- 11 hours ago
Alpha Daddy, Mommy is Dead
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00After I died, my child called the Alpha of the Midnight Pack.
00:04Daddy, I am Wynne.
00:07The man on the other end paused. He scoffed.
00:10What new trick is this? You think the Midnight Park is easy prey.
00:14My five-year-old did not catch his words. She only caught prey. She answered bright.
00:20Yes! Wynne is from the Preylands.
00:23The line went silent for a long time. When he spoke again, the cold smile was gone.
00:29Put your mother on the phone.
00:31But I could not pick up the phone anymore. Wynne answered exactly as I taught her.
00:35Mommy went to another home. Mommy said she cannot take me. She told me to find Daddy.
00:40Mommy said she raised me for five years. Now it is your turn.
00:45Silas would believe this story. Six years ago, I abandoned him the same way. I was right.
00:50A cold laugh cut through the phone.
00:53Same Ivy. Same games. Why does she think I will come?
00:56Wynne stumbled through her next line.
00:59Mommy said we can do a DNA test. You are my Daddy. Daddy, I do not want the Omega Sanctuary.
01:07Her last words trembled. After a long silence, Simus said one word.
01:14Address.
01:16Wynne gave the address. The call ended. He would be here soon.
01:21I let out a breath. Wynne blinked at me.
01:25Mommy? Why are we tricking Daddy? Did Mommy not die?
01:33I floated in the air. I did not answer at first. The trick was not for Silas. It was for
01:38Wynne.
01:39Wynne has seen ghosts since she was born. To her, death is just another way to keep living.
01:44Like me. I am only beside her in a new form. So she does not cry. She is not sad.
01:50She finds her spirit mother interesting. But other wolves will call her a freak.
01:54They will say she talks to empty corners. They will say she stares at things that are not there.
02:00I do not know if Silas can accept this kind of child. I cannot risk it.
02:05Mommy wants to play a game with Daddy. I want to see when he can find Mommy.
02:08I bent down. I made my voice secret.
02:11So you cannot tell him Mommy died. You cannot tell him you can see Mommy. Yes.
02:15Wynne nodded hard. She covered her mouth.
02:18My lips are sealed, Mommy.
02:19Good. Good baby.
02:21I laughed. I brushed her hair through the air.
02:25Later, Wynne ate some bread. Then she fell asleep. Her body is special.
02:29She sleeps more than other pups her age. I sat by her bed. I watched her.
02:34I watched the corner of her blanket gap open. I could not fix it.
02:38Then in the deep silence, a fist hit the door. A cold, deep voice came through.
02:44Open up. Simus Cole.
02:48I floated to the door. I passed through it. I almost passed through Silas.
02:52I jumped back two steps. Silas stood there. He rubbed his nose. His brow pulled tight.
02:56He caught a scent. Faint. Familiar. His wolf stirred behind his eyes.
03:01I never thought our reunion after six years would be this.
03:04Face to face. Mate to spirit.
03:07Silas knocked again. Harder. His knuckles passed through my body.
03:11Anyone home?
03:12Rhi woke up. She shuffled to the door in slippers. She opened it. She looked up.
03:17Are you daddy?
03:19Silas froze. It was not just her face. His wolf snapped to attention inside him.
03:24Bloodline link. A pull straight to his chest. His own pup. Confirmed before a word.
03:30He stared down at her with heavy eyes. She looks just like him. One glance tells you whose child she
03:35is.
03:36After a moment, Silas pulled his eyes away. He scanned the apartment.
03:39She let you live in a place like this? He stepped inside. I floated by him. I snapped back.
03:45You make it sound like you never lived small. 500 square feet is fine. He could not hear me.
03:52He stopped and asked when.
03:55Where is your mother? Really gone?
03:59He lowered his eyes. He waited. Rick shrunk back. She hid behind me. The hiding was useless.
04:05After a brief standoff, Simus crouched down. He met her eyes. His voice softened.
04:09Your mother's number. Do you know it?
04:10Rink pinched her sleeve. She hummed once. Then she spoke my number. Soft but clear.
04:15Simus took out his phone. The call log was a wall of red. He had called me many times already.
04:21Silas walked to the balcony. He made a call.
04:24Number is live. Find the address. The apartment is still warm. She has not been gone long.
04:30He held the railer with one hand. Lazy stance. Sharp focus. I floated next to him.
04:37You hunt well. I looked at the distant lights. Then I spoke softly. But you will not find me.
04:43Not ever, Silas. Silas was taking Wyn away. Before they left, I told Rink to pack.
04:49Bring your sleep clothes. Bring your favorite stuffed wolf. The blue medicine box. Second shelf.
04:56For your allergies. Bring your milk and oats. You may not like new food.
05:01I talked and talked.
05:03Wyn kept making trips. She kept bringing my photos to the box.
05:08I went quiet. After a moment, I stopped her.
05:12Just one photo of us. Not so many.
05:14She held my photo book. Her eyes were wide.
05:18Why?
05:19Daddy will not like it.
05:21Sinus would not want my photos in his home.
05:27Who are you talking to?
05:30I looked up. Silas stood in the bedroom door. Rink jumped.
05:34The photo book hit the floor. It fell open on one page.
05:37Photos of me and Silas. Smiling. Joking. Close.
05:40The air went still. Silas stared at the photo.
05:42Finally, he laughed. Soft. Cold.
05:44Ivy, are you sick?
05:45He cursed me. I could not curse back.
05:47Wren pointed at the book.
05:49Daddy, can I bring this?
05:51No.
05:52Sinus threw the word out. Hard.
05:55It made me remember the breakup.
05:57His eyes were red then.
05:58No.
05:59He pulled me into his arms.
06:00I refuse to break up.
06:02You can never leave me.
06:04But later, I destroyed his trust with my own hands.
06:09I opened the hotel suite door in a robe.
06:11Red marks burned on my neck.
06:13He smelled the other wolf on my skin first.
06:16His pupils blew wide.
06:17His wolf bared its teeth.
06:20You slept with him?
06:21His voice shook.
06:23I said nothing.
06:24The fight was huge.
06:27Silas beat the man into custody.
06:29His beta came to handle it.
06:31He glared at me.
06:34Apologize to Silas.
06:35He still cares about you.
06:36This can pass.
06:38My voice was flat.
06:40Sorry.
06:40No time.
06:41My boyfriend is hurt.
06:42I need to care for him.
06:43The beta dropped the act.
06:44He flared.
06:45You bitch!
06:46Ivy!
06:47You are nothing without Silas.
06:49A friend refugee at best.
06:51Do not push your luck.
06:52The curse stopped.
06:53Silas stepped in front of him.
06:56Enough.
06:57Ivy.
06:58Blood ran from his forehead.
07:00Tears too.
07:01Do not let me see you again.
07:05He hated me to the core.
07:09The convoy reached the Alpha's estate just after midnight.
07:14I used to come here often.
07:16The dogwood tree in the yard, I planted it with Silas.
07:20The petals had just dropped.
07:22I never got to see it bloom.
07:25Celasus got out of the car.
07:26Rin slept on his shoulder.
07:28The pack's staff went quiet at the sight.
07:31Celasus carried Rin to the guest room.
07:33He tucked her in.
07:34Alpha.
07:35Who is this?
07:36Then a maid whispered.
07:38My daughter.
07:39Celasus set it flat.
07:41He closed the door.
07:42He walked to the terrace.
07:43He ignored the stairs behind him.
07:47He pulled out a cigarette.
07:49He held it in his teeth.
07:51A small red glow grew in the dark.
07:54He never smoked before.
07:55Sias leaned on the rail.
07:57He looked down at the dogwood tree.
07:59His eyes went dark.
08:02You make the child call me.
08:04Then you hide.
08:07Ivy.
08:08Is this fun?
08:09I floated next to him.
08:11I teased.
08:13I do not want this.
08:15Or would you whip my corpse to feel better?
08:20Short laugh came from beside me.
08:22I turned.
08:23A she-wolf spirit was floating there.
08:25Red satin slip dress.
08:27Leather jacket.
08:28Heels she could not possibly walk in.
08:30Even though I was a spirit too, I jumped back two steps.
08:34Just died, yes?
08:35Is he your mate?
08:37She drifted closer like an old friend.
08:40I shook my head.
08:41Not anymore.
08:41Six years apart.
08:44Selina, she said.
08:46Pleasure.
08:47Sort of.
08:48Then I claim him.
08:49What?
08:50I mean sleep with him.
08:52I cross over soon.
08:54I want a top-tier alpha before I go.
08:58Why an alpha?
09:00Selina shrugged.
09:01I was a fringe too.
09:02Forty years a fringe.
09:04Never been touched by anything higher than a beta in my life.
09:07Died alone in a hospital bed last Tuesday.
09:09No pack.
09:10No mate.
09:11Line for next of kent was blank.
09:13The moon goddess gives every spirit three days before the pull.
09:17I asked for one favor before I cross.
09:20One night with a pure line alpha.
09:22So I do not go into the next life empty.
09:26I have watched him for days.
09:28His bed never stays empty.
09:30He is not loyal.
09:31I feel no guilt.
09:35I stared at Silas.
09:37His face hid in the smoke.
09:39He looked perfect.
09:41Can you pick someone else?
09:43What?
09:45Cannot forget the past?
09:46Selina smiled at me.
09:48Mommy, where are you?
09:50Then a weak crying voice came from inside.
09:55I moved at once.
09:57Silas crushed the cigarette.
09:59He brushed off the ash.
10:01I stopped myself.
10:03I had to leave anyway.
10:05Rin should get used to it.
10:07So I hid in the corner.
10:09I watched.
10:10Wink held her stuffed wolf.
10:12She stood in the hallway.
10:14Tears covered her face.
10:16Mommy, where are you?
10:17Mommy!
10:17She woke in a strange room.
10:19I was not there.
10:20She was terrified.
10:22Pain pulled at me.
10:23I forced myself to stay back.
10:26Silas crouched in front of Wyn.
10:28He wiped her tears.
10:29Do not cry.
10:31Daddy is here.
10:33Wyn threw herself into his arms.
10:36Mommy!
10:37I want Mommy!
10:39Silas picked her up.
10:40He patted her back.
10:42Did Mommy not leave long ago?
10:44Tell Daddy where she went.
10:46Daddy will find her.
10:50Rin hiccuped.
10:51Mommy did not leave.
10:53Mommy was at home.
10:54Silas frowned.
10:56At home?
10:57Mommy said she would come with me.
10:59Rin buried her face in his shoulder.
11:01Her tears soaked his shirt.
11:02His frown grew deeper.
11:04His face went cold.
11:05After a moment, his lip twisted.
11:07Ivy, playing me.
11:08Do not let me catch you.
11:09After a moment, his lip twisted.
11:13He really does not know you are dead?
11:14Selina popped up next to me.
11:16I nodded.
11:17I want to see his face when he learns.
11:18It will be a show.
11:19Her eyes brightened.
11:20You said his bed never stays empty.
11:22Why would he care about an ex?
11:23I shook my head.
11:25Selina looked wise.
11:26Wolves split, sags in love.
11:27He still carries you.
11:29I said nothing more.
11:31I stared at Silas' back.
11:33Still carries me.
11:35Silas said to my face once.
11:37I did not deserve that.
11:40Silas had no skill with pups.
11:42A maid took wind to bathe her in the end.
11:44Silas exhaled.
11:45He went to the terrace.
11:46He lit another cigarette.
11:48He used to be polished.
11:49Now his hair was a mess.
11:50His shirt was wrinkled and damp.
11:52I laughed.
11:53See?
11:54Pups break any alpha.
11:56His phone rang.
11:57I reached for my pocket on instinct.
11:59Then I caught myself.
12:00I was dead.
12:01I take no calls.
12:02The call was for Silas.
12:03He glanced at the screen.
12:05He answered lazy.
12:06I did not catch the words.
12:07Silas laughed cold.
12:09I brought her back less than an hour ago.
12:10Your spies move fast.
12:11I leaned in.
12:12A man spoke on the other end.
12:13The voice felt familiar.
12:14Five years old.
12:15Is she that ivy woman's pup?
12:17Did you run the DNA test?
12:18Where is the woman?
12:19It was Silas' father.
12:20The old alpha.
12:21Caleb Cole.
12:22I turned to Silas.
12:23He blew out smoke.
12:24Caleb broke the silence.
12:25If she is yours, keep her.
12:27Midnight blood stays in the family.
12:28I saw Silas twist his mouth.
12:30He smiled with scorn.
12:31The old alpha paused.
12:32His voice went hard.
12:33But the mother is not needed.
12:34Remember what she did to you.
12:37Silas crushed the cigarette.
12:38His face went blank.
12:39I will only punish her.
12:40The worse, the better.
12:42He hung up.
12:43I studied the face I had missed for six years.
12:46Then I cried while smiling.
12:49I already died very badly.
12:51Silas, can you stop hating me?
12:54He did not answer.
12:55The phone rang again.
12:56This time Silas picked up fast.
12:58What?
12:58His investigator must have found something.
13:01The man on the line hesitated.
13:02Alpha, we did not find her.
13:03Silas grew impatient.
13:05A heavy breath came through.
13:07I drove past the east docks.
13:08Sentinel tape everywhere.
13:09A body in the water.
13:10Looks like a jump.
13:10She looks exactly like Miss...
13:11The voice cut off.
13:12Silas' phone hit the floor.
13:14The crack was sharp.
13:17I had imagined at Silas hearing about my death many times.
13:21A flicker of surprise.
13:23A flat.
13:24I see.
13:25We were strangers now.
13:27But I still hoped for something.
13:30I was wrong.
13:32After the proper surprise, Silas picked up the phone.
13:36His hand was shaking.
13:38He could not hide it.
13:41He laughed.
13:42The sound came out thin and wrong.
13:45You have not seen her.
13:50Alpha.
13:51I checked the photo camera.
13:52I am coming now.
13:55I studied his face.
13:57I searched for something.
13:59I found nothing.
14:01Silas went back to the room.
14:03Daddy, look.
14:04I gave the wolf a new style.
14:07Rin waved her stuffed wolf at him.
14:08I finally saw a crack on his face.
14:11He started to speak.
14:12He stopped.
14:13I have something to handle.
14:13Wait here.
14:14He left one line.
14:15He rushed out.
14:16I hesitated.
14:17I did not follow.
14:19Not going to watch him break down?
14:21Selina showed up again.
14:22I forced a casual smile.
14:24Too far.
14:26Costs energy.
14:27I can flash you there.
14:28I worry about Rin alone.
14:30I twisted my mouth.
14:33I can call spirit friends to Godha.
14:36Strong ones.
14:37I had no answer.
14:39She floated cross-haged.
14:41She rested her chin in her hand.
14:44What are you afraid of?
14:46What was I afraid of?
14:48I was afraid Silas would not care at all.
14:51Afraid he would not even claim my body.
14:53Selina asked again.
14:55I am curious.
14:56What happened between you two?
14:58Did you dig up his ancestors?
15:00Is he the son of your enemy?
15:03No.
15:04None of that.
15:05We just loved and parted.
15:07Simple.
15:08Before he was 17, Silas did not carry the Cole name.
15:12He used his mother's name.
15:13He was Silas Hart.
15:14Silas Hart moved to my coastal pack at age six with his mother.
15:19Day one.
15:20He stomped my sandcastle flat.
15:22I told him to apologize.
15:24He's trying to let.
15:25He stared.
15:27His eyes wide.
15:29Castle?
15:30I thought it was a dirt pile.
15:32How is a castle that ugly?
15:33I scooped sand and threw it at him.
15:36War started.
15:37Sand flew everywhere.
15:39When his mother and my father came, I was riding his back.
15:43I poured sand down his pants.
15:45My father scolded me first.
15:48His mother bent down.
15:51She brushed sand from my face.
15:54Your pretty face is dirty now.
15:57Long black hair.
15:59White shirt.
16:00Long dress.
16:01High heels.
16:02Two dimples when she smiled.
16:04How was such a soft she-wolf Silas' mother?
16:07I hated Silas more for it.
16:10He climbed trees.
16:11I shook the trunks.
16:13He swim.
16:14I cut his swim shorts.
16:17He fought back too.
16:19He poured bitter juice in my honey.
16:21He hid stones in my bag.
16:23We fought into our teen years.
16:25Silas grew up with his mother's bones.
16:27He was the top wolf at school.
16:29He got many love notes.
16:31But he only opened the ones I delivered.
16:35After reading, Silas pulled out his own note.
16:37Do not be jealous.
16:39I wrote you one too.
16:40Look.
16:41It was a taunt and an insult.
16:44I threw it in the trash, unread.
16:46When I turned to leave, he grabbed my wrist.
16:49He sighed.
16:51You always wanted my mother to be your mother.
16:54I have a way.
16:55He had my interest.
16:58My father raised me alone.
17:00I never had a mother.
17:02What way?
17:03His mother was the only she-wolf who gave me a mother's warmth.
17:06So I asked.
17:07Mate bond.
17:11He stared at me.
17:13After we mate, you can call her mother.
17:16Properly.
17:18His pretty wolf eyes held something new.
17:21I realized late.
17:24The love note was real.
17:27But I never accepted his confession.
17:30His father, Caleb Cole, came to claim him.
17:33Silas was taken to the midnight pack.
17:35I was young and naive.
17:36I thought Silas had risen.
17:38His future was open.
17:39I might rise with him.
17:41Then his mother collapsed at home.
17:43We rushed her to the pack healer.
17:45End stage cancer.
17:46No one saw it coming.
17:48By her bed, she still brushed my tears with gentle hands.
17:51Do not cry.
17:52Your face will swell.
17:55My throat locked.
17:56I could not speak.
17:58How could a she-wolf so kind die so soon?
18:01She touched my head.
18:04Stay with Silas for me.
18:07With you, he will be happy.
18:11I promised.
18:13But Silas was not happy.
18:15He hated Caleb.
18:16He hated Caleb for ruining his mother.
18:19For making her flee.
18:20For raising him alone.
18:22He hated Caleb for shipping him off to a mountain pack in Europe.
18:25He missed his mother's last hour.
18:28Simus turned rebellious.
18:29He worked to defy Caleb.
18:31He refused the midnight inheritance fight.
18:33He built his own pack to destroy Caleb.
18:35But his pack was new.
18:36My family broke.
18:37My father stayed quiet his whole life.
18:39Then he tried business at the wrong age.
18:41He lost everything.
18:42He owed millions.
18:46Caleb made an offer.
18:47Take the midnight throne.
18:49The debts disappear.
18:51Silas refused.
18:53I asked to break up.
18:55I am not that useless.
18:58He kissed my tears like his mother used to.
19:01Ivy, let us not give up.
19:02I did not say yes.
19:04I did not say no.
19:05But on the day he sold his pack assets and came to me with the cash.
19:09I met him at a hotel room.
19:14To this day, I regret it.
19:16I regret these blank six years.
19:18I regret that before I died, we had no real reunion.
19:22Our last memory was that line outside the Sentinel Station.
19:25Enough.
19:29But regret means nothing now.
19:32The dead leave grudges behind.
19:35It all ends here.
19:38So I did not go to those docks.
19:41I did not see Silas' reaction.
19:44The next morning, Silas returned to the estate.
19:47He looked rough.
19:49Red rings under his eyes.
19:51Dark shadows from no sleep.
19:54Two pack sentinels came with him.
19:56They asked Wyn the standard questions.
19:59When did you last see Mommy?
20:01Wyn held her stuffed wolf.
20:03She answered well.
20:05Yesterday morning, Mommy walked me to preschool.
20:09Who took you home?
20:10My teacher.
20:12The Sentinel raised an eye.
20:15Why did you call Daddy?
20:17Wyn squeezed the wolf's ear.
20:21I...
20:22I wanted to see Daddy.
20:24I had never seen Daddy.
20:26I taught her this before Silas and the Sentinels came.
20:29If they asked why she said her mother abandoned her,
20:32she could say she lied to find her father.
20:34But strangely, they did not push.
20:36It seemed Silas did not tell them everything from the call.
20:40I stared at Silas.
20:41He stayed blank.
20:42Only his eyes were not blank.
20:43Gray.
20:44Still.
20:45Angry.
20:45The Sentinels left.
20:46Wyn looked at Silas.
20:48She tilted her head.
20:50Daddy, your face is so pale.
20:52Silas paused.
20:53He let her pull him down.
20:54Her small forehead touched.
20:56When Wyn felt sick, I always checked her fever this way.
21:00She remembered.
21:02After a moment, Wyn pulled back.
21:04She tugged her braid.
21:06Not hot.
21:07She looked at me for help.
21:08Mommy!
21:09Check Daddy!
21:11I shook my head.
21:13I tried to speak.
21:14Then Silas turned.
21:16He stared in my direction.
21:18He walked toward me.
21:21One step.
21:22Another.
21:26I tensed up.
21:27I grabbed Selina's arm.
21:29He cannot see me, can he?
21:31Selina did not care.
21:32Not every wolf has spirit sight.
21:34Your daughter is one in a hundred thousand.
21:37Relax.
21:38He only senses something is here.
21:39A scent.
21:40A pull.
21:41That was creepy enough.
21:42Silas came closer.
21:43He stopped just before me.
21:45His pupils blew wide.
21:47His wolf was right at the surface.
21:49He suddenly reached out.
21:50His fingertips passed through my body.
21:52He grabbed nothing.
21:54I am losing my mind.
21:55He twisted his lip.
21:56Half a smile.
21:58Lost.
21:59His bent back slowly straightened.
22:01Silas turned.
22:02He walked back to Wyn.
22:03I let out a breath.
22:05But a small ache stayed.
22:07Just once.
22:08If we could meet just once.
22:10Daddy is not sick.
22:11Silas crouched.
22:12He fixed her braid gently.
22:15Has mommy been sick?
22:16Sad?
22:17Has she said things like take care of yourself?
22:20They suspected suicide.
22:21The timing was suspicious.
22:23I died.
22:24And Rick called Silas.
22:26Before the sentinels left.
22:27I overheard their private talk.
22:30The dock cameras were broken.
22:32My co-org said I often said I want to die.
22:35My boss said I was tracking too many leads.
22:38Under heavy pressure.
22:41They decided I killed myself.
22:43They thought I told my pup to call Silas first.
22:46They were all wrong.
22:48Selina laughed.
22:49Who at work does not say that?
22:51Office wolves complain they still show up every day.
22:54And the cameras.
22:55Always broken at the right time.
22:57And sentinels paid off at the right price.
22:59Useless.
23:00I nodded hard.
23:03Wren shook her head.
23:05No.
23:05Mommy said she would take me to the moonlight carnival for my birthday.
23:09Her eyes sparkled.
23:10Daddy.
23:11Will you come too?
23:12Silas' eyes darkened.
23:14His throat moved.
23:15He forced out the words.
23:17Mommy.
23:17Cannot come with you.
23:19Wren looked at me.
23:20She insisted.
23:21Mommy can come.
23:22Simus paused.
23:23He chose his words.
23:24Mommy went somewhere far.
23:26You will not see her again.
23:28But-
23:28Wren cut him off.
23:29I know.
23:30But Mommy is still here.
23:32She ran to me.
23:33She looked up.
23:34Mommy.
23:35Is the game over?
23:36Daddy knows Mommy died.
23:38He almost found Mommy too.
23:40The living room went silent.
23:41I did not know how to handle this sudden change.
23:45Silas stayed half crouched.
23:46He turned his head slowly.
23:48His face was stiff.
23:49Shocked.
23:50Tell him the truth.
23:52He treats the pup well.
23:55Selina nudged me.
23:56I came back to myself.
23:57I breathed in.
23:58I bent down.
23:59I smiled at Wren.
24:00Yes.
24:01The game is over.
24:03Tell Daddy your power.
24:04Okay.
24:05Wren's eyes curved.
24:07She turned to Silas.
24:09Daddy.
24:09I can see Mommy.
24:11She is right there.
24:12Beside you.
24:15The words were too much.
24:17Silas slowly stood.
24:18He stared at my direction.
24:20He did not speak for a long time.
24:22I had Wren repeat things only Silas and I knew.
24:24The love note.
24:25The $300,000 that hit my bank account after we broke up.
24:29Each item shifted his face.
24:31Finally I said it.
24:32Sorry.
24:33Silas heart.
24:34I broke my promise.
24:35He believed I was here.
24:37He walked over slowly.
24:38He reached out.
24:39He touched lightly.
24:40Not my mind playing tricks.
24:42You really are here.
24:43His voice cracked.
24:44I finally saw Silas cry for me.
24:45I am sorry.
24:47He said.
24:49How did this happen?
24:50If I had known.
24:51Tears kept falling.
24:53Six years away from you.
24:55I am so sorry.
24:57I could not touch him.
24:58I could not comfort him.
24:59Now at her.
25:00Wren looked at me.
25:01She looked at Silas.
25:02Mommy.
25:03Daddy.
25:04Do not cry.
25:05She reached for my hand.
25:06She caught air.
25:07She blinked.
25:08Her eyes filled.
25:09She turned to Selina.
25:10Aunt Selina.
25:12Touch mommy for me.
25:14Selina sighed.
25:15She said nothing.
25:16She put her arm around my shoulder.
25:18She patted me gently.
25:19Wren turned and tugged Silas' sleeve.
25:22Daddy.
25:23Do not cry.
25:24Mommy is here.
25:25Silas buried his face in his hands.
25:28He could not speak.
25:29Long silence.
25:30I changed the subject.
25:31Wren.
25:32Tell daddy.
25:33Mommy met a client yesterday.
25:34His name is Jared.
25:36Tell the sentinels.
25:37You suddenly remembered.
25:38Mommy mentioned meeting an uncle named Jared in the morning.
25:41I had reached this point.
25:42I would not let my killer walk free.
25:46Jared moved the meeting.
25:47East side docks.
25:48No sentinels.
25:49No cameras.
25:50I should have refused.
25:51But 11 months on his account.
25:52I needed the close.
25:54He was waiting.
25:54Black coat.
25:55No umbrella.
25:56I caught it halfway across the lot.
25:57A smell under his colon.
25:59Sharp.
25:59Wrong.
26:00I stopped.
26:01Papers?
26:01Inside.
26:02Out here.
26:03He smiled.
26:04Then he dropped his pressure on me.
26:05My knees hit the concrete.
26:07Pure alpha.
26:08One in 10,000.
26:09Most packs only ever have one.
26:11A pure alpha hiding inside a sales suit.
26:14For 11 months.
26:15He crouched.
26:16Caught my chin.
26:17You really thought I chased your account because I liked you?
26:22I have been suspecting that pup of yours for months.
26:25The eyes.
26:26The bone structure.
26:28Too much midnight in her face.
26:30But I needed to be close enough to be sure.
26:33I came to your office last week.
26:35I held the door for your daughter at pickup.
26:37I bent down to her level.
26:39I smelled Silas Cole on her.
26:40The bloodline scent.
26:41Plain as daylight.
26:43She is his.
26:44My blood stopped.
26:46Rin.
26:47He dropped a photograph in front of me.
26:50Rin.
26:51Blue raincoat.
26:52Stuffed wolf.
26:54Outside her preschool gate.
26:55The midnight pack has been a thorn for 20 years.
26:58Every empire has a soft spot.
27:00Silas signs over the northern roots.
27:03I let her go.
27:04Maybe.
27:07You will not touch her.
27:13You will not touch her.
27:13Sweetheart.
27:14You cannot even stand.
27:21He was right.
27:23But my wolf could.
27:26Six years as a fringe.
27:28My wolf had been chained down so long I had almost forgotten her.
27:32She was still there.
27:33I let her come.
27:34All the way up.
27:36Bones snapped.
27:37Claws split through.
27:38I lunged.
27:39Teeth on his wrist.
27:41Alpha blood.
27:42He roared and threw me.
27:44Three ribs went.
27:45I got back up.
27:46He shifted.
27:48Twice my size.
27:50This was not a fight.
27:52It was a delay.
27:53His jaws closed on my shoulder.
27:55The bone gave.
27:57Shoulder gone.
27:58Heart faltered.
27:59But Ivy did not scream.
28:01For Rin, I became a shield.
28:03I bit his throat and held.
28:05Every second I held him was a second Wynhad.
28:08Three days ago, I had left her a note.
28:11Called her teacher with a pickup code.
28:15Texted the sentinel tip line.
28:18Some part of me had known.
28:20He slammed me down.
28:22Once.
28:23Twice.
28:26The third time, my vision went white.
28:29My wolf was gone.
28:31I was just Ivy.
28:33He stood over me.
28:35Laughing.
28:36Grabbed my hair.
28:39You know what you are, Ivy?
28:41A fringe nobody.
28:43Silas threw you out six years ago.
28:45You have been clawing the gutter ever since.
28:47Tonight you die on a dock no one visits.
28:50Tomorrow Silas reads about a Jane Doe.
28:53He will not even come to identify you.
28:55That is what you are to him.
28:56A used up little bitch nobody wanted.
29:01He waited for me to cry.
29:06I smiled.
29:07Blood between my teeth.
29:10Wrong Doc, Jared.
29:12The first siren wailed.
29:14His face changed.
29:16He ran.
29:20I turned my head.
29:21Toward the gap in the fence.
29:23Ran was not there.
29:24She was safe.
29:25At home.
29:26But I looked anyway.
29:28Run baby.
29:29Mummy bought you time.
29:31My ribs stopped hurting.
29:32The sirens came closer.
29:34I closed my eyes.
29:39I did not tell Silas the full story.
29:42It was not right for Rin to relay.
29:45The truth would surface in the investigation.
29:48Silas did not push.
29:50He just stared at me.
29:51His eyes were furious.
29:53He was holding it in.
29:54A vein stood up on his neck.
29:56He punched the wall.
29:57His knuckles split.
29:58He grabbed his phone.
30:00Called the sentinels.
30:01Then came back to my spot.
30:03Ivy.
30:05Wait for me.
30:06Will you still be here?
30:08Daddy.
30:09Mommy is here.
30:10Rin sat on the couch.
30:12She pointed at my new spot.
30:14Cyrus paused.
30:15He turned his head.
30:16His eyes were red.
30:17I need to go out.
30:18Can you wait for me?
30:20I went quiet.
30:22I had risk say yes.
30:25Cyrus left then.
30:27Selina leaned close.
30:30She whispered.
30:31I was right.
30:32Your alpha still loves you.
30:34I shook my head.
30:36He is not my alpha.
30:37Not anymore.
30:39Sure.
30:40She stretched.
30:41You both miss each other.
30:43Those women.
30:45I checked.
30:47His father set them up.
30:49Tell me the truth.
30:50Do you want to see him?
30:53I froze.
30:54I did not answer.
30:55Selina smiled like she understood.
30:58My bloodline carries the old moon rites.
31:01Pre-packed craft.
31:03Older than the sanctuaries.
31:05If you want, I can call my father to help.
31:10Why help me?
31:11I asked.
31:11I asked my father once why we still keep the reins.
31:15He said the dead need a way home.
31:18The living need a way to say goodbye.
31:21I get it now.
31:22She turned to me.
31:23She smiled.
31:25The veil is still thin.
31:27Go see him.
31:32Silas was gone longer this time.
31:34The third night, in heavy rain, he rushed back.
31:37His coat was soaked.
31:38Daddy.
31:38He went straight to Wyn's room.
31:40She pointed at his chin.
31:41Daddy, struggle?
31:42She rolled her big eyes.
31:44She looked him over.
31:45Daddy, why are you old?
31:46Where is mommy?
31:47He asked fast.
31:49Wren.
31:51The relic.
31:52I reminded her softly.
31:53Wren ran to the nightstand.
31:55She pulled the carved wolf totem from the drawer.
31:57She held it up.
31:58A drop of alpha blood sat on it.
32:00Selina's father had cut Silas during the call.
32:02He took the blood.
32:03He bound it to the totem.
32:04This was the old craft.
32:05He left after.
32:07Wren placed the totem in Silas' hand.
32:10What?
32:10He stopped.
32:11His eyes went to my spot.
32:13His scent shifted.
32:14His wolf came forward.
32:15The blood on the totem warmed.
32:17The veil thin for him.
32:19Ivy?
32:20His voice shook.
32:25Silas strode over.
32:27He pulled me into his arms.
32:29Even though he hugged only air.
32:33It is me.
32:36I matched his motion.
32:38I answered low.
32:40He cried harder than before.
32:46Sorry.
32:47Sorry.
32:49Sorry I let you suffer.
32:52Sorry you were alone on that dock for so long.
32:55So he knew the full story now.
32:58Ivy.
32:59You must hate me.
33:01He lowered his head.
33:03Tears poured.
33:04How could I hate you?
33:07I smiled.
33:08I tried to cup his face.
33:11I only thought of your good.
33:14When Jared was tearing me apart, I thought of you.
33:18Of Wren.
33:19Of your mother.
33:22I knew I should have come back to you years ago.
33:28Silas and I went to his room.
33:31Some words are not for Wren to hear.
33:33Silas.
33:34You hate me and you cannot forget me.
33:38Silas laughed.
33:40He opened the drawer.
33:42He pulled out the photo book I brought from my apartment.
33:47He turned the pages slowly.
33:50I never hated you.
33:52I was stunned.
33:53The ivy I knew would not cheat.
33:55I figured it out years ago.
33:59What hurt me?
34:01You chose to deal with him.
34:03You left me.
34:04Then he went to the safe.
34:06Came back with a folder.
34:10There is something you need to see.
34:12I floated over it.
34:14Selene drifted close.
34:16A bank transfer.
34:17$300,000.
34:19To my father's creditors.
34:21Dated two days before I walked into that hotel room.
34:24The sender was not Silas.
34:26It was Caleb Cole.
34:27Underneath a coercion agreement.
34:29My father's signature.
34:31Recipient agrees to publicly terminate all relations with subject SC.
34:35By means of demonstrated infidelity.
34:37Within 72 hours of payment receive.
34:3972 hours.
34:41By means of demonstrated infidelity.
34:45The hotel room was Caleb's design.
34:48The wolf who left marks on my neck was on Caleb's payroll.
34:52Six years.
34:53Silas thought I picked at another wolf over him.
34:56I thought I was saving him from a fight he could not win.
34:59Caleb sat in the Northern Territory and waited for his son to come home him empty-handed.
35:03Silas reached into the drawer.
35:05Pulled out a short blade.
35:07Pack forged.
35:08Silas, no!
35:10He drew it across his palm.
35:12He pressed his bleeding hand to the totem.
35:16By my blood.
35:17By my line.
35:18By the moon who watches.
35:21I name her mine.
35:22I call her back.
35:25I will not let her go.
35:28The totem flared white.
35:30Silas coughed.
35:31Bright blood ran from his mouth.
35:34Silas!
35:36The moon goddess will not give you back to me, I know.
35:41But I had to try.
35:45Silas dug deeper.
35:46Three days after the docks, his investigators traced it.
35:50Jared had not acted alone.
35:52The surveillance on Rents Preschool.
35:55The dock cameras pulled the morning I died.
35:58All of it tied to one sponsor.
36:01Caleb Cole.
36:02He had sold Jared the route in.
36:06A small favor between Alphas.
36:09He had not asked who Jared was hunting.
36:14Silas picked up the phone.
36:18Caleb.
36:20You sold a man my mate's location.
36:22You took the fee and signed the route.
36:25Tomorrow morning I file the books with the council.
36:27He hung up.
36:28Six years of files.
36:30Off-ledger transfers.
36:32Off-pack deals.
36:33Every favor sold.
36:35The council had no choice.
36:37They convened the next sundown.
36:39Voted unanimously.
36:41They held the stripping of the mantle at Moonrise.
36:44Selene came back and told me.
36:46Silas would not.
36:48Caleb knelt in front of his own pack.
36:51The council elder pulled the alpha glive off his throat with a silver knife.
36:56They burned the strip of skin in front of him.
36:59Halfway through, his face went slack on one side.
37:02He fell sideways into the dirt.
37:04They finished the ceremony anyway.
37:06The mantle came off a man on the ground.
37:09He survived.
37:10He would never walk, speak, or hold the mantle again.
37:14Silas did not attend.
37:15He stayed with Wren.
37:18Read her a story.
37:19After Wren slept, he came to me.
37:23Is that enough?
37:25No.
37:26But it is enough for you.
37:29I floated closer.
37:30Wren's birthday is in two days.
37:33Take her to the Moonlight Carnival.
37:50One thing before then.
37:54Please.
37:57I waited.
38:00Alina drifted over.
38:01A picture.
38:03The veil can give you one visible hour.
38:05A photograph the living can keep.
38:08One hour.
38:10Then the bond breaks faster.
38:17I looked at it at Silas.
38:20Set it up.
38:21Tomorrow afternoon.
38:23Under the dog rack tree.
38:26Selene's father came in the morning.
38:29He set the totem in the grass beneath the dogwood tree.
38:32He cut Silas' palm again.
38:35He marked the totem fresh.
38:39Then he left.
38:42Silas brought Wren out at three in the afternoon.
38:45He had told her something.
38:46I do not know what.
38:49She came out holding his hand and she was not afraid.
38:53She was wearing her black carnival dress a day earlier.
38:57Silas had laid a picnic blanket under the tree.
39:00A thermos.
39:01Three cups.
39:02A small paper crown for Wren.
39:05He had thought of everything.
39:07The totem warmed in his hand.
39:11The veil opened.
39:13I stepped into the light.
39:14Solid.
39:16Whole.
39:17In a sundress I had owned at twenty.
39:19Her eyes went wide.
39:22Mommy.
39:26She let go of Silas' hand and ran.
39:29She hit my legs.
39:30I caught her.
39:32I caught her.
39:33The weight of her.
39:35The smell of her hair.
39:37I dropped to my knees and held her.
39:39I did not let go.
39:41Silas had not moved.
39:43He stood at the edge of the blanket and looked at me.
39:48He came.
39:49He sat beside me.
39:52Wren crawled into the space between us.
39:56I poured imaginary tea.
39:58Wren declared it the best tea in the world.
40:00Silas laughed.
40:01A real laugh.
40:03His shoulder pressed against mine.
40:05I felt it.
40:06He set the paper crown on Wren's head.
40:08She declared herself queen of the picnic.
40:11Silas pulled out a phone and took the photo.
40:15Three of us on the blanket.
40:17Dogwood petals.
40:19Wren's shoulder.
40:20He looked at it.
40:21A long time.
40:22He did not show me.
40:23He just put the phone away.
40:27Wren fell asleep on the blanket.
40:30I stroked her hair.
40:32I counted her freckles.
40:34I had never gotten to count them.
40:36Silas watched me.
40:38How long?
40:41Not long now.
40:42Tell me what to do.
40:43Raise her loud.
40:44She is going to be loud.
40:46Let her be.
40:47She will see things other wolves do not see.
40:50Do not let anyone teach her to be ashamed of it.
40:54Take her to the carnival every year on her birthday.
40:56Even when she is too old for it.
40:58Especially then.
41:01Keep the photo on your desk.
41:03Not hidden in a drawer.
41:04And eat, Silas.
41:06Run your pack.
41:07Be the alpha you built.
41:09I reached up.
41:11Put my hand on the side of his face.
41:13I could see the dogwood petals through the back of my own hand.
41:16He felt it anyway.
41:18He closed his eyes.
41:19My alpha.
41:20I said.
41:21My maid.
41:21Den ran stirred.
41:22She had not been asleep.
41:24Not really.
41:24She sat up.
41:25She looked at me.
41:26She reached up and put her small hand on Silas' hand.
41:29Mommy?
41:30Yes, baby?
41:31You do not have to stay in the dark anymore.
41:34Daddy will protect me now.
41:36The garden went still.
41:37Even the wind stopped.
41:41She was the only person in the world who could have given me that.
41:44And she did.
41:45I pressed my hand to my mouth.
41:46I nodded.
41:47I could not speak.
41:48The fade came faster after.
41:50My hand on Silas' cheek went first.
41:53Silver dust drifting up.
41:56Then my arm.
41:57Then the hem of the sundress.
41:59Silas' hand closed around the space where my hand had been.
42:02He held it like it was a wrist.
42:03I love you.
42:05It came out as wind.
42:07Since the sandcastle.
42:08Since the dirt pile.
42:09The last of me was a scatter of pale dust on the picnic blanket.
42:13Then I was gone.
42:16The paper crown stayed.
42:18Silas knelt on the grass with his hand still raised.
42:21Rick leaned against his arm and looked at the sky.
42:24Then Silas Cole, alpha of the midnight pack, threw back his head and howled.
42:29Not a hunting call.
42:31Not a challenge.
42:32The sound an alpha makes once.
42:34It rolled out across the estate.
42:36Past the gates.
42:38Into the northern territory.
42:40On the far ridges, sentinels froze where they stood.
42:42In distant dens, cubs pressed against their mothers.
42:45In the city, dogs lifted their heads from sleep.
42:47Every wolf for 300 miles heard it and knew.
42:50An Alkvarab and alpha had lost his mate.
42:52When the howl faded, Silas lowered his head.
42:55Work crawled into his lap and put her small arms around his neck.
42:58Dogwood petals fell around them.
43:01Three weeks later, Silas put the framed photograph on his desk.
43:06Three of them.
43:07Under the dogwood tree.
43:09A paper crown on a small girl's head.
43:11He did not hide it.
43:14On Wren's sixth birthday, Silas took her to the Moonlight Carnival.
43:18He rode every ride she pulled him toward.
43:20He bought her a paper crown.
43:22Daddy!
43:23When the fireworks started, Wren tugged his sleeve and pointed up.
43:26He looked.
43:29He did not see what she saw.
43:31Then a soft breeze blew across his face.
43:34He smiled.
43:36Silas put his hand on his daughter's head.
43:41I see her, baby.
43:43He sighed.
43:44I see her, too.
43:45I see her, too.
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