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