- 17 hours ago
Divorced with Nothing, I Married the World's Richest Man :|| New Movie |๐
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Short filmTranscript
00:00My mating ceremony was only two hours away.
00:03Oh my god.
00:04My mate just called to, uh...
00:06I not coming.
00:08300 miles away, taking care of a sick she-wolf with a fever.
00:12He told me to put it off.
00:13I threw every photo of us against the wall.
00:18Cancel the whole thing.
00:20Who said anything about cancelling?
00:22I picked up the phone and called my worst enemy.
00:26Reese Blackwell.
00:28Our packs have been at war for three generations.
00:31Four years fighting each other in college.
00:34Three more tearing each other apart over every deal in this territory.
00:38Last month, he sat across from me at a meeting and told me if I took him as my mate,
00:43the war ends.
00:44I told him to go to hell.
00:46He's the only wolf I can think of.
00:49Six rings.
00:51I was already pulling the phone from my ear.
00:53My mating ceremony is in two hours.
00:55And I'm one mate short.
00:58Interested?
00:59Three seconds of silence.
01:02My heart was slamming against my ribs.
01:04My wolf shivered.
01:06Deep.
01:07Involuntary.
01:08She had never done that before.
01:10I ignored it.
01:11I'm in.
01:11But I'm no one's replacement.
01:13I walk into that ceremony as your mate.
01:15Not his stand-in.
01:18Deal.
01:21Then Evan's parents called.
01:24If you didn't go through with the ceremony, the shame was yours to carry.
01:28Mates in our family know how to be obedient.
01:31If you want a place in our pack, learn to submit.
01:35I hung up.
01:38Join their pack?
01:39In their dreams.
01:41I figured Reese would just meet me at the venue.
01:44I was wrong.
01:46At 9.30, fireworks went off outside my house.
01:50A line of white SUVs filled the entire street.
01:54Every one of them flying blood moon pack banners.
01:57Warriors in black standing in formation.
02:00Two hours.
02:01He did all of this in two hours.
02:04His mother was already downstairs holding my mother's hand.
02:08His father sat across from mine at the table.
02:11Neither of them said a word.
02:14I dragged Reese into a side room.
02:16I told you to meet me at the venue.
02:19What?
02:20Show up alone like some thug.
02:22I have a reputation to protect.
02:24I looked at the motorcade outside.
02:26He had a point.
02:28How did you pull all of this together in two hours?
02:30He looked at me.
02:31Then that slow, easy smile.
02:33Compared to what you've done, this was nothing.
02:37What does that mean?
02:38Nothing.
02:39Come on, my Luna.
02:41My face went hot.
02:42I turned away before he could see it.
02:45None of them knew what was about to walk through that door.
02:4911 o'clock.
02:50300 wolves packed into the hall.
02:52The second we stepped inside, the room went silent.
02:56That's not Evan.
02:58Is that the Blood Moon Alpha?
02:59She switched mates on the day of her ceremony?
03:01I moved toward the microphone.
03:03Reese got there first.
03:05One hand on the mic, the other wrapped around mine.
03:08I'm Reese Blackwell.
03:10Kaia's mate.
03:11Thank you all for being here to witness our seven-year love story.
03:15We've had our share of complications along the way, including a side character always trying to steal my business.
03:20But a side character is all he'll ever be.
03:24Today, the only story that matters is ours.
03:28Laughter broke across the room.
03:30The officiant launched into a speech about enemies becoming soulmates.
03:34If you didn't know the truth, you would have believed every single word.
03:38Then came the rings, not my old ring.
03:40A blessed diamond ring, and it fit perfectly.
03:43The officiant called for the mating kiss.
03:46I turned and offered my cheek.
03:48He hooked one finger under my chin and kissed me on the mouth.
03:52A jolt cracked from my lips straight into my chest.
03:55For the first time in her life, my wolf sat up.
03:58It was just adrenaline.
04:00But my wolf didn't sit back down.
04:02After the ceremony, everyone wanted to see our place.
04:05Could we see your wedding house?
04:06I had nothing ready.
04:07I hadn't even thought that far ahead.
04:10Before I could open my mouth, Reese said yes.
04:13The motorcade stopped in front of a manor I had never seen before.
04:17Moonflowers along the walls.
04:19White silk draped everywhere.
04:21Rose petals across the bed.
04:23The whole place had been transformed.
04:26And on the wall, a massive portrait of the two of us.
04:29It was originally a photo of Evan and me.
04:31Except Evan's face was gone.
04:33Replaced with Reese's.
04:35Perfectly.
04:36Seamlessly.
04:37He had done all of this in two hours.
04:39How?
04:41Money.
04:42That night, I climbed out of the bath and fell onto the bed.
04:46Reese walked out after me, hair still dripping, collar open.
04:50I looked away.
04:52I needed a few days before sharing a bed.
04:55Three days.
04:56After some time.
04:57No.
04:58He grabbed a blanket and moved to the couch.
05:00Same room.
05:02I said I meant the guest room.
05:04You in the bed alone?
05:05Me on the couch alone.
05:06What's the difference?
05:07I had no answer for that.
05:09That night, I slept better than I had in years.
05:12I told myself I was just exhausted.
05:14Then my phone lit up.
05:16Evan.
05:17Evan.
05:17I hesitated.
05:18Reese was off the couch before I could decide.
05:21I picked up.
05:22Evan's voice came through.
05:24Soft, casual, like nothing had happened at all.
05:27I'm on my way back, babe.
05:29Pick me up in two hours.
05:30Evan.
05:32I bonded with someone else today.
05:34He laughed.
05:35Actually laughed.
05:36Who else could you possibly bond with?
05:37He thought I was bluffing.
05:40Reese took the phone out of my hand and put it on speaker.
05:43It's past midnight.
05:44You don't get to call my mate.
05:45Whatever you two had, it's over.
05:53He hung up.
05:55I blocked Evan's number.
05:57I knew Evan wouldn't disappear quietly.
05:59I just didn't expect his parents to show up at my family home by morning.
06:04Disgraceful.
06:05Your granddaughter is shameless.
06:08She betrayed my son, Evan.
06:10She secretly sought out other men.
06:13Your son was holding another she-wolf's hand
06:15while my granddaughter stood waiting to bond with him.
06:19You have the nerve to walk into my house and call her disgraceful?
06:22Get out!
06:23She didn't move, said the land my parents had bought.
06:26It was always meant to belong to both families.
06:30She wanted half.
06:31My mom shot to her feet.
06:33This land belongs to my daughter and her mate.
06:35And her mate's name is Reese.
06:38Her mate is Reese!
06:40And you are leaving with nothing.
06:42Right on cue, Reese's assistant stepped in with a sealed envelope.
06:46Photos, text messages, hotel records.
06:49Complete files on Evan and Mira.
06:51Look.
06:51Everything.
06:52You want a scene?
06:53So do I.
06:54They left without another word.
06:56In one afternoon, Reese won over my entire family.
07:00Or Grandpa, an ancient Alpha Fang pendant.
07:02He'd spent 40 years collecting pack relics.
07:05His eyes went wide.
07:07For Dad, a 60-year Moonridge reserve.
07:13For Mom, a hand-stitched silver cloak.
07:16She'd been chasing traditional wear for years.
07:20By evening, they were all calling his name.
07:22Sweet boy.
07:23Darling Reese.
07:24How does he know about Grandpa's collection?
07:27Dad's whiskey?
07:28Mom and her cloak obsession.
07:34Reese is my cousin.
07:36Excuse me?
07:38Distant.
07:39Very distant.
07:40I would never leak pack business.
07:42Never.
07:42But personal things?
07:44Maybe I mentioned a few details over the years?
07:46Case closed, then.
07:48The elders summoned us.
07:49You switched mates at the altar.
07:51No registered bond contract.
07:53And two enemy packs don't just merge overnight.
07:55This isn't valid.
07:57You have three months.
07:59If the bond is real, we'll recognize it.
08:01If it's not, the bond is void.
08:04Both packs lose their Alpha status.
08:06And both families start over from nothing.
08:08Two packs.
08:09Everything our families had built for generations.
08:12If we failed, all of it was gone.
08:15Reese took my hand and led me outside.
08:18Keep this up.
08:19We won't fail.
08:20Turns out Reese could cook.
08:22Smoked venison with wild garlic, cedar roasted salmon, bone broth simmered for days and somehow tasted incredible.
08:30Every morning, breakfast was ready before I even woke up.
08:33Every night, dinner was waiting when I got home.
08:36He even packed my lunches with notes tucked inside.
08:39Eat your vegetables or I'm telling your mother.
08:42He gave me the bed and kept sleeping on the couch.
08:45Then on the third night, he lifted a brow.
08:48Three days.
08:49I'm allowed in bed now.
08:50Then he climbed in and lay on his side.
08:52At three in the morning, I woke up to his arm around my waist.
08:57My wolf was humming.
08:58I didn't even know wolves could hum.
09:00I told myself I was just cold.
09:05That same week, Reese backed out of the Ridgecrest deal.
09:08The one we'd been fighting over forever.
09:10My pack got it.
09:13Before, your heart didn't belong to me, so I had to contend.
09:18Now you belong to me.
09:20Why would I fight my mate for status and gain?
09:22After dinner, I started clearing the table.
09:25He caught my wrist.
09:26These hands are not made for dishes.
09:27That's my job.
09:28He loaded the dishwasher wrong twice.
09:30Still wouldn't let me touch a single plate.
09:33And I thought about Evan.
09:35One time, I cooked for him, and he wrapped his arms around me from behind.
09:39He told me how lucky he was to have such a good, obedient mate.
09:45That's not what Reese wanted.
09:47Reese just wanted me sitting down while he figured out the dishwasher by himself.
09:52The elder summoned us.
09:54You switched mates at the altar.
09:56No registered bond contract.
09:58And two enemy packs don't just merge overnight.
10:01This isn't valid.
10:02You have three months.
10:04If the bond is real, we'll recognize it.
10:06If it's not, the bond is void.
10:09Both packs lose their alpha status.
10:11And both families start over from nothing.
10:14Two packs.
10:15Everything our families had built for generations.
10:17If we failed, all of it was gone.
10:20Reese took my hand and led me outside.
10:23Keep this up.
10:24We won't fail.
10:25Turns out, Reese could cook.
10:27Smoked venison with wild garlic.
10:29Cedar roasted salmon.
10:31Bone broth simmered for days and somehow tasted incredible.
10:35Every morning, breakfast was ready before I even woke up.
10:38Every night, dinner was waiting when I got home.
10:41He even packed my lunches with notes tucked inside.
10:45Eat your vegetables or I'm telling your mother.
10:47He gave me the bed and kept sleeping on the couch.
10:50Then on the third night, he lifted a brow.
10:53Three days.
10:54I'm allowed in bed now.
10:55Then he climbed in and lay on his side.
10:57At three in the morning, I woke up to his arm around my waist.
11:02My wolf was humming.
11:03I didn't even know wolves could hum.
11:05I told myself I was just cold.
11:10That same week, Reese backed out of the Ridgecrest deal.
11:13The one we'd been fighting over forever.
11:15My pack got it.
11:17I smoke commercial wrong guy.
11:19Before, your heart didn't belong to me.
11:21So I had to contend.
11:23Now you belong to me.
11:25Why would I fight my mate for status and gain?
11:28After dinner, I started clearing the table.
11:30He caught my wrist.
11:31These hands are not made for dishes.
11:32That's my job.
11:33He loaded the dishwasher wrong twice.
11:35Still wouldn't let me touch a single plate.
11:37And I thought about Evan.
11:40One time, I cooked for him, and he wrapped his arms around me from behind.
11:44He told me how lucky he was to have such a good, obedient mate.
11:50That's not what Reese wanted.
11:52Reese just wanted me sitting down while he figured out the dishwasher by himself.
11:58At the pack gathering, every high-ranking wolf in the territory was there.
12:03Then Mira walked in.
12:05Delicate.
12:06Beautiful.
12:07The kind of fragile pretty that made every alpha want to protect her.
12:13She came straight toward me and apologized in front of everyone.
12:18Kaya, I apologize for what Evan and I have done.
12:22Every wolf in the room was watching her.
12:25If I rejected her, I'd look cold.
12:27If I accepted it, she won.
12:29Honestly, Mira, thank you.
12:30If you hadn't kept Evan busy that night, I never would have called Reese.
12:35This is probably the biggest favor I've ever done for you.
12:39Then I lightly patted her hand.
12:42I wish you and Evan well.
12:44You two are suited for each other.
12:46Her smile stiffened.
12:48Then she turned and walked away.
12:50Later, over by the drinks, she found Reese alone.
12:54You are Reese, right?
12:55I'll toast you.
12:56Consider it a gesture of reconciliation.
13:00Reese took the glass.
13:02Works for me.
13:03Then he drank it.
13:05That night, Reese went quiet.
13:07Not his usual kind of silence either.
13:10Not the teasing kind.
13:11Reese?
13:12Something else.
13:13His eyes looked empty.
13:14And it took him three full seconds to answer.
13:17At two in the morning, I woke up.
13:19The bed was empty.
13:21He was standing by the window, staring straight ahead.
13:24He turned toward me but his eyes were blank, like he was looking right through me.
13:28Then three seconds later, he blinked and came back.
13:32His hand was shaking.
13:33Next afternoon, he went out to run errands and came back two hours later.
13:37He couldn't remember where he'd been, and his clothes smelled sharp and bitter, like burnt herbs.
13:42He grabbed his wrist.
13:43What is that smell?
13:45He looked down at his sleeve and his face changed.
13:47I don't know.
13:48That night, I didn't sleep at all.
13:50I just watched him.
13:52He was restless.
13:53His wolf was whining in his sleep.
13:56A thin, broken sound.
13:58And I knew it.
13:59This all started with that drink.
14:05The next night, someone came to the door.
14:07It was Evan.
14:08He looked like he hadn't slept in weeks.
14:11Mira was still in the car behind him.
14:15I'm not here to win you back.
14:16I'm here to warn you.
14:17Mira had gone to a witch in the Eastern Territory.
14:20She'd had him under a spell for four years.
14:23Every time she called him, his mind went blank.
14:25His body just moved on its own.
14:28A healer found traces of the curse in his blood.
14:32It had been there for four years.
14:35Then he looked at me with those hollow eyes.
14:38She used the same spell on Reese at the gathering.
14:40One drink was all it took to trigger it.
14:42I stared at him.
14:43So now you're the victim?
14:45You want me to feel sorry for you?
14:46I'm just trying to help-
14:47Four years, Evan.
14:49You didn't fight it once.
14:50If you really loved me, you would have fought.
14:52He flinched, because he knew I was right.
14:55Then he looked past me at Reese.
14:58So you finally got what you wanted.
15:00You've been hung up on her for years.
15:03What does that mean?
15:04Evan gave this bitter little laugh.
15:07Ask him how he got your courtship photo.
15:09After that photo was taken, I sent it to him.
15:11Told him to give up.
15:12Then he turned and walked away.
15:14Mira slowly pulled the car alongside him.
15:17Leaning toward the window, begging him to get in.
15:19He ignored her.
15:20She kept following him down the road.
15:22I watched her through the windshield.
15:24I didn't hate her anymore.
15:26She was awful.
15:27And pathetic.
15:29Then I turned back to Reese.
15:31That photo?
15:32Was it real?
15:34Yes.
15:35How long?
15:36Seven years.
15:37His ears turned red.
15:38Nyla tracked down the witch.
15:40The curse worked in three stages.
15:42First came confusion.
15:44Memory gaps.
15:45Blank spells.
15:45If there was a second contact within three days, the target would start seeking out the
15:50caster.
15:51A third contact within seven days, and the curse became permanent.
15:55Reese was still in stage one.
15:57He had six days left.
15:59There was no cure.
16:00No counterspell.
16:02The only thing that could break it was a true mate bond.
16:06A wolf's instinct would reject outside magic.
16:09If our bond was real, his wolf would tear the curse apart.
16:13If it wasn't, the curse would consume him completely.
16:17My hands went cold.
16:18I know you said no strings attached, but this is a little crazy.
16:20This whole thing started as a deal.
16:21I called him because I needed a mate.
16:24Was any of it real?
16:25Because it was a good arrangement?
16:27Was any of it real?
16:29Well, day three, day four, day five.
16:32I watched him.
16:33He still cooked, still packed my lunches, still made me laugh.
16:38But sometimes his eyes would go blank for a split second.
16:41And every night his wolf made that low, aching sound.
16:46The curse was pulling at him.
16:48Around midnight his phone rang.
16:51Unknown number.
16:52He stared at the screen.
16:54His thumb hovered over accept.
16:57My heart stopped.
16:59Then he set the phone down, turned over, and pulled me closer.
17:04His voice was rough.
17:06His jaw was tight.
17:08Sweat beaded across his forehead.
17:10He was fighting the curse wide awake.
17:13He made his choice.
17:14He chose to stay.
17:16For four years, Evan got those same calls.
17:19And every time he answered.
17:21Not because the curse was stronger.
17:23Because he never had a strong enough reason to stay.
17:26But Rhys did.
17:28Day six, three in the morning.
17:30Rhys bolted upright in bed, soaked through, dragging in air.
17:34Are you okay?
17:36I was in this darkness.
17:39Something kept pulling at me.
17:40I couldn't see anything.
17:41What happened?
17:43My wolf pinned me down.
17:45Wouldn't let me move.
17:46Then I caught your scent.
17:48And I woke up.
17:50He was still shaking, but his eyes were clear.
17:53I held his face in both hands.
17:54He closed his eyes, then opened them again.
17:57Yeah.
17:58It's gone.
18:00His wolf conquered the curse.
18:02Not because of a ritual.
18:04Not because of a healer.
18:06But because of a seven-year bond no witch could ever touch.
18:10Same curse.
18:11Same witch.
18:12Same method.
18:13Evan gave in to it for four years.
18:16Rhys shattered it in six days.
18:18The difference was never the curse.
18:20It was who they were willing to fight for.
18:22The next day I found Meera.
18:24The witch.
18:25The curse.
18:26Four years on Evan and then you moved on to Rhys?
18:29You think a wolf like me has choices?
18:31No pack.
18:32No family.
18:33No status.
18:34Evan was my only chance.
18:35You took four years away from me.
18:38He stole my entire goddamn life!
18:42That's for the four years.
18:43And your curse didn't work on Rhys.
18:45Because he actually loves me.
18:48She looked at me for a long time.
18:51Then she turned and walked away.
18:53That night, Rhys' mother came by.
18:55She pulled me aside.
18:56There's something you need to know.
19:00Then she took my hand.
19:02When he was a sophomore in college, he asked his father to move the entire pack into this territory.
19:07His father thought it was business.
19:09It wasn't.
19:13There was a girl here.
19:14A she-wolf he couldn't forget.
19:18The night before your ceremony with Evan, Noyola told me the girl he loved was marrying someone else.
19:24So I went to see him.
19:27He was sitting alone in the dark.
19:29Your portrait was on the screen.
19:31There was an empty bottle beside him.
19:33My son hadn't cried since he was five.
19:35But that night, the wolf inside him was howling so hard it felt like it could tear through the walls.
19:42The next morning, he called me and said he was bonding with you.
19:46I thought he'd lost his mind.
19:47Then he said, with the one person I've always wanted, I have never heard that much joy in his voice.
19:53Take good care of him, Kaya.
19:55He's always loved you.
19:57I asked Reese about it.
19:58He shrugged.
19:59I just liked you.
20:00You moved your entire pack for me?
20:02Business decision.
20:03You cried the night before my mating ceremony?
20:06Allergies.
20:07In November?
20:08Seasonal.
20:10I laughed so hard my ribs hurt.
20:13He covered my mouth with his hand.
20:15If you tell anyone, I'll deny all of it.
20:18I pulled his hand away.
20:19Remember freshman year?
20:21That training event we both went to?
20:23I was flirting with the team captain.
20:25He offered to grab my water bottle.
20:27You snatched it first, chugged the whole thing, then handed me back the empty bottle.
20:32I was thirsty.
20:33You were jealous.
20:35I was thirsty.
20:36He caught my wrist, pulled me down onto the couch, and pinned me there.
20:40You say one more word, and I'll drag you to that bed and keep you there forever.
20:45I stopped breathing.
20:46Then he kissed my forehead and stood up.
20:51Dinner in ten.
20:51The next week, Nyla and I went out to inspect a project site.
20:55A steel beam came down on my head.
20:58Blood everywhere.
20:59They rushed me to a healer.
21:01Bad concussion.
21:02Three days of bed rest.
21:04Minimum.
21:04Before they even finished stitching me up, Reese was there.
21:08His face gave nothing away, but his jaw was locked tight.
21:12He looked at Nyla.
21:13She looked at the ceiling.
21:14Honestly, I already knew.
21:17He stayed all three days, slept in a chair, handled every meal, every dose of medicine,
21:23every bandage change.
21:25When I tried to wash my hair, he took the shower head right out of my hand.
21:31He washed my hair himself, then he dried it, lock by lock, careful around the stitches.
21:38I tried to hand wash my underwear.
21:41He reached into the basin and took it from me.
21:43You have a head injury.
21:44I know what it is.
21:46Then he washed it, hung it up, and didn't even blink.
21:49This man had spent seven years taking shots at me every chance he got, and now he was crouched
21:55over a wash basin, cleaning my underwear like it was the most normal thing in the world.
22:28Well played, my boy.
22:29Smoothly, even Grandpa didn't notice.
22:32Then my mom brought up her favorite TV drama, and somehow Reese knew everything.
22:37The actors, the plot twists, even the gossip.
22:41By the end of the night, both families were sitting around the same table laughing together.
22:46Our mothers were already planning brunch and shopping trips.
22:49His father and mine just nodded at each other.
22:52For two old school men, that was basically a blood oath.
22:55At the door, my grandfather pulled me aside.
23:00He's a good one.
23:02Don't let him go.
23:03A week passed, and I became completely spoiled.
23:07Reese took over everything.
23:09Cooking, cleaning, laundry.
23:11Every time I reached for a sponge, he took it away.
23:14If I tried to cook, he guided me back into a chair.
23:18One morning, he was standing at the stove.
23:20I walked up behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist.
23:23You're spoiling me.
23:24I'm losing my edge.
23:26You didn't have much of an edge before me, did you?
23:30What if you leave?
23:32I'm lost without you.
23:34That's exactly the idea.
23:36I want you spoiled.
23:38I want you addicted to my cooking.
23:41To the way I handle you.
23:42You won't find another man who treats you like this.
23:45Not for any price.
23:46What if you get tired of me?
23:48I spent seven years loving you from before.
23:50You really think I'm letting you go now?
23:52Then he kissed me.
23:55You're not getting rid of me.
23:57Accept it.
23:58We still hadn't completed the official marking, and Reese had never once pushed it.
24:04When my mother asked about it, he told her we weren't in a rush.
24:10Choose me because you want to.
24:12Not because of some three-month limit or the elder's rules.
24:14When you're ready, say the word.
24:16And if I'm never ready.
24:18Then I'll keep cooking for you and washing your underwear until one of us dies.
24:22I laughed, but something in my chest ached.
24:26He meant that.
24:27He'd already waited seven years.
24:29He would wait seven more.
24:31Then the three-month deadline hit, and the elders called us back in.
24:35First, they sent an observer.
24:37She watched us eat.
24:38Watched him pour my coffee.
24:40Watched me straighten his collar.
24:42May I see your wolves?
24:44Reese shifted first.
24:45A massive black wolf.
24:47Gold eyes.
24:48Then I shifted to.
24:50Silver gray.
24:52Smaller.
24:53My wolf had always been quiet.
24:56His wolf came over and pressed his nose to my neck.
24:59Mine leaned right back into him and rubbed her head under his chin.
25:03The observer watched for ten full minutes, then stood.
25:06The bond is real.
25:08I'll report that to the council.
25:09I shifted back, my face burning.
25:12Reese shifted too, grinning like he'd won something.
25:15Your wolf likes me.
25:16My wolf is a traitor.
25:19A week later, the elders formally recognized our bond.
25:23Both packs kept their status.
25:27And that same week, I walked out of the healer's clinic and found out I was pregnant.
25:32Mark me, Reesey.
25:33For real.
25:36Really?
25:37Really.
25:39You sure?
25:40Because once I mark you-
25:40Reese.
25:41Mark me.
25:42He waited until we got home.
25:44Until it was just the two of us.
25:46Moonlight spilled through the windows.
25:47And the second his teeth touched my neck, my wolf howled for the first time in her life.
25:53His wolf answered instantly, like they'd been waiting for that moment since before we were born.
25:59Later, he texted everyone.
26:03His mother cried.
26:05My mother cried too.
26:07I knew I liked that boy.
26:09Then Nyla texted me.
26:11That night, I had my head on his chest.
26:13Yeah?
26:14Thanks for answering that.
26:15His arm tightened around me.
26:17Actually, I waited seven years for that call.
26:19If I hadn't been trying to act cool, I would have picked up on the first ring.
26:22His heartbeat stayed slow and steady under my ear.
26:26It was bad.
26:27Someone screaming in my head to walk out that door.
26:30But you didn't.
26:31For seven years, I watched you from across rooms.
26:34You really think some witch's trick was scarier than that?
26:37But Evan couldn't fight it.
26:39Evan didn't have anything worth fighting for.
26:41Outside, the moon was full.
26:43My wolf wasn't hiding anymore.
26:45Wasn't silent anymore.
26:46She was exactly where she wanted to be.
26:50Home.
26:51And that same week, I walked out of the healer's clinic and found out I was pregnant.
26:56Mark me, Reesey.
26:57For real.
26:59Really?
27:01Really.
27:02You sure?
27:03Because once I mark you-
27:04Reese.
27:05Mark me.
27:06He waited until we got home.
27:07Until it was just the two of us.
27:09Moonlight spilled through the windows.
27:11And the second his teeth touched my neck, my wolf howled for the first time in her life.
27:17His wolf answered instantly, like they'd been waiting for that moment since before we were born.
27:22Later, he texted everyone.
27:27His mother cried.
27:28My mother cried too.
27:30I knew I liked that boy.
27:33Then Nyla texted me.
27:35That night, I had my head on his chest.
27:37Yeah?
27:38Thanks for answering that.
27:39His arm tightened around me.
27:40Actually, I waited seven years for that call.
27:43If I hadn't been trying to act cool, I would have picked up on the first ring.
27:45His heartbeat stayed slow and steady under my ear.
27:49It was bad.
27:51Someone screaming in my head to walk out that door.
27:54But you didn't.
27:55For seven years, I watched you from across rooms.
27:58You really think some witch's trick was scarier than that?
28:00But Evan couldn't fight it.
28:02Evan didn't have anything worth fighting for.
28:04Outside, the moon was full.
28:06My wolf wasn't hiding anymore.
28:08Wasn't silent anymore.
28:10She was exactly where she wanted to be.
28:13Home.
28:14She was the most beautiful she-wolf I'd ever seen.
28:17Not because of her face.
28:19Because of her laugh.
28:20Full-out, fearless laughter.
28:22Like she had no idea what it did to people.
28:25I liked her the first time I saw her.
28:27By the end of the first week of college, I was already in love with her.
28:31Our first touch.
28:32Day one.
28:33Reaching for the same pen.
28:35And a jolt hit me like a physical blow.
28:37It went straight to my chest.
28:39My wolf lunged for her.
28:41She was my fated mate.
28:43I knew it instantly.
28:44She felt nothing.
28:45Pac-bonds only wake at the same time when both wolves are ready.
28:50Mine woke early.
28:51Hers was still asleep.
28:53I didn't know how to tell her.
28:54So I just kept showing up.
28:56Every day.
28:57Right in front of her.
28:58She noticed.
28:59She hated it.
29:01Reese Blackwell is the most annoying wolf alive.
29:03She wasn't wrong.
29:05He ruins everything on purpose.
29:06That part, I didn't know.
29:08I just wanted you to look at me.
29:09Senior year, a virus wiped out her thesis files.
29:13I stayed up all night restoring them.
29:15She looked at me.
29:15Then looked again.
29:16Reese.
29:19She said my name.
29:20That was the first time I ever thought it sounded good.
29:23After graduation, she chose Evan.
29:25My wolf howled for three days.
29:27Not because she picked someone else.
29:29Because she picked a wolf with nothing in him that matched her.
29:32I could feel it.
29:33He wasn't her fated mate.
29:34I was.
29:35But I couldn't tell her.
29:36If I did, she might choose me out of guilt.
29:39Out of duty.
29:40I didn't want that.
29:41I wanted her to choose me because she wanted to.
29:44The night before her wedding to Evan, I sat alone in the dark.
29:47Her portrait was still on my screen.
29:49There was a bottle in front of me I never even finished.
29:52My chest hurt like a wolf's howl until dawn.
29:56Then the phone rang.
29:58Her name lit up the screen.
29:596.30 in the morning.
30:011, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
30:05I answered.
30:07Kaya?
30:08I'm having the ceremony today, but I'm missing a mate.
30:11My wolf slammed against my ribs so hard it almost hurt.
30:16I'm in.
30:17Easiest words I ever said.
30:19She still doesn't know she's my fated mate.
30:22She thinks what we built came from a deal.
30:25From two people choosing each other under pressure.
30:29She doesn't need to know.
30:31If she did, she'd feel guilty.
30:33For hating me all those years.
30:35For loving the wrong wolf.
30:37For not feeling from the start what I felt from day one.
30:40I don't want her guilt.
30:42I want her choice.
30:43And she chose me without knowing the truth.
30:46No goddess whispering in her ear.
30:48Just her own heart.
30:50To me, that's worth more than fate ever could be.
30:53Her wolf knows.
30:54She's always known.
30:55She just hasn't told Kaya yet.
30:57And that's okay.
30:58I can wait.
30:59After seven years.
31:01What's a few more days?
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