- 7 minutes ago
He Killed the Only Heir He'd Ever Have 20eps HD 1080p ASM
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00My husband, Lucian, pinned me down on an operating table.
00:03He forced me to abort our baby at eight months.
00:07Chloe, his pregnant mistress, stood nearby and watched.
00:12He didn't know he was a barren werewolf.
00:15Only I could carry his pup.
00:17Chloe's baby wasn't even his.
00:20He had just killed the only child he would ever have.
00:24I found out during today's check.
00:27My husband, Lucian, skipped our usual public hospital.
00:31He took me to a suburban research center.
00:34He swapped my prenatal care for an abortion plan.
00:38I thought it was a system error.
00:40Lucian, you clicked the wrong line.
00:42You booked the recovery package, not prenatal check.
00:44It wasn't a mistake.
00:47There's something I need to tell you.
00:48I've been keeping a girl on the side.
00:51A student.
00:52She's kind, nice, and doesn't want a title.
00:55Won't fight you for the family.
00:57But Chloe's pregnant now.
00:58I've made her wait long enough.
01:00I can't let her pup suffer too.
01:02The pup needs a name on paper.
01:05Lucian, what are you saying?
01:07You're planning to break our bond.
01:10Take your mistress as Luna?
01:11What are you talking about?
01:13You're my fated mate.
01:15I swore before the moon goddess, you are my only Luna.
01:18Besides, your parents are dead.
01:22And you can't shift barely half a wolf.
01:25If we break the bond, where would you even go?
01:28I just want you to adopt Chloe's pup.
01:30I don't want you favoring your own blood later and mistreating mine and Chloe's.
01:34And also, I don't want a pup can't shift like you.
01:39So.
01:42Sorry, Nora.
01:44We have to clear your pup.
01:45Be good.
01:46I promise.
01:47You'll always be Luna of Blackwood.
01:51No one outranks you.
01:53He said it like he was canceling an order.
01:56Not killing our eight-month-old baby.
02:02Lucian!
02:04Lucian!
02:07Lucian Blackwood.
02:08I hope you never live to regret what you did today.
02:17I woke up three days later.
02:19Alpha Black Bear.
02:21This surgery was extremely dangerous.
02:23Forcing the pup out at eight months.
02:24Using silver to take her ability to bear pups.
02:27She almost bled out.
02:30Lucian's voice came back.
02:33I promised Chloe.
02:35The only pup I'll ever have is hers and mine.
02:38Safest way is making sure Nora can't carry again.
02:42And Nora has never even shifted.
02:44The pup she was carrying probably couldn't have shifted either.
02:47Why let a broken bloodline live?
02:49His eyes swept the room.
02:51Met mine.
02:52He didn't flinch.
02:55You heard.
02:57I had no choice.
02:58Chloe said the law only accept the adoption if the woman couldn't bear pups.
03:02You were terminating anyway.
03:04We used silver.
03:05Won't have to worry about you carrying again.
03:07I didn't think the silver would make you bleed out like that.
03:11Call it lucky.
03:11Fortunately, the top healers I brought in for Chloe were already on hand.
03:16You only survived because of her.
03:20My chest felt like it was tearing in two.
03:25Lucian Blackhoe, you're not a man.
03:28But my palm barely grazed his cheek.
03:31Didn't even leave a mark.
03:33A small figure shrieked and lunged at me.
03:36A palm cracked across my face.
03:38I fell back.
03:39I gasped.
03:41Ugly.
03:41I looked up.
03:42A girl planted in front of Lucian, screaming at me.
03:46How dare you hit him!
03:47He sat outside the ward for three days straight.
03:51If I hadn't brought him food every day, he'd have collapsed.
03:56The man I love so much.
03:58He's not your punching bag!
04:01I caught it.
04:02The flicker in Lucian's eyes.
04:04Soft, aching for her.
04:06I'd seen that look before.
04:07When I took the wolf's pain meant for him at a council banquet.
04:10And lost our first pup.
04:12When rogues came for him.
04:13I stood between him and their fangs.
04:15Traded my mother's keepsake for his life.
04:18I'd done so much for him.
04:19And none of it weighed as much as one of his mistress's tears.
04:23Something in my chest cracked.
04:25I watched them cling to each other.
04:27Laughed at myself.
04:28So am I supposed to thank him?
04:30Thank him for killing my full-term pup for you?
04:33Thank him for taking my ability to bear children away?
04:37Thank him for almost killing me, but sitting bedside waiting for me to wake up!
04:41Chloe's tears came in sheets.
04:44Fine!
04:44It's my fault!
04:46I ruined you!
04:47Let me make it up to you!
04:48Satisfied?
04:50I'll cut my pup out right now!
04:51Will that make you happy?!
04:53Lucian caught her.
04:54Wrapped his hand around the blade.
04:55Blood ran down.
04:58Nora.
04:59Happy now?
05:01He picked Chloe up and walked out.
05:03He didn't look back.
05:04Only threw one line over his shoulder.
05:06I've been too soft on you.
05:08I made you think you can do whatever you want.
05:10Fine.
05:11It's time you got a taste of suffering.
05:14I watched him go.
05:15The man who once swore he'd spoil me forever.
05:18Who said he'd never let me suffer one bit.
05:21Time took him away in the end.
05:22Lucian's enforcer hauled me up.
05:24Threw me out the door.
05:26From now on, everything the Alpha gave you is being pulled back.
05:30If you want to keep the room.
05:32No need.
05:33Lucian and everything he gave me.
05:35I don't want any of it.
05:36My phone, my wallet, all confiscated.
05:39Because Lucian had bought them.
05:41I stood in the street with nothing.
05:43I tried to flag down a car.
05:44But when every kind soul stopped, Lucian's enforcer was right there.
05:49Cross the Blackwood Alpha if you want.
05:51Let her in.
05:53They'd shake their heads, sorry, and step on the gas.
05:56I could barely stand.
05:58The Alpha says to tell you.
05:59This is what defying him looks like.
06:02Apologize to Miss Chloe.
06:04Promise to attend her through the pregnancy.
06:06Then he'll let me take you back.
06:08I ignored his words.
06:10Started walking.
06:11Blood ran down my thigh.
06:12Dripped on the asphalt.
06:14Strangers stared.
06:15But I'd already gone numb.
06:16One step at a time.
06:17Until the sky went black.
06:19I made it home.
06:20The windows of the manor glowed warm.
06:22Drove off the cold.
06:23I lifted fingers stiff with cold.
06:25Punched in the code.
06:26A red beep answered me.
06:28I gritted my teeth and tried again.
06:30Again.
06:31The system kept rejecting me.
06:33Mrs. Whitmore, the housekeeper, finally got fed up and yanked the door open.
06:37Luna.
06:38Stop.
06:38Until you apologize to the Alpha, you don't get to use anything he bought.
06:42He bought this house.
06:44No apology.
06:45No entry.
06:46If you ask me, just apologize already.
06:49So what if you're his fated mate?
06:51The moon goddess doesn't get to decide where his heart goes.
06:54Look at you.
06:55No bloodline.
06:56No looks.
06:56You can't even shift.
06:57And you can't even breed anymore.
06:59Miss Chloe gave him a pup.
07:00And he still won't release you.
07:01He's being more than generous.
07:03What are you fighting for?
07:04I won't come in.
07:06I just need to take one thing with me.
07:07Everything inside was bought by the Alpha.
07:09What do you own?
07:10Or were you planning to steal his jewelry, luxury, sell them off?
07:13I want my old healer record.
07:15That's all.
07:16Mrs. Whitmore rolled her eyes, went upstairs, came back, and threw a sealed envelope at my chest.
07:21I caught it.
07:24Pulled out the document inside.
07:25Lucian's name on the top.
07:26I laughed without sound.
07:28It was the bonding exam record from ten years ago, from the week we'd been claimed as mates.
07:32The diagnosis?
07:33Wolf crippled.
07:34Unable to sire.
07:35The day the results came in, I'd sat there with a thousand feelings in my chest.
07:40I didn't know how to tell him.
07:42Lucian, the proud heir of the Blackwood.
07:45How could he ever accept his wolf was crippled, even being barren?
07:50How could he survive his rivals tearing him apart for it?
07:53But the healer had pulled me aside, voice low.
07:58Don't be sad.
07:59The moon goddess blessing you too.
08:01You can't shift because your wolf has slept since you were born.
08:04But she can heal every wolf near her.
08:07So...
08:08Shh.
08:08Yes.
08:10The moon goddess didn't just give Alpha Blackwood a mate.
08:14She gave him a miracle.
08:17You're the only one who can give the Alpha Blackwood an heir.
08:22I'd thought I'd bury this secret with me.
08:25Never let him know.
08:26Never let the Pax know.
08:28I never thought there'd come a day I'd hand it to the world myself.
08:32I pulled the last cash from my pocket.
08:34Walked to the print shop.
08:36Made 15 copies.
08:37Each one I sealed in a courier pouch.
08:40Each one addressed to a different rival Alpha.
08:43Every wolf who'd ever wanted Lucian's territory.
08:47As fast as you can.
08:49Just say it's a gift from the Luna of Blackwood.
08:52They'll tip you well.
08:55Lucian.
08:55This is my last gift to you.
09:00I hope you like it.
09:03I left the manor.
09:04I went back to a small cabin.
09:09Lucian and I used to live there when we were starting out.
09:11Back then, we'd had nothing.
09:13A pair of barely grown wolves living in a one-room cabin at the edge of vampire territory.
09:18The place was rough.
09:19But we were happy.
09:20When all we could afford was cans,
09:22Lucian would lie about feeding at packruns and dump both portions into my bowl.
09:26I'd catch him at three in the morning at the sink,
09:28drinking water glass after glass to fill his stomach.
09:31We'd done our mating ceremony in that cabin.
09:33No witnesses.
09:34No wine.
09:34A plain banned moonstone ring that cost him all salary.
09:38That place meant everything to me.
09:39Even after we moved into the manor,
09:41I'd quietly bought the cabin and kept it.
09:44I used to picture us going back there when we were old.
09:46I never pictured this.
09:47Coming back to where we started.
09:48Alone.
09:49The mating already ash.
09:50I turned the handle.
09:51Pushed the door open.
09:52Two bodies tangled on the couch.
09:54The matching pajamas Lucian and I once wore,
09:56which I'd kept carefully tucked away in my closet.
09:59They were on Lucian and Chloe now.
10:00My head went white.
10:06I didn't get to finish.
10:07Chloe was already slapping herself across the face.
10:09She planted her swollen cheek between me and him.
10:12Looked at me through tears.
10:13Luna.
10:14I just wanted to see where he grew up.
10:16I begged him to bring me.
10:17If you're angry, I'll kneel.
10:19I'll apologize.
10:20Just stop hurting him.
10:22Lucian cupped her cheek.
10:23He flicked his eyes at the enforcer.
10:25The enforcer pinned my arms.
10:27A hand came down on my face.
10:29Over and over.
10:31My ears rang.
10:32I didn't know how long.
10:33They finally stopped.
10:34Let go.
10:35I dropped to the floor.
10:38Lucian looked down at me, calm.
10:40Nora.
10:41Why do you keep doing this?
10:43If you don't feel well, go rest home.
10:45Why hunt me down?
10:47Rest where?
10:49I still have a home.
10:50That's still my home.
10:52Lucian.
10:53Why did you bring her here?
10:55Do whatever you want, wherever you want.
10:56Why ruin this place?
10:58The Lucian at 30 is rotten through.
11:01Why couldn't you leave the Lucian at 20 alone?
11:03He's the only piece of you I still have.
11:05But just for a second, he became rage.
11:09Rotten?
11:10I'm rotten?
11:11Don't forget, if it weren't for me, you half-wolf,
11:13you'd still be living in a place like this.
11:15Don't forget, the money you used to buy this college came out of my account.
11:20This place is mine, too.
11:22I do what I want with it.
11:27Ruin the cabin, did I?
11:29I'll do better.
11:30I'll blow the whole thing to the ground!
11:32And it still has nothing to do with you!
11:35He had me dragged out.
11:37Soon, Lucian had a witch brought in.
11:39She traced a ring of fire script around the foundation.
11:43Move.
11:44One word from him.
11:46The cabin that held the only good memory I had of us went up.
11:50Lucian watched the tears running down my face.
11:53The rage drained from his eyes.
11:56Nora, how many times do I have to say this before it gets through to you?
12:00I gave you the lunar title.
12:01The manna.
12:03Custom dresses no your mega could afford in a lifetime.
12:05Wasn't that enough?
12:06You can't shift.
12:07You're not young.
12:08Do you really think I still love this faded version of you?
12:11Even if the moon goddess curses me for it, I can't bear you anymore.
12:16I kept your title.
12:17I gave you a comfortable life.
12:19All I ask is that you turn a blind eye.
12:21Let Chloe stay.
12:23Let her pup live.
12:24Understand?
12:25I won't.
12:29Lucian, you've erased everything we had.
12:34Release me from the bond.
12:36His eyes flashed, annoyed.
12:38Release you?
12:39Not happening.
12:40Even if I don't love you anymore, you're still the most important person in my life.
12:44I'm not releasing you.
12:46Nora, I never wronged you.
12:49If I owe anyone, it's Chloe.
12:51I couldn't give her a title.
12:52I made her wait the best years of her life with no mark beside mine.
12:56I tried to do this the dignified way.
12:58You wouldn't take it.
12:59You had to drag it down to this.
13:00He turned, dropped to one knee.
13:03Chloe, I'm sorry I found you late.
13:05I can't give you a title, but I can give you the biggest mating ceremony every alpha has ever seen.
13:11Let every wolf in every territory know you're the one I love.
13:13I can't accept.
13:15I love you.
13:16I'd lower myself, be your mistress without a mark.
13:21But I won't stand in front of every pack and be called the one with no bond.
13:26Unless, unless the Luna officiates in front of every alpha here.
13:30Let her admit, in front of all of them, she lied.
13:34She's the unmarked mistress.
13:36And I'm your fated mate.
13:41I met the cold spite in her eyes.
13:45Nora, your parents' bodies are still buried on land I own.
13:49You don't want them to end up like this cabin, do you?
13:52A chunk got carved out of my chest.
13:54Every breath came up tasting of blood.
13:57I nodded, slow.
13:58Fine, I'll do it.
14:00Chloe broke into a smile, threw herself into Lucien's arms.
14:04He took Chloe to pick out gowns, to book the manor's great hall.
14:08At the doorway, he paused.
14:09The first time in a long time, he sounded almost gentle.
14:13Nora, it's just a ceremony.
14:15It doesn't move you out of the lunacy.
14:19Okay.
14:20He stared at me for a long beat.
14:22You don't need to attend Chloe through this stretch.
14:24Rest at the manor.
14:26After the pup comes, the three of us will take a trip.
14:28Call it making it up to you.
14:30Okay.
14:31I said okay, again.
14:33He left, satisfied.
14:34The day of the ceremony, Lucien thought I would stir up trouble.
14:38He had me brought to the bridal suite early and locked in with two enforcers.
14:43My gown is too heavy.
14:44I couldn't lean down to put on my own shoes.
14:48My Luna, help me.
14:50Lucien frowned, looked at me on instinct.
14:53I knelt.
14:53Lucien watched me, something unreadable on his face.
14:56He almost said something.
15:00Babe, I'm thirsty.
15:02Go grab me an orange juice.
15:04Lucien laughed, ruffled her hair, walked out.
15:07The second the door clicked, Chloe's foot lashed up.
15:10Nora!
15:11You don't actually think I'm just some little gold digger he keeps, do you?
15:15You probably don't know.
15:17Lucien and I have been together almost ten years, too.
15:22Lucien said I was too young.
15:23He didn't want me to suffer with him, so he'd only date me.
15:26He married you just because you are fated mates.
15:28He felt so bad about owing me.
15:30The first real money he made, he told you the rogues took it.
15:32He bought me a designer bag with it.
15:34Every time I cried, he'd send those rogues to your house to fake a debt collection.
15:38Then he'd take the money and buy me bags.
15:401.8 million.
15:41Total.
15:42Oh, and one cheap moonstone band.
15:44I lost that one.
15:451.8 million.
15:46The money I'd bled for those years.
15:48Working myself sick to pay off his debts.
15:51The worst stretch.
15:52I'd collapsed on the assembly line at the factory.
15:54Nearly got pulled into the machine.
15:56When Lucien heard, he'd held me and shook.
15:58He said he was sorry.
15:59He said it was his fault.
16:01I'd patted his back, laughing.
16:02Said it wasn't his fault.
16:04It was all fake.
16:05He'd been lying the whole time.
16:08Later when you got pregnant, I got jealous.
16:11Wouldn't let him touch me.
16:12And he don't want a pup can't swift like you.
16:15So he set the whole thing up with the council.
16:17Drugged you with wolfbane wine.
16:19Made sure you lost the pup.
16:21You don't know what he was doing while you were on the surgical table bleeding out.
16:25He was on the phone with me.
16:26Telling me not to be mad at him anymore.
16:28The words landed like a hammer.
16:30My vision blacked out.
16:32And he still won't break the bond.
16:33He still won't take me as Luna.
16:35Luna, you think you're so special?
16:38You're just leaning on Lucia's soft heart.
16:41Leaning on the years you've suffered with him.
16:43You're just relying on being his fated mate.
16:44He's terrified of Luna's curse, so he dares not break the bond.
16:47What do you think happens if Lucien finds out you went after my pup?
16:52Will he still care about you?
16:54My skin crawled.
16:55I turned and bolted for the door.
16:57Behind me, Chloe smashed a shampoo bottle into her own stomach.
17:01Lucien, help me!
17:03The door opened.
17:04Lucien grabbed my wrist and slammed me to the floor.
17:08He saw Chloe on the ground, blood spreading from under her gown.
17:13It wasn't me!
17:15Nora!
17:16You can't even spare a pup!
17:18You disgust me!
17:21You took Chloe's pup from her.
17:24Don't blame me for what I do to your parents' bodies.
17:26Through my terror, my tears, he gave the order.
17:30Dig up Nora's parents.
17:32Grind the bones.
17:33Throw them in the sewer.
17:34No!
17:36Lucien!
17:37You're insane!
17:39Check the cameras in this room!
17:41It wasn't me!
17:42Chloe stumbled toward the window.
17:47The pup is gone.
17:48What's the point of living?
17:50I'll just die.
17:51Luna!
17:51Frame me however you want!
17:53Lucien let go of me.
17:54Caught her.
17:58Nora, you've used up the last of what I had left for you.
18:01Hurt my mate and my pup?
18:03I won't let you go.
18:05Take her to the manor's dungeons.
18:07Tell the guards.
18:08Treat her well.
18:10I don't want her to have one good day down there.
18:13Lucien blew through every red light.
18:15Crashed into the pack hospital.
18:17He carried Chloe straight into the emergency room.
18:20Save my mate!
18:22Save my pup!
18:24Save the pup and I'll fund this entire hospital for ten years!
18:29Alpha Blackhood?
18:31Your pup?
18:32Alpha Blackhood?
18:33Your wolf is croppled.
18:34You can't sire.
18:36Where would a pup come from?
18:39What did you just say?
18:42Crippled.
18:42You want to die?
18:44What nonsense are you spouting?
18:46Alpha Blackhood, I'm not making this up.
18:48Your bonding exam ten years ago, the result was clear.
18:52Your Luna Nora never told you?
18:53You can't sire.
18:54It's not possible.
18:57The name hit him.
18:59Lucien froze for a second.
19:01Nora?
19:02How much did she pay you to put on this show?
19:05Alpha Blackhood, I...
19:06To split me and Chloe?
19:07Or to convince me Chloe's pup isn't mine?
19:10You go back and tell Nora I'm not buying it.
19:13Her tricks are pathetic.
19:15They're an insult.
19:17If I can't sigh, what was she carrying then?
19:19Some rogues litter?
19:22Alpha Blackhood.
19:23But...
19:24Enough!
19:25Right now I need one thing from you.
19:28Save the pup.
19:29If anything happens to that pup, you and this entire hospital are done.
19:34Yes, Alpha?
19:35Lucien's phone rang.
19:37He glanced down.
19:38His beta.
19:38What?
19:39Alpha.
19:40You need to get back to the ceremony.
19:42Something's wrong.
19:44What?
19:45Every rival Alpha you've ever fought, they're all here.
19:48They say they have a wedding gift for you.
19:50Ignore them.
19:51They're failed dogs.
19:53If they want to make a scene, have the guards drag them out.
19:56I'm only thinking about Chloe and the pup right now.
19:58Until they're safe, nothing else matters.
20:00Alpha.
20:00But do what I told you.
20:02He almost hung up, then he stopped.
20:04What about the Luna?
20:05Has she apologized?
20:06Begged?
20:08If she's ready to come around, take her to the hospital.
20:10If she promises to attend Chloe personally, I won't.
20:13I don't know, Alpha.
20:15Forget it.
20:16If she wants to be stubborn, let her sit in the dungeons and think about it.
20:20He hung up, walked back toward the emergency room.
20:24I told you I don't want this pup!
20:27Lucen stopped dead.
20:29Do you understand what I said?
20:30Take the pup out!
20:32Now!
20:33I'll give you a million dollars to make it disappear.
20:36No, she doesn't have to know.
20:38We'll say Noya hurt me.
20:40Say the pup couldn't be saved.
20:43Done.
20:45The room froze.
20:47What did you just say?
20:49Take the pup out.
20:51It can be saved.
20:53Why don't you want it?
20:56Chloe's eyes filled.
20:58She looked like she'd been caught in a trap.
21:01Lucien, let me explain.
21:04If the Luna doesn't want our pup born, then I'll make her happy.
21:08She hates him already.
21:09What happens later?
21:11If he's born, if I give him to her to raise,
21:14she'll kill him.
21:16She'll find a way.
21:17Better now.
21:19Before he has feelings.
21:20Before I love him too much.
21:22Lucien staggered.
21:23A second later, he pulled her against him.
21:25Chloe, don't say that.
21:27The pup is innocent.
21:29Chloe trembled in his arms, sobbing.
21:31Lucien held her tighter.
21:33But something flickered in his eyes.
21:34A flicker he tried to bury.
21:36He paused, voice low.
21:37What you said before, about blaming Nora, what was that?
21:44Are you defending her?
21:46Look at me.
21:47And you're still defending her?
21:49I just hate her.
21:51She hurt my pup.
21:52Can I even vent?
21:53And she really did this to me!
21:55I'd already decided.
21:57Once the pup was gone, I was gonna leave.
21:59Buy a flight ticket.
22:01Disappear from your life.
22:03I don't want to be in the way anymore.
22:04Lucien's face changed.
22:06What did you say?
22:08Leave me?
22:10I won't allow it.
22:12Chloe, listen to me.
22:14You and the pup.
22:15I'm not letting either of you go.
22:17Whoever hurt you, they'll pay.
22:19Chloe stopped crying slowly, looked up.
22:22And you'll punish her for me?
22:23Lucien's eyes turned cold.
22:26Yes.
22:27She moved against you and the pup.
22:29She'll bear the consequences.
22:34Then, break the bond.
22:36Please.
22:37I don't want her raising my pup.
22:39I don't trust her.
22:41Lucien's body stilled.
22:42He didn't speak.
22:43You don't want her raising the pup?
22:48Then the pup won't be a bloodmate's pup.
22:51You said I was the one you loved most.
22:55You said you didn't love her anymore.
22:57Just family loyalty.
22:58Lucien closed his eyes.
22:59A long time passed.
23:00Then he spoke.
23:01Yes.
23:02The one I love is you.
23:04But the thought of breaking the bond, cutting her out of my life entirely, it feels wrong.
23:09Like something's being ripped out.
23:10He pulled Chloe closer, like he was talking himself into it.
23:13It must be the bond.
23:14Because she's my fated mate.
23:16Nothing more.
23:17Don't worry.
23:18I'll send her overseas, to a neutral pack.
23:21She'll never come near you or the pup again.
23:24She won't be able to hurt you.
23:27Okay.
23:28The healer let out a breath.
23:30He finished the exam, looked up.
23:32The pup's stable.
23:34We'll release her with some medication.
23:35Chloe grabbed Lucien's hand at once.
23:38Lucien, the ceremony.
23:40The one you set up for me.
23:42We still have an hour.
23:43We can make it.
23:43Lucien looked at her, smiled, faint.
23:46Okay.
23:47Anything you want.
23:48The great hall of the manor.
23:50Lights bright.
23:51Music low.
23:52Chloe stepped onto the dais in a fresh gown, smiling.
23:56Lucien stood beside her, calm again.
23:58The picture of an alpha.
24:00The officiant raised the mic.
24:02About to speak.
24:03Hold on.
24:04Several figures stood from the crowd.
24:06Sharp suits.
24:07Faces full of amusement.
24:10Alpha Blackwood.
24:11On such a great occasion.
24:13How could we not bring a gift?
24:14Lucien turned, slow.
24:16Looked at them.
24:17And just for a second, something cold dropped in his chest.
24:21A feeling he couldn't name.
24:23Lucien pushed the unease down.
24:24He spoke flat.
24:26Whatever you brought, save it for after the ceremony.
24:29But Chloe had already recognized them.
24:31The most powerful alphas in the region.
24:34Her eyes lit.
24:35Heart racing.
24:36She tilted her head.
24:37Sweet.
24:39Oh?
24:39Thank you, alphas.
24:41What kind of gift?
24:43Why not show me now?
24:44Lucien's brows knit.
24:45Hard.
24:46For years, he'd shielded Chloe from this side of the world.
24:48The fights.
24:49The blood.
24:49The plot.
24:50He'd kept her clean of all of it.
24:52She didn't know how they'd circled him.
24:53Cornered him.
24:54Tried to break him.
24:55She didn't know how he'd clawed his way out.
24:57So now, with them in front of her, she was smiling at his enemies.
25:01His face cooled.
25:02And in his head, unbidden.
25:04Another face.
25:05If it had been me, I'd have smelled the danger the second they walked in.
25:08I'd have removed them quietly.
25:10Cleanly.
25:11Before they ever spoke.
25:13I'd never let this happen.
25:14The thought struck him cold.
25:16He stopped it dead.
25:17Why was he comparing Chloe to Nora?
25:19His face hardened.
25:20Chloe was sheltered.
25:21He'd made her that way.
25:23He had no right to use the rules of the gutter against her.
25:26He spoke.
25:26Flat.
25:27If Chloe wants to see, show her.
25:29Calm.
25:30Like the rival alphas weren't there at all.
25:32They exchanged looks.
25:34The same smile on every face.
25:36One of them raised a hand.
25:37Two soft claps.
25:39The lights in the hall dropped.
25:41The LED wall behind the dais flared white.
25:44A moan filled the room.
25:46The hall erupted.
25:47Lucien's lip curled.
25:49So that's all.
25:50A video.
25:51A video of him and Chloe.
25:53He didn't care.
25:54Still.
25:54He turned.
25:55Looked.
25:56One glance.
25:56His face changed.
25:58On the screen.
25:59Chloe.
26:00Half dressed.
26:00Pinned under a man.
26:02A man who wasn't him.
26:04His pupils blew wide.
26:06He knew that face.
26:07Chloe's junior from the Human University.
26:10A PAC initiate she'd mentored.
26:12Chloe's face went bone white.
26:14She couldn't even scream for someone to cut the feed.
26:17What if you get pregnant?
26:19Good.
26:19Then I can finally push that luna bitch off her seat.
26:22I've been trying for years.
26:23Couldn't get pregnant.
26:24Couldn't force Lucien to break the bond.
26:26This works.
26:27I'll just say it's his.
26:28Damn.
26:29So my pup gets raised by an alpha.
26:31Chloe lost it.
26:33She clawed at his arm.
26:34Voice cracking.
26:35It's not real!
26:36It's fake!
26:38AI!
26:39Someone framed me!
26:41The rival alphas laughed out loud.
26:43Alpha Blackhall.
26:44Funny coincidence.
26:45We have one more gift.
26:47A blood test.
26:48Of the pup in Miss Chloe's belly.
26:50Oh.
26:51And we brought the father too.
26:52They lifted a hand.
26:53A snowfall of white envelopes burst over the hall.
26:57Papers everywhere.
26:58A man was dragged in.
26:59Face white.
27:00Pointing at Chloe.
27:01Hands shaking.
27:03She came after me!
27:04It's not on me!
27:05Lucien bent down.
27:06Picked one up.
27:07His fingers shook.
27:08His eyes raked the report.
27:12No.
27:14Fake!
27:14It's fake!
27:15Fake!
27:16It's fake!
27:16If my wolf were crippled, how could Nora have been pregnant?
27:19She loved me!
27:20She'd never!
27:22She'd never have-
27:23Alpha Blackwood.
27:24We anticipated that question.
27:26A voice from the back of the hall.
27:27The crowd parted.
27:28A figure stepped forward.
27:30Slow.
27:30Familiar.
27:31The healer.
27:32Who watched everything ten years ago.
27:33She sighed.
27:35Pulled a yellowed file from a leather satchel.
27:37This is the bonding exam record from ten years ago.
27:41Alpha Blackwood.
27:42Your wolf was born crippled.
27:44So you cannot say our pups.
27:46This was confirmed the week you were claimed as mates.
Comments