
04:45Then 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.
04:59Then they tortured and filtered them,
05:01keeping 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.
05:32He 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.
05:58Sorry.
05:59Force of habit.
06:03You can touch them now.
06:07If you still want to.
06:09I didn't hesitate.
06:09I swung up and sat across his waist.
06:11Braced my hands on his chest and squeezed his ears between my fingers.
06:15Eli's breathing deepened.
06:16His whole body got warmer.
06:17He tipped his head back.
06:19Eyes half-lidded.
06:20Watching me.
06:21Can we do it again?
06:24We didn't go straight home.
06:26I took Eli to a shifter clinic first.
06:28The doctor said his healing ability was excellent.
06:31The bruising wasn't a concern.
06:32But severe malnutrition.
06:34He needed long-term supplementation.
06:36The total for all the supplements cost more than I'd paid for him.
06:39I don't need it.
06:40I can eat anything.
06:41Don't spend the money.
06:42I won't die.
06:43This amount was what Ash burned through on snacks every month.
06:46It's fine.
06:47Do 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.
06:55I 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.
07:01He could take out your throat in one bite.
07:04So I picked the most comfortable version I could find.
07:06When the doctor removed the old bite guard, he held it up to the light.
07:09Fight ring or stress relief.
07:11Before this, I mean.
07:14Both.
07:15Figured.
07:17Look at these bite marks.
07:18He did this to himself when the pain got too bad.
07:21Those are from last night.
07:23I went very still.
07:25In the ring?
07:26No.
07:26He looked at my back.
07:27From when I was being used.
07:29We got home past midnight.
07:30Mom and dad were already asleep.
07:32Ash was probably in Emma's room, as usual.
07:35Come in.
07:38He hadn't moved.
07:39He was staring at something on the floor.
07:41I bent down and picked it up.
07:43This is ashes.
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.
07:53Back then, ash hadn't shifted yet.
07:55Just a small black wolf pup.
07:57Why does she get one and I don't?
07:59You said you wouldn't pick favorites.
08:02He's mine.
08:04She snatched the puppy and ran out.
08:06Didn't come back.
08:07My birthday dinner was ruined.
08:09My birthday present was gone.
08:10Mom and dad were a mess for days.
08:12I cried too.
08:14I'm so sorry.
08:15I made her leave.
08:16It's my fault.
08:18Twelve days later, one girl and one scruffy wolf pup appeared at the front door.
08:22Mom, dad, I'm so hungry.
08:25I was wrong.
08:26I'm never running again.
08:28Mom and dad rushed out and all three of them sobbed together on the doorstep.
08:31When they finally looked up, mom's face went guilty the instant she saw me standing there.
08:37Mom, you hit me?
08:39Do you know what the last twelve days were like?
08:41I just got back and you're hitting me.
08:42Don't you ever think about what your sister's last eighteen years were like?
08:47If you ever make Zoe feel unwelcome in this house again, don't call me mom.
08:52After that, Emma stopped coming after me openly.
08:54She 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.
09:04E.
09:06I'm Emma!
09:08You remember me!
09:10You remember me!
09:13Of course.
09:15I 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.
09:24But he refused to wag his tail for me.
09:27Refused to let me touch his ears.
09:29Never waited by the door for me.
09:30He only reacted to Emma's footsteps.
09:32He only waited for her.
09:34I watched them every time.
09:36I told myself I didn't really care.
09:37Because Ash's monthly expenses came out of the account in my name.
09:40And mom and dad's quiet guilt kept filling that same account.
09:44But lately, I'd been breaking out.
09:46Stress hormones.
09:47The doctor said.
09:48Ash wouldn't touch me.
09:49Eli had shown up at exactly the right moment.
09:51I had no reason to say no.
09:55In the morning, I stepped out of my room at the exact same time as Ash.
09:59Zoe, why were you talking in your sleep last night?
10:01All those little sounds, it was loud.
10:03Sorry.
10:04I'll keep it down.
10:05Were you having a nightmare?
10:06I thought I heard you crying.
10:08I was having the time of my life.
10:10If you ever have a nightmare, you can-
10:11Ash, I can't find my slippers.
10:13Don't walk around barefoot.
10:14He stepped right past me and went into Emma's room.
10:17How did your slippers end up in the living room if you were in your room?
10:21Because you carried me to bed last night.
10:23And forgot to bring them.
10:24He sat her on his knee, found the bunny slippers, and put them on her feet.
10:27One by one, patient.
10:29Then he headed upstairs to the bathroom.
10:31Perfect service wolf, just not mine.
10:32Zoe, my laundry's in the hamper.
10:35Take it to the dry cleaner.
10:38What's that smell?
10:39What?
10:40He stepped close, pressed his nose to my neck, then inhaled.
10:42The deeper he breathed, the harder his hand gripped my waist.
10:45Zoe, why do you smell like another wolf?
10:48Eli had just opened the door and walked out.
10:50He was half a head taller than Ash.
10:51That's my scent.
10:56Zoe, who is that?
10:58His name is Eli.
10:59He's my new wolf.
11:00What?
11:01You got another wolf?
11:03What about me?
11:05Oh, wow.
11:06Mom, Dad, come look.
11:07Zoe got a new wolf.
11:09This is Eli, our newest family member.
11:12Sir, ma'am.
11:13He's even more handsome than Ash.
11:14Competition grade, I assume?
11:16Zoe gets so much allowance.
11:17Competition grade?
11:18He's wearing a muzzle.
11:19His fur is splitting.
11:20His shirt is falling apart.
11:21He's shedding everywhere.
11:22He's feral bottom class.
11:23The kind shelters can't even give away.
11:25Zoe, you only brought him home to mess with me, didn't you?
11:27If he goes feral and hurts you, don't come crying to me.
11:29Zoe, we're not against you keeping him.
11:31We just want you safe.
11:32We can't lose you again.
11:33I won't hurt her.
11:35If it makes you feel better, I'll keep the restraints on.
11:37I can sleep in a crate at night.
11:39Only fight ring wolves sleep in crates.
11:41That's lower than a stress relief slave.
11:42I've already decided he's staying.
11:44Ash's expenses come from Mom and Dad.
11:46Eli's are on me.
11:48Zoe!
11:49Relax.
11:50Given how Zoe grew up, it makes sense she has a thing for low-class wolves.
11:54It's basically her aesthetic.
11:55Mom, Dad, since Zoe has a new wolf, can I have Ash?
11:59He likes me more anyway.
12:01I'm just taking what's left over.
12:04Drained the color from Ash's face.
12:06No, Ash was a gift from Mom and Dad.
12:08He's mine.
12:09I decide what happens to him.
12:11My certainty knocked something loose in him.
12:13For the first time, Ash wagged his tail for me.
12:15Just barely.
12:16Small, uncontrolled flicks.
12:18Even if you say that, I'm not forgiving you.
12:20I had no intention of giving him away.
12:22Not because I was attached.
12:23First, the budget they gave me for his upkeep was generous.
12:26I pocketed a healthy margin every month.
12:28Second, Ash was worth a lot.
12:29If I ever decided I was done, I could sell him for seven figures.
12:32Why would I hand that to Emma for free?
12:34She's right.
12:35He was given to Zoe.
12:37If you want him, talk to your sister.
12:40Eli and I fell into a rhythm.
12:42I finally understood why people spent fortunes on wolves.
12:46With Ash, everything had been a production.
12:49Premium wolves had standards.
12:51I'd had to train with him daily, manage his nutrition, force feed him supplements, and run
12:57a full grooming routine just to keep him in condition.
13:00So he could use that condition to take care of Emma.
13:03Eli was different.
13:04I followed the doctor's supplement plan, and he just glowed.
13:08I felt a little guilty about the contrast.
13:10So I sat him down and did a proper grooming session on him.
13:14Ash walked in while I had both hands buried in Eli's foam-covered ears.
13:19Zoe!
13:21That's my special foam soap.
13:23I bought this one for Eli.
13:25Out of your room already?
13:26You must be so pleased with yourself.
13:28Not really.
13:29You got off easy.
13:30But I'll try harder next time.
13:33Zoe, send him out.
13:35I can explain the video, but I am not sharing this house with a bottom-class wolf.
13:39You're not sharing anything.
13:41You sleep in Emma's room.
13:43You always have.
13:45Wolves had sharp senses.
13:46Ash had been the only one in the house who knew about my smoking habit.
13:50He'd always complained my room smelled and used it as an excuse to sleep in Emma's room instead.
13:55It's fine, Ash.
13:56You always said she smelled anyway.
13:58Come stay with me.
14:00Zoe.
14:00Zoe, you're going to regret this.
14:03Take good care of him, won't you, Emma?
14:07The house settled into a strange cold war.
14:10Ash and Emma spent a while putting on a show in front of me.
14:12They were all warmth and sweetness, trying to get a reaction out of me.
14:16I had none.
14:17As long as they weren't doing it in my face, I could handle it.
14:21Eli spent a lot of time watching them.
14:24Emma kept flushing every time she caught him looking.
14:26Then pretending she hadn't noticed, he was studying.
14:29He watched every move Ash made with Emma.
14:32The grip, the order of things.
14:34And translated it all into how he took care of me.
14:37Ash, meanwhile, looked like a ghost.
14:40He kept catching himself staring at me with something half-formed in his expression.
14:44I knew why.
14:45A few days earlier, I'd heard an argument spilling from Emma's room.
14:50Emma, you haven't groomed me in forever.
14:52You have hands.
14:53Do it yourself.
14:53Am I your pet or am you mine?
14:56My products are running out too.
14:59Then ask Zoe.
15:00It's her account, not mine.
15:03Emma, why are you like this?
15:05You used to actually like spending time with me.
15:08If you hadn't kissed me that night, Zoe wouldn't have...
15:11Zoe always groomed you every day.
15:13She never complained about how much work it was.
15:16Blame me?
15:17You didn't exactly stop me.
15:18And now you think she's better?
15:20Then go to her!
15:21Go on!
15:22See if she even wants you.
15:26Did Emma love Ash?
15:28I doubted it.
15:29Emma just loved being the center.
15:31The one everyone orbited.
15:33Ash fawning over her fit that.
15:35Me existing complicated it.
15:38After that fight, Ash deteriorated fast.
15:40He kept starting sentences near me and never finishing them.
15:44Too proud to ask.
15:45I ignored it.
15:47Until one night.
15:48I was out on the second floor balcony in my slip dress.
15:51Smoking a post-session cigarette.
15:53Ash came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me without a word.
15:59Mom said,
16:00Go to sleep.
16:00Then she went back to her room.
16:02The hall was dark again, except for Eli's outline.
16:04He stood watching Ash press his face into my shoulder and make small, unhappy sounds.
16:10Eli said quietly,
16:11It's cold out here.
16:12Ash noticed him for the first time.
16:14He stepped in front of me.
16:15Sent the low, warning growl at Eli again.
16:18Eli didn't react.
16:19He stepped closer.
16:20Ash shifted back without meaning to.
16:22Eli draped a jacket over my shoulders.
16:24Looked at Ash.
16:25You can keep going.
16:26I'm just here for the coat.
16:28Ash didn't take him up on it.
16:30He said instead, to me,
16:31Stay with me tonight.
16:32I know what to do.
16:34I was trained.
16:35I'd be better than him.
16:37Is that right?
16:38I mean it.
16:40Please, let me fix this.
16:42His tail went into overdrive.
16:43Eli's expression didn't change.
16:45But his hand at his side closed into a fist.
16:48I don't think so.
16:49You kissed Emma.
16:50The thought of it ruins it for me.
16:52Good night, Ash.
16:55Eli followed me back to the bedroom.
16:57I shrugged off the jacket and looked at him.
17:00Jealous?
17:00He took the jacket and said,
17:01No.
17:02You're exceptional.
17:04You'll have a boyfriend someday.
17:06A husband.
17:07I know my place.
17:09Should I run a bath?
17:10I'd been heading for bed.
17:12Why?
17:12You have Ash's tears and saliva on you.
17:15And his scent.
17:17I went to the bathroom.
17:18Eli followed and washed every inch of skin with focused, careful attention.
17:23He was kneeling on the wet bathroom tile looking up at me.
17:27Hey.
17:27I reached down and touched his ears.
17:30What is it?
17:31Can't get it clean.
17:33What?
17:34Can I take this off?
17:35Licking might work better.
17:37He pointed to his bite guard.
17:39I thought for a moment.
17:40Then unclipped it.
17:42That spot doesn't have his scent on it.
17:44He said.
17:46Didn't stop.
17:47He kissed upward.
17:48Inch by inch.
17:49All the way to my chin.
17:52May I?
17:53He cupped my face in one hand.
17:54Yes.
17:54His kiss was careful.
17:56Unpracticed.
17:57I cracked one eye open to look at him.
17:59Steam and fog all around him.
18:01Eyes shut tight.
18:03Long lashes trembling.
18:04I thought this might have been our first real kiss.
18:08I stopped making Eli wear the bite guard.
18:11Mom and dad kept reminding me to be careful, but they didn't push.
18:14I worked at the family company.
18:16Most days I didn't come home for lunch.
18:18One afternoon I did.
18:19Just wanted to nap.
18:20Voices drifted up from the living room.
18:22Eli and Ash.
18:24I leaned on the second floor railing and watched.
18:26Eli was sitting on the couch, watching TV.
18:29Ash planted himself in front of him, tail bristling.
18:31You think Zoe actually likes you?
18:33She's using you to get at me.
18:36Once she's over it, she'll throw you out like trash.
18:39So what?
18:40Zoe said you're dirty.
18:41At least I'm clean.
18:43Anyone who tries to touch me, I bite their throat out.
18:45Unlike you.
18:46Half pushing someone away and then giving in anyway.
18:49Interesting.
18:50In front of me, Eli was steady and careful and almost meek.
18:54This was the first time I'd seen his edges.
18:57Clean?
18:58You've killed wolves in a ring.
19:00Do you even know how many?
19:02He stood up slowly.
19:04I know.
19:05Useful information.
19:07Honestly, you bother me.
19:09Me?
19:09Ash nearly went airborne.
19:10You're the outsider here.
19:12Zoe paid millions for me.
19:14I was here first.
19:15Millions?
19:16Eli looked him over.
19:17You don't look worth that.
19:18He stepped forward.
19:19Do you know which part of the throat to bite so the other person can't make a sound?
19:24Another step.
19:25How to make a wolf disappear quietly.
19:28I'm probably the only kind who knows that.
19:31What are you doing?
19:32What would I do?
19:33Eli shrugged.
19:33I'm just a low-class wolf.
19:35Then he lunged.
19:36Ash panicked and shifted into full wolf form on instinct.
19:39The black wolf tackled Eli, teeth sinking into his aura.
19:42Eli crashed into the coffee table.
19:44Porcelain cracked.
19:46Shards scattered across the floor.
19:47When mom came running at the noise, she found Eli on the ground.
19:51Arm bleeding badly.
19:52Sitting up pale and pressing the wound.
19:56I'm sorry, ma'am.
19:58I've been too close to Zoe lately.
20:00Ash was unhappy.
20:02I should have been more careful.
20:03I came downstairs.
20:05Eli, what happened?
20:06It's nothing.
20:07He said softly.
20:08Nothing like what I dealt with in the ring.
20:10I was biting down hard on a laugh.
20:11Yesterday, he'd sworn up and down he had no jealousy whatsoever.
20:15And he'd already planned this.
20:16It's not true!
20:17Ash stumbled over his own words.
20:19He went at me first!
20:21He's setting me up!
20:22Setting you up?
20:24If he wanted to hurt you, you'd still be on the floor.
20:27Zoe, I'm serious!
20:28I'm calling the seller.
20:30This wolf is going back.
20:31Mom was already on her phone.
20:32No need.
20:33I'll sell him to a friend who's been looking for a premium wolf.
20:36Mom paused.
20:37That works.
20:38He's yours to decide.
20:40Zoe, you'd sell me for him?
20:42Ash's face went blank.
20:43You said you liked me.
20:44I know you did.
20:45You used to grab my tail in your sleep so you wouldn't have nightmares.
20:48You wrote in your journal that you were lonely here.
20:50That at least you had me, even if I didn't like you.
20:52You'd sneak pets when I was asleep.
20:55You asked me once when you were drunk why I never liked you.
20:57Why even I was always on Emma's side.
20:59Zoe, you can't feel nothing for me.
21:02He was right.
21:02I wasn't as detached as I like to think.
21:04Even at 23, arriving at a stranger's house had still scared me.
21:08Watching my parents tilt toward Emma had still stung.
21:10Thinking about Emma living the life that should have been mine.
21:13That had still burned.
21:15When I found out my birthday gift was going to be a wolf.
21:17I had been genuinely excited.
21:19I had put hope in Ash.
21:21He'd ground it down slowly.
21:22Over months.
21:23I imagined too much.
21:25I said.
21:26To me.
21:26I met his eyes.
21:27You're just a disloyal dog.
21:31I moved fast.
21:32Ash was gone the next day.
21:34I handed him to a contact who dealt in resale.
21:36I didn't ask where he ended up.
21:38Maybe he'd be used for breeding.
21:39Maybe he'd find a kinder owner.
21:41Either way.
21:41He had served his purpose in my life.
21:43Financial conversion.
21:45Complete.
21:45Eli meanwhile was draped across my bed looking tragically injured.
21:49He'd been worse than this the first night I met him.
21:51And still propped himself up with one arm to do things.
21:54But now.
21:55He said weakly.
21:56Taking the soup I brought.
21:57He's really gone?
21:59Yes.
22:00Eli stared into his bowl.
22:01That's a shame.
22:02I really did want to get along with him.
22:04Want me to bring him back?
22:06You two can be best friends.
22:07The buyer already has him.
22:08They probably won't return him.
22:11I could offer them a little extra?
22:12Eli put tremendous effort into not snapping the porcelain bowl in his hand.
22:16That would be ideal.
22:18He said carefully.
22:19I'll go now then.
22:20But-
22:20He looked up.
22:21Nervous.
22:22What?
22:22If he bites me again.
22:23What do I do?
22:24I said nothing.
22:25Just watched him.
22:26His expression went from nervous to tense to lost.
22:29And then landed on stunned.
22:31Zoe.
22:31You already knew?
22:33I don't know what you're talking about.
22:34Can you tell me which part of the throat stops someone from making a sound?
22:38I'm sorry.
22:39I-
22:39He kept coming at me.
22:40Please don't send me away.
22:42I was bluffing.
22:43I would never actually hurt him.
22:44I'll be good.
22:45It's fine.
22:46Honestly, I kinda like you with an edge.
22:49In a way, Emma and Ash were the same type.
22:51Both spoiled by affection.
22:53Both certain they were the main character.
22:54Eli and I were the same type.
22:56If I'd been in his position, I'd have done the same thing.
23:00Getting rid of Ash bought me two months of peace.
23:03Emma stopped crying in hallways.
23:05Stopped leaving Ash's old leash where I could see it.
23:07Stopped making wounded little comments over breakfast.
23:10She was waiting.
23:11People like Emma didn't give up.
23:12They just changed costumes.
23:14Then her 18th birthday arrived.
23:16Mom and dad gave her an apartment.
23:17Downtown.
23:18Good location.
23:19Good building.
23:20Expensive enough to make my smile freeze.
23:22I held it in place anyway.
23:23Inside, I was on fire.
23:25I wished I could physically lift the building and scream, it's mine.
23:28A colleague at work had once said,
23:30It all comes to you eventually anyway.
23:32Why do you fight so hard over small things?
23:34That was exactly why.
23:35I didn't trust eventually.
23:37What was in my hand was mine.
23:38Emma swept over with mom and dad on her arm.
23:40Bright eyed and glowing.
23:42Ready to gloat.
23:43Zoe, did you get me a birthday present?
23:45I set down my champagne.
23:46My parents are already yours.
23:48What more do you want?
23:49The room went quiet.
23:51Emma blinked.
23:51Everything you eat, wear, and use.
23:54Did any of it belong to you first?
23:56And you're asking me for a gift?
23:57Do you want my blood too?
23:59Would that satisfy you?
24:01Emma's face twisted.
24:02Mom, dad, do you see this?
24:04Today is my birthday and she's attacking me.
24:07I always said she was faking it.
24:09You never believed me.
24:10Dad's hand landed gently on my shoulder.
24:12Not hers.
24:13Mine.
24:14We know.
24:14Emma froze.
24:15Mom looked tired in a way I hadn't seen before.
24:18Zoe is right.
24:19Emma's mouth opened.
24:20Nothing came out.
24:21Your mother and I have been afraid to ask about your past.
24:23We didn't want to reopen wounds.
24:24You didn't feel safe enough to be yourself here.
24:26That's on us.
24:27My throat went tight.
24:28I hated that.
24:29I hated how badly I still wanted to hear it.
24:33Emma did not scream at first.
24:35That was how I knew it was bad.
24:36She just stood there.
24:37Still.
24:38Pretty.
24:38Ruined.
24:39Then she laughed.
24:40So that's it?
24:42You found your real daughter and now I become charity?
24:46We gave you a home, education, love, security.
24:52We are not abandoning you.
24:54You gave her everything!
24:56No.
24:57You borrowed everything.
24:59Emma turned to me slowly.
25:00There it was.
25:01The real thing under the tears.
25:03Hatred.
25:04Not fear.
25:05Not grief.
25:06Hatred.
25:07You think you won because you bought a filthy wolf and sold the pretty one?
25:10Eli had been standing near the wall, silent the whole time.
25:14At that, his eyes lifted.
25:17Don't look at me like that.
25:19Everyone knows what you are.
25:21A stress relief slave.
25:23A ring dog.
25:25A thing people throw money at when they want something to hurt.
25:28Emma.
25:29But Emma wasn't looking at her.
25:30She was looking at me.
25:31You act so proud, Zoe.
25:33But you picked him because he reminds you of yourself.
25:36Cheap.
25:37Dirty.
25:38Raised wrong.
25:39The glass in Eli's hand cracked.
25:41I turned my head slightly.
25:43Eli.
25:44He lowered his eyes at once.
25:46Sorry.
25:46The obedience in his voice made Emma's smile sharpen.
25:49Oh.
25:49He listens well.
25:51I walked across the room.
25:52Everyone watched me.
25:54Emma lifted her chin like she expected a slap.
25:57I didn't give her one.
25:59Careful.
26:00Low-class wolves bite.
26:03Her face paled.
26:05Enough.
26:06Emma, the apartment remains yours.
26:08We will support you through school.
26:10But tomorrow, 20% of the company's shares transfer to Zoe.
26:15Emma stopped breathing.
26:16The rest will be placed in an iridescible will.
26:19Everything else goes to you.
26:21Emma's face collapsed.
26:22This time, when she screamed, no one moved to comfort her.
26:28Emma left for university across the country.
26:31The house breathed for the first time.
26:33Breakfast became quiet.
26:34Mom started asking me what I liked to eat.
26:36Dad started bringing company documents home and explaining things without making it sound like a favor.
26:41It was strange.
26:43Almost peaceful.
26:44I didn't adapt to it.
26:46Peace was usually the moment before someone climbed through a window.
26:50Then I saw the apartment listing online.
26:52Emma had put it up for sale at a huge loss.
26:55I stared at the screen.
26:56That was not my business.
26:57Closed the tab.
26:58Three days later, Eli found me in the garage.
27:00He was holding my coat.
27:02You forgot this.
27:03I was going to the office.
27:05I know.
27:06He didn't move.
27:08What?
27:09There's a wolf sent by the east gate.
27:13Ash?
27:14No.
27:15Then his gaze flicked toward the driveway.
27:17Not only Ash.
27:18A black SUV rolled through the gate.
27:21Emma stepped out first.
27:23Hair perfect.
27:24Eyes red.
27:25Smile too bright.
27:26Then Ash climbed out behind her.
27:28Thinner than before.
27:30Collar different.
27:31Expression worse.
27:32He looked at me first.
27:34His tail moved once, then stopped.
27:36Emma saw it.
27:37Her smile cracked.
27:40Surprise?
27:41I bought him back.
27:43I looked at Ash.
27:45With the apartment money?
27:47Yeah.
27:48I can afford it.
27:49He's mine now.
27:51Ash's face went pale.
27:52No, I didn't know she was selling the apartment.
27:54I told her not to.
27:56Eli stepped slightly in front of me.
27:58Quiet.
27:59Calm.
28:00Too calm.
28:02Ash stared at him.
28:03For one second, neither of them looked human.
28:06Emma lifted her chin.
28:07You sold him like trash.
28:08So I picked him up.
28:10Funny, isn't it?
28:11I looked at Ash's new collar.
28:13Emma couldn't hide her triumphant look.
28:15No.
28:17It's predictable.
28:20Emma wanted a reaction.
28:22I gave her none.
28:23It filled her with rage.
28:24For two weeks, she brought Ash everywhere.
28:26Family dinners.
28:27Company lobby.
28:28Even the clinic where Eli went for follow-up checks.
28:31Ash followed her, but badly.
28:32Too quiet.
28:33Too delayed.
28:34Like a dog walking toward an owner while looking back at the door.
28:37Emma noticed every time.
28:38So did Eli.
28:39He said nothing.
28:39That was how I knew he was furious.
28:41At night, he got sweeter.
28:42More careful.
28:43More unbearable.
28:44He'd kneel to take off my shoes.
28:45Brush my hair.
28:46Wore my hands between his palms.
28:48Then look at me like he was waiting for me to compare.
28:50I finally put down my book.
28:52Eli.
28:53Yes?
28:54Are you competing with Ash?
28:56No.
28:57His tail was absolutely still.
28:59Suspiciously still.
29:00I reached out and touched one ear.
29:02It twitched under my fingers.
29:03I sold him.
29:04I know.
29:05I don't want him back.
29:07I know.
29:07You don't sound like you know.
29:10He was expensive.
29:13So?
29:15Premium.
29:16So?
29:18Trained.
29:20Do you think I kept you because you were useful?
29:24At first?
29:26At first, I kept you because you were beautiful and I was drunk.
29:29He blinked.
29:32Then, because you were mine.
29:34His ears flushed pink.
29:36I kissed the corner of his mouth.
29:38Now I keep you because I like you.
29:40His hands tightened around my waist.
29:42Outside the window, something clicked.
29:43Eli went still.
29:44A red dot slid across the glass.
29:46Then disappeared.
29:47He moved before I understood.
29:48One arm around me.
29:49One hand over my head.
29:51The window shattered inward.
29:54Eli threw me behind the bed.
29:56Glass exploded across the floor.
29:58He didn't shout.
29:58Didn't panic.
29:59The careful, gentle wolf vanished.
30:01What stood in his place was something the fight ring had built and failed to destroy.
30:04A man came through the broken window.
30:06Then another.
30:07Then another.
30:07Masks.
30:08Shock collars.
30:09Tranquilizer guns.
30:10Not here for me, but for Eli.
30:11One raised the gun.
30:13Eli caught his wrist and twisted.
30:14A crack.
30:15The man dropped without making a sound.
30:16I understood then.
30:17The throat thing had not been a threat.
30:19It had been restraint.
30:20Downstairs.
30:20Mom screamed.
30:21Dad shouted my name.
30:22Eli glanced toward the door.
30:24Just once.
30:25That was enough.
30:25One of the men lunged at me.
30:27Eli crossed the room faster than thought.
30:28His teeth bared.
30:29His eyes gone silver bright.
30:30He hit the man so hard they both crashed through the wardrobe.
30:33Wood split.
30:34The man didn't get up.
30:35Eli.
30:35He froze.
30:36Breathing hard.
30:37Blood on his mouth.
30:37Not his.
30:38His eyes snapped to mine.
30:39Horror cut through the violence.
30:41I'm sorry.
30:43I didn't mean to scare you.
30:45Another man behind him lifted a collar pole.
30:47Ash appeared in the doorway.
30:49For one second he hesitated.
30:50Then he launched himself forward and took the shock rod in his thigh.
30:53He dropped with a strangled yelp.
30:54Eli turned.
30:55The last man ran.
30:56He didn't get far.
30:57Hands visible.
30:58Head lowered.
30:58Blood everywhere.
31:03Don't put me down.
31:04Please.
31:05I crossed the glass barefoot and took his face in both hands.
31:09Look at me.
31:10Good wolf.
31:11His whole body shuddered.
31:14The police came.
31:16Then animal control.
31:17Then the shifter welfare officers.
31:18Then three men in expensive suits who tried very hard not to look afraid of Eli.
31:23They looked at his file.
31:24Fight ring.
31:25Stress relief trafficking.
31:26Prior violence.
31:27Human injury.
31:28Wolf fatalities.
31:30He's dangerous.
31:32Eli didn't defend himself.
31:33He sat on the edge of the bed with his hands folded.
31:35Too still.
31:36Too obedient.
31:37Like he had already prepared himself for a cage.
31:39I hated that.
31:40Ash was on the floor beside the paramedics.
31:42Shaking from the shock rod.
31:44Emma stood near the door.
31:45White faced.
31:46Did you know?
31:47Mom turned on her.
31:48I didn't think they'd come here.
31:51What did you do?
31:52I just wanted to check him.
31:54He's dangerous.
31:55Everyone knows wolves like him go feral.
31:57I sent them his old seller's contact.
31:59That's all.
32:00I didn't know they were traffickers.
32:01Ash looked at her.
32:02For the first time, he looked at her like he truly saw her.
32:05You called them?
32:06I was scared.
32:08No, you were jealous.
32:11You stole everything!
32:14No.
32:15You lost everything because you couldn't stand anyone loving me.
32:19Security has the gate records.
32:21The police can take her statement.
32:23Take my statement?
32:24Dad?
32:24You brought traffickers to our home.
32:26Mom was crying, but she didn't reach for Emma.
32:29The officer cleared his throat.
32:31About the silver wolf?
32:32Eli stays with me.
32:34Miss?
32:36He protected me.
32:38And if anyone tries to take him, I will bury this department in court until your grandchildren are tired.
32:46So will I.
32:50So will I.
32:51Eli looked up slowly, like he didn't know what to do with a family standing behind him.
32:57Emma was not arrested that night.
32:59Rich families had ways of making things quiet.
33:02But quiet did not mean forgiven.
33:03Dad cut off her accounts.
33:04Mom packed her things herself.
33:06University.
33:07Dorm housing.
33:08Monthly allowance.
33:09Nothing else.
33:10Emma screamed until her voice broke.
33:12No one changed their mind.
33:13Ash did not leave with her.
33:15That surprised me.
33:16He stood in the hall with a bandage around his ribs, eyes fixed on the floor.
33:20Come on.
33:21Emma turned on him.
33:22Ash.
33:24After everything I did to get you back?
33:28You didn't get me back.
33:31You didn't get me back.
33:31You bought me to hurt Zoe.
33:32Emma slapped him.
33:33Hard.
33:34His face turned with it.
33:35In the past, he would have lowered his head.
33:38Apologized.
33:38Followed.
33:39This time, his tail stayed still.
33:41Thank you for saving me when I was a pup.
33:43I mean that.
33:44But I paid for it too long.
33:46Emma stared.
33:47You think she'll take you?
33:49He looked at me.
33:50I said nothing.
33:51That was answer enough.
33:52His face crumpled.
33:53But he nodded.
33:54I know.
33:56After Emma left, Dad asked what I wanted done with Ash.
33:59I looked at him for a long moment.
34:00Then at Eli.
34:01Eli's expression was blank.
34:03His tail was not.
34:04It had curled possessively around my ankle.
34:07Send Ash to a rehabilitation shelter.
34:10Not resale.
34:14I don't want him.
34:16But I'm done turning damaged things into money.
34:19Eli's tail tightened around me.
34:21I glanced down.
34:22Except you.
34:23You're still very profitable emotionally.
34:26He didn't understand the joke.
34:27But he looked pleased anyway.
34:30After the attack, I stopped pretending this was only personal.
34:33The traffickers had come through an old chain.
34:36Seller.
34:36Ring handler.
34:37Client list.
34:38Transport crew.
34:39Fake shelter permits.
34:41All connected.
34:42All alive.
34:43All making money.
34:44I took the folder to the company boardroom.
34:47Dad sat at the head of the table.
34:49Mom beside him.
34:50Eli behind my chair.
34:52No bike guard.
34:52No chains.
34:53Just a black suit and quiet eyes.
34:56Some directors stared.
34:57I let them.
34:59This is a liability.
35:00I opened the folder.
35:02Photographs slid across the table.
35:04Wolves in cages.
35:05Medical reports.
35:06Death records.
35:07Payment ledgers.
35:08The room went silent.
35:10This is a market.
35:11Illegal.
35:12Profitable.
35:13And sitting close enough to our logistics partners to poison us if we ignore it.
35:18So we don't ignore it.
35:20I tapped the final page.
35:21We fund a rescue center.
35:23Publicly.
35:25Medical care.
35:26Legal shelter.
35:28Rehabilitation.
35:29Placement.
35:31And privately, we cooperate with investigators to collapse the trafficking chain.
35:36Another director frowned.
35:37And him?
35:37He nodded toward Eli.
35:39Eli didn't move.
35:41He runs Wolf's assessment.
35:43A few people laughed.
35:45Then Eli lifted his eyes.
35:47The laughter died.
35:49He survived the ring.
35:50He knows who can be saved, who needs distance, and who is lying.
35:55Dad signed first.
35:56Mom second.
35:58Then the rest followed.
36:01That night, the first raid happened.
36:03Police stormed three holding sites.
36:0647 wolves were covered.
36:08Most were half-starved.
36:09Some feral.
36:11Some too quiet.
36:12When Eli stepped into the temporary shelter, every wolf in the room went still.
36:16One injured gray wolf lifted his head.
36:19Sniffed.
36:19Then lowered it.
36:21Not submission, exactly.
36:22Recognition.
36:23Another whispered.
36:24Silver.
36:26Eli stopped.
36:27I looked at him.
36:28What does that mean?
36:29He didn't answer.
36:31But all around us, broken wolves began lowering their heads.
36:35One by one.
36:36Like they had just found someone they remembered from a nightmare.
36:39Or a king.
36:43Eli avoided the word for three days.
36:45Silver.
36:46I let him.
36:47He read intake files until dawn.
36:49Sorted wolves by risk.
36:50By trauma response.
36:51By food aggression.
36:53By whether they flinched from women.
36:55Men.
36:56Collars.
36:57Water.
36:58Doors.
36:58He knew things no textbook knew.
37:01Which silence meant fear.
37:03Which stillness meant attack.
37:05Which wolf needed distance.
37:06Which one needed someone to sit nearby and pretend not to watch.
37:09The staff started listening to him.
37:11The wolves already did.
37:12One afternoon, I found him in the largest enclosure.
37:16A young wolf had bitten two handlers and refused food for a week.
37:19Eli sat on the ground ten feet away.
37:22Motionless.
37:23An hour later, the wolf crawled forward and dropped his head into Eli's lap.
37:28Eli's hand hovered above him.
37:30Uncertain.
37:31Then touched him gently.
37:33The wolf shuddered and went still.
37:35I stood behind the glass and watched.
37:38This was the first time I'd seen Eli look like something other than mine.
37:41Not less mine.
37:43More.
37:44Like he had been built for more than surviving.
37:47When he came out, he looked embarrassed.
37:50They keep listening to me.
37:53That's terrible.
37:54I don't know how to lead anyone.
37:57You learned how to survive men who tried to break you.
38:00I fixed his collar.
38:02Leadership is easier.
38:03Zoe.
38:05Why are you doing all this?
38:07The ring.
38:08The center.
38:10Me.
38:10I looked through the glass.
38:12At the wolves sleeping safely for the first time.
38:15Then back at him.
38:17I ran with a rough crowd growing up.
38:19Girls who stole food with me.
38:21Lied for me.
38:22Took hits with me.
38:25That kind of loyalty sticks.
38:27He stared at me for a long moment.
38:29He stared at me for a long moment.
38:29Then leaned down and kissed me.
38:31Not careful.
38:33Not tentative.
38:34All of him.
38:36Held nothing back.
38:37When he pulled away, his forehead rested against mine.
38:40How am I supposed to repay you?
38:43I smiled.
38:45Easy.
38:46His ears tilted toward me.
38:47Give me your loyalty.
38:49For the rest of your life.
38:51Eli's tail wrapped around my waist.
38:53Already yours.
38:54And this time, I believed him.
38:57I believed him.
38:57I believed him.
38:57I believed him.
38:57I believed him.
38:58I believed him.
38:58You
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