- 5 hours ago
Dreamed Mate MOVIES
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00For six months, I've dreamed of surrendering to a wolf every night.
00:04Well, he was an alpha, actually.
00:06We lost ourselves in passion night after night.
00:08I didn't have a wolf, but I felt like I was bonded to him.
00:11After I got a boyfriend, he whispered in my ear,
00:14Break up with him, will you?
00:16I didn't want to refuse, but between moans, I forced the word out.
00:20No.
00:21But every dawn, I wake up unable to remember his name.
00:24Six months later, I finally found him.
00:26Good news, he's just as breathtaking as in my dreams.
00:29Bad news, he's my boyfriend's alpha brother, the ruthless hockey captain.
00:34Julian Blackwood told me to come home with him to meet his pack.
00:37When he told me that, he didn't ask for my opinion.
00:40Dress nice, something sexy.
00:42It's winter, sexy isn't happening.
00:47You got a problem with that? So we can break up.
00:49He shrugged as if he didn't care at all.
00:51He knew I would never break up with him.
00:54I don't have money for new clothes.
00:56Sure is.
00:57He transferred $50,000 to my account.
01:00Take the money. I'm off to the party, don't bother me.
01:02Then waved me off like a fly.
01:04Outside his private locker room, Julian was already joking around with his hockey teammates.
01:09Yeah, bringing her home. I bet Chloe must lose her mind.
01:12Would you think I'd actually like some wolf-less girl?
01:15She's just a prop to make Chloe jealous.
01:18Chloe and I were a thing for four years without meeting the parents.
01:21One month with this girl and I'm already introducing her?
01:24I'm sure Chloe would be lying naked on my bed when she finds out.
01:27He let out a cheeky whistle.
01:29His hockey buddy gave him a playful punch.
01:31What about your family's opinion?
01:33She's the kind of girl my brother can't stand.
01:35Her wolf hasn't even awakened.
01:37To him, she's barely a wolf at all.
01:39A month ago, Julian Blackwood, the school's dream boy, suddenly asked me to be his girlfriend.
01:44Everyone knew Julian had just broken up with his cheerleader girlfriend.
01:48Coming to me now meant one of two things.
01:51Rebound or entertainment.
01:53Either way, he has no sincere feelings for me at all.
01:56But I still said yes because I needed the money.
01:59To cover my mother's surgery costs, I'd been working hard.
02:03Then her condition got worse and I couldn't wait anymore.
02:05And right at that moment, Julian confessed me to be with him.
02:09The Blackwood Pack ran half the state.
02:12Old money, old bloodline, and a dynasty built on sports.
02:16I heard that Julian's older brother was the alpha heir.
02:19Right after he graduated, he was made captain of the Ridgemont Wolves,
02:23America's top-ranked state hockey team.
02:25If they snag the Stanley Cup this year, it'll be a three-peat.
02:29Julian played hockey too, but only in the uni.
02:31But I never cared about hockey.
02:34I cared about money.
02:35A wealthy playboy like Julian,
02:37whose routine was blowing through motorcycles and after-game parties.
02:41Just picking up the loose change he threw around would cover mom's entire surgery bill.
02:45But Julian didn't know any of that.
02:47He thought I was crazy about him.
02:49Julian booked first class.
02:50The moment we boarded, he slammed on his noise-canceling headphones.
02:54He forbade me from disturbing him.
02:56Fine by me, and I was asleep in minutes.
02:59Then something shifted.
03:00I was pressed against a man's chest, my skin burning hot.
03:04His hands rubbed my thigh.
03:06The dream again?
03:07How many times this month?
03:08Still not enough?
03:10You look beautiful today.
03:11Where are you going?
03:13To my boyfriend's pack.
03:15He went quiet for a long moment.
03:17I looked up and caught the dark current moving behind his eyes.
03:20You have a boyfriend?
03:21Yes.
03:22This man was an incredibly impressive man.
03:24Cold features, massive chest, broad shoulders, and a sharply tapered waist.
03:29A pure alpha.
03:31No wonder I kept indulging in this dream.
03:33Break up with him, will you?
03:35His voice was low and magnetic, laced with a hint of coaxing.
03:38Break up with him, will you?
03:39No.
03:41Why?
03:43Where did I fall short?
03:44Enough.
03:44More than enough.
03:45But who stays forever with a man from a dream?
03:51When you wake up, there's nothing left.
03:53Whether those words had stung him or not, he fell silent.
03:56The landing jolt pulled me back.
03:58Julian was staring at me, frowning.
04:00Aurora, are you feeling hot?
04:01I wiped the thin sweat from my forehead.
04:03I'm fine.
04:04That dream, again.
04:06It had started about six months ago.
04:08About six months ago, this man began appearing in my dreams out of thin air.
04:12At first, they were ordinary dreams.
04:14Until one night, he appeared naked in my dreams.
04:17Perfect body.
04:18Exactly my type.
04:20And I could no longer hold back my desires.
04:22From that night on, we tangled together in my dreams, night after night.
04:26Every time I tried to ask his name, it would all slip my mind the second I woke up.
04:30All I knew was that there's Omi thing drew me to the stranger.
04:34Like we were bonded.
04:36But that's impossible.
04:37I didn't have a wolf.
04:38I'd quietly seen the campus healer about it.
04:41It's just dreaming.
04:42Young wolves run hot, even unawakened ones.
04:47Perfectly normal.
04:48Fair enough.
04:48I had, after all, never so much as held a man's hand in real life.
04:52Your face is flushed.
04:53A little warm.
04:55Don't tell me you've never been on a plane.
04:58First time, actually.
04:59Thank you for the experience.
05:01I'm too honest.
05:02Julian's smirk died before it could form.
05:05A beat passed.
05:06Then, without thinking, he reached up and angled the air vent above my seat.
05:09Even he seemed startled by the gesture.
05:11Thanks.
05:12At baggage claim, Julian drifted away to take a call.
05:15Did you guys meet up with Chloe?
05:16Alright, we'll see her in a few days.
05:19Girlfriend?
05:20I'm breaking up with her right after.
05:22He spotted me coming closer and hung up fast.
05:24Aurora, a heads up.
05:26Yeah?
05:27In my family, mom and dad are easygoing.
05:31But be careful around my brother.
05:34Why?
05:35Is he scary?
05:36Julian looked at me strangely.
05:37I used to give him nothing but yeah and okay.
05:39Perfectly obedient.
05:40But I was almost at my goal now.
05:42I couldn't be bothered to act any longer.
05:44He's got a temper.
05:45Dominant.
05:46On the team, in the pack, what he says goes.
05:48My parents are actually a little scared of him.
05:50Just be careful.
05:50He hesitated, then added...
05:51And don't bring up the wolf-less thing.
05:52He's the strongest alpha in the West.
05:54Just a wolf-less girl like you, he'll kick you out.
05:56Julian only looked afraid and reverent at once when he talked about this brother.
05:59I had zero interest in the Blackwood pack politics.
06:02Julian frowned.
06:03Aren't you excited?
06:04Coming home with me?
06:07I said it with a completely blank face.
06:10Thrilled, a car met us and drove us to the Blackwood estate.
06:14Located on 280 acres of pine forest in the foothills outside the city,
06:19with miles of pack territory stretching out beyond it.
06:22Julian's parents were warm.
06:24Exactly as he'd said.
06:25They fussed over me like I was already family.
06:28Until dinner.
06:29Cade came home.
06:31Julian's swagger died instantly.
06:33He stood rigid like a kid in trouble and murmured obediently.
06:35A voice deep and husky bringing me back to those hot dreams.
06:39Hey.
06:39Rough trip?
06:40And devastatingly familiar.
06:42I turned around.
06:44My whole body froze.
06:45It's him.
06:46The man I dream of every night.
06:48My heart pounded.
06:49And my wolf spoke for the first time.
06:53Cade.
06:54This is my girlfriend, Aurora.
06:55Welcome.
06:56Cade's gaze swept across my face.
06:58For half a second his pupils dilated.
07:00He felt the bond too.
07:01Then nothing.
07:02He was exactly as I'd dreamed.
07:04Only in a hockey gear.
07:05Helmet tucked under his arm.
07:07Maybe he'd just free from training.
07:09Looking like a little mountain.
07:10But all I could picture was him naked.
07:12Muscles rippling.
07:13Body like a sculpture.
07:14By the time dinner started, he was wearing a white shirt.
07:17Droplets of water sliding from his wet hair down onto his chest.
07:21The damp fabric outlined the muscle beneath.
07:23Every voice in the room dropped a little lower.
07:25Julian became a different person entirely.
07:28During dinner, the conversation drifted to me.
07:30Aurora, Julian tells us you've never dated anyone before.
07:33That's right.
07:34Julian is my first.
07:37A girl as lovely as you and no one snatched you up?
07:39I don't believe it.
07:40I swallowed carefully and let my eyes drift toward Cade.
07:43He was cutting his steak as if he hadn't heard a thing.
07:45Of course he doesn't know me.
07:47It was only ever my dream.
07:48Maybe I once caught a glimpse of his photo on a sports highlight reel and wove him straight into my
07:52dreams.
07:53Listen, who would ever want a wolfless girl as a man?
07:56I could already picture him rejecting me.
07:58I steadied myself and leaned into the role.
08:00Honestly, I feel so lucky to meet Julia.
08:03He was amazing playing hockey.
08:04I've looked up to him ever since his freshman year.
08:07Our Julian has his rough edges, but he's got a good heart underneath.
08:11Would you take good care of him?
08:12Of course.
08:13I really do like him.
08:14No, I don't.
08:15I only care about the check you'll write at the end of this visit.
08:18Something brushed over me.
08:20A weight, like a gaze.
08:21I glanced up instinctively.
08:23Cade was on his phone, not even glancing at me.
08:25Had I imagined it?
08:26A few days passed at the Blackwood Estate, and I was almost used to it.
08:30Cade was rarely home.
08:31The team had two a days, even over break.
08:33When we did cross paths, he gave me a polite, distant nod.
08:36I grew more certain with every passing day.
08:38The dream was mine alone.
08:40What had happened the moment I'd first seen him?
08:42The awakening, the wolf stirring under my skin, I had pushed down hard.
08:46A fluke.
08:47The fever of the long flight.
08:48Anything.
08:49Wear this.
08:50The day to meet Chloe was approaching.
08:52Julian wasn't happy with what I'd prepared, so he had someone bring over a new outfit.
08:56A silk slip dress.
08:57Summer weight.
08:58He wanted me to wear those clothes and take photos with him, just to make his ex jealous.
09:03The estate had radiant floor heating, but I was still shivering.
09:07Julian didn't notice.
09:08He insisted on taking perfect couple photos to make his first love jealous.
09:11The next morning, I woke up with a full fever.
09:14Julian sniffed.
09:15Something smells sweet.
09:17Did you put on perfume?
09:18Heat washed me over, and I couldn't even find the strength to reply.
09:21But Julian couldn't have cared less about me.
09:24He was long gone, off drinking with his teammates.
09:27As he left, I heard him on the phone.
09:29She has to get sick now?
09:30She better not embarrass me when I meet Chloe in a couple of days.
09:32You got any other girls to come with us?
09:34Just in case.
09:34I was half delirious.
09:36The line between dream and reality blurring into nothing.
09:39The fever felt unusual, stirring a strange desire low in my abdomen.
09:44Wet, dark, and shameful.
09:47My throat was raw, so I dragged myself up to get water.
09:50Across the hall, the study door was open.
09:53I looked up.
09:54Cade was inside.
09:56Julian was out.
09:57His parents were running errands.
09:58Cade was supposed to be at team practice.
10:00Why was he still at home?
10:01There was only one explanation.
10:03I'm dreaming again.
10:04If it's just a dream, then it's easy.
10:07I don't feel...
10:08I ran my hands all over him, slipping them under his tight white t-shirt.
10:12He gasped, a beat late, and asked...
10:14Did you take your medicine?
10:16Yes.
10:17Rest, then.
10:18But I shoved him onto the sofa bed.
10:20I met someone today.
10:21He looks exactly like you.
10:23The heat between us making it impossible to think.
10:25Is that so?
10:25But I know he's not you.
10:28How did you know?
10:29The moment I see that mole on your collarbone, I know I'm asleep.
10:33I reached up and began undoing his shirt buttons.
10:36That mole was familiar to me.
10:38In dreams, I'd nodded countless times.
10:40Perched on his legs, I let my fingers brush over it.
10:43Naughty little wolf.
10:45You're not sick.
10:46Cade kissed me, pinning me down.
10:47You're in heat.
10:48His hands roamed under my dress.
10:50He began to enjoy me.
10:52His body rose and fell against me, fierce, fast, and hard in every way.
10:57After that, I was almost dizzy from the intensity.
10:59He moved over me relentlessly, and even when it was over, I wanted more.
11:04This one wasn't like any dream before.
11:06It felt real.
11:07Way too real.
11:08And insane.
11:10But Cade suddenly stopped my hand.
11:12Didn't you say you like him?
11:13What?
11:14You said you really liked Julian.
11:17How do you know Julian?
11:18My brain detonated.
11:19All the subtle tension between us froze in an instant.
11:22I dug my nails into my thigh, and the pain jolted me awake.
11:26This wasn't a dream.
11:27It's reality.
11:28The man I had just climbed on top of was the actual Cade.
11:31He said my name.
11:33Lo.
11:33The sound of it curled through me.
11:35The wolf I'd been pretending hadn't woken up pressed against my ribs again.
11:39Six months of asking and dreams, and I finally have it.
11:42Your name.
11:42That line froze me all over again.
11:45What did he mean?
11:46Did he dream about it too?
11:48Then, a knock at the door.
11:49Cade?
11:49Have you seen Aurora?
11:52Julian?
11:54Why is he back?
11:56Cade?
11:57I thought I heard her voice.
11:58Are you in there?
11:59Nobody?
11:59All right, I'm coming in.
12:00My brain's short-circuiting.
12:02The handle turned.
12:04Julian stepped inside.
12:05Oh, hey.
12:06You're here.
12:08When did you get back?
12:10I felt bad leaving her alone.
12:12Hey, Cade.
12:14I checked the bedroom in Aurora.
12:15Wasn't there.
12:16You seen her?
12:17No?
12:17Cade's eyes dropped, calm as still water.
12:20Maybe the bathroom.
12:21I'll wait.
12:21At that exact moment, I was crouched beneath his desk, knees to my chest, my cheek almost
12:27pressed against the crease of his trousers, barely breathing.
12:30He'd barely opened his game when his nose wrinkled.
12:33Cade, why does your study smell like Aurora's perfume?
12:37Scented candle.
12:39What?
12:40You hate those.
12:42What happened to you?
12:43Julian still wasn't suspicious, but he stood up to look for it.
12:46He was almost around the desk.
12:50Cade's arm shot out.
12:53Leave.
12:54What?
12:55Take Nika to the groomer, he smells.
12:56That's Mrs. Wells' job.
12:58Cade looked up.
12:59One look.
13:01Unarguable.
13:01Are you going or not?
13:03Keep the change.
13:04Deal.
13:04He'll smell like a five-star hotel.
13:07Julian bounded downstairs.
13:09When the estate went quiet again, I crawled out from under the desk.
13:13Head still spinning, I cut straight to it.
13:15You had the same dream.
13:18It appears so.
13:19That's impossible.
13:21Can we compare timelines?
13:23First time, August 10th.
13:24You used me as your emotional garbage spizzle and talked for two hours.
13:27Sixth time, you said, hey, let me see the abs.
13:31Seventh time, September.
13:32Things shifted between us.
13:34We-
13:34Stop.
13:35I get it.
13:36The information overload combined with the fever made the room tilt.
13:40The instant his skin brushed mine, my wolf surged forward again, almost knocked me sideways.
13:45You're awakened.
13:46I can feel your wolf now.
13:49Today.
13:50The minute I saw you.
13:52Don't think about it now.
13:54Rest.
13:54He carried me back to my room.
13:56In the hallway, we walked directly into Mrs. Wells.
13:59Her eyes went wide.
14:00She forgot to breathe.
14:01Alpha, is that, is that Miss Aurora?
14:04I pressed both hands over my face.
14:06Cade said evenly.
14:08You know what to do.
14:08Polite tone.
14:09Absolute finality.
14:11Goodness.
14:11My eyes aren't what they used to be.
14:13Can't see a thing anymore.
14:14Mrs. Wells was already backing away.
14:17Mrs. Wells is discreet.
14:18She won't say a word.
14:20Get some rest.
14:20I was too exhausted to argue.
14:22That evening, Julian came back.
14:24Be functional in two days.
14:26I need you presentable when we see Chloe.
14:28He turned to go, then stopped.
14:30Wait.
14:31That smell.
14:32Cade's study has that same candle.
14:33I actually like it.
14:35Cade's on a road trip with the team.
14:37Away at tournament.
14:38Finally get a few days of breathing room.
14:41He left?
14:42Yeah.
14:43Around noon.
14:45Running from me, most likely.
14:46Cade didn't come back until the holiday break.
14:48When he did, he gave me the same distant, polite nod as always.
14:52As if nothing had happened.
14:53The good news was that now I have my wolf.
14:56A beautiful silver wolf.
14:57I like it.
14:59Then the day of the party came.
15:00Time for me to meet Cole.
15:02Julian dragged me to his team party.
15:05That's when I realized his team was really just his brother's second string squad.
15:09Far behind his brother.
15:10Julian walked into any room like he owned it.
15:13That energy radiated outward.
15:14I was immediately swept into the spotlight with him.
15:18So this is the girl you brought to make Chloe jealous?
15:20Bro, are you blind?
15:22She's prettier than Chloe.
15:24You're the blind one.
15:25Don't compare them.
15:27A wolf-less nerd compared with a pureblood?
15:29Come on.
15:30Does she know?
15:31Chloe might come after her tonight.
15:35Julian said easily.
15:36Why would I warn her?
15:38The harder Chloe comes for her, the more it proves she's still hung up on me.
15:42Nobody goes home sober tonight!
15:44Be careful, Julian.
15:46Your brother finds out he'll bury you.
15:49Cade's got his own plans tonight.
15:51He's had a pack-arranged dinner with the Whitlock Airdis.
15:54My scattered thoughts suddenly sharpened.
15:56Of course.
15:57Cade.
15:57Captain of the Ridgemont Wolves.
16:00Heir to the Blackwood Pack.
16:02Powerful.
16:02Brilliant.
16:03The kind of elite the ordinary will never reach.
16:07The whole room leaned in.
16:08Julian was happy to deliver.
16:10He's been single forever.
16:11No idea what made him agree this time.
16:13Apparently she's gorgeous and the packs are a perfect match.
16:16Does this mean we're getting a future Luna?
16:19The door to their private room swung open.
16:21Chloe's here!
16:22Welcome back, cheer captain!
16:24Julian's first love was stunning.
16:26Blonde hair, a tank top, and a tight mini skirt.
16:29And she despised me on sight.
16:31Surrounded by her cheer squad, she worked me into every conversation.
16:35Sideways, cutting.
16:37The tension thickened.
16:38I volunteered to go wash the fruit knives.
16:40While my hands were busy, my mind was running the numbers.
16:44Julian threw money around without thinking twice.
16:46I had never once asked him for anything directly.
16:49Just caught what fell through the cracks.
16:51And somehow, I had enough.
16:53The surgery was covered.
16:54Time to end this.
16:55I was still working out the words when Chloe and her squad materialized behind me.
17:00Did you just roll your eyes at me?
17:01She dropped the princess act entirely.
17:03No.
17:04Liar, we all saw it!
17:06You're imagining things.
17:08I couldn't even be bothered to look at you.
17:10Why would I roll my eyes?
17:12Chloe's face went scarlet.
17:13Her friends rushed me, grabbing at my dress, tearing at the hem.
17:16This dress screams Julian's charity case.
17:19His taste is tragically bad.
17:21Tonight, you're going to find out exactly who you messed with.
17:24I've had enough.
17:25I'd had enough.
17:26Before they could ruin the fabric, I reached out and grabbed a fistful of Chloe's hair.
17:30Child's play.
17:32One smooth pivot, and I had her bent over the sink.
17:35Surprisingly easy.
17:37Now I see it.
17:38Julian really does have bad taste.
17:40I ran cold water directly onto her head.
17:43A little moment of clarity for her.
17:44Her squad stepped back.
17:46Go find Julian if you're upset.
17:48Don't come at me.
17:49Chloe gurgled something.
17:50Probably filthy.
17:52But the water was handling that too.
17:54Chloe switched from cursing to wailing.
17:57The bathroom was close to their room.
17:59Julian and the others came running.
18:01Chloe broke free, soaking wet, and hurled herself into Julian's arms.
18:05Your girlfriend attacked me!
18:07That doesn't sound like Aurea.
18:09Julian!
18:10You didn't see her hold me under the faucet?
18:12We all saw it!
18:13Your ex-girlfriend just got attacked, and you're going to defend her?
18:16Under the pressure, Julian turned to me.
18:18His expression hardened.
18:21Aurora, apologize.
18:23Apologize.
18:25Hilarious.
18:27Apologize.
18:28I picked up the paring knife and walked toward Julian, one slow step at a time.
18:33The room went silent.
18:34Julian retreated until the back of his knees hit the couch, and he dropped onto it.
18:38I planted one heel between his legs.
18:40My black stiletto was a millimeter from things he'd miss very much.
18:43Time to settle our tab, sweetheart.
18:46I dragged the flat of the blade across his cheek.
18:48He flinched, cold.
18:49You used me to make your ex jealous?
18:51Fine.
18:51I was using you, too.
18:53We're even.
18:53But as of right now, we're done.
18:55Don't come near me again.
18:57Julian grabbed my ankle.
18:58What do you mean, using you, too?
19:00It means exactly what it sounds like.
19:01Are you deaf?
19:02Aurora, do you not like me?
19:03Correct.
19:05I actively dislike you.
19:06In the dim light, something flickered across Julian's face.
19:09Confusion.
19:10Then something raw.
19:11That's impossible!
19:12I am the hockey captain!
19:14The school's dream god!
19:16You mean a bench blatter?
19:17I drove the knife down.
19:19Julian went rigid.
19:20A beat.
19:20He realized the blade was embedded in the couch cushion beside him, not in him.
19:24Even this trip, it was about your family's money.
19:26Stop flattering yourself.
19:28Something changed behind me.
19:29The air shifted.
19:30A pressure rolled into the room.
19:32Undeniable.
19:33The kind only one alpha in the country could carry.
19:35I turned.
19:36Cade Blackwood stood in the doorway.
19:37He had heard everything.
19:39The light was dim.
19:40I couldn't read his face.
19:41Cade walked in.
19:42First, he draped his jacket over my shoulders.
19:45My dress had been torn at the seam.
19:47Chloe and her squad had seen to that.
19:49Then he went to Julian.
19:50Helped him up.
19:51Julian looked stunned.
19:52Like he hadn't quite landed yet.
19:54Someone nearby explained.
19:55Cade's back over here dinner and been at the same hotel.
19:58Perfect timing.
19:59You're finished.
20:01Chloe hissed as she passed me.
20:02The alpha hates gold deckers.
20:04Every she-wolf who's ever thrown herself at him has regretted it.
20:07I laughed to myself.
20:08She didn't need to tell me to run.
20:10I already knew.
20:11I wasn't naive enough to think Cade would take my side here.
20:14The dream was a dream.
20:15Julian was his actual blood.
20:17I set his jacket on a chair and walked out.
20:20That night, I left my phone's SIM card behind and took the first train home.
20:24There was a lot left to do.
20:26Get mom into surgery.
20:27Pick up shifts.
20:28Start over.
20:29I stayed busy.
20:31Only one thing was different.
20:32I actually started watching hockey.
20:34In the June postseason, Cade led his team to defend their championship.
20:38An epic three-peat.
20:39And Cade was the highest scorer for three seasons straight.
20:43In July, a classmate told me that Julian had shown up at finals week looking for me and
20:47was told I'd taken the rest of the semester remote.
20:50Apparently, he'd looked completely lost.
20:52I didn't understand it.
20:53Some kind of masochism?
20:54It didn't matter.
20:55Our paths wouldn't cross again.
20:57As for Cade, I never dreamed of him again.
21:00Months passed.
21:01I stayed home, working remote shifts, caring for my mother.
21:04The days were quiet.
21:05Then one morning, the call came through.
21:07I'd gotten the team PR assistant position at the Ridgemont Athletic Department.
21:11Full work-study stipend.
21:13Housing supplement.
21:14Enough to keep mom in the best ward.
21:16The Blackwood PAC endowed half the program.
21:18But the athletic department was huge.
21:20I didn't think much about who I might run into until the rink corridor.
21:24I walked in on my first day.
21:25Cade Blackwood was already inside.
21:27He was surrounded by coaching staff.
21:29The entire supporting crew had come down to meet him.
21:32My wolf stirred.
21:34Mate.
21:35That face.
21:36Sharp.
21:37Unreadable.
21:37A face that had appeared in my dreams more times than I could count.
21:41Seeing it now felt like surfacing from a long, strange sleep.
21:44The corridor was packed.
21:46Stop hovering!
21:47Go get the next briefing ready!
21:48I was already stepping back when Cade's voice cut through the room.
21:52There's room.
21:53Come in.
21:54He pulled me out of the crowd toward him.
21:55I went still.
21:56The corridor fell into silence.
21:58I was pressed almost against Cade's side.
22:01Supervisor suddenly all smiles bowed and nodded as he introduced me.
22:05Our assistant.
22:06Top of her year.
22:07She'll be running media and logistics for the season.
22:09Cade didn't respond to that.
22:11He looked down at me.
22:12You lost weight.
22:12The observation landed without warning.
22:15Every coach in the corridor blinked.
22:17At lunch, Cade demonstrated exactly how far the Blackwood resources could reach.
22:21Catered meals delivered for every player and staff member.
22:24I ate my rice and left the rest untouched.
22:27The food was too good.
22:29Ingredients I couldn't afford.
22:30I wrapped the sides carefully.
22:32I'd bring them home to my mother.
22:34By mid-afternoon, the period cramps hit.
22:36The moment the clock struck five, I was the first one out of the staff exit.
22:41A hand shot through the closing door before it sealed.
22:44Long fingers.
22:45Precise.
22:46Aurora heart.
22:47Can we talk?
22:48Cade stepped in.
22:49Fifteen minutes later, I stepped into his private locker room.
22:52It was so intimate.
22:53I was almost swallowed by his scent.
22:55His gaze flicked to the wrapped takeaway container in my lap.
22:58Food wasn't to your claimings?
23:00I didn't answer the question.
23:01Is there something you needed, Captain?
23:03If this is about Julian, about some kind of apology, that's never happening.
23:06Not what I said.
23:07I just think that two people who've shared the same dream for six months deserve one honest conversation.
23:13There's nothing to say.
23:14I'm a gold digger.
23:15You're the Blackwood, alpha-haired, we have nothing in common.
23:18I wouldn't be so sure.
23:19Cade smiled.
23:20He pressed me against the locker door behind him, his nose brushing mine.
23:23PR position you applied for.
23:25Three candidates.
23:27Better resumes.
23:27I overrode the panel.
23:29Ask yourself why.
23:30Before I could answer, a wave of pain bent me forward.
23:32I pressed a hand to my stomach.
23:34Said nothing.
23:35He took my hand.
23:35Do you need a hospital?
23:36No.
23:37He helped me sit on the bench and poured me a cup of hot water.
23:40Captain, that's your personal cup.
23:43I don't mind, do you?
23:44The pain didn't soften my reflexes.
23:46So this is how you operate.
23:47Kate, a pack-arranged she-wolf lined up at the estate and a dream girl on the side for variety.
23:51I don't have a fiancé.
23:52You went on an arranged dinner.
23:53Is that what's bothering you?
23:54I looked away.
23:55Cade pressed his lips together and kept his voice even.
23:58The Widock girl has treaty ties to my pack.
24:00I had no choice.
24:01But the moment I sat down, I told her I was already in love with someone else.
24:04The entire dinner was about pack business.
24:06Nothing else.
24:08Kate, what is the point of this conversation?
24:10You like money.
24:11He looked at me.
24:11Something warm in his eyes.
24:13Something deliberate.
24:14I have more than Julian.
24:15And I'm cleaner than he is.
24:16I've never been in a relationship.
24:18Aurora, consider me.
24:19I was fairly certain Cade Blackwood had lost his mind.
24:22This kind of directness was not something I had prepared for.
24:25And dragging his own brother in the process?
24:27Half a year gone.
24:28And a confession before we'd even said hello properly.
24:31Who does that?
24:32I took a moment.
24:33He didn't rush me.
24:34I ran through my list.
24:35I love money.
24:36I think it's more reliable than feelings.
24:38Perfect.
24:39No one in other packs has more of it than I do.
24:41I need someone in good shape.
24:42Lean muscle.
24:43Not too much, not too little.
24:45I'm a hockey player.
24:46No need to mention the muscles.
24:47You've confirmed it yourself, repeatedly.
24:49In considerable detail.
24:50I had nothing to say.
24:52Cade brushed my face, his expression soft.
24:54And I know you felt it too.
24:56The bond.
24:57I guess that's why we ended up in the same dream.
24:59My wolf stirred, whispering in my mind.
25:01The moon goddess wills it.
25:03My cheeks burned.
25:04Cade added a few more things.
25:06He'd been standing in the doorway the night of the party.
25:09He heard everything.
25:10When he realized Julian and I had been performing, that there were no real feelings between us,
25:15he felt something that surprised him.
25:16Relief.
25:17He'd planned to deal with Julian's mess first, then find me.
25:20But I was already gone when he turned around.
25:22He couldn't reach me.
25:23Neither could Julian.
25:24He spent months looking, quietly, carefully.
25:28He had the pack network and the resources, but he didn't want to come in like a force of
25:33nature and give me reason to disappear again.
25:35If she left, she had her reasons.
25:38I just have to make myself worth finding.
25:40He believed that.
25:42So he found me slowly.
25:43Then he asked, again,
25:45Will you consider me?
25:46I didn't hesitate.
25:47Yes, but one condition.
25:49I wasn't ready to go public.
25:51I wanted to keep my position at the department my own.
25:54Built on work, not on who I was sleeping with.
25:57The moment people found out, everything I'd earned would be credited to him.
26:01Cade agreed to everything.
26:02He was remarkably easy to handle.
26:04In the dream, too.
26:05But sometimes, this man was a problem.
26:08Like during the team-wide meeting.
26:09Cade sat up ahead of the room, controlled, barely glancing at his phone.
26:13The very picture of restrained alpha authority.
26:16And yet, no one in that room knew he'd just sent me a photo, kneeling, in his full three-piece
26:21suit, blindfolded.
26:22He wrote,
26:23Took this last night.
26:24Thought you might like it.
26:25We are in the middle of a meeting.
26:26You don't like it?
26:27Oh, for the love of it.
26:29Of course I liked it.
26:30Trouble came two weeks later.
26:32Someone knocked on my apartment door.
26:33I didn't check the peephole.
26:35I opened it.
26:36Julian Blackwood stood in the hall, holding an enormous bouquet.
26:40Aurora, I finally found you.
26:43The delight on his face was in direct proportion to my horror.
26:46I tracked down your middle school friend.
26:48She gave me your address.
26:51Is there something you need?
26:52Sheepish.
26:53A rare expression crossed Julian's usually careless face.
26:57I want us to start over.
26:58Almost shy.
26:59Before I could form a response, Cade appeared behind me in the doorway.
27:03Delivery?
27:03The brothers looked at each other.
27:05The world held its breath.
27:07Three seconds.
27:08Three very long seconds.
27:09Julian blinked.
27:10Cade, why are you here?
27:14Good question.
27:15Why was Cade here?
27:16Because he'd spent the night and enthusiastically demonstrated what the photo had only hinted at.
27:21But I didn't particularly want to share that.
27:23My mind moved fast.
27:25He's here to pick up some files.
27:27What?
27:27Captain Blackwood is overseeing the team.
27:30He needs game preparation documents, so he came in person.
27:33Where's his assistant?
27:34On leave.
27:35I delivered all of this completely deadpan.
27:37Cade looked at me.
27:38Something flickered in his expression.
27:40Faint.
27:41Wounded.
27:41I grabbed the empty folder off my desk and pushed it into his arms.
27:44Everything's in there.
27:45You can go now.
27:47And take your brother with you.
27:48Why do I feel like the trash being put out?
27:50Julian refused to leave.
27:52Naturally.
27:53He wedged himself in the doorway and launched into it.
27:55Aurora, I know I treated you badly.
27:57I've thought about it every day since you left.
27:59I cut things off with my ex.
28:00Completely.
28:01I want to do this properly this time.
28:03I swear.
28:03Give me one more chance.
28:04No.
28:04Why not?
28:06Because I never liked you.
28:08Julian showed up at the rink the next day.
28:10Within hours, the entire team knew he was there to win me back.
28:14He brought breakfast.
28:15He sent afternoon snacks.
28:16He stopped just short of offering to massage my shoulders at the bench.
28:20This was going to be a problem.
28:22At lunch, I pulled him into the equipment room and said it plainly.
28:25I want to work.
28:27Please stop disrupting my life.
28:28Julian wore the same team jersey as his brother, but he was clearly a size smaller.
28:33He didn't look nearly as solid.
28:34Okay.
28:35I'll tone it down.
28:37It's not about tone.
28:38Julian, live your life.
28:40Even if you stayed forever, my answer wouldn't change.
28:42I'm not leaving.
28:43Even if you don't want me, I'm staying.
28:45Something serious had settled into him.
28:48Aurora, after you left, I went through a long stretch of actually thinking about what I'd
28:52done.
28:52I want to make it right.
28:53I'll be good to you.
28:54A shatter past the equipment room doorway.
28:56The Alpha Captain was, apparently, not above leads dropping.
28:59I don't need you to make anything right.
29:01Everything you're doing right now is stepping directly on every single nerve I have.
29:05It's making me dislike you more, not less.
29:07It's making me dislike you more, not less.
29:09Julian looked like he'd been struck.
29:11He shuffled out, visibly deflated.
29:13He didn't notice Cade slip in the moment he was gone.
29:16The door closed.
29:17Cade had me pressed against the wall before I finished turning around.
29:20The equipment room had no lock.
29:22Anyone could walk in.
29:23I pushed at-
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