- 9 minutes ago
Alpha Daddy, Mommy is Dead New 🔝
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.
00:15My five-year-old did not catch his words. She only caught prey. She answered bright.
00:21Yes! 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.
00:41Mommy 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?
00:57Wynne 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.
01:08Her last words trembled. After a long silence, Simus said one word.
01:14Address.
01:16Rink 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?
01:29Did 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. Like me.
01:44I am only beside her in a new form. So she does not cry. She is not sad. She finds
01:50her spirit mother interesting.
01:52But other wolves will call her a freak. They will say she talks to empty corners. They will say she
01:58stares 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. So you cannot tell him Mommy died. You cannot tell him you
02:13can 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. She sleeps more than other pups her
02:31age.
02:32I sat by her bed. I watched her. I watched the corner of her blanket gap open.
02:37I could not fix it. Then in the deep silence, a fist hit the door. A cold, deep voice came
02:43through.
02:44Open up. Simus Cole.
02:48I floated to the door. I passed through it. I almost passed through Silas. I jumped back two steps.
02:53Silas stood there. He rubbed his nose. His brow pulled tight. He caught a scent.
02:57Faint. Familiar. His wolf stirred behind his eyes.
03:00I never thought our reunion after six years would be this. Face 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.
03:28Confirmed before a word. He stared down at her with heavy eyes.
03:31She looks just like him. One glance tells you whose child she is.
03:36After a moment, Silas pulled his eyes away. He scanned the apartment.
03:39She let you live in a place like this?
03:41He stepped inside. I floated by him. I snapped back.
03:45You make it sound like you never lived small. 500 square feet is fine.
03:49He 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.
04:04After a brief standoff, Silas 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.
04:41But you will not find me. Not ever, Silas. Silas was taking Wyn away.
04:47Before they left, I told Rink to pack. Bring your sleep clothes. Bring your favorite stuffed wolf.
04:53The blue medicine box. Second shelf. For your allergies. Bring your milk and oats.
04:59You may not like new food. I talked and talked. Wyn kept making trips.
05:04She kept bringing my photos to the box. I 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.
05:17Why?
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. The photo book hit the floor. It fell open
05:35on one page. Photos of me and Silas. Smiling. Joking. Close. The air went still. Silas stared at the photo.
05:42Finally, he laughed. Soft. Cold.
05:43Ivy, are you sick?
05:44He cursed me. I could not curse back.
05:46Wren pointed at the book.
05:48Daddy, can I bring this?
05:50No.
05:52Sinus threw the word out. Hard. It made me remember the breakup.
05:56His eyes were red then.
05:58No.
05:58He pulled me into his arms.
06:00I refuse to break up. You can never leave me.
06:04But later, I destroyed his trust with my own hands. I opened the hotel suite door in a robe. Red
06:12marks burned on my neck. He smelled the other wolf on my skin first. His pupils blew wide. His wolf
06:18bared its teeth.
06:19You slept with him?
06:21His voice shook. I said nothing. The fight was huge. Silas beat the man into custody. His beta came to
06:30handle it. He glared at me.
06:33Apologize to Silas. He still cares about you. This can pass.
06:37My voice was flat. Sorry. No time. My boyfriend is hurt. I need to care for him. The beta dropped
06:43the act. He flared.
06:44You bitch, Ivy. You are nothing without Silas. A friend refugee at best. Do not push your luck.
06:52The curse stopped. Silas stepped in front of him.
06:55Enough, Ivy.
06:58Blood ran from his forehead. Tears, 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.
07:15The dogwood tree in the yard. I planted it with Silas.
07:20The petals had just dropped.
07:22I never got to see it bloom.
07:24Celasus got out of the car.
07:26Rin slept on his shoulder.
07:28The pack's staff went quiet at the sight.
07:30Selas carried Rin to the guest room.
07:33He tucked her in.
07:34Alpha, who is this?
07:36Then a maid whispered.
07:37My daughter.
07:39Selas set it flat.
07:40He closed the door.
07:41He walked to the terrace.
07:43He ignored the stairs behind him.
07:46He pulled out a cigarette.
07:48He held it in his teeth.
07:51A small red glow grew in the dark.
07:53He never smoked before.
07:55Cias leaned on the rail.
07:56He looked down at the dogwood tree.
07:58His eyes went dark.
08:01You make the child call me.
08:03Then you hide.
08:06Ivy.
08:07Is this fun?
08:09I floated next to him.
08:11I teased.
08:12I do not want this.
08:14Or would you whip my corpse to feel better?
08:19Short laugh came from beside me.
08:22I turned.
08:23A she-wolf spirit was floating there.
08:25Red satin slip dress.
08:26Leather jacket.
08:27Heels she could not possibly walk in.
08:29Even though I was a spirit too, I jumped back two steps.
08:33Just died, yes?
08:35Is he your mate?
08:36She drifted closer like an old friend.
08:39I shook my head.
08:40Not anymore.
08:42Six years apart.
08:44Selina, she said.
08:45Pleasure.
08:46Sort of.
08:47Then I claim him.
08:48What?
08:49I mean sleep with him.
08:51I cross over soon.
08:54I want a top-tier alpha before I go.
08:58Why an alpha?
08:59Selene shrugged.
09:00I was a fringe too.
09:02Forty years a fringe.
09:03Never been touched by anything higher than a beta in my life.
09:06Died alone in a hospital bed last Tuesday.
09:09No pack.
09:10No mate.
09:11Line for next of kent was blank.
09:12The moon goddess gives every spirit three days before the pull.
09:17I asked for one favor before I cross.
09:19One night with a pure line alpha.
09:22So I do not go into the next life empty.
09:25I have watched him for days.
09:27His bed never stays empty.
09:29He is not loyal.
09:31I feel no guilt.
09:34I stared at Silas.
09:36His face hid in the smoke.
09:39He looked perfect.
09:41Can you pick someone else?
09:43What?
09:44Cannot forget the past?
09:46Selene smiled at me.
09:47Mommy.
09:48Where are you?
09:50Then a weak crying voice came from inside.
09:54I moved at once.
09:56Silas crushed the cigarette.
09:58He brushed off the ash.
10:00I stopped myself.
10:02I had to leave anyway.
10:04Rin should get used to it.
10:06So I hid in the corner.
10:08I watched.
10:09Wink held her stuffed wolf.
10:11She stood in the hallway.
10:13Tears covered her face.
10:15Mommy.
10:15Where are you?
10:16Mommy.
10:17She woke in a strange room.
10:18I was not there.
10:19She was terrified.
10:21Pain pulled at me.
10:22I forced myself to stay back.
10:25Silas crouched in front of Wyn.
10:27He wiped her tears.
10:29Do not cry.
10:30Daddy is here.
10:32Wyn threw herself into his arms.
10:35Mommy.
10:36I want mommy.
10:38Silas picked her up.
10:39He patted her back.
10:41Did mommy not leave long ago?
10:44Tell daddy where she went.
10:46Daddy will find her.
10:49Rin hiccuped.
10:50Mommy did not leave.
10:52Mommy was at home.
10:54Silas frowned.
10:55At home?
10:56Mommy said she would come with me.
10:58Rin buried her face in his shoulder.
11:00Her tears soaked his shirt.
11:01His frown grew deeper.
11:03His face went cold.
11:04After a moment, his lip twisted.
11:06Ivy.
11:07Playing me.
11:07Do not let me catch you.
11:08After a moment,
11:09his lip twisted.
11:12He really does not know you are dead?
11:14Selena popped up next to me.
11:15I nodded.
11:16I want to see his face when he learns.
11:17It will be a show.
11:18Her eyes brightened.
11:19You said his bed never stays empty.
11:21Why would he care about an ex?
11:23I shook my head.
11:24Selena looked wise.
11:25Wolves split, sags in love.
11:27He still carries you.
11:29I said nothing more.
11:30I stared at Silas' back.
11:32I stared at Silas' back.
11:33Still carries me.
11:34Silas said to my face once,
11:36I did not deserve that.
11:40Silas had no skill with pups.
11:41A maid took wind to bathe her in the end.
11:44Silas exhaled.
11:45He went to the terrace.
11:46He lit another cigarette.
11:47He used to be polished.
11:48Now his hair was a mess.
11:50His shirt was wrinkled and damp.
11:51I laughed.
11:52See?
11:53Pups break any alpha.
11:55His phone rang.
11:56I reached for my pocket on instinct.
11:58Then I caught myself.
11:59I was dead.
12:00I take no calls.
12:01The call was for Silas.
12:03He glanced at the screen.
12:04He answered lazy.
12:05I did not catch the words.
12:06Silas laughed cold.
12:08I brought her back less than an hour ago.
12:09Your spies move fast.
12:11I leaned in.
12:11A man spoke on the other end.
12:13The voice felt familiar.
12:14Five years old.
12:14Is she that ivy woman's pup?
12:16Did you run the DNA test?
12:17Where is the woman?
12:18It was Silas' father.
12:20The old alpha.
12:20Caleb Cole.
12:21I turned to Silas.
12:22He blew out smoke.
12:23Caleb broke the silence.
12:25If she is yours, keep her.
12:26Midnight blood stays in the family.
12:27I saw Silas twist his mouth.
12:29He smiled with scorn.
12:30The old alpha paused.
12:31His voice went hard.
12:32But the mother is not needed.
12:34Remember what she did to you.
12:36Silas crushed the cigarette.
12:37His face went blank.
12:38I will only punish her.
12:40The worse, the better.
12:41He hung up.
12:42I studied the face I had missed for six years.
12:45Then I cried while smiling.
12:48I already died very badly.
12:51Silas, can you stop hating me?
12:53He did not answer.
12:54The phone rang again.
12:55This time Silas picked up fast.
12:57What?
12:58His investigator must have found something.
13:00The man on the line hesitated.
13:01Alpha, we did not find her.
13:03But-
13:03Silas grew impatient.
13:04A heavy breath came through.
13:06I drove past the east docks.
13:07Sentinel tape everywhere.
13:08A body in the water.
13:09Looks like a jump.
13:10She looks exactly like-
13:11The voice cut off.
13:12Silas' phone hit the floor.
13:13The crack was sharp.
13:16I had imagined at Silas hearing about my death many times.
13:20A flicker of surprise.
13:22A flat.
13:23I see.
13:24We were strangers now.
13:26But I still hoped for something.
13:29I was wrong.
13:31After the proper surprise, Silas picked up the phone.
13:35His hand was shaking.
13:37He could not hide it.
13:40He laughed.
13:41The sound came out thin and wrong.
13:44You have not seen her.
13:49Alpha.
13:50I checked the photo camera.
13:51I am coming now.
13:54I studied his face.
13:56I searched for something.
13:58I found nothing.
14:00Silas went back to the room.
14:02Daddy, look.
14:03I gave the wolf a new style.
14:06Rin waved her stuffed wolf at him.
14:07I finally saw a crack on his face.
14:10He started to speak.
14:11He stopped.
14:12I have something to handle.
14:12Wait here.
14:13He left one line.
14:14He rushed out.
14:15I hesitated.
14:16I did not follow.
14:18Not going to watch him break down?
14:20Selina showed up again.
14:21I forced a casual smile.
14:24Too far.
14:25Costs energy.
14:26I can flash you there.
14:27I worry about Rin alone.
14:29I twisted my mouth.
14:32I can call spirit friends to Godha.
14:35Strong ones.
14:36I had no answer.
14:38She floated cross-hagged.
14:41She rested her chin in her hand.
14:43What are you afraid of?
14:45What was I afraid of?
14:47I was afraid Silas would not care at all.
14:50Afraid he would not even claim my body.
14:52Selina asked again.
14:54I am curious.
14:55What happened between you two?
14:57Did you dig up his ancestors?
14:59Is he the son of your enemy?
15:02No.
15:03None of that.
15:04We just loved and parted.
15:06Simple.
15:07Before he was 17, Silas did not carry the Cole name.
15:10He used his mother's name.
15:12He was Silas Hart.
15:13Silas Hart moved to my coastal pack at age six with his mother.
15:17Day one, he stomped my sandcastle flat.
15:21I told him to apologize.
15:22He's trying to let.
15:24He stared.
15:26His eyes wide.
15:28Castle?
15:29I thought it was a dirt pile.
15:31How is a castle that ugly?
15:32I scooped sand and threw it at him.
15:35War started.
15:36Sand flew everywhere.
15:38When his mother and my father came, I was riding his back.
15:41I poured sand down his pants.
15:44My father scolded me first.
15:47His mother bent down.
15:49She brushed sand from my face.
15:53Your pretty face is dirty now.
15:56Long black hair.
15:57White shirt.
15:59Long dress.
16:00High heels.
16:01Two dimples when she smiled.
16:03How was such a soft she-wolf Silas's mother?
16:06I hated Silas more for it.
16:09He climbed trees.
16:10I shook the trunks.
16:12He swim.
16:13I cut his swim shorts.
16:16He fought back too.
16:17He poured bitter juice in my honey.
16:20He hid stones in my bag.
16:22We fought into our teen years.
16:24Silas grew up with his mother's bones.
16:26He was the top wolf at school.
16:28He got many love notes.
16:30But he only opened the ones I delivered.
16:34After reading, Silas pulled out his own note.
16:36Do not be jealous.
16:37I wrote you one too.
16:39Look.
16:40It was a taunt and an insult.
16:43I threw it in the trash, unread.
16:45When I turned to leave, he grabbed my wrist.
16:48He sighed.
16:50You always wanted my mother to be your mother.
16:53I have a way.
16:54He had my interest.
16:57My father raised me alone.
16:59I never had a mother.
17:01What way?
17:01His mother was the only she-wolf who gave me a mother's warmth.
17:05So I asked.
17:06Mate bond.
17:10He stared at me.
17:12After we mate, you can call her mother.
17:15Properly.
17:17His pretty wolf eyes held something new.
17:20I realized late.
17:23The love note was real.
17:26But I never accepted his confession.
17:29His father, Caleb Cole, came to claim him.
17:31Silas was taken to the midnight pack.
17:33I was young and naive.
17:35I thought Silas had risen.
17:37His future was open.
17:38I might rise with him.
17:40Then his mother collapsed at home.
17:41We rushed her to the pack healer.
17:44End stage cancer.
17:45No one saw it coming.
17:47By her bed, she still brushed my tears with gentle hands.
17:50Do not cry.
17:51Do not cry.
17:52Your face will swell.
17:54My throat locked.
17:55I could not speak.
17:57How could a she-wolf so kind die so soon?
18:00She touched my head.
18:03Stay with Silas for me.
18:06With you, he will be happy.
18:10I promised.
18:12But Silas was not happy.
18:14He hated Caleb.
18:15He hated Caleb for ruining his mother.
18:18For making her flee.
18:19For raising him alone.
18:21He hated Caleb for shipping him off to a mountain pack in Europe.
18:24He missed his mother's last hour.
18:27Simus turned rebellious.
18:28He worked to defy Caleb.
18:30He refused the midnight inheritance fight.
18:32He built his own pack to destroy Caleb.
18:34But his pack was new.
18:35My family broke.
18:36My father stayed quiet his whole life.
18:38Then he tried business at the wrong age.
18:40He lost everything.
18:41He owed millions.
18:45Caleb made an offer.
18:46Take the midnight throne.
18:48The debts disappear.
18:50Silas refused.
18:52I asked to break up.
18:54I am not that useless.
18:57He kissed my tears like his mother used to.
19:00Ivy, let us not give up.
19:01I did not say yes.
19:03I did not say no.
19:04But on the day he sold his pack assets and came to me with the cash.
19:08I met him at a hotel room.
19:13To this day, I regret it.
19:15I regret these blank six years.
19:17I regret that before I died, we had no real reunion.
19:20Our last memory was that line outside the Sentinel Station.
19:23Enough.
19:28But regret means nothing now.
19:30The dead leave grudges behind.
19:34It all ends here.
19:37So I did not go to those docks.
19:40I did not see Silas' reaction.
19:42The next morning, Silas returned to the estate.
19:45He looked rough.
19:47Red rings under his eyes.
19:49Dark shadows from no sleep.
19:52Two pack sentinels came with him.
19:54They asked Wyn the standard questions.
19:58When did you last see Mommy?
20:00Rin held her stuffed wolf.
20:01She answered well.
20:04Yesterday morning.
20:05Mommy walked me to preschool.
20:08Who took you home?
20:09My teacher.
20:11The Sentinel raised an eye.
20:14Why did you call Daddy?
20:16Wyn squeezed the wolf's ear.
20:20I...
20:20I wanted to see Daddy.
20:23I had never seen Daddy.
20:24I taught her this before Silas and the Sentinels came.
20:27If they asked why she said her mother abandoned her, she could say she lied to find her father.
20:33But strangely, they did not push.
20:35It seemed Silas did not tell them everything from the call.
20:38I stared at Silas.
20:39He stayed blank.
20:40Only his eyes were not blank.
20:42Gray.
20:43Still.
20:43Angry.
20:44The Sentinels left.
20:45Rin looked at Silas.
20:46She tilted her head.
20:48Daddy, your face is so pale.
20:51Silas paused.
20:52He let her pull him down.
20:53Her small forehead touched.
20:54When Rin felt sick, I always checked her fever this way.
20:59She remembered.
21:00After a moment, Rin pulled back.
21:03She tugged her braid.
21:05Not hot.
21:06She looked at me for help.
21:07Mommy!
21:08Check Daddy!
21:10I shook my head.
21:11I tried to speak.
21:13Then Silas turned.
21:14He stared in my direction.
21:17He walked toward me.
21:19One step.
21:21Another.
21:24I tensed up.
21:25I grabbed Selina's arm.
21:27He cannot see me, can he?
21:29Selina did not care.
21:31Not every wolf has spirit sight.
21:32Your daughter is one in a hundred thousand.
21:35Relax.
21:36He only senses something is here.
21:38A scent.
21:38A pull.
21:39That was creepy enough.
21:41Silas came closer.
21:42He stopped just before me.
21:43His pupils blew wide.
21:45His wolf was right at the surface.
21:47He suddenly reached out.
21:49His fingertips passed through my body.
21:51He grabbed nothing.
21:52I am losing my mind.
21:54He twisted his lip.
21:55Half a smile.
21:56Lost.
21:57His bent back slowly straightened.
22:00Silas turned.
22:01He walked back to Rin.
22:02I let out a breath.
22:03But a small ache stayed.
22:05Just once.
22:06If we could meet just once.
22:08Daddy is not sick.
22:10Silas crouched.
22:11He fixed her braid gently.
22:13Has mommy been sick?
22:15Sad?
22:16Has she said things like take care of yourself?
22:18They suspected suicide.
22:20The timing was suspicious.
22:21I died.
22:22And Rick called Silas.
22:24Before the Sentinels left, I overheard their private talk.
22:28The dock cameras were broken.
22:30My co-workers said I often said I want to die.
22:33My boss said I was tracking too many leads.
22:36Under heavy pressure.
22:39They decided I killed myself.
22:42They thought I told my pup to call Silas first.
22:45They were all wrong.
22:46Selina laughed.
22:48Who at work does not say that?
22:49Office wolves complain they still show up every day.
22:52And the cameras.
22:54Always broken at the right time.
22:55And Sentinels paid off at the right price.
22:58Useless.
22:59I nodded hard.
23:02Wren shook her head.
23:03No.
23:04Mommy said she would take me to the Moonlight Carnival for my birthday.
23:07Her eyes sparkled.
23:08Daddy.
23:09Will you come too?
23:10Silas' eyes darkened.
23:12His throat moved.
23:13He forced out the words.
23:15Mommy cannot come with you.
23:17Wren looked at me.
23:18She insisted.
23:19Mommy can come.
23:20Simus paused.
23:21He chose his words.
23:23Mommy went somewhere far.
23:24You will not see her again.
23:26Wren cut him off.
23:27I know.
23:29But Mommy is still here.
23:30She ran to me.
23:31She looked up.
23:32Mommy.
23:33Is the game over?
23:35Daddy knows Mommy died.
23:36He almost found Mommy too.
23:38The living room went silent.
23:40I did not know how to handle this sudden change.
23:43Silas stayed half crouched.
23:45He turned his head slowly.
23:47His face was stiff.
23:48Shocked.
23:49Tell him the truth.
23:50He treats the pup well.
23:53Selene nudged me.
23:54I came back to myself.
23:56I breathed in.
23:56I bent down.
23:57I smiled at Wren.
23:59Yes.
23:59The game is over.
24:01Tell Daddy your power.
24:02Okay.
24:04Wren's eyes curved.
24:05She turned to Silas.
24:07Daddy.
24:08I can see Mommy.
24:09She is right there.
24:11Beside you.
24:13The words were too much.
24:15Silas slowly stood.
24:17He stared at my direction.
24:18He did not speak for a long time.
24:20I had Wren repeat things.
24:21Only Silas and I knew.
24:23The love note.
24:23The $300,000 that hit my bank account after we broke up.
24:27Each item shifted his face.
24:29Finally I said it.
24:30Sorry.
24:31Silas heart.
24:32I broke my promise.
24:33He believed I was here.
24:35He walked over slowly.
24:36He reached out.
24:37He touched lightly.
24:38Not my mind playing tricks.
24:40You really are here.
24:41His voice cracked.
24:42I finally saw Silas cry for me.
24:44I am sorry.
24:46He said.
24:47How did this happen?
24:48If I had known.
24:49Tears kept falling.
24:51Six years away from you.
24:53I am so sorry.
24:55I could not touch him.
24:56I could not comfort him.
24:58Now at her.
24:58Wren looked at me.
24:59She looked at Silas.
25:00Mommy.
25:01Daddy.
25:02Do not cry.
25:03She reached for my hand.
25:04She caught air.
25:05She blinked.
25:06Her eyes filled.
25:07She turned to Selina.
25:09Aunt Selina.
25:10Touch mommy for me.
25:12Selina sighed.
25:13She said nothing.
25:14She put her arm around my shoulder.
25:16She patted me gently.
25:18Wren turned and tugged Silas's sleeve.
25:20Daddy.
25:21Do not cry.
25:22Mommy is here.
25:24Silas buried his face in his hands.
25:26He could not speak.
25:27Long silence.
25:28I changed the subject.
25:29Wren.
25:30Tell daddy.
25:31Mommy met a client yesterday.
25:33His name is Jared.
25:34Tell the sentinels.
25:35You suddenly remembered.
25:36Mommy mentioned meeting an uncle named Jared in the morning.
25:39I had reached this point.
25:40I would not let my killer walk free.
25:44Jared moved the meeting.
25:45East side docks.
25:46No sentinels.
25:47No cameras.
25:48I should have refused.
25:49But 11 months on his account.
25:50I needed the close.
25:52He was waiting.
25:52Black coat.
25:53No umbrella.
25:54I caught it halfway across the lot.
25:56A smell under his colon.
25:57Sharp.
25:58Wrong.
25:58I stopped.
25:59Papers?
26:00Inside.
26:00Out here.
26:01He smiled.
26:02Then he dropped his pressure on me.
26:03My knees hit the concrete.
26:05Pure alpha.
26:06One in 10,000.
26:07Most packs only ever have one.
26:09A pure alpha hiding inside a sales suit.
26:12For 11 months.
26:13He crouched.
26:14Caught my chin.
26:16You really thought I chased your account because I liked you?
26:20I have been suspecting that pup of yours for months.
26:23The eyes.
26:24The bone structure.
26:26Too much midnight in her face.
26:28But I needed to be close enough to be sure.
26:31I came to your office last week.
26:33I held the door for your daughter at pickup.
26:35I bent down to her level.
26:37I smelled Silas Cole on her.
26:38The bloodline scent.
26:40Plain as daylight.
26:41She is his.
26:43My blood stopped.
26:44Rin.
26:45He dropped a photograph in front of me.
26:49Rin.
26:49Blue raincoat.
26:51Stuffed wolf.
26:52Outside her preschool gate.
26:53The midnight pack has been a thorn for 20 years.
26:56Every empire has a soft spot.
26:59Silas signs over the northern roots.
27:01I let her go.
27:02Maybe.
27:05You will not touch her.
27:11Sweetheart.
27:12You cannot even stand.
27:19He was right.
27:21But my wolf could.
27:24Six years as a fringe.
27:26My wolf had been chained down so long I had almost forgotten her.
27:30She was still there.
27:31I let her come.
27:32I let her come.
27:33All the way up.
27:34Bone snapped.
27:35Claws split through.
27:36I lunged.
27:37Teeth on his wrist.
27:39Alpha blood.
27:40He roared and threw me.
27:42Three ribs went.
27:43I got back up.
27:44He shifted.
27:46Twice my size.
27:48This was not a fight.
27:50It was a delay.
27:51His jaws closed on my shoulder.
27:53The bone gave.
27:54Shoulder gone.
27:56Heart faltered.
27:57But Ivy did not scream.
27:59For Rin, I became a shield.
28:02I bit his throat and held.
28:04Every second I held him was a second Wynhad.
28:06Three days ago, I had left her a note.
28:09Called her teacher with a pickup code.
28:13Texted the sentinel tip line.
28:16Some part of me had known.
28:18He slammed me down.
28:20Once.
28:21Twice.
28:24The third time, my vision went white.
28:27My wolf was gone.
28:30I was just Ivy.
28:31He stood over me.
28:33Laughing.
28:34Grabbed my hair.
28:37You know what you are, Ivy?
28:39A fringe nobody.
28:41Silas threw you out six years ago.
28:43You have been clawing the gutter ever since.
28:45Tonight you die on a dock no one visits.
28:48Tomorrow Silas reads about a Jane Doe.
28:51He will not even come to identify you.
28:53That is what you are to him.
28:55A used up little bitch nobody wanted.
28:59He waited for me to cry.
29:04I smiled.
29:05Blood between my teeth.
29:08Wrong dock, Jared.
29:10The first siren wailed.
29:12His face changed.
29:14He ran.
29:17I turned my head.
29:19Toward the gap in the fence.
29:21Ran was not there.
29:22She was safe.
29:23At home.
29:25But I looked anyway.
29:26Run baby.
29:27Mummy bought you time.
29:29My ribs stopped hurting.
29:30The sirens came closer.
29:32I closed my eyes.
29:37I did not tell Silas the full story.
29:40It was not right for Rin to relay.
29:43The truth would surface in the investigation.
29:46Silas did not push.
29:48He just stared at me.
29:49His eyes were furious.
29:51He was holding it in.
29:52A vein stood up on his neck.
29:54He punched the wall.
29:55His knuckles split.
29:56He grabbed his phone, called the sentinels, then came back to my spot.
30:01Ivy.
30:03Wait for me.
30:04Will you still be here?
30:06Daddy.
30:07Mommy is here.
30:08Rin sat on the couch.
30:09She pointed at my new spot.
30:12Cyrus paused.
30:13He turned his head.
30:14His eyes were red.
30:15I need to go out.
30:16Can you wait for me?
30:18I went quiet.
30:19I had risk say yes.
30:23Cyrus left then.
30:26Selina leaned close.
30:27She whispered.
30:29I was right.
30:30Your alpha still loves you.
30:32I shook my head.
30:34He is not my alpha.
30:35Not anymore.
30:36Sure.
30:37She stretched.
30:39You both miss each other.
30:41Those women.
30:43I checked.
30:45His father set them up.
30:47Tell me the truth.
30:48Do you want to see him?
30:50I froze.
30:51I did not answer.
30:53Selina smiled like she understood.
30:56My bloodline carries the old moon rites.
30:59Pre-packed craft.
31:01Older than the sanctuaries.
31:03If you want, I can call my father to help.
31:07Why help me?
31:08I asked.
31:09I asked my father once why we still keep the reins.
31:13He said the dead need a way home.
31:16The living need a way to say goodbye.
31:18I get it now.
31:20She turned to me.
31:21She smiled.
31:23The veil is still thin.
31:25Go see him.
31:30Silas was gone longer this time.
31:32The third night, in heavy rain, he rushed back.
31:34His coat was soaked.
31:36Daddy.
31:36He went straight to Wyn's room.
31:37She pointed at his chin.
31:39Daddy, struggle?
31:40She rolled her big eyes.
31:41She looked him over.
31:42Daddy, why are you old?
31:44Where is mommy?
31:45He asked fast.
31:47Wren.
31:48The relic.
31:49I reminded her softly.
31:51Wren ran to the nightstand.
31:52She pulled the carved wolf totem from the drawer.
31:55She held it up.
31:55A drop of alpha blood sat on it.
31:57Selene's father had cut Silas during the call.
32:00He took the blood.
32:01He bound it to the totem.
32:02This was the old craft.
32:03He left after.
32:05Wren placed the totem in Silas' hand.
32:07He stopped.
32:09His eyes went to my spot.
32:10His scent shifted.
32:12His wolf came forward.
32:13The blood on the totem warmed.
32:15The veil thin for him.
32:17Ivy?
32:18His voice shook.
32:22Silas strode over.
32:24He pulled me into his arms.
32:27Even though he hugged only air.
32:31It is me.
32:34I matched his motion.
32:36I answered low.
32:37He cried harder than before.
32:44Sorry.
32:45Sorry.
32:46Sorry I let you suffer.
32:50Sorry you were alone on that dock for so long.
32:53So he knew the full story now.
32:55Ivy.
32:57You must hate me.
32:58He lowered his head.
33:00Tears poured.
33:02How could I hate you?
33:04I smiled.
33:06I tried to cup his face.
33:09I only thought of your good.
33:12When Jared was tearing me apart, I thought of you.
33:15Of Wren.
33:17Of your mother.
33:19I knew I should have come back to you years ago.
33:25Silas and I went to his room.
33:28Some words are not for Wren to hear.
33:31Silas.
33:32You hate me and you cannot forget me.
33:36Silas laughed.
33:38He opened the drawer.
33:40He pulled out the photo book I brought from my apartment.
33:44He turned the pages slowly.
33:48I never hated you.
33:49I was stunned.
33:50The ivy I knew would not cheat.
33:53I figured it out years ago.
33:57What hurt me.
33:58You chose to deal with him.
34:00You left me.
34:02Then he went to the safe.
34:04Came back with a folder.
34:08There is something you need to see.
34:10I floated over it.
34:12Selene drifted close.
34:14A bank transfer.
34:15Three hundred thousand dollars.
34:17To my father's creditors.
34:18Dated two days before I walked into that hotel room.
34:21The sender was not Silas.
34:23It was Caleb Cole.
34:25Underneath.
34:26A coercion agreement.
34:27My father's signature.
34:28Recipient agrees to publicly terminate all relations with subject SC.
34:32By means of demonstrated infidelity.
34:34Within 72 hours of payment receive.
34:3772 hours.
34:38By means of demonstrated infidelity.
34:42The hotel room was Caleb's design.
34:45The wolf who left marks on my neck was on Caleb's payroll.
34:49Six years.
34:50Silas thought I picked at another wolf over him.
34:53I thought I was saving him from a fight he could not win.
34:56Caleb sat in the northern territory and waited for his son to come home him empty handed.
35:01Silas reached into the drawer.
35:03Pulled out a short blade.
35:05Pack forged.
35:06Silas.
35:06No.
35:07He drew it across his palm.
35:10He pressed his bleeding hand to the totem.
35:12By my blood.
35:14By my line.
35:16By the moon who watches.
35:18I name her mine.
35:20I call her back.
35:23I will not let her go.
35:25The totem flared white.
35:28Silas coughed.
35:29Bright blood ran from his mouth.
35:31Silas!
35:34The moon goddess will not give you back to me, I know.
35:38But I had to try.
35:42Silas dug deeper.
35:44Three days after the docks, his investigators traced it.
35:48Jared had not acted alone.
35:50The surveillance on Rents Preschool.
35:52The dock cameras pulled the morning I died.
35:56All of it tied to one sponsor.
35:59Caleb Cole.
36:01He had sold Jared the route in.
36:03A small favor between alphas.
36:07He had not asked who Jared was hunting.
36:11Silas picked up the phone.
36:15Caleb.
36:17You sold a man my mate's location.
36:19You took the fee and signed the route.
36:22Tomorrow morning I file the books with the council.
36:25He hung up.
36:26Six years of files.
36:27Off-ledger transfers.
36:29Off-pack deals.
36:31Every favor sold.
36:32The council had no choice.
36:34They convened the next sundown.
36:36Voted unanimously.
36:38They held the stripping of the mantle at moonrise.
36:41Selene came back and told me.
36:43Silas would not.
36:46Caleb knelt in front of his own pack.
36:48The council elder pulled the alpha glive off his throat with a silver knife.
36:53They burned the strip of skin in front of him.
36:56Halfway through, his face went slack on one side.
36:59He fell sideways into the dirt.
37:01They finished the ceremony anyway.
37:03The mantle came off a man on the ground.
37:06He survived.
37:07He would never walk, speak, or hold the mantle again.
37:11Silas did not attend.
37:13He stayed with Wren.
37:15Read her a story.
37:16After Wren slept, he came to me.
37:20Is that enough?
37:22No.
37:24But it is enough for you.
37:26I floated closer.
37:28Wren's birthday is in two days.
37:30Take her to the moonlight carnival.
37:33Silas looked up.
37:35He already knew what that meant.
37:38Selene had told me two nights ago.
37:40Blood oath only held the spirit a few more days.
37:43After the last thread broke, the moon goddess would call.
37:46Wren's birthday was the last thread.
37:48Silas swallowed.
37:49He did not argue.
37:50One thing before then.
37:52Please.
37:55I waited.
37:57Alina drifted over.
37:58A picture.
38:00The veil can give you one visible hour.
38:03A photograph the living can keep.
38:06One hour.
38:07Then the bond breaks faster.
38:14I looked at at Silas.
38:17Set it up.
38:18Tomorrow afternoon.
38:20Under the dog rack tree.
38:24Selene's father came in the morning.
38:26He set the totem in the grass beneath the dogwood tree.
38:29He cut Silas's palm again.
38:32He marked the totem fresh.
38:36Then he left.
38:39Silas brought Wren out at three in the afternoon.
38:42He had told her something.
38:43I do not know what.
38:45I do not know what.
38:46She came out holding his hand and she was not afraid.
38:50She was wearing her black carnival dress a day earlier.
38:54Silas had laid a picnic blanket under the tree.
38:57A thermos.
38:58Three cups.
38:59A small paper crown for Wren.
39:02He had thought of everything.
39:04The totem warmed in his hand.
39:08The veil opened.
39:10I stepped into the light.
39:12Solid.
39:13Whole.
39:14In a sundress I had owned at twenty.
39:16Her eyes went wide.
39:19Mommy.
39:23She let go of Silas's hand and ran.
39:26She hit my legs.
39:28I caught her.
39:29I caught her.
39:31The weight of her.
39:32The smell of her hair.
39:34I dropped to my knees and held her.
39:36I did not let go.
39:38Silas had not moved.
39:40He stood at the edge of the blanket and looked at me.
39:45He came.
39:46He sat beside me.
39:49Wren crawled into the space between us.
39:53I poured imaginary tea.
39:55Wren declared it the best tea in the world.
39:57Silas laughed.
39:59A real laugh.
40:00His shoulder pressed against mine.
40:02I felt it.
40:03He set the paper crown on Wren's head.
40:06She declared herself queen of the picnic.
40:08Silas pulled out a phone and took the photo.
40:12Three of us on the blanket.
40:14Dogwood petals.
40:16Wren's shoulder.
40:17He looked at it.
40:18A long time.
40:19He did not show me.
40:21He just put the phone away.
40:24Wren fell asleep on the blanket.
40:27I stroked her hair.
40:29I counted her freckles.
40:31I had never gotten to count them.
40:33Silas watched me.
40:35How long?
40:38Not long now.
40:39Tell me what to do.
40:40Raise her loud.
40:41She is going to be loud.
40:43Let her be.
40:44She will see things other wolves do not see.
40:47Do not let anyone teach her to be ashamed of it.
40:51Take her to the carnival every year on her birthday.
40:53Even when she is too old for it.
40:55Especially then.
40:58Keep the photo on your desk.
41:00Not hidden in a drawer.
41:01And eat, Silas.
41:03Run your pack.
41:04Be the alpha you built.
41:06I reached up.
41:08Put my hand on the side of his face.
41:10I could see the dogwood petals through the back of my own hand.
41:13He felt it anyway.
41:15He closed his eyes.
41:16My alpha.
41:17I said.
41:18My maid.
41:18Den ran stirred.
41:20She had not been asleep.
41:21Not really.
41:21She sat up.
41:22She looked at me.
41:23She reached up and put her small hand on Silas' hand.
41:26Mommy?
41:27Yes, baby.
41:28You do not have to stay in the dark anymore.
41:31Daddy will protect me now.
41:33The garden went still.
41:34Even the wind stopped.
41:38She was the only person in the world who could have given me that.
41:41And she did.
41:42I pressed my hand to my mouth.
41:43I nodded.
41:44I could not speak.
41:45The fade came faster after.
41:47My hand on Silas' cheek went first.
41:50Silver dust drifting up.
41:53Then my arm.
41:54Then the hem of the sundress.
41:56Silas' hand closed around the space where my hand had been.
41:59He held it like it was a wrist.
42:00I love you.
42:02It came out as wind.
42:04Since the sandcastle.
42:05Since the dirt pile.
42:07The last of me was a scatter of pale dust on the picnic blanket.
42:10Then I was gone.
42:12The paper crown stayed.
42:15Silas knelt on the grass with his hand still raised.
42:18Rick leaned against his arm and looked at the sky.
42:21Then Silas Cole, alpha of the Midnight Pack, threw back his head and howled.
42:26Not a hunting call.
42:28Not a challenge.
42:29The sound an alpha makes once.
42:31It rolled out across the estate.
42:33Past the gates.
42:35Into the northern territory.
42:36On the far ridges, sentinels froze where they stood.
42:39In distant dens, cubs pressed against their mothers.
42:42In the city, dogs lifted their heads from sleep.
42:44Every wolf for 300 miles heard it and knew.
42:47An Alkvarab and alpha had lost his mate.
42:49When the howl faded, Silas lowered his head.
42:52Work crawled into his lap and put her small arms around his neck.
42:55Dogwood petals fell around them.
42:58Three weeks later, Silas put the framed photograph on his desk.
43:02Three of them, under the dogwood tree.
43:05A paper crown on a small girl's head.
43:08He did not hide it.
43:10On Ren's sixth birthday, Silas took her to the Moonlight Carnival.
43:14He rode every ride she pulled him toward.
43:17He bought her a paper crown.
43:19Daddy!
43:20When the fireworks started, Ren tugged his sleeve and pointed up.
43:23He looked.
43:25He did not see what she saw.
43:28Then a soft breeze blew across his face.
43:31He smiled.
43:33Silas put his hand on his daughter's head.
43:38I see her, baby.
43:40He sighed.
43:41I see her, too.
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