- 9 hours ago
She Bought Him As A Pet - Ep ✅ FULL [Eng Sub]
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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.
00:16Need 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 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 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
01:29service wolf gift. This one was practically free by comparison. Too much? Fine. Round it
01:35down. 50 grand. I bought him for 5,000 in the end. I wasn't ready to go home yet. So
01:40I took
01:41him to a hotel. The vendor gave me a long list of warnings on the way out. Don't remove the
01:48bite guard until he's fully tamed. Keep the chains on. Both of them. In the hotel suite,
01:54Eli stood still in the entryway, eyes down, waiting for whatever came next. I came out of the shower
01:59wrapped in a robe, still not daring to take off his restraints yet. Go shower. He looked at me for
02:04a few
02:05seconds, then turned and walked into the bathroom. After a few minutes, I knocked. I left my phone in
02:11there. He hadn't locked the door. Eli froze his back to me. His pale skin made his scars all the
02:17more shocking. Water streamed down his shoulders along the rusted chains, washing away rust and
02:21dried blood. His tail hung low, trembling slightly. The fur was dull, brittle, wild, and fragile at the
02:28same time. My brain went offline. I crossed the room and hugged him from behind, pressed my lips to
02:33the bruising on his spine. Eli shuddered. His whole body went rigid. What are you doing? First time I'd heard
02:40his voice. Take it easy. That's not. Hmm? What is that? That's not how stress Ramif works. I've never
02:46done this before. Bear with me. I pushed him onto the bed. I kissed every bruise, one by one. He
02:52lay
02:52still and let me, his body tense the whole time. He didn't know how to respond. Then, at the crucial
02:57moment, he reached out and locked his hand around my waist. Are you sure? Yeah. I'm just a low-class
03:04wolf. My 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. Don't cry. You'll always be our
03:45daughter. Zoe coming back doesn't change how much we love you. Emma's been spoiled. You're six years
03:53older. Just try to be patient with her. I should have been devastated, but I was 23. I survived those
03:59lonely years craving my parents. Now I was in the phase of desperately needing money. I let my eyes
04:05well up, looked down. I understand, Dad. Playing vulnerable worked. The monthly allowance they
04:10wired me kept going up. Morning. I had my cheek pressed against Eli's arm. My best friend Lily texted
04:18me. Where are you? Did you do your usual disappearing act and go home alone again? No, I bought a
04:24new
04:24stress relief wolf last night. Been busy. Zoe, what is wrong with you? I know you're upset that your wolf
04:30at home ignores you, but you can't just go buy a punching bag. You couldn't bring yourself to hit the
04:35expensive one, so you went out and bought a cheap one to beat up? I would report you if you
04:41weren't my
04:41best friend. I am appalled. I didn't hit him. Why would I hit a dog? Then how did you unwind
04:48the way
04:49you're thinking? On bed. We both stopped typing. Then she sent me a long message explaining everything.
04:54Stress relief wolves were illegal. Traffickers stole young shifters or bought low-class ones cheap.
05:00Then they tortured and filtered them, keeping only those with strong bodies and fast healing. Some
05:05became living punching bags for paying clients. Others ended up in underground fight rings, death
05:10matches. Even after rescue, these wolves were considered feral and untameable. Official shelters
05:16offered them for free adoption. The ones no one took. Euthanized.
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. But if I catch him alone,
05:40I might be able to... I don't regret it. As long as you behave. Only listen to me. Nobody else.
05:48Okay. There were a few faint scars along the fur of his ears. I couldn't help it. I reached out
05:53to
05:53touch them. His ears snapped back instantly. He flinched away. This one wouldn't let me touch his
05:58ears either. Sorry. Force of habit. You can touch them now. If you still want to. I didn't hesitate.
06:10I swung up and sat across his waist, braced my hands on his chest, and squeezed his ears between
06:14my fingers. Eli's breathing deepened. His whole body got warmer. He tipped his head back,
06:19eyes half-lidded, watching me. Can we do it again?
06:25We didn't go straight home. I took Eli to a shifter clinic first. The doctor said his healing
06:30ability was excellent. The bruising wasn't a concern, but severe malnutrition. He needed
06:35long-term supplementation. The total for all the supplements cost more than I'd paid for him.
06:40I 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? I held out a new collar and bite guard in front of him.
06:52Slim, black, metal collar. Custom black bite guard to match. I hadn't wanted him to keep
06:58wearing restraints, but the doctor was firm. Don't let a feral wolf's looks fool you.
07:02He could take out your throat in one bite. So I picked the most comfortable version I could find.
07:07When the doctor removed the old bite guard, he held it up to the light.
07:10Fight ring or stress relief. Before this, I mean.
07:15Both. Figured.
07:18Look at these bite marks. He did this to himself when the pain got too bad.
07:22Those are from last night.
07:24I went very still.
07:25In the ring?
07:26No.
07:27He looked at my back.
07:28From when I was being used.
07:30We got home past midnight. Mom and Dad were already asleep.
07:33Ash was probably in Emma's room, as usual.
07:36Come in.
07:39He hadn't moved. He was staring at something on the floor.
07:42I bent down and picked it up.
07:44This is Ash's.
07:47On my first birthday in this house, Mom and Dad had given me Ash.
07:50Zoe's too quiet. We thought having a companion might open her up.
07:54Back then, Ash hadn't shifted yet. Just a small black wolf pup.
07:58Why does she get one and I don't?
08:00You said you wouldn't pick favorites.
08:03He's mine.
08:05She snatched the puppy and ran out.
08:07Didn't come back.
08:08My birthday dinner was ruined.
08:09My birthday present was gone.
08:11Mom and Dad were a mess for days.
08:13I cried too.
08:15I'm so sorry. I made her leave.
08:17It's my fault.
08:18Twelve days later, one girl and one scruffy wolf pup appeared at the front door.
08:23Mom, Dad, I'm so hungry.
08:26I was wrong. I'm never running again.
08:29Mom and Dad rushed out and all three of them sobbed together on the doorstep.
08:32When they finally looked up, Mom's face went guilty the instant she saw me standing there.
08:38Mom, you hit me?
08:40Do you know what the last twelve days were like?
08:42I just got back and you're ready.
08:43Do you ever think about what your sister's last eighteen years were like?
08:48If you ever make Zoe feel unwelcome in this house again, don't call me Mom.
08:53After that, Emma stopped coming after me openly.
08:55She gave Ash back a few weeks later.
08:57Not long after that, he shifted dark curls, soft, downturned eyes.
09:03He tilted his head at me and said his first shifted word.
09:05E.
09:07I'm Emma!
09:09You remember me! You remember me!
09:14Of course.
09:16I remember everything about Emma.
09:19Mom and Dad sighed and put an arm around me.
09:21It took weeks of trying before Ash reluctantly accepted that I was his owner.
09:25But he refused to wag his tail for me.
09:27Refused to let me touch his ears.
09:30Never waited by the door for me.
09:31He only reacted to Emma's footsteps.
09:33He only waited for her.
09:35I watched them every time.
09:36I told myself I didn't really care.
09:38Because Ash's monthly expenses came out of the account in my name.
09:42And Mom and Dad's quiet guilt kept filling that same account.
09:45But lately, I'd been breaking out.
09:46Stress hormones.
09:48The doctor said.
09:49Ash wouldn't touch me.
09:50Eli had shown up at exactly the right moment.
09:52I had no reason to say no.
09:56Sleep with me tonight?
09:58I'll take you shopping for clothes.
09:59Will he mind?
10:00Who?
10:01Ash.
10:02Wolves are territorial.
10:03He doesn't like sleeping with me.
10:05It's fine.
10:06Do you need it again tonight?
10:07Need what?
10:08Stress relief.
10:09I do.
10:10But my legs are killing me.
10:12I have good stamina.
10:13You can just lie there.
10:13That's very considerate of you.
10:15It's nothing.
10:17In the morning, I stepped out of my room at the exact same time as Ash.
10:21Zoe.
10:22Why were you talking in your sleep last night?
10:24All those little sounds, it was loud.
10:26Sorry.
10:27I'll keep it down.
10:28Were you having a nightmare?
10:29I thought I heard you crying.
10:31I was having the time of my life.
10:32If you ever have a nightmare, you can-
10:34Ash, I can't find my slippers.
10:36Don't walk around barefoot.
10:37He 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?
10:44Because you carried me to bed last night and forgot to bring them.
10:47He sat her on his knee, found the bunny slippers, and put them on her feet.
10:50One by one, patient.
10:51Then he headed upstairs to the bathroom.
10:53Perfect service wolf, just not mine.
10:55Zoe, my laundry's in the hamper.
10:58Take it to the dry cleaner.
11:00What's that smell?
11:02What?
11:02He stepped close, pressed his nose to my neck, then inhaled.
11:05The deeper he breathed, the harder his hand gripped my waist.
11:08Zoe, why do you smell like another wolf?
11:10Eli had just opened the door and walked out.
11:13He was half a head taller than Ash.
11:14That's my scent.
11:19Zoe, who is that?
11:20His name is Eli.
11:22He's my new wolf.
11:23What?
11:24You got another wolf?
11:26What about me?
11:27Oh, wow.
11:28Mom, Dad, come look.
11:30Zoe got a new wolf.
11:31This is Eli, our newest family member.
11:34Sir.
11:35Ma'am.
11:35He's even more handsome than Ash.
11:37Competition grade, I assume?
11:38Zoe gets so much allowance.
11:39Competition grade?
11:40He's wearing a muzzle.
11:41His fur is splitting.
11:42His shirt is falling apart.
11:43He's shedding everywhere.
11:45He's feral bottom class.
11:46The kind shelters can't even give away.
11:47Zoe, you only brought him home to mess with me, didn't you?
11:49If he goes feral and hurts you, don't come crying to me.
11:51Zoe, we're not against you keeping him.
11:54We just want you safe.
11:55We can't lose you again.
11:56I won't hurt her.
11:57If it makes you feel better, I'll keep the restraints on.
12:00I can sleep in a crate at night.
12:02Only fight ring wolves sleep in crates.
12:03That's lower than a stress relief slave.
12:05I've already decided he's staying.
12:07Ash's expenses come from Mom and Dad.
12:09Eli's are on me.
12:11Zoe!
12:11Relax.
12:12Given how Zoe grew up, it makes sense she has a thing for low-class wolves.
12:16It's basically her aesthetic.
12:18Mom, Dad, since Zoe has a new wolf, can I have Ash?
12:22He likes me more anyway.
12:24I'm just taking what's left over.
12:26Leftover drained the color from Ash's face.
12:28No.
12:29Ash was a gift from Mom and Dad.
12:31He's mine.
12:32I decide what happens to him.
12:33My certainty knocked something loose in him.
12:36For the first time, Ash wagged his tail for me.
12:38Just barely.
12:39Small, uncontrolled flicks.
12:40Even if you say that, I'm not forgiving you.
12:43I had no intention of giving him away.
12:45Not because I was attached.
12:46First, the budget they gave me for his upkeep was generous.
12:49I pocketed a healthy margin every month.
12:51Second, Ash was worth a lot.
12:52If I ever decided I was done, I could sell him for seven figures.
12:55Why would I hand that to Emma for free?
12:57She's right.
12:58He was given to Zoe.
12:59If you want him, talk to your sister.
13:03A few months earlier, Mom and Dad had planned a family camping trip to get us all bonding.
13:07Seven days.
13:08On the night we set up tents, everyone drank a little too much.
13:10Emma called me sis every five minutes.
13:12I called her sis back.
13:13Mom and Dad were so happy.
13:15When I came back from a cigarette break, I saw Emma in my tent.
13:17The campfire had gone out.
13:19One small lantern flickered inside.
13:20Ash was lying on my sleeping bag.
13:22Emma was slowly crawling on top of him, leaning toward his mouth.
13:25Their shadows overlapped against the canvas.
13:27I watched Ash reach up and tuck her hair behind her ear and kissed her back.
13:31Ash, promise me you won't touch her.
13:33But...
13:34Wait until I'm 18.
13:35It's only a few months.
13:36In this world, a wolf who slept with a human under 18 faced immediate disposal.
13:41You know I have standards.
13:42I don't like her touching me.
13:44Can't we just keep this clean between us?
13:45Ash said yes.
13:48The video ended.
13:50Emma, is this how I raised you?
13:52Using yourself to manipulate a wolf just to spite your sister?
13:55Zoe, I was drunk that night.
13:57I thought it was you coming...
13:59Nobody asked you.
13:59I paid for you.
14:00You're here to serve my daughter, not audition replacements.
14:03I'm calling your cellar today.
14:04Mom, why aren't you yelling at her?
14:05Can't you see how calculating she is?
14:07She recorded it.
14:08I made one stupid mistake and she plays it like this.
14:10Ever since she came back, you love me less.
14:12Are you really gonna let her run my life?
14:14Emma, you did this.
14:15If you hadn't, there'd be nothing to record.
14:17Both of you, this month's allowances go to Zoe.
14:19And you're both grounded for three days.
14:21A large sum landed in my account that afternoon.
14:23Mom and dad's invisible scale tipped a little more in my direction.
14:26I'd been fighting for things my whole life.
14:28This was no different.
14:31Three days without Emma or Ash hovering around.
14:34I took Eli shopping.
14:36Everywhere.
14:37He was a specimen.
14:38Built like every suit had been cut for him specifically.
14:42Everything looked good on him.
14:43So I wanted to buy him everything.
14:46But the best part was watching him in a dress suit.
14:49I went slightly feral and bought 12 custom tailored ones.
14:53Then I was too tired to walk.
14:55Eli carried everything with one arm and me with the other.
14:58I had my arm hooked around his neck.
15:00Tracing the line of his nose with one finger.
15:03Eli, you look like this.
15:05Didn't they try to make you sell yourself?
15:07They tried.
15:09He set me on the bed and dropped to one knee.
15:11Took off my heels.
15:12Swapped them out for slippers.
15:14He'd watched Ash do it for Emma a hundred times.
15:18He hadn't fully adjusted to human scale gentleness yet.
15:21He kept catching himself.
15:23Recalibrating his grip.
15:24But he'd memorized every step.
15:27And?
15:28He went a little pink.
15:29I didn't.
15:30I hurt the client and ran.
15:32They caught me.
15:33I stopped eating to fight back.
15:35They got scared I'd die and cost them money so they threw me in the ring.
15:39I hadn't eaten in three days.
15:41I don't know how I did it.
15:43I bit through the other wolf's throat.
15:45After that, I stayed in the ring.
15:48They kept my food limited so I'd be too weak to resist.
15:52The last fight, I got badly injured.
15:54They figured I was done so they put me on stress relief work.
15:58I survived that too.
15:59This week they were debating sending me back to the ring.
16:03Then you bought me.
16:05Eli was still kneeling.
16:07Wearing the new suit I'd just bought him.
16:09Both hands wrapped lightly around mine.
16:12He had no idea he looked like he was proposing.
16:15I'm not hiding anything from you.
16:18I am a low-class, violent wolf.
16:21I've hurt humans.
16:22I've hurt my own kind.
16:24I grew up without learning to be around people.
16:26I don't know how to take care of someone.
16:28I barely know how to use a fork.
16:30I don't know how hard to hold you without hurting you.
16:33Last night when you cried,
16:35I panicked.
16:39I remembered.
16:40The second time was so much better than the first.
16:43I'd lost control and made a sound I hadn't expected.
16:46I'm sorry, did I hurt you?
16:47I misjudged.
16:49It's my fault.
16:50You can punish me, hit me, starve me, whatever you want.
16:54Just don't cry.
16:55Please.
16:56I remembered the apology going on for a while,
16:58but I'd passed out mid-sentence.
17:00No wonder the atmosphere that morning had been so heavy.
17:03He'd been stewing in it all night.
17:05You didn't hurt me.
17:06I cried because it was good.
17:08He pressed his nose against my neck.
17:10His silver-white ears brushed my face.
17:13I grabbed them.
17:15Eli's breathing hitched.
17:17He reached up, fingers calloused, deliberate,
17:20and slowly traced the side of my neck,
17:23the same spot Ash had pressed his nose against that morning,
17:27methodical, inch by inch.
17:30Are you trying to cover his scent?
17:31It's fine.
17:32I don't mind.
17:33I just don't understand.
17:35You went three days without food to avoid being sold,
17:38but you never fought back against me.
17:41Not once.
17:42You gave up?
17:42He looked up.
17:44His eyes didn't quite meet mine.
17:46They landed on my mouth.
17:47Maybe because you were young and beautiful.
17:49That's an airtight reason.
17:51Maybe because you said you had no experience.
17:54Also because that was the first time I'd ever been kissed.
17:58I just want you to know I am violent and feral,
18:02but I will never hurt you.
18:04Never.
18:05Not ever.
18:06I believe you.
18:08As a reward.
18:13Let me kiss you again.
18:16Eli and I fell into a rhythm.
18:19I finally understood why people spent fortunes on wolves.
18:22With Ash, everything had been a production.
18:25Premium wolves had standards.
18:27I'd had to train with him daily,
18:30manage his nutrition,
18:31force feed him supplements,
18:32and run a full grooming routine
18:34just to keep him in condition
18:36so he could use that condition
18:38to take care of Emma.
18:39Eli was different.
18:41I followed the doctor's supplement plan
18:43and he just glowed.
18:44I felt a little guilty about the contrast,
18:47so I sat him down
18:48and did a proper grooming session on him.
18:51Ash walked in while I had both hands
18:53buried in Eli's foam-covered ears.
18:56Zoe!
18:57That's my special foam soap.
19:00I bought this one for Eli.
19:01Out of your room already?
19:02You must be so pleased with yourself.
19:05Not really.
19:05You got off easy.
19:07But I'll try harder next time.
19:10Zoe, send him out.
19:11I can explain the video,
19:13but I am not sharing this house
19:14with a bottom-class wolf.
19:16You're not sharing anything.
19:18You sleep in Emma's room.
19:19You always have.
19:21Wolves had sharp senses.
19:23Ash had been the only one in the house
19:25who knew about my smoking habit.
19:26He'd always complained my room smelled
19:28and used it as an excuse
19:29to sleep in Emma's room instead.
19:31It's fine, Ash.
19:33You always said she smelled anyway.
19:35Come stay with me.
19:37Zoe, you're going to regret this.
19:40Take good care of him, won't you, Emma?
19:43The house settled into a strange cold war.
19:46Ash and Emma spent a while
19:48putting on a show in front of me.
19:49They were all warmth and sweetness,
19:51trying to get a reaction out of me.
19:53I had none.
19:53As long as they weren't doing it in my face,
19:56I could handle it.
19:58Eli spent a lot of time watching them.
20:01Emma kept flushing every time she caught him looking,
20:03then pretending she hadn't noticed.
20:05He was studying.
20:06He watched every move Ash made with Emma,
20:09the 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
20:19with something half-formed in his expression.
20:21I knew why.
20:22A few days earlier,
20:24I'd heard an argument spilling from Emma's room.
20:26Emma, you haven't groomed me in forever.
20:28You have hands.
20:29Do it yourself.
20:30Am I your pet or am you mine?
20:33My products are running out too.
20:35Then ask Zoe.
20:36It's her account, not mine.
20:39Emma,
20:40why are you like this?
20:42You used to actually like spending time with me.
20:45If you hadn't kissed me that night,
20:47Zoe wouldn't have...
20:48Zoe always groomed you every day.
20:50She never complained about how much work it was.
20:53Blame me?
20:53You didn't exactly stop me.
20:55And now you think she's better?
20:57Then go to her!
20:58Go on!
20:59See if she even wants you.
21:03Did Emma love Ash?
21:05I 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.
21:15After that fight,
21:16Ash deteriorated fast.
21:17He kept starting sentences near me
21:19and never finishing them.
21:20Too proud to ask.
21:22I ignored it.
21:24Until one night,
21:25I was out on the second floor balcony
21:27in my slip dress,
21:28smoking a post-session cigarette.
21:30Ash came up behind me
21:32and wrapped his arms around me
21:33without a word.
21:36Warm 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,
21:54you wouldn't have stopped her either.
21:57That's not true.
21:58Before I shifted,
22:00Emma and I were on the streets together.
22:03A group of guys tried to grab me.
22:05We could have struck and twip had me.
22:08She ran at them,
22:09screaming and crying,
22:10until 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,
22:17I was half as asleep.
22:19I thought it was you.
22:21When I opened my eyes and saw her,
22:23I 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.
22:44Ash,
22:45do you know why I smoke?
22:47Because I grew up with a crew of street girls
22:50who were never going to win any etiquette awards.
22:53When I got caught stealing and got beaten up,
22:55they took the hits with me.
22:57When a man tried to assault me,
22:59they scratched his face apart.
23:02When I had a fever and passed out,
23:04they pulled whatever they had
23:05and dragged me to a back alley clinic.
23:10So,
23:10I had more people doing things for me
23:12than you ever did,
23:13and I never crawled into anyone's bed over it.
23:16Never said yes just because someone asked.
23:18Ash,
23:18you're wired to follow
23:20whoever pays you the most attention.
23:22Someone gives you a little warmth
23:23and off you go.
23:24Ash,
23:24they say premium wolves
23:25have the highest human-like cognitiveness.
23:27I believe it.
23:27You've even evolved past
23:29a dog's most basic trait,
23:31loyalty.
23:31I don't know.
23:32I'm sorry, Zoe.
23:33You never talked about it before.
23:35I didn't know what you went through.
23:36I only ever heard Emma's side.
23:38She made it sound like
23:39you were the one taking things from her.
23:40Like Ash,
23:41and everything that came with him
23:42should have been hers.
23:43If I'd known,
23:44I wouldn't have complained about the smoking.
23:45I wouldn't have helped her
23:46make things harder for you.
23:47His tear-wet face pressed into my collar
23:50and past his shoulder,
23:51two figures in the dark.
23:52The closer one,
23:53tall and still,
23:54was Eli.
23:55The farther one was Mom.
23:56I met her eyes.
23:57My cigarette hand barely paused.
23:59I didn't hide it.
24:01Fine.
24:01She saw.
24:02When I came home,
24:04I'd glossed over the first years.
24:05They'd worked so hard on Emma.
24:07Piano.
24:09Ballet.
24:11Flower arranging.
24:12Everything polished.
24:13Me?
24:14Good at stealing?
24:16Lockpicking with a hairpin.
24:17Chain-smoking before I was old enough to buy them.
24:20I hadn't thought parents who'd replaced me in a year
24:22would love me very much.
24:24Tell them the real version
24:25and 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.
24:40Then she went back to her room.
24:41The hall was dark again,
24:42except for Eli's outline.
24:43He stood watching Ash press his face into my shoulder
24:46and make small, unhappy sounds.
24:49Eli 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.
25:06I'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.
25:23Eli'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?
25:40He took the jacket and said,
25:41No.
25:42You'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.
26:07I reached down and touched his ears.
26:09What is it?
26:10Can't get it cleaned.
26:12What?
26:13Can I take this off?
26:15Licking might work better.
26:16He pointed to his bite guard.
26:18I thought for a moment.
26:20Then unclipped it.
26:21That spot doesn't have his scent on it.
26:24He said.
26:25Didn't stop.
26:26He kissed upward.
26:28Inch by inch.
26:29All the way to my chin.
26:31May I?
26:32He cupped my face in one hand.
26:34Yes.
26:34His kiss was careful.
26:36Unpracticed.
26:37I cracked one eye open to look at him.
26:39Steam and fog all around him.
26:41Eyes shut tight.
26:42Long lashes trembling.
26:44I thought this might have been our first real kiss.
26:48I stopped making Eli wear the bite guard.
26:50Mom and dad kept reminding me to be careful, but they didn't push.
26:54I worked at the family company.
26:55Most days I didn't come home for lunch.
26:58One 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.
27:06Eli 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?
27:38You'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!
27:55Millions?
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.
28:27When 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.
28:42I should have been more careful.
28:43I came downstairs.
28:45Eli, what happened?
28:46It's nothing.
28:47He said softly.
28:48Nothing like what I dealt with in the ring.
28:49I was biting down hard on a laugh.
28:51Yesterday, he'd sworn up and down he had no jealousy whatsoever.
28:54And he'd already planned this.
28:56It's not true!
28:57Ash stumbled over his own words.
28:59He 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.
29:07Zoe, I'm serious!
29:08I'm calling the seller.
29:09This wolf is going back.
29:11Mom 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.
29:25You 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.
29:30That 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.
29:59I had put hope in Ash.
30:01He'd ground it down slowly, over months.
30:03I imagined too much.
30:05I said.
30:06To me, I met his eyes.
30:07You're just a disloyal dog.
30:11I moved fast.
30:12Ash was gone the next day.
30:14I 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.
30:21Either way, he had served his purpose in my life.
30:23Financial conversion.
30:25Complete.
30:25Eli, meanwhile, was draped across my bed looking tragically injured.
30:29He'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?
30:39Yes.
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.
30:58He said carefully.
30:59I'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.
31:11Zoe, you 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.
31:22I was bluffing.
31:23I would never actually hurt him.
31:24I'll be good.
31:25It's fine.
31:26Honestly, I kinda like you with an edge.
31:29In 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.
31:56Mom and dad gave her an apartment.
31:57Downtown.
31:58Good location.
31:59Good building.
32:00Expensive 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,
32:08It'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.
32:17What was in my hand was mine.
32:18Emma swept over with mom and dad on her arm.
32:20Bright eyed and glowing.
32:22Ready 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?
32:41Emma's face twisted.
32:42Mom, dad, do you see this?
32:44Today 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.
32:54We 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.
33:09I 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.
33:18Still.
33:18Pretty.
33:19Ruined.
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.
33:38You borrowed everything.
33:39Emma turned to me slowly.
33:41There 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.
34:11She 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.
34:20The glass in Eli's hand cracked.
34:22I turned my head slightly.
34:24Eli.
34:24He lowered his eyes at once.
34:26Sorry.
34:27The obedience in his voice made Emma's smile sharpen.
34:29Oh.
34:30He listens well.
34:31I walked across the room.
34:33Everyone watched me.
34:34Emma lifted her chin like she expected a slap.
34:37I didn't give her one.
34:39Careful.
34:41Low-class wolves bite.
34:43Her face paled.
34:45Enough.
34:46Emma, the 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.
35:22It 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.
35:38Close 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.
35:46I 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.
36:07Then Ash climbed out behind her.
36:08Thinner than before.
36:10Collar different.
36:11Expression worse.
36:13He looked at me first.
36:14His tail moved once.
36:16Then stopped.
36:17Emma saw it.
36:18Her smile cracked.
36:20Surprise?
36:21I bought him back.
36:23I looked at Ash.
36:25With the apartment money?
36:27Yeah.
36:28I can afford it.
36:30He's mine now.
36:31Ash's face went pale.
36:33No.
36:33I didn't know she was selling the apartment.
36:35I told her not to.
36:36Eli stepped slightly in front of me.
36:38Quiet.
36:40Calm.
36:41Too 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.
36:51Funny, isn't it?
36:52I looked at Ash's new collar.
36:54Emma couldn't hide her triumphant look.
36:56No.
36:57It's predictable.
37:01Emma wanted a reaction.
37:02I gave her none.
37:03It filled her with rage.
37:05For two weeks, she brought Ash everywhere.
37:07Family dinners.
37:08Company lobby.
37:09Even the clinic where Eli went for follow-up checks.
37:11Ash followed her, but badly.
37:13Too quiet.
37:14Too delayed.
37:14Like a dog walking toward an owner while looking back at the door.
37:17Emma noticed every time.
37:18So did Eli.
37:19He said nothing.
37:20That was how I knew he was furious.
37:22At night, he got sweeter.
37:23More careful.
37:23More unbearable.
37:24He'd kneel to take off my shoes.
37:26Brush my hair.
37:27Warm my hands between his palms.
37:28Then look at me like he was waiting for me to compare.
37:31I finally put down my book.
37:33Eli.
37:34Yes?
37:35Are 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.
37:44I sold him.
37:45I know.
37:46I don't want him back.
37:47I know.
37:48You don't sound like you know.
37:51He was expensive.
37:54So?
37:55Premium.
37:57So?
37:59Trained.
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.
38:13Then, because you were mine.
38:15His ears flushed pink.
38:17I 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.
38:27Then 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.
38:40The 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.
38:49Shock collars.
38:50Tranquilizer guns.
38:51Not 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.
39:00It had been restraint.
39:00Downstairs.
39:01Mom screamed.
39:02Dad shouted my name.
39:03Eli glanced toward the door.
39:05Just 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.
39:15The man didn't get up.
39:15Eli!
39:16He froze.
39:17Breathing 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.
39:31Then 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.
39:39Head 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.
39:57Then animal control.
39:58Then 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.
40:13Eli didn't defend himself.
40:14He sat on the edge of the bed with his hands folded.
40:16Too still.
40:17Too obedient.
40:18Like 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.
40:30I 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.
40:40That'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.
40:50No.
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?
41:05Dad?
41:05You brought traffickers to our home.
41:07Mom was crying, but she didn't reach for Emma.
41:10The officer cleared his throat.
41:12About the silver wolf?
41:13Eli stays with me.
41:15Miss?
41:17He protected me.
41:19And if anyone tries to take him, I will bury this department in court until your grandchildren
41:25are tired.
41:27So will I.
41:30So will I.
41:32Eli looked up slowly, like he didn't know what to do with a family standing behind him.
41:38Emma was not arrested that night.
41:40Rich families had ways of making things quiet.
41:43But quiet did not mean forgiven.
41:44Dad cut off her accounts.
41:46Mom 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.
41:56That surprised me.
41:57He stood in the hall with a bandage around his ribs, eyes fixed on the floor.
42:00Come on.
42:02Emma turned on him.
42:03Ash.
42:05After everything I did to get you back?
42:09You didn't get me back.
42:12You 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.
42:19Apologized.
42:19Followed.
42:20This time, his tale 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, but 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, then at Eli.
42:42Eli's expression was blank.
42:44His tale 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.
43:07He didn't understand the joke.
43:08But he looked pleased anyway.
43:11After the attack, I stopped pretending this was only personal.
43:15The traffickers had come through an old chain.
43:17Seller.
43:18Ring handler.
43:18Client list.
43:19Transport crew.
43:21Fake shelter permits.
43:21All connected.
43:23All alive.
43:24All making money.
43:26I took the folder to the company boardroom.
43:29Dad sat at the head of the table.
43:30Mom beside him.
43:31Eli behind my chair.
43:33No bike guard.
43:34No 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.
43:48Death records.
43:49Payment ledgers.
43:50The room went silent.
43:51This is a market.
43:53Illegal.
43:54Profitable.
43:55And sitting close enough to our logistics partners to poison us if we ignore it.
44:00So we don't ignore it.
44:01I tapped the final page.
44:03We fund a rescue center.
44:05Publicly.
44:06Medical care.
44:07Legal shelter.
44:09Rehabilitation.
44:11Placement.
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 Wolves' assessment.
44:25A few people laughed.
44:26Then Eli lifted his eyes.
44:28The laughter died.
44:30He survived the ring.
44:32He 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.
44:45Police 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.
45:04Recognition.
45:04Another whispered.
45:05Silver.
45:07Silver.
45:07Eli stopped.
45:08I looked at him.
45:09What does that mean?
45:11He 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.
45:33By 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.
46:17I 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.
46:26Like 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.
46:36I 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?
46:49The ring.
46:50The center.
46:51Me.
46:52I 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.
47:03Lied for me.
47:04Took 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.
47:13Not careful.
47:14Not tentative.
47:16All of him.
47:17Held nothing back.
47:19When he pulled away, his forehead rested against mine.
47:22How am I supposed to repay you?
47:24I smiled.
47:26Easy.
47:27His ears tilted toward me.
47:29Give me your loyalty.
47:30For the rest of your life.
47:32Eli's tail wrapped around my waist.
47:34Already yours.
47:35And this time, I believed him.
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