- 2 days ago
She bought him for s EP Engsub Drama ReelTwistDrama
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The premium service class wolf I bought didn't like me.
00:03He only wagged his tail for my adopted sister.
00:05So I brought home a low-class stress relief wolf instead.
00:08I was drunk sitting outside the bar and smoking to sober up.
00:12A street vendor crept over.
00:13Miss, you look totally stressed out.
00:16Need to let it all out?
00:17I've got a stress relief wolf.
00:18Good for unwinding.
00:20What?
00:21The dealer glanced around nervously.
00:23A wolf shifter stepped into the light.
00:25He stepped forward and his shadow fell across my face.
00:27The vendor yanked the rough collar and dragged him to one knee.
00:30He unclipped a rusted bite guard,
00:32then grabbed the wolf's hair and pulled his head back, exposing his face.
00:35His narrow eyes locked on me like a wild beast.
00:39Look at that face, miss.
00:40Wouldn't it feel good to smack something that pretty?
00:42He was exactly my type.
00:44And my doctor had said my stress hormones were out of control.
00:47I genuinely needed an outlet.
00:49But I already had a wolf at home.
00:51Ash would mind.
00:52Get up.
00:52Show her your build.
00:53The wolf stood slowly.
00:55He peeled off his shirt.
00:57I saw the bruises layered over bruises.
00:59High stamina.
01:00Heals fast.
01:022,000 for two hours of release.
01:04You can do whatever you want.
01:05Just don't slit his throat and drain his blood, and he'll recover.
01:08Slit his throat?
01:10People's tastes had gotten that dark?
01:12Forget it.
01:12My wolf at home wouldn't let me touch him anyway.
01:14This one was cheap.
01:15Obedient sounded fine.
01:16How much to buy him outright?
01:18Not cheap.
01:19He's our best.
01:20Name your price.
01:21I'll give you a discount.
01:23Just 58,800.
01:26My parents spent millions on Ash, my premium service wolf gift.
01:30This one was practically free by comparison.
01:33Too much?
01:34Fine.
01:35Round it down.
01:3650 grand.
01:37I bought him for 5,000 in the end.
01:39I wasn't ready to go home yet, so I took him to a hotel.
01:43The vendor gave me a long list of warnings on the way out.
01:47Don't remove the bite guard until he's fully tamed.
01:49Keep the chains on.
01:51Both of them.
01:52In the hotel suite, Eli stood still in the entryway, eyes down, waiting for whatever came
01:57next.
01:58I came out of the shower wrapped in a robe, still not daring to take off his restraints
02:02yet.
02:02Go shower.
02:03He looked at me for a few seconds, then turned and walked into the bathroom.
02:08After a few minutes, I knocked.
02:10I left my phone in there.
02:11He hadn't locked the door.
02:13Eli froze his back to me.
02:14His pale skin made his scars all the more shocking.
02:17Water streamed down his shoulders along the rusted chains, washing away rust and dried
02:21blood.
02:22His tail hung low, trembling slightly.
02:24The fur was dull, brittle, wild, and fragile at the same time.
02:29My brain went offline.
02:30I crossed the room and hugged him from behind, pressed my lips to the bruising on his spine.
02:35Eli shuddered.
02:35His whole body went rigid.
02:37What are you doing?
02:38First time I'd heard his voice.
02:40Take it easy.
02:41That's not...
02:42Hmm?
02:43What is that?
02:43That's not how stress, Rameef, works.
02:45I've never done this before.
02:47Bear with me.
02:48I pushed him onto the bed.
02:49I kissed every bruise, one by one.
02:51He lay still and let me, his body tense the whole time.
02:54He didn't know how to respond.
02:56Then, at the crucial moment, he reached out and locked his hand around my waist.
03:00Are you sure?
03:01Yeah.
03:02I'm just a low-class wolf.
03:04My answer was to stop waiting.
03:05He let out a muffled sound and closed his eyes.
03:10Ash was my parents' apology, a premium, competition-grade service wolf, a compensation for the 18
03:16years they lost me.
03:17I was 5 when I disappeared, 23 when they finally found me.
03:20When I came home, I found out my parents had already adopted a little girl, Emma.
03:25She'd been with them since she was a baby.
03:27She was 17 now.
03:28When I appeared, Emma fell apart.
03:30Get out!
03:31I'm their real daughter!
03:33Why are you here taking my parents?
03:36This is my home!
03:37Get out!
03:38She screamed and sobbed and threw everything she could reach at me.
03:42Don't cry.
03:43You'll always be our daughter.
03:46Zoe coming back doesn't change how much we love you.
03:50Emma's been spoiled.
03:52You're 6 years older.
03:53Just try to be patient with her.
03:55I should have been devastated, but I was 23.
03:57I survived those lonely years craving my parents.
04:00Now, I was in the phase of desperately needing money.
04:03I let my eyes well up, looked down.
04:06I understand, Dad.
04:08Playing vulnerable worked.
04:09The monthly allowance they wired me kept going up.
04:13Morning.
04:14I had my cheek pressed against Eli's arm.
04:17My best friend Lily texted me.
04:18Where are you?
04:19Did you do your usual disappearing act and go home alone again?
04:23No.
04:23I bought a new stress relief wolf last night.
04:26Been busy.
04:26Zoe, what is wrong with you?
04:28I know you're upset that your wolf at home ignores you,
04:31but you can't just go buy a punching bag.
04:33You couldn't bring yourself to hit the expensive one,
04:36so you went out and bought a cheap one to beat up?
04:39I would report you if you weren't my best friend.
04:41I am appalled.
04:43I didn't hit him.
04:44Why would I hit a dog?
04:45Then how did you unwind?
04:48The way you're thinking.
04:49On bed.
04:50We both stopped typing.
04:51Then she sent me a long message explaining everything.
04:54Stress relief wolves were illegal.
04:56Traffickers stole young shifters.
04:57Or bought low-class ones cheap.
04:59Then they tortured and filtered them.
05:01Keeping only those with strong bodies and fast healing.
05:04Some became living punching bags for paying clients.
05:07Others ended up in underground fight rings.
05:09Death matches.
05:10Even after rescue,
05:12these wolves were considered feral and untameable.
05:14Official shelters offered them for free adoption.
05:17The ones no one took.
05:19Euthanized.
05:23I know where he lives.
05:25If you regret it.
05:26I startled.
05:27Quickly darkened my screen and turned over.
05:33He runs with a crew.
05:34They probably won't give you the money back.
05:37But if I catch him alone,
05:39I might be able to...
05:41I don't regret it.
05:42As long as you behave.
05:44Only listen to me.
05:46Nobody else.
05:47Okay.
05:48There were a few faint scars along the fur of his ears.
05:51I couldn't help it.
05:52I reached out to touch them.
05:53His ears snapped back instantly.
05:55He flinched away.
05:56This one wouldn't let me touch his ears either.
05:59Sorry.
05:59Force of habit.
06:03You can touch them now.
06:07If you still want to.
06:09I didn't hesitate.
06:10I swung up and sat across his waist,
06:11braced my hands on his chest,
06:13and squeezed his ears between my fingers.
06:15Eli's breathing deepened.
06:16His whole body got warmer.
06:17He tipped his head back,
06:19eyes half-lidded,
06:20watching me.
06:21Can we do it again?
06:24We didn't go straight home.
06:26I took Eli to a shifter clinic first.
06:28The doctor said his healing ability was excellent.
06:31The bruising wasn't a concern,
06:32but severe malnutrition.
06:34He needed long-term supplementation.
06:36The total for all the supplements
06:37cost more than I'd paid for him.
06:39I don't need it.
06:40I can eat anything.
06:41Don't spend the money.
06:42I won't die.
06:43This amount was what Ash burned through
06:45on snacks every month.
06:46It's fine.
06:47Do you like these?
06:49I held out a new collar and bite guard in front of him.
06:52Slim black metal collar.
06:54Custom black bite guard to match.
06:56I hadn't wanted him to keep wearing restraints,
06:58but the doctor was firm.
06:59Don't let a feral wolf's looks fool you.
07:01He could take out your throat in one bite.
07:04So I'd picked the most comfortable version I could find.
07:06When the doctor removed the old bite guard,
07:08he held it up to the light.
07:09Fight ring or stress relief.
07:11Before this, I mean.
07:14Both.
07:15Figured.
07:17Look at these bite marks.
07:18He did this to himself when the pain got too bad.
07:22Those are from last night.
07:23I went very still.
07:25In the ring?
07:26No.
07:26He looked at my back.
07:27From when I was being used.
07:29We got home past midnight.
07:30Mom and dad were already asleep.
07:32Ash was probably in Emma's room, as usual.
07:35Come in.
07:38He hadn't moved.
07:39He was staring at something on the floor.
07:41I bent down and picked it up.
07:43This is Ash's.
07:46On my first birthday in this house,
07:48mom and dad had given me Ash.
07:50Zoe's too quiet.
07:51We thought having a companion might open her up.
07:53Back then, Ash hadn't shifted yet.
07:55Just a small black wolf pup.
07:57Why does she get one and I don't?
07:59You said you wouldn't pick favorites.
08:02He's mine.
08:05She snatched the puppy and ran out.
08:06Didn't come back.
08:07My birthday dinner was ruined.
08:09My birthday present was gone.
08:10Mom and dad were a mess for days.
08:13I cried too.
08:14I'm so sorry.
08:15I made her leave.
08:16It's my fault.
08:18Twelve days later,
08:19one girl and one scruffy wolf pup
08:21appeared at the front door.
08:22Mom.
08:23Dad.
08:23I'm so hungry.
08:25I was wrong.
08:27I'm never running again.
08:28Mom and dad rushed out
08:29and all three of them sobbed together
08:30on the doorstep.
08:31When they finally looked up,
08:33mom's face went guilty
08:34the instant she saw me standing there.
08:38Mom, you hit me?
08:39Do you know what the last 12 days were like?
08:41I just got back and you're hitting me.
08:42Don't you ever think about
08:42what your sister's last 18 years were like?
08:47If you ever make Zoe feel unwelcome
08:50in this house again,
08:51don't call me mom.
08:52After that,
08:53Emma stopped coming after me openly.
08:54She gave Ash back a few weeks later.
08:57Not long after that,
08:58he shifted dark curls,
09:00soft, downturned eyes.
09:02He tilted his head at me
09:03and said his first shifted word.
09:04E.
09:06I'm Emma.
09:08You remember me.
09:10You remember me.
09:14Of course.
09:15I remember everything about Emma.
09:18Mom and dad sighed
09:19and put an arm around me.
09:20It took weeks of trying
09:21before Ash reluctantly accepted
09:23that I was his owner.
09:24But he refused to wag his tail for me.
09:27Refused to let me touch his ears.
09:29Never waited by the door for me.
09:30He only reacted to Emma's footsteps.
09:32He only waited for her.
09:34I watched them every time.
09:36I told myself I didn't really care
09:37because Ash's monthly expenses
09:39came out of the account in my name.
09:40And mom and dad's quiet guilt
09:42kept filling that same account.
09:44But lately, I'd been breaking out.
09:46Stress hormones, the doctor said.
09:48Ash wouldn't touch me.
09:49Eli had shown up at exactly the right moment.
09:51I had no reason to say no.
09:55Sleep with me tonight?
09:57I'll take you shopping for clothes.
09:58Will he mind?
09:59Who?
10:00Ash.
10:01Wolves are territorial.
10:02He doesn't like sleeping with me.
10:03It's fine.
10:05Do you need it again tonight?
10:06Need what?
10:07Stress relief.
10:08I do.
10:09But my legs are killing me.
10:10I have good stamina.
10:11You can just lie there.
10:12That's very considerate of you.
10:14It's nothing.
10:16In the morning, I stepped out of my room
10:18at the exact same time as Ash.
10:20Zoe, why were you talking in your sleep last night?
10:22All those little sounds, it was loud.
10:25Sorry.
10:25I'll keep it down.
10:27Were you having a nightmare?
10:28I thought I heard you crying.
10:29I was having the time of my life.
10:31If you ever have a nightmare, you can-
10:33Ash, I can't find my slippers.
10:34Don't walk around barefoot.
10:36He stepped right past me and went into Emma's room.
10:38How did your slippers end up in the living room
10:40if you were in your room?
10:42Because you carried me to bed last night
10:44and forgot to bring them.
10:45He sat her on his knee, found the bunny slippers,
10:48and put them on her feet.
10:49One by one, patient.
10:50Then he headed upstairs to the bathroom.
10:52Perfect service, Wolf, just not mine.
10:54Zoe, my laundry's in the hamper.
10:56Take it to the dry cleaner.
10:59What's that smell?
11:01What?
11:01He stepped close, pressed his nose to my neck,
11:03then inhaled.
11:04The deeper he breathed,
11:05the harder his hand gripped my waist.
11:06Zoe, why do you smell like another wolf?
11:09Eli had just opened the door and walked out.
11:11He was half a head taller than Ash.
11:13That's my scent.
11:18Zoe, who is that?
11:19His name is Eli.
11:21He's my new wolf.
11:22What?
11:22You got another wolf?
11:25What about me?
11:26Oh, wow.
11:27Mom, Dad, come look.
11:29Zoe got a new wolf.
11:30This is Eli, our newest family member.
11:33Sir, ma'am.
11:34He's even more handsome than Ash.
11:36Competition grade, I assume.
11:37Zoe gets so much allowance.
11:38Competition grade?
11:39He's wearing a muzzle.
11:40His fur is splitting.
11:41His shirt is falling apart.
11:42He's shedding everywhere.
11:43He's feral bottom class.
11:45The kind shelters can't even give away.
11:46Zoe, you only brought him home to mess with me, didn't you?
11:48If he goes feral and hurts you, don't come crying to me.
11:50Zoe, we're not against you keeping him.
11:52We just want you safe.
11:53We can't lose you again.
11:55I won't hurt her.
11:56If it makes you feel better, I'll keep the restraints on.
11:59I can sleep in a crate at night.
12:00Only fight ring wolves sleep in crates.
12:02That's lower than a stress relief slave.
12:04I've already decided he's staying.
12:05Ash's expenses come from Mom and Dad.
12:07Eli's are on me.
12:09Zoe!
12:10Relax.
12:11Given how Zoe grew up, it makes sense she has a thing for low-class wolves.
12:15It's basically her aesthetic.
12:17Mom, Dad, since Zoe has a new wolf, can I have Ash?
12:21He likes me more anyway.
12:22I'm just taking what's left over.
12:25Leftover drained the color from Ash's face.
12:27No, Ash was a gift from Mom and Dad.
12:30He's mine.
12:31I decide what happens to him.
12:32My certainty knocked something loose in him.
12:34For the first time, Ash wagged his tail for me.
12:37Just barely.
12:37Small, uncontrolled flicks.
12:39Even if you say that, I'm not forgiving you.
12:42I had no intention of giving him away.
12:44Not because I was attached.
12:45First, the budget they gave me for his upkeep was generous.
12:48I pocketed a healthy margin every month.
12:50Second, Ash was worth a lot.
12:51If I ever decided I was done, I could sell him for seven figures.
12:54Why would I hand that to Emma for free?
12:55She's right.
12:56He was given to Zoe.
12:58If you want him, talk to your sister.
13:01A few months earlier, Mom and Dad had planned a family camping trip to get us all bonding.
13:06Seven days.
13:06On the night we set up tents, everyone drank a little too much.
13:09Emma called me sis every five minutes.
13:11I called her sis back.
13:12Mom and Dad were so happy.
13:13When I came back from a cigarette break, I saw Emma in my tent.
13:16The campfire had gone out.
13:17One small lantern flickered inside.
13:19Ash was lying on my sleeping bag.
13:21Emma was slowly crawling on top of him, leaning toward his mouth.
13:24Their shadows overlapped against the canvas.
13:26I watched Ash reach up and tuck her hair behind her ear and kissed her back.
13:29Ash, promise me you won't touch her.
13:32But-
13:32Wait until I'm 18.
13:34It's only a few months.
13:35In this world, a wolf who slept with a human under 18 faced immediate disposal.
13:40You know I have standards.
13:41I don't like her touching me.
13:42Can't we just keep this clean between us?
13:44Ash said yes.
13:47The video ended.
13:48Emma.
13:49Is this how I raised you?
13:50Using yourself to manipulate a wolf just to spite your sister?
13:53Zoe.
13:54I was drunk that night.
13:56I thought it was you coming.
13:57Nobody asked you.
13:58I paid for you.
13:59You're here to serve my daughter, not audition replacements.
14:01I'm calling your cellar today.
14:02Mom, why aren't you yelling at her?
14:04Can't you see how calculating she is?
14:05She recorded it.
14:06I made one stupid mistake and she plays it like this.
14:09Ever since she came back, you love me less.
14:11Are you really gonna let her run my life?
14:12Emma.
14:13You did this.
14:14If you hadn't, there'd be nothing to record.
14:16Both of you, this month's allowances go to Zoe.
14:18And you're both grounded for three days.
14:19A large sum landed in my account that afternoon.
14:22Mom and dad's invisible scale tipped a little more in my direction.
14:25I'd been fighting for things my whole life.
14:27This was no different.
14:29Three days without Emma or Ash hovering around.
14:32I took Eli shopping.
14:34Everywhere.
14:35He was a specimen.
14:37Built like every suit had been cut for him specifically.
14:40Everything looked good on him.
14:42So I wanted to buy him everything.
14:44But the best part was watching him in a dress suit.
14:48I went slightly feral and bought 12 custom tailored ones.
14:51Then I was too tired to walk.
14:53Eli carried everything with one arm and me with the other.
14:56I had my arm hooked around his neck.
14:59Tracing the line of his nose with one finger.
15:01Eli.
15:02You look like this.
15:03Didn't they try to make you sell yourself?
15:06They tried.
15:07He set me on the bed and dropped to one knee.
15:09Took off my heels.
15:11Swapped them out for slippers.
15:13He'd watched Ash do it for Emma a hundred times.
15:16He hadn't fully adjusted to human scale gentleness yet.
15:19He kept catching himself.
15:21Recalibrating his grip.
15:23But he'd memorized every step.
15:25And?
15:26He went a little pink.
15:28I didn't.
15:29I hurt the client and ran.
15:30They caught me.
15:31I stopped eating to fight back.
15:34They got scared I'd die and cost them money so they threw me in the ring.
15:37I hadn't eaten in three days.
15:39I don't know how I did it.
15:41I bit through the other wolf's throat.
15:44After that, I stayed in the ring.
15:46They kept my food limited so I'd be too weak to resist.
15:50The last fight, I got badly injured.
15:52They figured I was done so they put me on stress relief work.
15:56I survived that too.
15:58This week, they were debating sending me back to the ring.
16:01Then you bought me.
16:03Eli was still kneeling.
16:05Wearing the new suit I'd just bought him.
16:08Both hands wrapped lightly around mine.
16:10He had no idea he looked like he was proposing.
16:14I'm not hiding anything from you.
16:16I am a low-class, violent wolf.
16:19I've hurt humans.
16:20I've hurt my own kind.
16:22I grew up without learning to be around people.
16:24I don't know how to take care of someone.
16:27I barely know how to use a fork.
16:29I don't know how hard to hold you without hurting you.
16:32Last night when you cried, I panicked.
16:37I remembered.
16:38The second time was so much better than the first.
16:41I'd lost control and made a sound I hadn't expected.
16:44I'm sorry, did I hurt you?
16:45I misjudged.
16:47It's my fault.
16:48You can punish me, hit me, starve me, whatever you want.
16:52Just don't cry.
16:53Please.
16:54I remembered the apology going on for a while,
16:57but I'd passed out mid-sentence.
16:59No wonder the atmosphere that morning had been so heavy.
17:01He'd been stewing in it all night.
17:03You didn't hurt me.
17:04I cried because it was good.
17:06He pressed his nose against my neck.
17:08His silver-white ears brushed my face.
17:11I grabbed them.
17:13Eli's breathing hitched.
17:15He reached up, fingers calloused, deliberate,
17:19and slowly traced the side of my neck.
17:21The same spot Ash had pressed his nose against that morning.
17:25Methodical.
17:26Inch by inch.
17:28Are you trying to cover his scent?
17:29It's fine.
17:30I don't mind.
17:31I just don't understand.
17:34You went three days without food to avoid being sold.
17:37But you never fought back against me.
17:39Not once.
17:40You gave up?
17:41He looked up.
17:42His eyes didn't quite meet mine.
17:44They landed on my mouth.
17:45Maybe because you were young and beautiful.
17:48That's an airtight reason.
17:49Maybe because you said you had no experience.
17:53Also because that was the first time I'd ever been kissed.
17:56I just want you to know I am violent and feral.
18:00But I will never hurt you.
18:02Never.
18:03Not ever.
18:05I believe you.
18:06As a reward.
18:11Let me kiss you again.
18:14Eli and I fell into a rhythm.
18:17I finally understood why people spent fortunes on wolves.
18:20With Ash, everything had been a production.
18:24Premium wolves had standards.
18:25I'd had to train with him daily.
18:27Manage his nutrition.
18:29Force feed him supplements.
18:30And run a full grooming routine just to keep him in condition.
18:34So he could use that condition to take care of Emma.
18:37Eli was different.
18:39I followed the doctor's supplement plan and he just glowed.
18:42I felt a little guilty about the contrast.
18:45So I sat him down and did a proper grooming session on him.
18:49Ash walked in while I had both hands buried in Eli's foam-covered ears.
18:54Zoe!
18:55That's my special foam soap.
18:57I bought this one for Eli.
18:59Out of your room already?
19:00You must be so pleased with yourself.
19:03Not really.
19:03You got off easy.
19:05But I'll try harder next time.
19:08Zoe.
19:08Send him out.
19:09I can explain the video, but I am not sharing this house with a bottom-class wolf.
19:14You're not sharing anything.
19:16You sleep in Emma's room.
19:17You always have.
19:19Wolves had sharp senses.
19:21Ash had been the only one in the house who knew about my smoking habit.
19:24He'd always complained my room smelled and used it as an excuse to sleep in Emma's room instead.
19:29It's fine, Ash.
19:31You always said she smelled anyway.
19:32Come stay with me.
19:35Zoe.
19:36You're going to regret this.
19:38Take good care of him, won't you, Emma?
19:41The house settled into a strange cold war.
19:44Ash and Emma spent a while putting on a show in front of me.
19:47They were all warmth and sweetness, trying to get a reaction out of me.
19:51I had none.
19:51As long as they weren't doing it in my face, I could handle it.
19:56Eli spent a lot of time watching them.
19:58Emma kept flushing every time she caught him looking.
20:01Then pretending she hadn't noticed, he was studying.
20:04He watched every move Ash made with Emma, the grip, the order of things, and translated it all into how
20:10he took care of me.
20:12Ash, meanwhile, looked like a ghost.
20:15He kept catching himself staring at me with something half-formed in his expression.
20:19I knew why.
20:20A few days earlier, I'd heard an argument spilling from Emma's room.
20:24Emma, you haven't groomed me in forever.
20:26You have hands.
20:27Do it yourself.
20:28Am I your pet or am you mine?
20:31My products are running out too.
20:33Then ask Zoe.
20:34It's her account, not mine.
20:36Emma.
20:38Why are you like this?
20:40You used to actually like spending time with me.
20:43If you hadn't kissed me that night, Zoe wouldn't have...
20:46Zoe always groomed you every day.
20:48She never complained about how much work it was.
20:50Blame me?
20:51You didn't exactly stop me.
20:53And now you think she's better?
20:55Then go to her!
20:56Go on!
20:57See if she even wants you.
21:01Did Emma love Ash?
21:02I doubted it.
21:04Emma just loved being the center.
21:05The one everyone orbited.
21:08Ash fawning over her fit that.
21:10Me existing complicated it.
21:12After that fight, Ash deteriorated fast.
21:15He kept starting sentences near me and never finishing them.
21:18Too proud to ask.
21:20I ignored it.
21:21Until one night.
21:23I was out on the second floor balcony in my slip dress,
21:26smoking a post-session cigarette.
21:28Ash came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me without a word.
21:33Warm tears dropped onto my neck.
21:35One at a time.
21:40You're not complaining about the smell?
21:41I'm sorry.
21:43Can you forgive me?
21:45I was drunk that night.
21:46I swear I thought it was you.
21:48I wanted it to be you.
21:49I believe you.
21:51If you'd known it was Emma, you wouldn't have stopped her either.
21:54That's not true.
21:56Before I shifted, Emma and I were on the streets together.
22:00A group of guys tried to grab me.
22:03We could struck and twipad me.
22:05She ran at them, screaming and crying, until they gave up and fled.
22:10You're my owner.
22:10But she saved my life.
22:12I couldn't refuse her.
22:14In the tent that night, I was half as asleep.
22:17I thought it was you.
22:19When I opened my eyes and saw her, I felt sick.
22:23I realized I'd wanted it to be you.
22:26I'd wanted you all along.
22:28But she saved my life.
22:30How could I turn her down?
22:33Then keep being grateful to her.
22:35I was never in the way.
22:36Zoe, please don't.
22:43Ash, do you know why I smoke?
22:45Because I grew up with a crew of street girls who were never going to win any etiquette awards.
22:50When I got caught stealing and got beaten up, they took the hits with me.
22:55When a man tried to assault me, they scratched his face apart.
22:59When I had a fever and passed out, they pulled whatever they had and dragged me to a back alley
23:05clinic.
23:07So, I had more people doing things for me than you ever did.
23:11And I never crawled into anyone's bed over it.
23:13Never said yes just because someone asked.
23:16Ash, you're wired to follow whoever pays you the most attention.
23:19Someone gives you a little warmth and off you go.
23:21Ash, they say premium wolves have the highest human-like cognitius.
23:24I believe it.
23:25You've even evolved past a dog's most basic trait.
23:28Loyalty.
23:29I don't know.
23:29I'm sorry, Zoe.
23:31You never talked about before.
23:32I didn't know what you went through.
23:34I only ever heard Emma's side.
23:35She made it sound like you were the one taking things from her.
23:38Like Ash and everything that came with him should have been hers.
23:41If I'd known, I wouldn't have complained about the smoking.
23:43I wouldn't have helped her make things harder for you.
23:45His tear-wet face pressed into my collar and past his shoulder, two figures in the dark.
23:50The closer one, tall and still, was Eli.
23:52The farther one was Mom.
23:53I met her eyes.
23:55My cigarette hand barely paused.
23:56I didn't hide it.
23:58Fine.
23:59She saw.
24:00When I came home, I'd glossed over the first years.
24:03They'd worked so hard on Emma.
24:05Piano.
24:06Ballet.
24:08Flower arranging.
24:09Everything polished.
24:11Me?
24:11Good at stealing?
24:13Lockpicking with a hairpin.
24:15Chain smoking before I was old enough to buy them.
24:17I hadn't thought parents who'd replaced me in a year would love me very much.
24:21Tell them the real version and they'd probably fear me as much as pity me.
24:25And Emma would run a reason to attack me.
24:28So I'd shown them the clean resume.
24:30Good grades.
24:31Sweet face.
24:31Polite answers, like interviewing for the role of daughter.
24:35Mom said,
24:36Go to sleep.
24:37Then she went back to her room.
24:38The hall was dark again, except for Eli's outline.
24:41He stood watching Ash press his face into my shoulder and make small, unhappy sounds.
24:46Eli said quietly,
24:47It's cold out here.
24:49Ash noticed him for the first time.
24:50He stepped in front of me.
24:52Sent the low, warning growl at Eli again.
24:54Eli didn't react.
24:55He stepped closer.
24:57Ash shifted back without meaning to.
24:58Eli draped a jacket over my shoulders.
25:01Looked at Ash.
25:02You can keep going.
25:03I'm just here for the coat.
25:05Ash didn't take him up on it.
25:06He said instead, to me.
25:08Stay with me tonight.
25:09I know what to do.
25:10I was trained.
25:12I'd be better than him.
25:14Is that right?
25:15I mean it.
25:16Please, let me fix this.
25:18His tail went into overdrive.
25:20Eli's expression didn't change.
25:22But his hand at his side closed into a fist.
25:24I don't think so.
25:25You kissed Emma.
25:26The thought of it ruins it for me.
25:29Good night, Ash.
25:32Eli followed me back to the bedroom.
25:34I shrugged off the jacket and looked at him.
25:36Jealous?
25:37He took the jacket and said,
25:38No.
25:39You're exceptional.
25:40You'll have a boyfriend someday.
25:42A husband.
25:44I know my place.
25:46Should I run a bath?
25:47I'd been heading for bed.
25:48Why?
25:49You have Ash's tears and saliva on you.
25:52And his scent.
25:53I went to the bathroom.
25:55Eli followed and washed every inch of skin with focused, careful attention.
26:00He was kneeling on the wet bathroom tile looking up at me.
26:03Hey.
26:04I reached down and touched his ears.
26:06What is it?
26:07Can't get it clean.
26:09What?
26:10Can I take this off?
26:12Licking might work better.
26:13He pointed to his bike guard.
26:15I thought for a moment.
26:17Then unclipped it.
26:18That spot doesn't have his scent on it.
26:21He said.
26:22Didn't stop.
26:23He kissed upward.
26:25Inch by inch.
26:26All the way to my chin.
26:28May I?
26:29He cupped my face in one hand.
26:31Yes.
26:31His kiss was careful.
26:33Unpracticed.
26:34I cracked one eye open to look at him.
26:36Steam and fog all around him.
26:38Eyes shut tight.
26:39Long lashes trembling.
26:41I thought this might have been our first real kiss.
26:45I stopped making Eli wear the bike guard.
26:47Mom and dad kept reminding me to be careful, but they didn't push.
26:51I worked at the family company.
26:53Most days I didn't come home for lunch.
26:55One afternoon I did.
26:56Just wanted to nap.
26:57Voices drifted up from the living room.
26:59Eli and Ash.
27:00I leaned on the second floor railing and watched.
27:03Eli was sitting on the couch, watching TV.
27:05Ash planted himself in front of him, tail bristling.
27:08You think Zoe actually likes you?
27:10She's using you to get at me.
27:12Once she's over it, she'll throw you out like trash.
27:15So what?
27:16Zoe said you're dirty.
27:18At least I'm clean.
27:19Anyone who tries to touch me, I bite their throat out.
27:22Unlike you.
27:23Half pushing someone away and then giving in anyway.
27:26Interesting.
27:27In front of me, Eli was steady and careful and almost meek.
27:31This was the first time I'd seen his edges.
27:33Clean?
27:35You've killed wolves in a ring!
27:36Do you even know how many?
27:39He stood up slowly.
27:40I know.
27:41Useful information.
27:43Honestly, you bother me.
27:45Me?
27:46Ash nearly went airborne.
27:47You're the outsider here!
27:48Zoe paid millions for me!
27:50I was here first!
27:52Millions?
27:52Eli looked him over.
27:53You don't look worth that.
27:55He stepped forward.
27:55Do you know which part of the throat to bite so the other person can't make a sound?
28:01Another step.
28:02How to make a wolf disappear quietly.
28:04I'm probably the only kind who knows that.
28:07What are you doing?
28:08What would I do?
28:09Eli shrugged.
28:10I'm just a low-class wolf.
28:11Then he lunged.
28:12Ash panicked and shifted into full wolf form on instinct.
28:15The black wolf tackled Eli, teeth sinking into his forearm.
28:19Eli crashed into the coffee table.
28:21Porcelain cracked.
28:22Shards scattered across the floor.
28:24When mom came running at the noise, she found Eli on the ground.
28:27Arm bleeding badly.
28:29Sitting up pale and pressing the wound.
28:33I'm sorry, ma'am.
28:35I've been too close to Zoe lately.
28:37Ash was unhappy.
28:38I should have been more careful.
28:40I came downstairs.
28:41Eli, what happened?
28:43It's nothing.
28:44He said softly.
28:45Nothing like what I dealt with in the ring.
28:46I was biting down hard on a lap.
28:48Yesterday, he'd sworn up and down he had no jealousy whatsoever.
28:51And he'd already planned this.
28:53It's not true!
28:54Ash stumbled over his own words.
28:56He went at me first!
28:57He's setting me up!
28:59Setting you up?
29:00If he wanted to hurt you, you'd still be on the floor.
29:03Zoe, I'm serious!
29:05I'm calling the seller.
29:06This wolf is going back.
29:07Mom was already on her phone.
29:09No need.
29:10I'll sell him to a friend who's been looking for a premium wolf.
29:13Mom paused.
29:14That works.
29:15He's yours to decide.
29:17Zoe, you'd sell me for him?
29:19Ash's face went blank.
29:20You said you liked me.
29:21I know you did.
29:21You used to grab my tail in your sleep so you wouldn't have nightmares.
29:24You wrote in your journal that you were lonely here.
29:26That at least you had me, even if I didn't like you.
29:29You'd sneak pets when I was asleep.
29:31You asked me once when you were drunk why I never liked you.
29:34Why even I was always on Emma's side.
29:36Zoe, you can't feel nothing for me.
29:38He was right.
29:39I wasn't as detached as I like to think.
29:41Even at 23, arriving at a stranger's house had still scared me.
29:44Watching my parents tilt toward Emma had still stung.
29:47Thinking about Emma living the life that should have been mine, that had still burned.
29:51When I found out my birthday gift was going to be a wolf, I had been genuinely excited.
29:56I had put hope in Ash.
29:57He'd ground it down slowly, over months.
30:00I imagined too much.
30:01I said.
30:02To me.
30:03I met his eyes.
30:04You're just a disloyal dog.
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