- 7 hours ago
She Bought Him for S..e..x fullmovie 🌈
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00:00The premium service class wolf I bought didn't like me. He only wagged his tail for my adopted
00:04sister. So I brought home a low-class stress relief wolf instead. I was drunk sitting outside
00:10the bar and smoking to sober up. A street vendor crept over. Miss, you look totally stressed out.
00:16Need to let it all out? I've got a stress relief wolf. Good for unwinding. What? The dealer glanced
00:22around nervously. A wolf shifter stepped into the light. He stepped forward and his shadow fell
00:26across my face. The vendor yanked the rough collar and dragged him to one knee. He uncliffed a rusted
00:31bite guard, then grabbed the wolf's hair and pulled his head back, exposing his face. His narrow eyes
00:36locked on me like a wild beast. Look at that face, miss. Wouldn't it feel good to smack something that
00:42pretty? He was exactly my type. And my doctor had said my stress hormones were out of control.
00:47I genuinely needed an outlet. But I already had a wolf at home. Ash would mind. Get up. Show her
00:53your build. The wolf stood slowly. He peeled off his shirt. I saw the bruises layered over bruises.
00:59High stamina. Heals fast. 2,000 for two hours of release. You can do whatever you want. Just don't
01:06slit his throat and drain his blood and he'll recover. Slit his throat? People's tastes had
01:11gotten that dark. Forget it. My wolf at home wouldn't let me touch him anyway. This one was cheap.
01:15Obedient sounded fine. How much to buy him outright? Not cheap. He's our best. Name your price.
01:21I'll give you a discount. Just 58,800. My parents spent millions on Ash, my premium service wolf gift.
01:30This one was practically free by comparison. Too much? Fine. Round it down. 50 grand. I bought him
01:37for 5,000 in the end. I wasn't ready to go home yet. So I took him to a hotel.
01:43The vendor gave me a
01:45long list of warnings on the way out. Don't remove the bite guard until he's fully tamed. Keep the chains
01:51on.
01:51Both of them. In the hotel suite, Eli stood still in the entryway, eyes down, waiting for whatever
01:57came next. I came out of the shower wrapped in a robe, still not daring to take off his restraints
02:02yet. Go shower. He looked at me for a few seconds, then turned and walked into the bathroom. After a
02:08few minutes, I knocked. I left my phone in there. He hadn't locked the door. Eli froze his back to
02:14me.
02:14His pale skin made his scars all the more shocking. Water streamed down his shoulders along the rusted
02:19chains, washing away rust and dried blood. His tail hung low, trembling slightly. The fur was dull,
02:26brittle, wild, and fragile at the same time. My brain went offline. I crossed the room and hugged him
02:31from behind, pressed my lips to the bruising on his spine. Eli shuddered. His whole body went rigid.
02:37What are you doing? First time I'd heard his voice. Take it easy. That's not. Hmm? What is that? That's
02:44not how stress Ramif works. I've never done this before. Bear with me. I pushed him onto the bed.
02:49I kissed every bruise, one by one. Ash was my parents' apology. A premium, competition-grade
02:55service wolf. A compensation for the 18 years they lost me. I was 5 when I disappeared. 23 when they
03:01finally found me. When I came home, I found out my parents had already adopted a little girl,
03:06Emma. She'd been with them since she was a baby. She was 17 now. When I appeared, Emma fell apart.
03:12Get out! I'm their real daughter! Why are you here taking my parents? This is my home! Get out!
03:20She screamed and sobbed and threw everything she could reach at me.
03:24Don't cry. You'll always be our daughter. Zoe coming back doesn't change how much we love you.
03:32Emma's been spoiled. You're 6 years older. Just try to be patient with her.
03:37I should have been devastated, but I was 23. I survived those lonely years craving my parents.
03:42Now I was in the phase of desperately needing money. I let my eyes well up, looked down.
03:48I understand, Dad. Playing vulnerable worked. The monthly allowance they wired me kept going up.
03:55Morning. I had my cheek pressed against Eli's arm. My best friend Lily texted me.
04:00Where are you? Did you do your usual disappearing act and go home alone again?
04:05No. I bought a new stress relief wolf last night. Been busy.
04:08Zoe, what is wrong with you? I know you're upset that your wolf at home ignores you,
04:13but you can't just go buy a punching bag. You couldn't bring yourself to hit the expensive
04:17one, so you went out and bought a cheap one to beat up? I would report you if you weren't
04:22my best
04:23friend. I am appalled. I didn't hit him. Why would I hit a dog? Then how did you unwind? The
04:30way you're
04:30thinking. On bed. We both stopped typing. Then she sent me a long message explaining everything.
04:36Stress relief wolves were illegal. Traffickers stole young shifters or bought low-class ones cheap.
04:41Then they tortured and filtered them, keeping only those with strong bodies and fast healing.
04:46Some became living punching bags for paying clients. Others ended up in underground fight
04:51rings, death matches. Even after rescue, these wolves were considered feral and untameable.
04:56Official shelters offered them for free adoption. The ones no one took. Euthanized.
05:05I know where he lives, if you regret it. I startled. Quickly darkened my screen and turned over.
05:14He runs with a crew. They probably won't give you the money back. But if I catch him alone,
05:21I might be able to... I don't regret it. As long as you behave. Only listen to me. Nobody else.
05:29Okay. There were a few faint scars along the fur of his ears. I couldn't help it. I reached out
05:34to touch them. His ears snapped back instantly. He flinched away. This one wouldn't let me touch
05:39his ears either. Sorry. Force of habit. You can touch them now. If you still want to.
05:50I didn't hesitate. I swung up and sat across his waist, braced my hands on his chest and squeezed
05:55his ears between my fingers. Eli's breathing deepened. His whole body got warmer. He tipped
06:00his head back. Eyes half-lidded, watching me. Can we do it again?
06:06We didn't go straight home. I took Eli to a shifter clinic first. The doctor said his healing
06:11ability was excellent. The bruising wasn't a concern, but severe malnutrition. He needed long-term
06:17supplementation. The total for all the supplements cost more than I'd paid for him.
06:21I don't need it. I can eat anything. Don't spend the money. I won't die.
06:25This amount was what Ash burned through on snacks every month.
06:28It's fine. Do you like these?
06:31I held out a new collar and bite guard in front of him. Slim black metal collar. Custom black
06:36bite guard to match. I hadn't wanted him to keep wearing restraints, but the doctor was
06:40firm.
06:41Don't let a feral wolf's looks fool you. He could take out your throat in one bite.
06:45So I'd picked the most comfortable version I could find. When the doctor removed the old
06:49bite guard, he held it up to the light. Fight ring or stress relief. Before this, I
06:54mean. Both. Figured. Look at these bite marks. He did this to himself when the pain got too
07:01bad. Those are from last night. I went very still. In the ring? No. He looked at my back.
07:09From when I was being used. We got home past midnight. Mom and Dad were already asleep.
07:14Ash was probably in Emma's room, as usual. Come in.
07:20He hadn't moved. He was staring at something on the floor. I bent down and picked it up.
07:25This is Ash's.
07:28On my first birthday in this house, Mom and Dad had given me Ash.
07:32Zoe's too quiet. We thought having a companion might open her up.
07:35Back then, Ash hadn't shifted yet. Just a small black wolf pup.
07:39Why does she get one and I don't? You said you wouldn't pick favorites. He's mine.
07:47She snatched the puppy and ran out. Didn't come back. My birthday dinner was ruined.
07:51My birthday present was gone. Mom and Dad were a mess for days. I cried too.
07:56I'm so sorry. I made her leave. It's my fault.
07:59Twelve days later, one girl and one scruffy wolf pup appeared at the front door.
08:04Mom, Dad, I'm so hungry. I was wrong. I'm never running again.
08:10Mom and Dad rushed out and all three of them sobbed together on the doorstep.
08:13When they finally looked up, Mom's face went guilty the instant she saw me standing there.
08:19Mom, you hit me? Do you know what the last twelve days were like?
08:23I just got back and you're ready.
08:24Do you ever think about what your sister's last eighteen years were like?
08:29If you ever make Zoe feel unwelcome in this house again, don't call me Mom.
08:34After that, Emma stopped coming after me openly.
08:36She gave Ash back a few weeks later.
08:39Not long after that, he shifted dark curls, soft, downturned eyes.
08:44He tilted his head at me and said his first shifted word.
08:46E.
08:48I'm Emma!
08:50You remember me! You remember me!
08:56Of course.
08:57I remember everything about Emma.
09:00Mom and Dad sighed and put an arm around me.
09:02It took weeks of trying before Ash reluctantly accepted that I was his owner.
09:06But he refused to wag his tail for me.
09:09Refused to let me touch his ears.
09:10Never waited by the door for me.
09:12He only reacted to Emma's footsteps.
09:14He only waited for her.
09:16I watched them every time.
09:17I told myself I didn't really care.
09:19Because Ash's monthly expenses came out of the account in my name.
09:23And Mom and Dad's quiet guilt kept filling that same account.
09:26But lately, I'd been breaking out.
09:27Stress hormones, the doctor said.
09:30Ash wouldn't touch me.
09:31Eli had shown up at exactly the right moment.
09:33I had no reason to say no.
09:37Sleep with me tonight?
09:39I'll take you shopping for clothes.
09:40Will he mind?
09:41Who?
09:42Ash.
09:43Wolves are territorial.
09:44He doesn't like sleeping with me.
09:45It's fine.
09:46Do you need it again tonight?
09:48Need what?
09:49Stress relief.
09:50I do.
09:51But my legs are killing me.
09:52I have good stamina.
09:53You can just lie there.
09:54That's very considerate of you.
09:56It's nothing.
09:58In the morning, I stepped out of my room at the exact same time as Ash.
10:02Zoe, why were you talking in your sleep last night?
10:04All those little sounds, it was loud.
10:06Sorry.
10:07I'll keep it down.
10:08Were you having a nightmare?
10:10I thought I heard you crying.
10:11I was having the time of my life.
10:13If you ever have a nightmare, you can-
10:14Ash, I can't find my slippers.
10:16Don't walk around barefoot.
10:18He stepped right past me and went into Emma's room.
10:20How did your slippers end up in the living room if you were in your room?
10:24Because you carried me to bed last night and forgot to bring them.
10:27He sat her on his knee, found the bunny slippers, and put them on her feet.
10:31One by one, patient.
10:32Then he headed upstairs to the bathroom.
10:34Perfect service, Wolf.
10:35Just not mine.
10:36Zoe, my laundry's in the hamper.
10:38Take it to the dry cleaner.
10:41What's that smell?
10:42What?
10:43He stepped close, pressed his nose to my neck, then inhaled.
10:46The deeper he breathed, the harder his hand gripped my waist.
10:48Zoe, why do you smell like another wolf?
10:51Eli had just opened the door and walked out.
10:53He was half a head taller than Ash.
10:55That's my scent.
11:00Zoe, who is that?
11:01His name is Eli.
11:02He's my new wolf.
11:03What?
11:04You got another wolf?
11:07What about me?
11:08Oh, wow.
11:09Mom, Dad, come look.
11:10Zoe got a new wolf.
11:12This is Eli, our newest family member.
11:15Sir.
11:16Ma'am.
11:16He's even more handsome than Ash.
11:18Competition grade, I assume?
11:19Zoe gets so much allowance.
11:20Competition grade?
11:21He's wearing a muzzle.
11:22His fur is splitting.
11:23His shirt is falling apart.
11:24He's shedding everywhere.
11:25He's feral bottom class.
11:26The kind shelters can't even give away.
11:28Zoe, you only brought him home to mess with me, didn't you?
11:30If he goes feral and hurts you, don't come crying to me.
11:32Zoe, we're not against you keeping him.
11:34We just want you safe.
11:35We can't lose you again.
11:37I won't hurt her.
11:38If it makes you feel better, I'll keep the restraints on.
11:40I can sleep in a crate at night.
11:42Only fight ring wolves sleep in crates.
11:44That's lower than a stress relief slave.
11:46I've already decided he's staying.
11:47Ash's expenses come from Mom and Dad.
11:50Eli's are on me.
11:51Zoe!
11:52Relax.
11:53Given how Zoe grew up, it makes sense she has a thing for low-class wolves.
11:57It's basically her aesthetic.
11:59Mom, Dad, since Zoe has a new wolf, can I have Ash?
12:02He likes me more anyway.
12:04I'm just taking what's left over.
12:07Leftover drained the color from Ash's face.
12:09No, Ash was a gift from Mom and Dad.
12:12He's mine.
12:13I decide what happens to him.
12:14My certainty knocked something loose in him.
12:16For the first time, Ash wagged his tail for me.
12:19Just barely.
12:19Small, uncontrolled flicks.
12:21Even if you say that, I'm not forgiving you.
12:24I had no intention of giving him away.
12:25Not because I was attached.
12:27First, the budget they gave me for his upkeep was generous.
12:30I pocketed a healthy margin every month.
12:32Second, Ash was worth a lot.
12:33If I ever decided I was done, I could sell him for seven figures.
12:36Why would I hand that to Emma for free?
12:37She's right.
12:38He was given to Zoe.
12:40If you want him, talk to your sister.
12:43A few months earlier, Mom and Dad had planned a family camping trip to get us all bonding.
12:48Seven days.
12:48On the night we set up tents, everyone drank a little too much.
12:51Emma called me sis every five minutes.
12:53I called her sis back.
12:54Mom and Dad were so happy.
12:55When I came back from a cigarette break, I saw Emma in my tent.
12:58The campfire had gone out.
12:59One small lantern flickered inside.
13:01Ash was lying on my sleeping bag.
13:03Emma was slowly crawling on top of him, leaning toward his mouth.
13:06Their shadows overlapped against the canvas.
13:08I watched Ash reach up and tuck her hair behind her ear, and kissed her back.
13:11Ash, promise me you won't touch her.
13:14But-
13:14Wait until I'm 18.
13:16It's only a few months.
13:17In this world, a wolf who slept with a human under 18 faced immediate disposal.
13:21You know I have standards.
13:23I don't like her touching me.
13:24Can't we just keep this clean between us?
13:26Ash said yes.
13:29The video ended.
13:30Emma, is this how I raised you?
13:32Using yourself to manipulate a wolf just to spite your sister?
13:35Zoe, I was drunk that night.
13:38I thought it was you coming-
13:39Nobody asked you.
13:40I paid for you.
13:40You're here to serve my daughter, not audition replacements.
13:43I'm calling your cellar today.
13:44Mom, why aren't you yelling at her?
13:46Can't you see how calculating she is?
13:47She recorded it.
13:48I made one stupid mistake and she plays it like this.
13:50Ever since she came back, you love me less.
13:52Are you really gonna let her run my life?
13:54Emma, you did this.
13:55If you hadn't, there'd be nothing to record.
13:58Both of you, this month's allowances go to Zoe, and you're both grounded for three days.
14:01A large sum landed in my account that afternoon.
14:04Mom and dad's invisible scale tipped a little more in my direction.
14:07I'd been fighting for things my whole life.
14:09This was no different.
14:11Three days without Emma or Ash hovering around.
14:14I took Eli shopping.
14:16Everywhere.
14:17He was a specimen.
14:18Built like every suit had been cut for him specifically.
14:22Everything looked good on him.
14:23So I wanted to buy him everything.
14:26But the best part was watching him in a dress suit.
14:30I went slightly feral and bought 12 custom tailored ones.
14:33Then I was too tired to walk.
14:35Eli carried everything with one arm and me with the other.
14:38I had my arm hooked around his neck, tracing the line of his nose with one finger.
14:43Eli, you look like this.
14:45Didn't they try to make you sell yourself?
14:48They tried.
14:48He set me on the bed and dropped to one knee, took off my heels, swapped them out for slippers.
14:55He'd watched Ash do it for Emma a hundred times.
14:58He hadn't fully adjusted to human scale gentleness yet.
15:01He kept catching himself, recalibrating his grip.
15:04But he'd memorized every step.
15:07And?
15:08He went a little pink.
15:10I didn't.
15:10I hurt the client and ran.
15:12They caught me.
15:13I stopped eating to fight back.
15:16They got scared I'd die and cost them money so they threw me in the ring.
15:19I hadn't eaten in three days.
15:21I don't know how I did it.
15:23I bit through the other wolf's throat.
15:25After that, I stayed in the ring.
15:28They kept my food limited so I'd be too weak to resist.
15:32The last fight, I got badly injured.
15:34They figured I was done so they put me on stress relief work.
15:38I survived that too.
15:40This week they were debating sending me back to the ring.
15:43Then you bought me.
15:45Eli was still kneeling.
15:47Wearing the new suit I'd just bought him.
15:49Both hands wrapped lightly around mine.
15:52He had no idea he looked like he was proposing.
15:56I'm not hiding anything from you.
15:58I am a low-class, violent wolf.
16:01I've hurt humans.
16:02I've hurt my own kind.
16:04I grew up without learning to be around people.
16:06I don't know how to take care of someone.
16:09I barely know how to use a fork.
16:11I don't know how hard to hold you without hurting you.
16:14Last night when you cried, I panicked.
16:19I remembered.
16:20The second time was so much better than the first.
16:23I'd lost control and made a sound I hadn't expected.
16:26I'm sorry, did I hurt you?
16:27I misjudged.
16:29It's my fault.
16:30You can punish me, hit me, starve me, whatever you want.
16:34Just don't cry.
16:35Please.
16:36I remembered the apology going on for a while.
16:38But I'd passed out mid-sentence.
16:40No wonder the atmosphere that morning had been so heavy.
16:43He'd been stewing in it all night.
16:45You didn't hurt me.
16:46I cried because it was good.
16:48He pressed his nose against my neck.
16:50His silver-white ears brushed my face.
16:53I grabbed them.
16:55Eli's breathing hitched.
16:57He reached up, fingers calloused, deliberate, and slowly traced the side of my neck.
17:03The same spot Ash had pressed his nose against that morning.
17:07Methodical.
17:08Inch by inch.
17:10Are you trying to cover his scent?
17:11It's fine.
17:12I don't mind.
17:13I just don't understand.
17:15You went three days without food to avoid being sold.
17:19But you never fought back against me.
17:20Not once.
17:22You gave up?
17:22He looked up.
17:24His eyes didn't quite meet mine.
17:26They landed on my mouth.
17:27Maybe because you were young and beautiful.
17:29That's an airtight reason.
17:32Maybe because you said you had no experience.
17:34Also because that was the first time I'd ever been kissed.
17:38I just want you to know, I am violent and feral.
17:42But I will never hurt you.
17:44Never.
17:45Not ever.
17:46I believe you.
17:48As a reward.
17:50As a reward.
17:53Let me kiss you again.
17:56Eli and I fell into a rhythm.
17:58I finally understood why people spent fortunes on wolves.
18:02With Ash, everything had been a production.
18:05Premium wolves had standards.
18:07I'd had to train with him daily.
18:09Manage his nutrition.
18:11Force feed him supplements.
18:12And run a full grooming routine just to keep him in condition.
18:16So he could use that condition to take care of Emma.
18:19Eli was different.
18:20I followed the doctor's supplement plan and he just glowed.
18:24I felt a little guilty about the contrast.
18:27So I sat him down and did a proper grooming session on him.
18:31Ash walked in while I had both hands buried in Eli's foam-covered ears.
18:36Zoe!
18:37That's my special foam soap.
18:39I bought this one for Eli.
18:41Out of your room already?
18:42You must be so pleased with yourself.
18:45Not really.
18:45You got off easy.
18:47But I'll try harder next time.
18:50Zoe, send him out.
18:51I can explain the video, but I am not sharing this house with a bottom-class wolf.
18:56You're not sharing anything.
18:58You sleep in Emma's room.
18:59You always have.
19:01Wolves had sharp senses.
19:03Ash had been the only one in the house who knew about my smoking habit.
19:06He'd always complained my room smelled and used it as an excuse to sleep in Emma's room instead.
19:11It's fine, Ash.
19:12You always said she smelled anyway.
19:15Come stay with me.
19:17Zoe.
19:18You're going to regret this.
19:19Take good care of him, won't you, Emma?
19:23The house settled into a strange cold war.
19:26Ash and Emma spent a while putting on a show in front of me.
19:29They were all warmth and sweetness, trying to get a reaction out of me.
19:32I had none.
19:33As long as they weren't doing it in my face, I could handle it.
19:38Eli spent a lot of time watching them.
19:40Emma kept flushing every time she caught him looking.
19:43Then pretending she hadn't noticed, he was studying.
19:45He watched every move Ash made with Emma, the grip, the order of things, and translated
19:51it all into how he took care of me.
19:54Ash, meanwhile, looked like a ghost.
19:56He kept catching himself staring at me with something half-formed in his expression.
20:01I knew why.
20:02A few days earlier, I'd heard an argument spilling from Emma's room.
20:06Emma, you haven't groomed me in forever.
20:08You have hands.
20:09Do it yourself.
20:10Am I your pet or am you mine?
20:13My products are running out too.
20:15Then ask Zoe.
20:16It's her account, not mine.
20:19Emma, why are you like this?
20:21You used to actually like spending time with me.
20:24If you hadn't kissed me that night, Zoe wouldn't have...
20:27Zoe always groomed you every day.
20:30She never complained about how much work it was.
20:32Blame me?
20:33You didn't exactly stop me.
20:35And now you think she's better?
20:37Then go to her!
20:38Go on!
20:39See if she even wants you.
20:43Did Emma love Ash?
20:44I doubted it.
20:46Emma just loved being the center.
20:48The one everyone orbited.
20:50Ash fawning over her fit that.
20:52Me existing complicated it.
20:54After that fight, Ash deteriorated fast.
20:57He kept starting sentences near me and never finishing them.
21:00Too proud to ask.
21:02I ignored it.
21:03Until one night.
21:05I was out on the second floor balcony in my slip dress,
21:08smoking a post-session cigarette.
21:10Ash came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me without a word.
21:15Warm tears dropped onto my neck.
21:17One at a time.
21:21You're not complaining about the smell?
21:23I'm sorry.
21:25Can you forgive me?
21:26I was drunk that night.
21:28I swear I thought it was you.
21:30I wanted it to be you.
21:31I believe you.
21:32If you'd known it was Emma, you wouldn't have stopped her either.
21:36That's not true.
21:38Before I shifted, Emma and I were on the streets together.
21:42A group of guys tried to grab me.
21:45We could struck and tweet pad me.
21:47She ran at them, screaming and crying, until they gave up and fled.
21:52You're my owner.
21:52But she saved my life.
21:54I couldn't refuse her.
21:56In the tent that night, I was half as asleep.
21:59I thought it was you.
22:01When I opened my eyes and saw her, I felt sick.
22:05I realized I'd wanted it to be you.
22:08I'd wanted you all along.
22:10But she saved my life.
22:12How could I turn her down?
22:15Then keep being grateful to her.
22:17I was never in the way.
22:18Zoe, please don't.
22:25Ash, do you know why I smoke?
22:27Because I grew up with a crew of street girls who were never going to win any etiquette awards.
22:32When I got caught stealing and got beaten up, they took the hits with me.
22:37When a man tried to assault me, they scratched his face apart.
22:41When I had a fever and passed out, they pulled whatever they had and dragged me to a back alley
22:47clinic.
22:49So, I had more people doing things for me than you ever did, and I never crawled into anyone's bed
22:54over it.
22:55Never said yes just because someone asked.
22:57Ash, you're wired to follow whoever pays you the most attention.
23:01Someone gives you a little warmth and off you go.
23:03Ash, they say premium wolves have the highest human-like cognitius, I believe it.
23:07You've even evolved past a dog's most basic trait.
23:10Loyalty.
23:11I don't know.
23:11I'm sorry, Zoe.
23:12You never talked about before.
23:14I didn't know what you went through.
23:16I only ever heard Emma's side.
23:17She made it sound like you were the one taking things from her.
23:20Like Ash, and everything that came with him should have been hers.
23:22If I'd known, I wouldn't have complained about the smoking.
23:25I wouldn't have helped her make things harder for you.
23:27His tear-wet face pressed into my collar and passed his shoulder, two figures in the dark.
23:32The closer one, tall and still, was Eli.
23:34The farther one was Mom.
23:35I met her eyes.
23:36My cigarette hand barely paused.
23:38I didn't hide it.
23:40Fine.
23:41She saw.
23:42When I came home, I'd glossed over the first years.
23:45They'd worked so hard on Emma.
23:47Piano.
23:48Ballet.
23:50Flower arranging.
23:51Everything polished.
23:52Me?
23:53Good at stealing?
23:55Lockpicking with a hairpin.
23:57Chain smoking before I was old enough to buy them.
23:59I hadn't thought parents who'd replaced me in a year would love me very much.
24:03Tell them the real version and they'd probably fear me as much as pity me.
24:07And Emma would run a reason to attack me.
24:10So I'd shown them the clean resume.
24:12Good grades.
24:13Sweet face.
24:13Polite answers.
24:14Like interviewing for the role of daughter.
24:17Mom said.
24:18Go to sleep.
24:19Then she went back to her room.
24:20The hall was dark again, except for Eli's outline.
24:23He stood watching Ash press his face into my shoulder and make small, unhappy sounds.
24:28Eli said quietly.
24:29It's cold out here.
24:30Ash noticed him for the first time.
24:32He stepped in front of me.
24:34Sent the low, warning growl at Eli again.
24:36Eli didn't react.
24:37He stepped closer.
24:39Ash shifted back without meaning to.
24:40Eli draped a jacket over my shoulders.
24:43Looked at Ash.
24:44You can keep going.
24:45I'm just here for the coat.
24:47Ash didn't take him up on it.
24:48He said instead, to me.
24:50Stay with me tonight.
24:51I know what to do.
24:52I was trained.
24:54I'd be better than him.
24:56Is that right?
24:57I mean it.
24:58Please, let me fix this.
25:00His tail went into overdrive.
25:02Eli's expression didn't change.
25:04But his hand at his side closed into a fist.
25:06I don't think so.
25:07You kissed Emma.
25:09The thought of it ruins it for me.
25:11Good night, Ash.
25:14Eli followed me back to the bedroom.
25:16I shrugged off the jacket and looked at him.
25:18Jealous?
25:19He took the jacket and said,
25:20No.
25:21You're exceptional.
25:22You'll have a boyfriend someday.
25:24A husband.
25:25I know my place.
25:28Should I run a bath?
25:29I'd been heading for bed.
25:30Why?
25:31You have Ash's tears and saliva on you.
25:34And his scent.
25:35I went to the bathroom.
25:37Eli followed and washed every inch of skin with focused, careful attention.
25:41He was kneeling on the wet bathroom tile looking up at me.
25:45Hey.
25:46I reached down and touched his ears.
25:48What is it?
25:49Can't get it clean.
25:51What?
25:52Can I take this off?
25:54Licking might work better.
25:55He pointed to his bike guard.
25:57I thought for a moment.
25:59Then unclipped it.
26:00That spot doesn't have his scent on it.
26:03He said.
26:04Didn't stop.
26:05He kissed upward.
26:07Inch by inch.
26:08All the way to my chin.
26:10May I?
26:11He cupped my face in one hand.
26:13Yes.
26:13His kiss was careful.
26:15Unpracticed.
26:16I cracked one eye open to look at him.
26:18Steam and fog all around him.
26:20Eyes shut tight.
26:21Long lashes trembling.
26:23I thought this might have been our first real kiss.
26:27I stopped making Eli wear the bike guard.
26:29Mom and dad kept reminding me to be careful.
26:32But they didn't push.
26:33I worked at the family company.
26:35Most days I didn't come home for lunch.
26:37One afternoon I did.
26:38Just wanted to nap.
26:39Voices drifted up from the living room.
26:41Eli and Ash.
26:42I leaned on the second floor railing and watched.
26:44Eli was sitting on the couch.
26:46Watching TV.
26:47Ash planted himself in front of him.
26:49Tail bristling.
26:50You think Zoe actually likes you?
26:52She's using you to get at me.
26:54Once she's over it.
26:55She'll throw you out like trash.
26:57So what?
26:58Zoe said you're dirty.
27:00At least I'm clean.
27:01Anyone who tries to touch me I bite their throat out.
27:04Unlike you.
27:05Half pushing someone away and then giving in anyway.
27:08Interesting.
27:09In front of me, Eli was steady and careful and almost meek.
27:13This was the first time I'd seen his edges.
27:15Clean?
27:17You've killed wolves in a ring.
27:19Do you even know how many?
27:20He stood up slowly.
27:22I know.
27:23Useful information.
27:25Honestly, you bother me.
27:27Me?
27:27Ash nearly went airborne.
27:29You're the outsider here.
27:30Zoe paid millions for me.
27:32I was here first.
27:33Millions?
27:34Eli looked him over.
27:35You don't look worth that.
27:36He stepped forward.
27:37Do you know which part of the throat to bite so the other person can't make a sound?
27:43Another step.
27:44How to make a wolf disappear quietly.
27:46I'm probably the only kind who knows that.
27:49What are you doing?
27:50What would I do?
27:51Eli shrugged.
27:52I'm just a low-class wolf.
27:53Then he lunged.
27:54Ash panicked and shifted into full wolf form on instinct.
27:57The black wolf tackled Eli, teeth sinking into his forearm.
28:01Eli crashed into the coffee table.
28:03Horseland cracked.
28:04Shards scattered across the floor.
28:06When mom came running at the noise, she found Eli on the ground.
28:09Arm bleeding badly.
28:10Sitting up pale and pressing the wound.
28:15I'm sorry, ma'am.
28:16I've been too close to Zoe lately.
28:19Ash was unhappy.
28:20I should have been more careful.
28:22I came downstairs.
28:23Eli, what happened?
28:25It's nothing.
28:26He said softly.
28:26Nothing like what I dealt with in the ring.
28:28I was biting down hard on a laugh.
28:30Yesterday, he'd sworn up and down he had no jealousy whatsoever.
28:33And he'd already planned this.
28:35It's not true!
28:36Ash stumbled over his own words.
28:38He went at me first!
28:39He's setting me up!
28:41Setting you up?
28:42If he wanted to hurt you, you'd still be on the floor.
28:45Zoe, I'm serious!
28:47I'm calling the seller.
28:48This wolf is going back.
28:49Mom was already on her phone.
28:51No need.
28:52I'll sell him to a friend who's been looking for a premium wolf.
28:55Mom paused.
28:56That works.
28:57He's yours to decide.
28:59Zoe, you'd sell me for him?
29:00Ash's face went blank.
29:02You said you liked me.
29:02I know you did.
29:03You used to grab my tail in your sleep so you wouldn't have nightmares.
29:06You wrote in your journal that you were lonely here.
29:08That at least you had me, even if I didn't like you.
29:11You'd sneak pets when I was asleep.
29:13You asked me once when you were drunk why I never liked you.
29:16Why even I was always on Emma's side.
29:18Zoe, you can't feel nothing for me.
29:20He was right.
29:20I wasn't as detached as I like to think.
29:23Even at 23, arriving at a stranger's house had still scared me.
29:26Watching my parents tilt toward Emma had still stung.
29:29Thinking about Emma living the life that should have been mine.
29:32That had still burned.
29:33When I found out my birthday gift was going to be a wolf, I had been genuinely excited.
29:37I had put hope in Ash.
29:39He'd ground it down slowly, over months.
29:42I imagined too much.
29:43I said.
29:44To me, I met his eyes.
29:46You're just a disloyal dog.
29:49I moved fast.
29:51Ash was gone the next day.
29:52I handed him to a contact who dealt in resale.
29:54I didn't ask where he ended up.
29:56Maybe he'd be used for breeding.
29:57Maybe he'd find a kinder owner.
29:59Either way, he had served his purpose in my life.
30:02Financial conversion.
30:03Complete.
30:04Eli, meanwhile, was draped across my bed looking tragically injured.
30:07He'd been worse than this the first night I met him.
30:09And still propped himself up with one arm to do things.
30:12But now.
30:14He said weakly, taking the soup I brought.
30:16He's really gone?
30:17Yes.
30:18Eli stared into his bowl.
30:20That's a shame.
30:21I really did want to get along with him.
30:23Want me to bring him back?
30:24You two can be best friends.
30:26The buyer already has him.
30:27They probably won't return him.
30:29I could offer them a little extra.
30:30Eli put tremendous effort into not snapping the porcelain bowl in his hand.
30:35That would be ideal.
30:36He said carefully.
30:37I'll go now then.
30:38But-
30:39He looked up, nervous.
30:40What?
30:40If he bites me again, what do I do?
30:43I said nothing.
30:44Just watched him.
30:45His expression went from nervous to tense to lost and then landed on stunned.
30:49Zoe, you already knew?
30:51I don't know what you're talking about.
30:53Can you tell me which part of the throat stops someone from making a sound?
30:56I'm sorry.
30:57I- He kept coming at me.
30:58Please don't send me away.
31:00I was bluffing.
31:01I would never actually hurt him.
31:03I'll be good.
31:03It's fine.
31:04Honestly, I kind of like you with an edge.
31:07In a way, Emma and Ash were the same type.
31:10Both spoiled by affection.
31:11Both certain they were the main character.
31:13Eli and I were the same type.
31:14If I'd been in his position, I'd have done the same thing.
31:19Getting rid of Ash bought me two months of peace.
31:22Emma stopped crying in hallways.
31:23Stopped leaving Ash's old leash where I could see it.
31:26Stopped making wounded little comments over breakfast.
31:28She was waiting.
31:29People like Emma didn't give up.
31:31They just changed costumes.
31:32Then her 18th birthday arrived.
31:34Mom and dad gave her an apartment.
31:36Downtown.
31:36Good location.
31:37Good building.
31:38Expensive enough to make my smile freeze.
31:40I held it in place anyway.
31:42Inside, I was on fire.
31:43I wished I could physically lift the building and scream, it's mine.
31:47A colleague at work had once said,
31:48It all comes to you eventually anyway.
31:50Why do you fight so hard over small things?
31:53That was exactly why.
31:54I didn't trust eventually.
31:55What was in my hand was mine.
31:57Emma swept over with mom and dad on her arm.
31:59Bright eyed and glowing.
32:00Ready to gloat.
32:01Zoe, did you get me a birthday present?
32:03I set down my champagne.
32:05My parents are already yours.
32:07What more do you want?
32:08The room went quiet.
32:09Emma blinked.
32:10Everything you eat, wear, and use.
32:12Did any of it belong to you first?
32:14And you're asking me for a gift?
32:16Do you want my blood too?
32:17Would that satisfy you?
32:19Emma's face twisted.
32:20Mom, dad, do you see this?
32:22Today is my birthday and she's attacking me.
32:25I always said she was faking it.
32:27You never believed me.
32:29Dad's hand landed gently on my shoulder.
32:31Not hers.
32:31Mine.
32:32We know.
32:33Emma froze.
32:34Mom looked tired in a way I hadn't seen before.
32:36Zoe is right.
32:37Emma's mouth opened.
32:38Nothing came out.
32:39Your mother and I have been afraid to ask about your past.
32:41We didn't want to reopen wounds.
32:43You didn't feel safe enough to be yourself here.
32:45That's on us.
32:45My throat went tight.
32:46I hated that.
32:47I hated how badly I still wanted to hear it.
32:51Emma did not scream at first.
32:53That was how I knew it was bad.
32:55She just stood there.
32:56Still.
32:56Pretty.
32:57Ruined.
32:57Then she laughed.
32:58So that's it?
33:01You found your real daughter and now I become Charity?
33:05We gave you a home.
33:07Education.
33:08Love.
33:09Security.
33:10We are not abandoning you.
33:12You gave her everything!
33:14No.
33:16You borrowed everything.
33:17Emma turned to me slowly.
33:19There it was.
33:20The real thing under the tears.
33:22Hatred.
33:22Not fear.
33:23Not grief.
33:24Hatred.
33:25You think you won because you bought a filthy wolf and sold the pretty one?
33:29Eli had been standing near the wall.
33:31Silent the whole time.
33:32At that, his eyes lifted.
33:35Don't look at me like that.
33:37Everyone knows what you are.
33:39A stress relief slave.
33:41A ring dog.
33:43A thing people throw money at when they want something to hurt.
33:47Emma.
33:47But Emma wasn't looking at her.
33:49She was looking at me.
33:50You act so proud, Zoe.
33:52But you picked him because he reminds you of yourself.
33:54Cheap.
33:56Dirty.
33:57Raised wrong.
33:58The glass in Eli's hand cracked.
34:00I turned my head slightly.
34:02Eli.
34:03He lowered his eyes at once.
34:04Sorry.
34:05The obedience in his voice made Emma's smile sharpen.
34:07Oh.
34:08He listens well.
34:09I walked across the room.
34:11Everyone watched me.
34:12Emma lifted her chin like she expected a slap.
34:15I didn't give her one.
34:17Careful.
34:19Low-class wolves bite.
34:21Her face paled.
34:23Enough.
34:24Emma, the apartment remains yours.
34:26We will support you through school.
34:28But tomorrow, 20% of the company's shares transfer to Zoe.
34:33Emma stopped breathing.
34:34The rest will be placed in an irridisible will.
34:37Everything else goes to you.
34:39Emma's face collapsed.
34:41This time when she screamed, no one moved to comfort her.
34:46Emma left for university across the country.
34:49The house breathed for the first time.
34:51Breakfast became quiet.
34:52Mom started asking me what I liked to eat.
34:55Dad started bringing company documents home and explaining things without making it sound
34:59like a favor.
35:00It was strange.
35:01Almost peaceful.
35:03I didn't adapt to it.
35:04Peace was usually the moment before someone climbed through a window.
35:08Then I saw the apartment listing online.
35:11Emma had put it up for sale at a huge loss.
35:13I stared at the screen.
35:14That was not my business.
35:16Close the tab.
35:16Three days later, Eli found me in the garage.
35:19He was holding my coat.
35:20You forgot this.
35:21I was going to the office.
35:24I know.
35:25He didn't move.
35:26What?
35:28There's a wolf sent by the east gate.
35:31Ash?
35:32No.
35:33Then his gaze flicked toward the driveway.
35:35Not only Ash.
35:37A black SUV rolled through the gate.
35:40Emma stepped out first.
35:41Hair perfect.
35:42Eyes red.
35:43Smile too bright.
35:44Then Ash climbed out behind her.
35:47Thinner than before.
35:48Collar different.
35:49Expression worse.
35:51He looked at me first.
35:52His tail moved once, then stopped.
35:55Emma saw it.
35:56Her smile cracked.
35:58Surprise?
36:00I bought him back.
36:01I looked at Ash.
36:03With the apartment money?
36:05Yeah.
36:06I can afford it.
36:08He's mine now.
36:09Ash's face went pale.
36:11No, I didn't know she was selling the apartment.
36:13I told her not to.
36:13Shut up.
36:14Eli stepped slightly in front of me.
36:17Quiet.
36:18Calm.
36:19Too calm.
36:20Ash stared at him.
36:22For one second, neither of them looked human.
36:24Emma lifted her chin.
36:25You sold him like trash.
36:27So I picked him up.
36:29Funny, isn't it?
36:30I looked at Ash's new collar.
36:32Emma couldn't hide her triumphant look.
36:34No.
36:35It's predictable.
36:39Emma wanted a reaction.
36:40I gave her none.
36:41It filled her with rage.
36:43For two weeks, she brought Ash everywhere.
36:45Family dinners.
36:46Company lobby.
36:47Even the clinic where Eli went for follow-up checks.
36:49Ash followed her, but badly.
36:51Too quiet.
36:52Too delayed.
36:52Like a dog walking toward an owner while looking back at the door.
36:55Emma noticed every time.
36:56So did Eli.
36:57He said nothing.
36:58That was how I knew he was furious.
36:59At night, he got sweeter.
37:01More careful.
37:01More unbearable.
37:02He'd kneel to take off my shoes.
37:04Brush my hair.
37:05Wore my hands between his palms.
37:06Then look at me like he was waiting for me to compare.
37:08I finally put down my book.
37:10Eli.
37:12Yes?
37:12Are you competing with Ash?
37:14No.
37:15His tail was absolutely still.
37:17Suspiciously still.
37:18I reached out and touched one ear.
37:20It twitched under my fingers.
37:22I sold him.
37:23I know.
37:23I don't want him back.
37:25I know.
37:26You don't sound like you know.
37:29He was expensive.
37:31So?
37:33Premium.
37:34So?
37:36Trained.
37:38Do you think I kept you because you were useful?
37:43At first?
37:44At first, I kept you because you were beautiful and I was drunk.
37:48He blinked.
37:50Then because you were mine.
37:53His ears flushed pink.
37:54I kissed the corner of his mouth.
37:56Now I keep you because I like you.
37:58His hands tightened around my waist.
38:00Outside the window, something clicked.
38:02Eli went still.
38:03A red dot slid across the glass, then disappeared.
38:05He moved before I understood.
38:07One arm around me.
38:08One hand over my head.
38:09The window shattered inward.
38:13Eli threw me behind the bed.
38:14Glass exploded across the floor.
38:16He didn't shout.
38:17Didn't panic.
38:17The careful, gentle wolf vanished.
38:19What stood in his place was something the fight ring had built and failed to destroy.
38:23A man came through the broken window.
38:24Then another.
38:25Then another.
38:26Masks.
38:26Shock collars.
38:27Tranquilizer guns.
38:28Not here for me, but for Eli.
38:30One raised the gun.
38:31Eli caught his wrist and twisted.
38:33A crack.
38:33The man dropped without making a sound.
38:35I understood then.
38:36The throat thing had not been a threat.
38:37It had been restraint.
38:38Downstairs.
38:39Mom screamed.
38:40Dad shouted my name.
38:41Eli glanced toward the door.
38:42Just once.
38:43That was enough.
38:44One of the men lunged at me.
38:45Eli crossed the room faster than thought.
38:47His teeth bared.
38:48His eyes gone silver bright.
38:49He hit the man so hard they both crashed through the wardrobe.
38:52Wood split.
38:52The man didn't get up.
38:53Eli.
38:54He froze.
38:54Breathing hard.
38:55Blood on his mouth.
38:56Not his.
38:57His eyes snapped to mine.
38:58Horror cut through the violence.
38:59I'm sorry.
39:02I didn't mean to scare you.
39:03Another man behind him lifted a collar pole.
39:06Ash appeared in the doorway.
39:07For one second he hesitated.
39:08Then he launched himself forward and took the shock rod in his side.
39:11He dropped with a strangled yelp.
39:13Eli turned.
39:13The last man ran.
39:14He didn't get far.
39:15Hands visible.
39:16Head lowered.
39:17Blood everywhere.
39:21Don't put me down.
39:23Please.
39:24I crossed the glass barefoot and took his face in both hands.
39:27Look at me.
39:29Good wolf.
39:30His whole body shuddered.
39:33The police came.
39:34Then animal control.
39:35Then the shifter welfare officers.
39:37Then three men in expensive suits who tried very hard not to look afraid of Eli.
39:41They looked at his file.
39:43Fight ring.
39:43Stress relief trafficking.
39:45Prior violence.
39:46Human injury.
39:47Wolf fatality.
39:49He's dangerous.
39:50Eli didn't defend himself.
39:51He sat on the edge of the bed with his hands folded.
39:54Too still.
39:54Too obedient.
39:55Like he had already prepared himself for a cage.
39:58I hated that.
39:58Ash was on the floor beside the paramedics.
40:01Shaking from the shock rod.
40:02Emma stood near the door.
40:04White faced.
40:05Did you know?
40:06Mom turned on her.
40:07I didn't think they'd come here.
40:09What did you do?
40:11I just wanted to check him.
40:12He's dangerous.
40:13Everyone knows wolves like him go feral.
40:15I sent them his old seller's contact.
40:17That's all.
40:18I didn't know they were traffickers.
40:20Ash looked at her.
40:21For the first time, he looked at her like he truly saw her.
40:24You called them?
40:25I was scared.
40:27No.
40:28You were jealous.
40:30You stole everything!
40:32No.
40:33You lost everything because you couldn't stand anyone loving me.
40:38Security has the gate records.
40:39The police can take her statement.
40:41Take my statement?
40:42Dad?
40:43You brought traffickers to our home.
40:45Mom was crying, but she didn't reach for Emma.
40:48The officer cleared his throat.
40:50About the silver wolf?
40:51Eli stays with me.
40:53Miss?
40:54He protected me.
40:57And if anyone tries to take him, I will bury this department in court until your grandchildren are tired.
41:05So will I.
41:08So will I.
41:09Eli looked up slowly, like he didn't know what to do with a family standing behind him.
41:16Emma was not arrested that night.
41:18Rich families had ways of making things quiet.
41:20But quiet did not mean forgiven.
41:22Dad cut off her accounts.
41:23Mom packed her things herself.
41:25University.
41:26Dorm housing.
41:27Monthly allowance.
41:28Nothing else.
41:29Emma screamed until her voice broke.
41:30No one changed their mind.
41:32Ash did not leave with her.
41:33That surprised me.
41:34He stood in the hall with a bandage around his ribs, eyes fixed on the floor.
41:38Come on.
41:39Emma turned on him.
41:41Ash.
41:42After everything I did to get you back?
41:46You didn't get me back.
41:49You bought me to hurt Zoe.
41:51Emma slapped him.
41:52Hard.
41:53His face turned with it.
41:54In the past, he would have lowered his head.
41:56Apologized.
41:57Followed.
41:57This time, his tail stayed still.
41:59Thank you for saving me when I was a pup.
42:02I mean that.
42:03But I paid for it too long.
42:04Emma stared.
42:06You think she'll take you?
42:08He looked at me.
42:08I said nothing.
42:09That was answer enough.
42:11His face crumpled.
42:12But he nodded.
42:13I know.
42:14After Emma left, Dad asked what I wanted done with Ash.
42:17I looked at him for a long moment.
42:19Then at Eli.
42:20Eli's expression was blank.
42:21His tail was not.
42:22It had curled possessively around my ankle.
42:26Send Ash to a rehabilitation shelter.
42:28Not resale.
42:32I don't want him.
42:35But I'm done turning damaged things into money.
42:38Eli's tail tightened around me.
42:39I glanced down.
42:40Except you.
42:42You're still very profitable emotionally.
42:44He didn't understand the joke.
42:45But he looked pleased anyway.
42:49After the attack, I stopped pretending this was only personal.
42:52The traffickers had come through an old chain.
42:54Seller.
42:55Ring handler.
42:56Client list.
42:57Transport crew.
42:58Fake shelter permits.
42:59All connected.
43:00All alive.
43:01All making money.
43:03I took the folder to the company boardroom.
43:06Dad sat at the head of the table.
43:07Mom beside him.
43:09Eli behind my chair.
43:10No bike guard.
43:11No chains.
43:12Just a black suit and quiet eyes.
43:14Some directors stared.
43:16I let them.
43:17This is a liability.
43:18I opened the folder.
43:20Photographs slid across the table.
43:22Wolves in cages.
43:24Medical reports.
43:25Death records.
43:26Payment ledgers.
43:27The room went silent.
43:28This is a market.
43:30Illegal.
43:31Profitable.
43:32And sitting close enough to our logistics partners to poison us if we ignore it.
43:37So we don't ignore it.
43:38I tapped the final page.
43:40We fund a rescue center.
43:42Publicly.
43:43Medical care.
43:45Legal shelter.
43:46Rehabilitation.
43:48Placement.
43:49And privately.
43:50We cooperate with investigators to collapse the trafficking chain.
43:54Another director frowned.
43:55And him?
43:56He nodded toward Eli.
43:57Eli didn't move.
43:59He runs Wolf's assessment.
44:02A few people laughed.
44:03Then Eli lifted his eyes.
44:05The laughter died.
44:07He survived the ring.
44:09He knows who can be saved.
44:11Who needs distance.
44:12And who is lying.
44:13Dad signed first.
44:15Mom second.
44:16Then the rest followed.
44:19That night.
44:20The first raid happened.
44:22Police stormed three holding sites.
44:24Forty-seven wolves were covered.
44:26Most were half starved.
44:28Some feral.
44:29Some too quiet.
44:30When Eli stepped into the temporary shelter.
44:33Every wolf in the room went still.
44:35One injured gray wolf lifted his head.
44:37Sniffed.
44:38Then lowered it.
44:39Not submission exactly.
44:41Recognition.
44:42Another whispered.
44:43Silver.
44:44Eli stopped.
44:45I looked at him.
44:47What does that mean?
44:48He didn't answer.
44:49But all around us.
44:51Broken wolves began lowering their heads.
44:53One by one.
44:55Like they had just found someone they remembered from a nightmare.
44:58Or a king.
45:01Eli avoided the word for three days.
45:04Silver.
45:04I let him.
45:05He read intake files until dawn.
45:07Sorted wolves by risk.
45:08By trauma response.
45:10By food aggression.
45:11By whether they flinched from women.
45:13Men.
45:14Collars.
45:15Water.
45:16Doors.
45:17He knew things no textbook knew.
45:19Which silence meant fear.
45:21Which stillness meant attack.
45:23Which wolf needed distance.
45:24Which one needed someone to sit nearby and pretend not to watch.
45:28The staff started listening to him.
45:30The wolves already did.
45:31One afternoon.
45:32I found him in the largest enclosure.
45:34A young wolf had bitten two handlers and refused food for a week.
45:38Eli sat on the ground ten feet away.
45:40Motionless.
45:41An hour later.
45:43The wolf crawled forward and dropped his head into Eli's lap.
45:46Eli's hand hovered above him.
45:48Uncertain.
45:49Then touched him gently.
45:51The wolf shuddered and went still.
45:54I stood behind the glass and watched.
45:56This was the first time I'd seen Eli look like something other than mine.
46:00Not less mine.
46:02More.
46:03Like he had been built for more than surviving.
46:06When he came out, he looked embarrassed.
46:08They keep listening to me.
46:11That's terrible.
46:13I don't know how to lead anyone.
46:16You learned how to survive men who tried to break you.
46:19I fixed his collar.
46:20Leadership is easier.
46:22Zoe.
46:24Why are you doing all this?
46:26The ring.
46:27The center.
46:28Me.
46:29I looked through the glass.
46:30At the wolves sleeping safely for the first time.
46:33Then back at him.
46:35I ran with a rough crowd growing up.
46:38Girls who stole food with me.
46:40Lied for me.
46:41Took hits with me.
46:43That kind of loyalty sticks.
46:45He stared at me for a long moment.
46:47Then leaned down and kissed me.
46:50Not careful.
46:51Not tentative.
46:53All of him.
46:54Held nothing back.
46:56When he pulled away, his forehead rested against mine.
46:59How am I supposed to repay you?
47:01I smiled.
47:03Easy.
47:04His ears tilted toward me.
47:06Give me your loyalty.
47:07For the rest of your life.
47:09Eli's tail wrapped around my waist.
47:11Already yours.
47:12And this time, I believed him.
47:15I believed him.
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