Ditched by Wolves, Claimed by the Serpent is a dark fantasy romance drama where loyalty, betrayal, and supernatural bonds collide. A woman rejected by a powerful wolf pack finds herself caught in the grasp of a mysterious serpent force, far more dangerous and seductive than anything she has ever known. As rival beasts fight for dominance, her destiny becomes the center of an ancient supernatural war.
This cinematic drama blends wolf pack fantasy, serpent mythology, forbidden romance, and emotional power struggles into a viral short movie experience. Perfect for fans of alpha beasts, supernatural love triangles, dark fantasy worlds, and intense emotional storytelling filled with danger, desire, and fate.
#DitchedByWolves #ClaimedByTheSerpent #DarkFantasy #WolfDrama #SerpentRomance #ShortDrama #ShortMovie #ShortFlim #ShortFilm #ViralDramaSeries #TrendingDrama #LoveStory #FamilyDrama #EmotionalDrama #ModernDrama #HistoricalRomance #ReelsShort #FullEpisode #AlphaWolf #FantasyRomance #BeastDrama #CinematicDrama #ViralStory #DramaSeries #SupernaturalRomance
This cinematic drama blends wolf pack fantasy, serpent mythology, forbidden romance, and emotional power struggles into a viral short movie experience. Perfect for fans of alpha beasts, supernatural love triangles, dark fantasy worlds, and intense emotional storytelling filled with danger, desire, and fate.
#DitchedByWolves #ClaimedByTheSerpent #DarkFantasy #WolfDrama #SerpentRomance #ShortDrama #ShortMovie #ShortFlim #ShortFilm #ViralDramaSeries #TrendingDrama #LoveStory #FamilyDrama #EmotionalDrama #ModernDrama #HistoricalRomance #ReelsShort #FullEpisode #AlphaWolf #FantasyRomance #BeastDrama #CinematicDrama #ViralStory #DramaSeries #SupernaturalRomance
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:02Afraid the snake gets jealous?
00:05His feelings aren't my concern.
00:07But I genuinely can't be bothered to see you.
00:09I'm not your owner anymore.
00:11You are! We never thought of Chloe as our owner!
00:14We never touched her either!
00:16If you'd wanted, we would have helped you disappear from that wedding a long time ago!
00:21So in your eyes, I'm still your owner.
00:25But in mine, you haven't been worth that in a long time.
00:33Director Ashford, these contracts need your review.
00:36Come in.
00:37I set the pen down.
00:40Before you go, let everyone know.
00:42Those three shifters downstairs are not to be let up.
00:45If they come back, have security remove them.
00:48Understood, Director.
00:49Also, you have a meeting shortly.
00:51What coffee would you like?
00:52Oh, right. The meeting.
00:55I picked up my phone and sent Vance a small emoji.
00:58A little pat.
00:59Might be home late.
01:00Be good and wait for me.
01:01Without waiting for a reply, I stood, smoothed the front of my jacket, and walked out.
01:08Actually, no coffee.
01:10Just water.
01:11Tell everyone in the conference room.
01:12Of course.
01:13Director Ashford.
01:15Vance was often with me when I worked.
01:17Sometimes, when I'd been absorbed in something too long,
01:20A cool, smooth tail would drift over and coil slowly around my waist.
01:25Why is he so clingy, I sighed, more fond than exasperated, and stroked a tail in what I hoped was
01:31reassuring.
01:32Human form this time, please?
01:34Human form is genuinely too much for me.
01:41Okay.
01:43I never asked about his other identity, whether he was the heir to some family or the head of some
01:48organization.
01:48What his name meant in the world outside these walls.
01:51I wasn't curious.
01:53I only needed him here.
01:54That was enough.
01:55The way Ethan had once said, at the airport.
01:58We actually have our own names.
01:59I don't need to know.
02:00And I don't want to.
02:01That had been the end of it.
02:03As for the business deals Vance had quietly helped put into motion, I chose not to notice.
02:08I simply rewarded him from time to time.
02:10Small things.
02:11Warmly given.
02:12Vance had hurt Eric and Evan badly enough that it had taken time for them to recover.
02:16By the time they were well, I was gone.
02:19They couldn't find me.
02:20Eventually, it seemed they'd left the Ashford estate too, until recently.
02:27Director Ashford, there are three people downstairs requesting to see you.
02:31They say their names are Ethan, Eric, and Evan.
02:36Put them through.
02:37Yes, ma'am.
02:39Elena?
02:41You're back in the country?
02:43I am.
02:46Come meet us.
02:48No time.
02:49Not interested.
02:50I stepped into the role Chloe had been holding, and I was better at it.
02:55The group began to stabilize.
02:57My father's condition improved somewhat.
02:58I mentioned it to Vance, absently, in the top floor office.
03:06When a sick person suddenly gets better, sometimes it's a last flare of strength before the end.
03:11Vance's pale fingers wound slowly through a strand of my hair.
03:16I see.
03:19Father got worse again.
03:22His current condition left him with no real grip on the company.
03:26He knew it.
03:27I went to visit him.
03:32Sign over whatever shares you have left.
03:35All of them.
03:35The man in the hospital bed, frail now, aged past recognition, erupted in fury, but all he could do was
03:43cough.
03:44You built this company?
03:46Do you want to watch Chloe run it into the ground?
03:49He glared.
03:50I smiled.
03:51Give a little now, and I'll make sure she's taken care of.
03:55You've already seen what she becomes without me.
03:58That's your precious daughter, when you're not watching.
04:05Father.
04:07I'm your daughter, too.
04:09I have your blood.
04:12Who better to leave it with?
04:14He stared at me for a long time.
04:16Something painful moved behind his eyes.
04:19I smiled.
04:21Everything was in place.
04:23Tall, striking, almost violently beautiful.
04:25She recognized him.
04:26Her sister, as a child, had found a half-dead, venomous snake and refused to leave it alone.
04:31Chloe had screened at her then.
04:32Get away from it!
04:34Are you insane?
04:35Her kind, oblivious sister hadn't listened.
04:37She'd nursed the snake back to health.
04:38Her sister had probably forgotten all about it.
04:40Chloe remembered, so she brought Vance home.
04:42She knew why he agreed.
04:43He could smell her sister's presence in the house.
04:46Traces left from childhood.
04:47Here to repay a kindness?
04:49What a pity.
04:49My sister won't even know who you are.
04:51Vance didn't like Chloe.
04:52Not even a little.
04:53And the more he didn't, the more she wanted that to change.
04:56It never did.
04:56Then her sister called, wanting to trade.
04:58Chloe barely thought about it, and said yes, good.
05:01Let this cold snake see exactly what kind of person her sister is.
05:04How she opens her hands for everyone, and how quickly she can close them.
05:07As expected, the three wolves took to Chloe almost instantly.
05:10But what she hadn't expected, her sister had genuinely forgotten Vance.
05:14And yet, she still treated him gently, instinctively.
05:17Why?
05:17After everything that's been done to her, why can't she just stop?
05:20A dying snake as a child.
05:22A litter of abandoned wolf pups.
05:23She picked them all up.
05:25Impossible.
05:26Infuriating.
05:26It was fine.
05:27Her sister was about to be forced into a marriage with a man who'd outlasted three wives.
05:31The pressure would crush her.
05:32Would she come crawling to Chloe then?
05:34The way Chloe used to visit?
05:35Bringing gifts to that small apartment.
05:37Surprise, sis.
05:37Playing the generous sibling.
05:39Would she finally be desperate enough to need Chloe's help?
05:41That would be the right choice.
05:42Come to her sister.
05:43Not scatter kindness into the void.
05:45Chloe thought about all of it with something close to pleasure.
05:48Until she realized her sister had played her.
05:51As they got older, Chloe learned something.
05:53She was prettier than her sister.
05:54Not that her sister was ugly.
05:55She was genuinely lovely in a quiet, clean way.
05:58But Chloe had inherited every striking feature with perfect precision.
06:02Head to toe.
06:02So the pattern became this.
06:04Those who saw Chloe first, then her sister, looked vaguely let down.
06:08Those who saw her sister first, then Chloe, looked stunned.
06:12Every time this happened, Chloe thought to herself,
06:14Her sister must be so hurt.
06:16So humiliated.
06:18When they were teenagers, her sister drew attention.
06:20The Ashford family's eldest daughter.
06:22Graceful enough that boys noticed, despite everything.
06:25Inevitably, those boys noticed Chloe and redirected.
06:28Of course they did.
06:29She was brighter, prettier, warmer, pathetic, shallow idiots.
06:32Chloe thought it internally.
06:33All contempt.
06:34But honestly, if they'd spent more time with her sister, they'd have found out.
06:38Her sister was smarter and more interesting than anyone gave her credit for.
06:41Too bad they lacked the patience to look past the surface.
06:44At that thought, Chloe would feel something almost like pity.
06:48Poor thing.
06:48No matter how kind her sister was to everyone, people still chose Chloe.
06:52She imagined her sister in the dark, seething with jealousy, hating her.
06:55Somehow, that thought made the exhaustion of performing warmth all day vanish.
07:00Chloe would hum to herself, lighter.
07:02Then she met a snake shifter.
07:10Chloe, come here!
07:20When the others saw Chloe, their expressions shifted to something like wonder.
07:25Chloe walked over.
07:26Her sister reached into her pocket and pressed a candy into her hand.
07:30I saved this for you.
07:33Strawberry, your favorite.
07:35Chloe took it happily.
07:36Then one of the girls said,
07:39Elena is so thoughtful.
07:41She remembers everyone's favorite.
07:43Chloe's smile went stiff.
07:44Why?
07:45She was her sister.
07:46Why was she this nice to everyone?
07:47Shouldn't she save the best of herself for Chloe?
07:49Chloe turned and walked away.
07:55Behind her, voices floated.
07:58Is that your sister?
08:00She's gorgeous.
08:01Like a doll.
08:02Her eyes are so big.
08:04Her skin...
08:04She didn't hear what her sister said back.
08:06She turned the corner and dropped the strawberry candy into a trash can.
08:10I switched to an overseas number.
08:12No one could reach me.
08:13Chloe never ended up marrying the man.
08:15The two families became enemies.
08:17When I returned, my parents had aged.
08:19My father spent most of his time in a hospital bed.
08:22They couldn't trust the extended family with the company, so they'd given it to Chloe.
08:25But under Chloe's management, the group was declining.
08:28Steadily.
08:29Then I walked through the door.
08:31My mother's hand rose on instinct.
08:33She was going to slap me.
08:34I stepped back.
08:35I smiled.
08:36Are you sure?
08:38I'm the only one who can save you now.
08:40Froze mid-air.
08:41I looked over.
08:42Chloe had her eyes locked on me.
08:44Sharp and searching.
08:45But she looked nothing like before.
08:47The polish was gone.
08:48She was frayed.
08:49Worn down by everything she'd been holding together.
08:51I let her too.
08:52Long time no see, little sister.
08:54For her gaze away.
08:55And burst into tears.
08:57Chloe had hated her sister since childhood.
08:59Why?
08:59It started in primary school.
09:01The fan sat beside me on the flight.
09:03He looked down.
09:04Long lashes casting a faint shadow across his cheeks.
09:08So?
09:10You really were going to take the groom's place and marry me?
09:14Hmm.
09:16You move fast.
09:18After realizing I wasn't there, it slipped out immediately.
09:21That brief shadow on the live stream?
09:23Only I would have recognized it.
09:24Your scent went faint.
09:26Right.
09:27The terrifying thing about shifters was their sense of smell.
09:30Precise and absolute.
09:32I'll be overseas for a while.
09:34Until the timing is right to come back.
09:36Vance leaned in close.
09:38That cool, faint air of his wrapped around me.
09:41His lips pressed lightly to the side of my neck.
09:45This time, he didn't bite.
09:46I almost smiled.
09:47They said wolves were canines.
09:49Bonded hard.
09:50But this cold-blooded snake seemed more bonded than any of them.
09:54Over the months that followed, the Ashford family fell into disarray.
09:58Vance settled behind me.
09:59His chin coming to rest on my shoulder.
10:01One arm loosely circling my waist.
10:04Unembrace.
10:04Cool as winter air.
10:07I'm talking to you.
10:08Vance smiled.
10:10Why?
10:11Something unsettling in it.
10:12Would it make you happy if something happened to them?
10:15I paused.
10:16Eric and Evan were Ethan's brothers.
10:18Why would their getting hurt make him happy?
10:20Ethan's throat moved.
10:24Where are they?
10:25No idea.
10:26Probably close to dead, though.
10:28Ice went through me.
10:30But Ethan, contrary to everything I'd expected, didn't turn and run.
10:35You're both leaving.
10:37Together.
10:38Together.
10:39Isn't it obvious?
10:40Why are you taking him?
10:42The vein at Ethan's temple stood out.
10:44Are you alright?
10:46Chloe gave him to me.
10:48I'm his owner.
10:50Then you're still mine!
10:51You all belong to Chloe now.
10:53Don't you remember?
10:56You're the one who sent me to her.
10:59Something dark pooled in his eyes.
11:01I heard everything you said in the living room that morning.
11:05How much you all liked Chloe.
11:06I was doing you a favor.
11:09And now you're turning it around on me?
11:11You heard all of that?
11:13I had nothing more to say to him.
11:15I pulled Vance by the hand and turned to go.
11:18Ethan moved to follow and was stopped by the airport security I'd quietly arranged in advance.
11:23At the airport, my phone rang.
11:28The fake husband.
11:29His voice was hard.
11:31Come back.
11:32Marry me.
11:33What's your problem?
11:34You're not worth it.
11:35I blocked him, too.
11:39Honestly, I'd overlooked him.
11:40I hadn't thought he'd be this delusional.
11:43I'd been waiting for a while when a shadow fell across me.
11:46I smiled without looking up.
11:48You're here.
11:48I raised my eyes.
11:49Ethan, I blinked.
11:51What's that face?
11:53Disappointed?
11:55Who were you expecting?
11:57Vance.
11:57His expression went cold.
11:59You really can't catch a break.
12:00He's not coming.
12:01I nodded.
12:02Kept my face easy.
12:03Ethan dropped into the seat beside me.
12:05I didn't expect you to actually pull off an escape.
12:07Don't bother me.
12:08I really...
12:08I cut him off.
12:09He shut his mouth.
12:10Bit down on his back teeth.
12:11He switched tactics.
12:13No cold edge this time.
12:14Where are you going?
12:15Not your business.
12:16Elena.
12:17Where are Eric and Evan?
12:19Ethan's expression changed.
12:22They're blocking Vance, aren't they?
12:25His face went tight.
12:27Then I saw him.
12:28Vance came through the crowd in long strides.
12:30A dried cut at his temple.
12:32Marks on his neck.
12:33Something low and dark in the set of his expression.
12:35When he reached me, the sharp smell of blood came with him.
12:37Hey, wait.
12:38Are you okay?
12:40Ethan clenched his jaw.
12:44What did you do to them?
12:49Chloe's perfect face was streaked with tears, shaking her head, backing behind my father.
12:54Father's face was iron gray.
12:56Where's Elena?
12:57Find her!
12:58She's gone too far!
12:59You had feelings for me.
13:01Her sister was willing to step aside for us, and you can't even...
13:03I have no idea what's going on.
13:05Since my son loves Chloe, why not let Chloe take her place?
13:07It's still a happy occasion for both families.
13:09I'd had the foresight to block my parents, a butler, and Chloe before leaving.
13:13Even with the groom's mother trying to smooth things over, they couldn't afford to make a scene.
13:17My mother went still, then looked at Chloe.
13:19Chloe bit her lip.
13:20Her voice came out.
13:22No!
13:23What do you mean no?
13:24Were you lying to me this whole time?
13:25Don't you have feelings for me?
13:26I don't!
13:27You had three wives die on you!
13:29Why would I ever like you?
13:30Complete chaos.
13:34I watched with genuine satisfaction.
13:36Then I spotted Ethan, Eric, and Evan in the corner of the frame.
13:40Their expressions were something else entirely.
13:42The left side was also empty.
13:44The venue erupted.
13:45I stared at the screen.
13:46Two minutes later, my fake husband rushed in.
13:49He recovered, took the microphone.
13:52Actually, today's bride was never Elena Ashfun.
13:54The bride I've been waiting for is my true love, Miss Chloe Ashfun!
14:00That was when Vance's call came through.
14:05Where are you?
14:06On the way to the airport.
14:07You...
14:08Before I could finish asking, a news alert pushed to my screen.
14:11Male family heir confirmed for tonight's high-profile wedding.
14:15Not a pure human.
14:16Reports indicate he is a shifter.
14:17I tapped it immediately.
14:19A tall, unmistakable silhouette.
14:21Comments below.
14:22Looks like a snake shifter.
14:23Cold-blooded running a corporation.
14:25Actually kind of fitting.
14:26Something clicked in my mind.
14:28Vance, were you just trying to...
14:29Trash the wedding.
14:30I swallowed it back.
14:31I'm planning to lay low abroad for a while, until things settle.
14:33I hung up.
14:34If Vance wanted to follow, he would.
14:36If not, I didn't mind either way.
14:38I turned back to the livestream.
14:39Total chaos at the venue.
14:41The wedding day arrived.
14:42The city's most prestigious hotel.
14:44Over 30,000 white roses cascading from the ceiling.
14:47Crystal chandeliers threading through the waterfall of petals.
14:50Long tables draped in ivory jacquard.
14:53Champagne flutes standing in neat rows.
14:55Catching the light with a faint golden tint.
14:57Every detail was breathtaking.
14:58Big budget.
14:59I took one look, then was ushered into the backstage dressing room.
15:02Over the next three hours, the guest list filled.
15:04From backstage, I heard the steady murmur of congratulations.
15:07My parents appeared several times to confirm I was still there and cooperating.
15:11I looked at myself in the mirror.
15:13Flawless makeup.
15:13Then I checked the clock.
15:15The ceremony was about to begin.
15:16I'd already taken care of the makeup artist and assistant in advance.
15:19I gathered the heavy skirt and slipped out.
15:21Elena, the bathroom's straight ahead.
15:23The assistant kept pace.
15:24So no one in the hallway questioned it.
15:29Once inside, I stripped off the gown efficiently and changed into the clothes she'd stashed in her bag.
15:34Something light, with sneakers, and opened the window.
15:37A black car was parked close by.
15:39First floor.
15:39I climbed onto the sill and dropped down cleanly.
15:44Once in the car, I called Vance.
15:50Two rings.
15:51No answer.
15:52I frowned.
15:52Maybe the venue was too loud.
15:54He didn't hear it.
15:55Head to the airport.
15:55The car pulled into traffic.
15:57I opened my phone and found the live stream.
15:59My fake husband had insisted on broadcasting the ceremony.
16:02He wanted the world to see the moment Chloe stepped forward out of love.
16:05Lucky for me, that made watching very convenient.
16:08Please welcome our bride and groom from both sides!
16:12Both doors opened simultaneously.
16:14The right side, where I was supposed to stand, was empty.
16:17I laughed.
16:17Then I looked at the left side.
16:19A shadow.
16:19There for just a second.
16:21My smile faded.
16:24Vance?
16:24The days before the wedding, I was perfectly calm.
16:27I tried on jewelry.
16:29The estate, meanwhile, had developed its own sustained low-pressure system.
16:33Even Chloe, who normally at least maintained the pretense of civility, stopped by to take a shot.
16:38Didn't expect 5% of the shares to be enough to break you.
16:41I had no reaction.
16:42That seemed to infuriate her more.
16:44Do you know how much I'll have eventually?
16:46When father's gone, all of it comes to me.
16:49I paused.
16:50I actually looked at her.
16:52She looked satisfied.
16:54Jealous?
16:55The filial piety in this household is truly something I couldn't help but think.
17:01Pathetic.
17:01Evan kept his face blank.
17:03Eric nodded.
17:04Ethan scrolled through his phone and said nothing.
17:06Pathetic?
17:07Are they talking about me?
17:08I didn't care what they thought.
17:10I was watching Vance.
17:11He wasn't as dark as I'd expected.
17:13He just lifted his gaze.
17:15And those black, fathomless eyes met mine.
17:18That's when I realized it.
17:19When his eyes weren't carrying that cold hostility.
17:22They were beautiful.
17:23The shape subtle.
17:24The outer corners lifting just slightly.
17:27An unintentional, almost lazy quality to the look.
17:30The day I came home with a marriage certificate and my fake husband.
17:34The entire Ashford family was seated at the dining table.
17:37Everyone's face said something different.
17:38The news about the arranged marriage had already spread through the household.
17:42I caught Vance's eye from across the room.
17:45A small, reassuring look.
17:46His expression was flat.
17:48But I could feel it.
17:49The suppressed hostility simmering underneath.
17:51The faint darkness around him.
17:53It was fine.
17:54Once everything was resolved, I had a place for him and what came next.
17:56I gave him a small, calm smile from across the room.
17:59He glanced at me once.
18:00Then looked away.
18:02When I slipped into the kitchen to help carry dishes, Eric was at the sink.
18:06You don't like him.
18:08Who?
18:08Your husband.
18:10Eric smiled pleasantly.
18:14Elena, ask me nicely and I'll help you run.
18:16I looked at him.
18:17He clarified.
18:18The other two are on board too.
18:20The other two.
18:20Ethan and Evan.
18:22That explained why all three of them had been off today.
18:24Eric's voice dropped, just a shade too deliberate.
18:26You don't want to spend the rest of your life with someone you don't even like, do you?
18:30Mind your own business.
18:32You'll regret this, Elena.
18:34Regret?
18:36After dinner, Chloe chatted brightly with my fake husband, effortless and radiant.
18:42I slipped away to the study alone and signed the share transfer documents.
18:47Next week, the grand wedding and the show was just getting started.
18:51A few days later, a private room at a cafe.
18:54I took a calm sip of coffee.
18:56I looked across the table and cut straight to the point.
18:58I know you're in love with Chloe.
19:00He looked up, surprised, set his phone down.
19:02I also know you've been approaching our family with a marriage proposal.
19:06You want Chloe.
19:08But they keep deflecting you with the excuse that the eldest daughter has to marry first.
19:13Who wouldn't prefer your sister?
19:15She's not indifferent to me either.
19:17She just says she won't compete with you because you liked me first.
19:21I have a way to get you what you want.
19:24What way?
19:25We get a fake marriage certificate.
19:27If Chloe really does feel something for you, she'll get jealous when she sees us together.
19:32Right?
19:33A fake certificate?
19:34People only realize what they want when they think they're losing it.
19:38If you act close to me, let her see it.
19:40She'll be devastated.
19:42Then, at the ceremony itself, I disappear.
19:46No bride.
19:47She won't be able to stand watching you humiliated in front of everyone.
19:50She'll step in.
19:56Then you tell her, it's always been her.
19:59Have a ring ready.
20:00Something chosen just for her.
20:01She'll be moved.
20:04That's not wrong.
20:09I know we'd never make each other happy.
20:11You love Chloe that deeply and she feels something for you.
20:14I'd rather the two of you get to be happy.
20:18Miss Ashford, I misjudged you.
20:20I had no idea you were so generous.
20:23As long as you're both happy.
20:26First, snakes were notoriously insatiable.
20:29Snake shifters, even more so.
20:31If Chloe hadn't said he was celibate, I never would have asked for him.
20:35Second, certain things were simply too much.
20:37But I really am getting married, so I'll probably need to give you back to Chloe for now.
20:42She won't be marrying anytime soon.
20:44Something moved behind Vance's eyes at last.
20:46Right as something brutal flickered across his gaze, I asked quietly,
20:50Do you wanna go back to Chloe?
20:53Have I made you miserable?
20:56No, you're actually pretty proactive about the housework.
21:01The next second, he lowered himself over me, his shadow swallowing everything.
21:08Then don't even think about getting rid of me.
21:11I was quiet.
21:12Then I reached out and gently touched his tail.
21:15Don't worry.
21:17About what, exactly?
21:19I shook my head inwardly.
21:21I had a plan already.
21:22I haven't lived here in months.
21:24It's still that strong?
21:26Something dangerous spread through the air.
21:29I genuinely feared he'd consume me, his sharp teeth dragged against my collarbone.
21:36You just took us to press his yesterday.
21:39I brought you up here to tell you something.
21:42I'm getting married.
21:44Vance didn't release me the way I expected.
21:46Instead, his tail coiled tighter, and I was lifted and dropped onto the bed.
21:50He loomed over me.
21:51Then his tail slipped beneath the hem of my shirt.
21:54I grabbed it on instinct, then looked away fast.
21:58He watched me, gaze darkening.
22:01You dislike me?
22:04No, that's not...
22:06Aren't you my owner?
22:07Shadow fell over me.
22:08Or are you afraid?
22:10Honestly, a little.
22:14I came back downstairs to the same, quiet.
22:17I walked over to Vance.
22:18I also had something to say to him.
22:20Let me show you my room.
22:22Evan looked at me suspiciously.
22:24You haven't been back in months.
22:25What's there to see?
22:29Want to come too?
22:31Who said I did?
22:32Chloe was picking through the fruit bowl.
22:34Father's still home.
22:36Maybe it's not appropriate.
22:38Her voice was deliberate.
22:40You have three shifters with you.
22:42I'm bringing one to my room.
22:43What exactly is inappropriate?
22:48We never...
22:50You make a fair point, sis.
22:53But Vance still has to be willing.
22:56Every pair of eyes in the room turned to the man with the perfectly unreadable face.
23:00Let's go.
23:01I nodded and gestured for him to follow.
23:04Whatever the others looked like behind me, I didn't care to check.
23:07My room was white and minimal.
23:08Clean.
23:09Someone had kept it dusted.
23:11I cleared my throat.
23:12Ready to speak.
23:12Something coiled around my waist.
23:14The tail.
23:15Your scent is so strong here.
23:19Register the marriage first.
23:21Hold the wedding after.
23:22Father leaned back in his chair and sifted his tea.
23:25Once everything is settled, I'll transfer the 5%.
23:28I didn't hesitate.
23:30I want the shares the moment the certificate is signed.
23:32The teacup hit the saucer hard.
23:34The lines around his eyes deepened with irritation.
23:36You really have that little faith in your own family?
23:38I sighed.
23:39I'm just worried Chloe might throw a fit and my share disappears again.
23:43He flinched, visibly.
23:44The irritation held, but after a long beat, he relented.
23:47Come back with your husband and the marriage certificate.
23:50It said everything about what my compliance meant to them.
23:52And beyond that, this share transfer would also serve as a gesture of loyalty to the man I was marrying.
23:57After all, assets acquired during marriage get split between spouses.
24:00I didn't comment on any of that and stood to leave.
24:04You'll stay at the estate until the wedding.
24:07No wandering off.
24:08And those shifters?
24:09Cut that off before the ceremony.
24:12That single sentence detonated.
24:14Evan unfolded himself from the couch, pulling that sharp grin.
24:18Come again?
24:19Then a cool hand yanked me behind him.
24:22Vance smiled, barely.
24:24Back off.
24:25Eric's expression hardened.
24:26What did you just say?
24:27The tension in the room snapped taut.
24:30Then Chloe came down from upstairs, all brightness.
24:33I could hear you from my room.
24:34What's going on?
24:35They think the mark on my neck is a hickey.
24:38They seem unhappy about it and want to investigate.
24:42Predictably, Chloe's smile flickered.
24:45Her gaze settled on my neck.
24:49So is it?
24:51What do you think?
24:52I deflected.
24:53She didn't answer.
24:54Silence.
24:56Ethan sauntered over, hands in his pocket.
24:58You always covered marks like that.
25:00Why show it today?
25:02Probably because I don't consider this a hiccup.
25:04That seemed to click for the others.
25:06Evan blinked.
25:06Now that you mention it, you used to cover everything.
25:09Eric's eyes narrowed.
25:11Sis, father wants you in his study.
25:13You don't need to follow her up.
25:14I slipped my hand quietly from Vance's grip and paused.
25:18I looked back at the room.
25:19Don't give him trouble.
25:23We give him trouble?
25:25Elena, in your eyes we're-
25:28I turned and walked away before he could finish.
25:29Silence behind me.
25:31Back at the Ashford estate.
25:33The entire first floor.
25:35Just Ethan, Eric, and Evan.
25:37The atmosphere was awkward.
25:39Evan set down his game controller and glanced up, eyes tracking from me to Vance.
25:44Ethan drawled.
25:46Why are you here?
25:48It's my house.
25:49Can I come back?
25:50Ethan's expression didn't change, but the corner of his mouth curved up slightly.
25:53I stared.
25:54Eric set down the fruit he'd been arranging and walked toward me.
25:59Chloe said you refused to come home for months, and now you show up.
26:02Did you miss us?
26:04I stepped back.
26:05Before I could speak, Evan stopped.
26:06Don't even wonder.
26:07Without us, she couldn't last a day.
26:09She doesn't look particularly heartbroken to me.
26:13Ethan's eyes snapped up.
26:15Who asked you?
26:16Sharp, hostile energy surged through the room.
26:19I reached back quickly and pressed my hand over Vance's, cool beneath my palm, trying to calm him.
26:24The same as yesterday.
26:25Wolves and snakes were both apex level shifters.
26:28If they actually fought, it wouldn't end clean.
26:31What, you brought him here to make us jealous?
26:35Snakes are cold-blooded.
26:36And from what Chloe says, this one's worse than most.
26:39No feelings at all.
26:42You don't actually think you can change him, do you?
26:44Then, Eric grabbed my jaw.
26:47Fingers tight.
26:48Uncomfortably tight.
26:49His stare locked onto my neck.
26:51The mark from last night.
26:53His voice came down slow and deliberate.
26:55What's that?
26:56A hickey?
26:57I rushed after him.
26:59Found him bent over the washing machine, pulling out clean laundry, piece by piece, hanging it to dry.
27:03Eric had put my clothes in the wash that morning.
27:05He hadn't taken them out before he left.
27:07I watched Vance's long fingers handle my clothes and scratched my cheek.
27:11I'll buy a dryer in a few days, then you won't have to do this.
27:13Vance said nothing.
27:15I never got the chance to buy that dryer.
27:16The next morning, an uninvited guest appeared.
27:20The Ashford estate's butler stood at my door with measured deference.
27:24Miss, your father says you've had enough time.
27:28It's time to return and proceed with the arranged marriage.
27:31No.
27:32The butler smiled.
27:35Miss, this is the wish of both the master and madam.
27:39He stepped aside.
27:41Several bodyguards materialized behind him.
27:44I laughed coldly.
27:46Aren't you worried I'll stab the man with a knife on the wedding day and then kill myself?
27:50The butler's expression faltered.
27:51The master said, should you agree to the marriage, you will receive 5% of the Ashford group's shares.
27:58My hand on the door went still.
28:00The butler seemed to have anticipated exactly this.
28:02The car is waiting downstairs.
28:07Also, the second miss asked that you bring Mr. Vance along.
28:11I glanced back at Vance.
28:13We made eye contact.
28:14His dark eyes were as unreadable as ever.
28:17Yet somehow, a chill crawled down my spine.
28:21Good thing the door had closed in time.
28:23The scent hadn't drifted out.
28:24The footsteps faded.
28:26I pushed the snake shifter off and didn't let myself look at his tail.
28:29I rummaged quickly for the heat suppressants.
28:31The same ones I'd used on Ethan, Eric, and Evan during their heat cycles.
28:36When it became too much, even for me.
28:38Plenty left.
28:38I tossed them to him, then went to wash my face.
28:41When I came back to the living room, his tail was gone.
28:44The man was draped across the couch.
28:46Long legs crossed.
28:47Expression back to its cold, shuttered default.
28:50He glanced up at me.
28:52I thought you were...
28:53I started confused.
28:54Celibate?
28:54His voice was low and rough.
28:56It's a theological response.
28:57It's been too long since my last suppressor.
28:59Oh.
28:59Knowing Chloe's personality, if she'd actually wanted to sleep with him, she wouldn't have
29:03kept him on suppressants.
29:04And judging by what had just happened, it wasn't like he could hold back indefinitely.
29:07So how had he been managing before?
29:09But if he didn't want to say, I wasn't going to pry.
29:11I poured a glass of warm water and handed it to him.
29:14Rest today.
29:14You can help with the housework tomorrow.
29:16And if you need more recovery time, take it.
29:18He cut me off.
29:19You treated them the same way?
29:20I blinked.
29:21Them.
29:22He meant Ethan and the others.
29:24I was quiet for a second, then nodded.
29:26Equality between pure humans and shifters was the standard now, technically.
29:30But given a shifter's nature, the bonding, the recognition of owners, there was always
29:34emphasis on extending extra consideration to them.
29:38Long quietness.
29:40My name is Vance.
29:41I registered it and smiled.
29:42Nice to meet you.
29:43I'm Elena.
29:44He stood, expressionless, and walked toward the balcony.
29:47The bedroom isn't that way.
29:48Wait, are you going to jump?
29:50If you don't like it here, I can ask Chloe to take you back.
29:52But his tail cushioned the impact.
29:54It didn't hurt.
29:54His breath spilled across my neck.
29:56My skin broke into shivers.
29:58Then, sharp knocking at the door, Eric's voice from outside.
30:02Are you okay?
30:03My fingers stirred.
30:04The pale, cold, gold, vertical pupils staring down at me seemed to darken.
30:08The coil around my waist tightened.
30:10I didn't reach for the door.
30:11Are you in pain?
30:13Let me get you some heat suppresses, okay?
30:15The pressure around me paused.
30:17The mating scent that had been thickening stopped spreading.
30:20More knocking.
30:21Harder now.
30:21Chloe's voice uncertain.
30:22Sis?
30:23Are you both okay in there?
30:25I thought I'd calmed him down.
30:26I let out a breath.
30:27I was about to speak.
30:28A coldness at my neck.
30:30He bit me.
30:31Not soft, like claiming something.
30:33And yet beneath it, a trace of something almost indulgent.
30:36I muffled a sound.
30:37My voice came out slightly adrift.
30:39We're fine.
30:40You can go.
30:42Ethan's drawl.
30:43You sure?
30:44She said she's fine.
30:46Evan cut in, impatient.
30:47Then, a beat later.
30:48Elena, that snake didn't hit you, did he?
30:51No.
30:52I bit my lower lip.
30:53Behind my neck, a cool tongue traced over the mark.
30:56Chloe didn't explain.
30:57She studied my expression.
30:58Nothing there.
30:59Maybe one of them should stay with you.
31:01You seem upset.
31:03Evan didn't move from Chloe's side.
31:05Ethan leaned against the wall, bored.
31:07Eric's smile stayed thin and cool.
31:09No one spoke.
31:10Chloe wasn't surprised.
31:12She gave me a small, comforting smile.
31:14Between the two of us, I was never the one who got chosen.
31:18We'd both made peace with that a long time ago.
31:20And him?
31:21At my words, Chloe's posture barely shifted.
31:24Then, she turned towards the door.
31:26Come in!
31:27Heavy footsteps.
31:28A man stepped forward, tall, with an almost aggressive stillness to him.
31:34The next second, I was looking directly into a pair of dark, shadow-filled eyes.
31:41His gaze came from above, sticky, appraising.
31:44I broke out in goosebumps.
31:46He didn't acknowledge me.
31:48He's just like this, sis.
31:50If it's too much, tell me and I'll take him back.
31:53Who is he?
31:54Chloe clearly didn't want to explain.
31:56I didn't know where to begin either.
31:58She smiled and pivoted.
32:00The car's waiting downstairs.
32:02Shall we?
32:03The wolves were quiet for a beat, then didn't push further.
32:07They followed Chloe out on long strides.
32:09The snake shifter stayed.
32:11I was about to close the door when...
32:13Eric looked back at me.
32:15Something unreadable in his face.
32:17And the man beside me suddenly contracted his pupils into a cold, a smooth tail wound around my waist.
32:24A strange, overwhelming scent burst through the air.
32:30You... you're in heat!
32:34Not keeping one for yourself?
32:36Which of you wants to stay with me?
32:38The air curdled.
32:39No one answered.
32:40Finally, Evan got up and went to open the door.
32:43He rolled his eyes, a flick of contempt on his face.
32:46Stop pretending to be decent.
32:47Both of you.
32:49Chloe's bright smile filled the frame.
32:51Hi, boys.
32:52My sister already explained things, right?
32:55You all belong to me now.
32:57Hey there, new mistress.
33:00Chloe looked him over with satisfaction, then let her gaze sweep across Eric and Ethan.
33:04You're all gorgeous.
33:06Did you pack?
33:08Actually, never mind.
33:09I'm sure my sister couldn't afford to buy you much anyway.
33:12We'll get everything new at the villa.
33:13Ethan gave a lazy murmur of agreement.
33:16Eric glanced at Chloe, then slid his eyes over to me.
33:19I kept my face blank.
33:20Every set of eyes in the room landed on me at once.
33:23Chloe noticed.
33:24She walked up to me.
33:25Don't worry, sis.
33:27I'll take better care of them.
33:28And when you're done playing house, just come home and do the arranged marriage.
33:33Stop stressing mom and dad.
33:36Arranged marriage?
33:37What arranged marriage?
33:39I quietly turned back.
33:40I was used to it, honestly.
33:41Everyone gravitated toward Chloe.
33:43She was radiant and magnetic.
33:45Every gesture, every smile pulled at people without even trying.
33:49Standing next to her, I felt exactly like what I was.
33:52Plain and unremarkable.
33:54Chloe glanced around.
33:55Your apartment is so much smaller than the family estate.
33:58Is there even enough room for them?
34:00It's fine.
34:00Then I watched Ethan, usually disinterested in everything, let his gaze drift to Chloe.
34:06Eric's devastating smile turned itself on her instead.
34:09Even Evan, the moody one, propped his head up to stare at her, his wolf ears flickering
34:14nonstop.
34:15Chloe didn't seem to notice.
34:16She sipped her water with perfect innocence.
34:19In that moment, I knew.
34:21My things were about to drift quietly toward Chloe again.
34:24After that, the gentle, clingy warmth disappeared.
34:27They became cooler.
34:28Like they wanted me destroyed.
34:30Like they couldn't stop themselves.
34:32Until I heard their conversation.
34:33I'd been right all along.
34:35One look at Chloe, and they'd fallen.
34:38The afternoon came fast.
34:39A knock at the door.
34:40Chloe arrived.
34:41The silence that had settled over the apartment deepened into something heavier.
34:45You're really giving all three of us to her?
34:48Yes.
34:49I found the three wolf pups on a wet, gray afternoon.
34:53They were collapsed on the concrete.
34:55Firm matted, blood soaked from the rain.
34:57I almost walked away.
34:59But then, one of them flicked its tail.
35:01Just twice, slow and weak.
35:03Then curled it around my ankle.
35:05I couldn't leave them.
35:06I brought them home.
35:07Under my care, they recovered fast.
35:09A few months later, they hit their maturation phase.
35:12And all three of them shifted into men.
35:14I should have brought them to a shifter registry.
35:16But the registry told me they'd already bonded.
35:19Recognized me completely as their owner.
35:21Releasing them without care would cause serious psychological harm.
35:25I looked at those three pairs of beautiful eyes.
35:27And caved.
35:28I let them stay.
35:29They said they had no names.
35:31So I gave them some.
35:32Oldest to youngest.
35:33Ethan.
35:34Eric.
35:35Evan.
35:35Young, hot-blooded wolf shifters with energy to burn.
35:38Even in human form, they couldn't stop their ears and tails from flickering.
35:42Clinging to me every hour of every day.
35:45Then one afternoon, Chloe called.
35:48Sis, aren't you going to come home for the arranged marriage?
35:50The man has had three wives die on him.
35:52And he's ugly.
35:53But his family has money.
35:55I looked away.
35:56That was exactly why my family had cut me off after I fought the arrangement.
36:00They couldn't bring themselves to send Chloe in my place.
36:03So instead, they applied steady, relentless pressure on me.
36:06Eric.
36:07Eric, who always read the room perfectly.
36:09Don't like the call?
36:10Hang up.
36:10What was that voice?
36:11I took the opening to change the subject.
36:13I rescued three injured wolf pups a while back.
36:16They just shifted recently and they won't leave me alone.
36:19We can barely keep up.
36:21A few seconds of silence.
36:22I'm honestly jealous.
36:24My snake shifter won't even let me touch him.
36:27He'll warm up eventually.
36:28Chloe just gave a soft, unconvinced hum.
36:31The next day, she showed up at my door with bags upon bags.
36:34She wore a pretty little white dress, beaming at me.
36:38Surprise, sis.
36:39I turned around.
36:40All three shifter's eyes went straight to her.
36:44The three wolves I saved wanted me in bed every single day.
36:48But the truth is, they didn't like me.
36:49They just wanted to use me to get close to my sister.
36:52So I called her and asked to switch mates.
36:55Three horny wolves in exchange for one cold serpent.
36:58Today, after being fully claimed, I fell into sound sleep.
37:02Thank God, look at her.
37:03That body, that stamina.
37:05And she thought she could handle three of us.
37:07Doesn't matter.
37:08The second she taps out, she'll hand us off to her sister.
37:10She can't even get out of bed right now.
37:12A few more days of this and she'll give up on us for good.
37:14The conversation from the living room kept going.
37:16They thought I was still asleep.
37:18I kept my eyes low, watching the marks on my wrists and legs
37:21and the amber glow of the bedside lamp.
37:23Every single one of them.
37:25Unmistakable.
37:26She's not going to hand all three of us over to her sister.
37:28Right, which means at least one of us stays.
37:31Ugh.
37:31Elena's dull and boring.
37:33You want to stay?
37:33Go ahead.
37:34I don't.
37:35Same.
37:36Whatever.
37:36Fate decides.
37:38Is she up yet?
37:39No way.
37:39She was crying so hard she nearly passed out.
37:41She's not waking up anytime soon.
37:44So weak.
37:44Let's get her up in a bit.
37:45A few more days of this and she'll give up on us.
37:47My vision went dark.
37:48I reached for my phone, face pale, and called Chloe.
37:52She picked up fast.
37:53What's wrong, sis?
37:55Weren't you just saying you were unsatisfied?
37:58Take all three of mine.
38:00Give me that celibate snake shifter of yours.
38:04Is that okay?
38:05Are they willing?
38:06They like you.
38:08She understood because it was the truth.
38:10Everyone liked Chloe more.
38:13All right.
38:14Your place is small anyway.
38:15Not really ideal for them.
38:16But my snake shifter, sis?
38:19He's cold.
38:20If he weren't celibic, I wouldn't have asked for him in the first place.
38:25I'm completely wrecked.
38:28I just need someone to handle the housework.
38:33I just hope he doesn't turn out like these three wolves.
38:36Don't worry.
38:37I haven't managed to tame him yet.
38:39He's not going to be interested in you.
38:41I'll come pick them up this afternoon.
38:43The line went dead.
38:44That exact second, the bedroom door swung open.
38:47You're up?
38:48He crossed the room and reached for my blanket.
38:50Wait.
38:51What is it, mistress?
38:52I'm exhausted.
38:53I need to rest.
38:54Can't do that, he said easily.
38:56Mistress, you took us in.
38:57That means you're responsible for us.
38:58We're nowhere near satisfied.
38:59If you rest, what are we supposed to do?
39:04Chloe's coming to take all of you this afternoon.
39:07He went still.
39:08The two leaning in the doorway froze too.
39:11Which two of us?
39:13All of you.
39:14I'm happy for us.
39:14Horse, you look for us.
39:14O aplausse.
39:14I have an attempt to reach for us.
39:14To be right.
39:14Keep me.
39:14Let me do it.
39:14Let me do it.
39:14And let me do it.
39:15Honey, lucky visuals.