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Short filmTranscript
00:00The premium service class wolf I bought didn't like me. He only wagged his tail for my adopted
00:04sister. So I brought home a low class stress relief wolf instead. I was drunk sitting outside
00:10the bar and smoking to sober up. A street vendor crept over. Miss, you look totally stressed out.
00:16Need to let it all out? I've got a stress relief wolf. Good for unwinding. What? The dealer glanced
00:22around nervously. A wolf shifter stepped into the light. He stepped forward and his shadow fell
00:27across my face. The vendor yanked the rough collar and dragged him to one knee. He unclipped a rusted
00:31bite guard, then grabbed the wolf's hair and pulled his head back, exposing his face. His narrow eyes
00:36locked on me like a wild beast. Look at that face, miss. Wouldn't it feel good to smack something that
00:42pretty? He was exactly my type. And my doctor had said my stress hormones were out of control.
00:47I genuinely needed an outlet. But I already had a wolf at home. Ash would mind. Get up. Show her
00:53your build. The wolf stood slowly. He peeled off his shirt. I saw the bruises layered over bruises.
01:00High stamina. Heals fast. 2,000 for two hours of release. You can do whatever you want. Just don't
01:06slit his throat and drain his blood and he'll recover. Slit his throat? People's tastes had
01:11gotten that dark. Forget it. My wolf at home wouldn't let me touch him anyway. This one was cheap.
01:15Obedient sounded fine. How much to buy him outright? Not cheap. He's our best. Name your price.
01:21I'll give you a discount. Just 58,800. My parents spent millions on Ash. My premium
01:29service wolf gift. This one was practically free by comparison. Too much? Fine. Round it
01:35down. 50 grand. I bought him for 5,000 in the end. I wasn't ready to go home yet. So
01:41I took
01:41him to a hotel. The vendor gave me a long list of warnings on the way out. Don't remove the
01:48bike guard until he's fully tamed. Keep the chains on. Both of them. In the hotel suite,
01:53Eli stood still in the entryway, eyes down, waiting for whatever came next. I came out of the shower
01:59wrapped in a robe, still not daring to take off his restraints yet. Go shower. He looked at me for
02:04a few
02:04seconds, then turned and walked into the bathroom. After a few minutes, I knocked. I left my phone in
02:11there. He hadn't locked the door. Eli froze his back to me. His pale skin made his scars all the
02:16more shocking. Water streamed down his shoulders along the rusted chains, washing away rust and
02:21dried blood. His tail hung low, trembling slightly. The fur was dull, brittle, wild, and fragile at the
02:28same time. My brain went offline. I crossed the room and hugged him from behind, pressed my lips to
02:33the bruising on his spine. Eli shuddered. His whole body went rigid. What are you doing? First time I'd
02:39heard his voice. Take it easy. That's not. Hmm? What is that? That's not how stress Ramif works.
02:45I've never done this before. Bear with me. I pushed him onto the bed. I kissed every bruise,
02:51one by one. Ash was my parents' apology. A premium, competition-grade service wolf. A compensation for
02:57the 18 years they lost me. I was 5 when I disappeared. 23 when they finally found me. When I
03:03came home,
03:03I found out my parents had already adopted a little girl, Emma. She'd been with them since she was a
03:09baby.
03:09She was 17 now. When I appeared, Emma fell apart. Get out! I'm their real daughter! Why are you here
03:16taking my parents? This is my home! Get out! She screamed and sobbed and threw everything she could
03:23reach at me. Don't cry. You'll always be our daughter. Zoe coming back doesn't change how much
03:30we love you. Emma's been spoiled. You're 6 years older. Just try to be patient with her. I should have
03:37been devastated. But I was 23. I survived those lonely years craving my parents. Now, I was in the
03:44phase of desperately needing money. I let my eyes well up. Looked down. I understand, Dad. Playing
03:50vulnerable worked. The monthly allowance they wired me kept going up. Morning. I had my cheek pressed
03:57against Eli's arm. My best friend Lily texted me. Where are you? Did you do your usual disappearing
04:03act and go home alone again? No. I bought a new stress relief wolf last night. Been busy. Zoe,
04:09what is wrong with you? I know you're upset that your wolf at home ignores you, but you can't just
04:14go buy a punching bag. You couldn't bring yourself to hit the expensive one, so you went out and bought
04:19a cheap one to beat up? I would report you if you weren't my best friend. I am appalled. I
04:25didn't
04:26hit him. Why would I hit a dog? Then how did you unwind the way you're thinking on bed? We
04:32both
04:32stopped typing. Then she sent me a long message explaining everything. Stress relief wolves were
04:37illegal. Traffickers stole young shifters or bought low class ones cheap. Then they tortured and filtered
04:43them, keeping only those with strong bodies and fast healing. Some became living punching bags for
04:48paying clients. Others ended up in underground fight rings, death matches. Even after rescue,
04:54these wolves were considered feral and untamable. Official shelters offered them for free adoption.
04:59The ones no one took. Euthanized. I know where he lives, if you regret it. I startled. Quickly darkened
05:09my screen and turned over. He runs with a crew. They probably won't give you the money back.
05:19But if I catch him alone, I might be able to. I don't regret it. As long as you behave.
05:26Only
05:26listen to me. Nobody else. Okay. There were a few faint scars along the fur of his ears. I couldn't
05:34help it. I reached out to touch them. His ears snapped back instantly. He flinched away. This one
05:39wouldn't let me touch his ears either. Sorry. Force of habit. You can touch them now.
05:49If you still want to. I didn't hesitate. I swung up and sat across his waist, braced my hands on
05:54his
05:54chest and squeezed his ears between my fingers. Eli's breathing deepened. His whole body got warmer.
05:59He tipped his head back, eyes half-lidded, watching me. Can we do it again?
06:06We didn't go straight home. I took Eli to a shifter clinic first. The doctor said his healing
06:11ability was excellent. The bruising wasn't a concern, but severe malnutrition. He needed
06:16long-term supplementation. The total for all the supplements cost more than I'd paid for him.
06:21I don't need it. I can eat anything. Don't spend the money. I won't die.
06:25This amount was what Ash burned through on snacks every month. It's fine. Do you like these?
06:31I held out a new collar and bite guard in front of him. Slim, black, metal collar. Custom black
06:36bite guard to match. I hadn't wanted him to keep wearing restraints, but the doctor was firm.
06:41Don't let a feral wolf's looks fool you. He could take out your throat in one bite.
06:45So I'd picked the most comfortable version I could find. When the doctor removed the old
06:50bite guard, he held it up to the light. Fight ring or stress relief. Before this, I mean.
06:56Both. Figured. Look at these bite marks. He did this to himself when the pain got too bad.
07:04Those are from last night. I went very still. In the ring? No. He looked at my back. From
07:10when I was being used. We got home past midnight. Mom and dad were already asleep. Ash was probably
07:15in Emma's room, as usual. Come in. He hadn't moved. He was staring at something on the floor.
07:23I bent down and picked it up. This is Ash's. On my first birthday in this house, mom and dad
07:30had
07:31given me Ash. Zoe's too quiet. We thought having a companion might open her up. Back then, Ash
07:36hadn't shifted yet. Just a small black wolf pup. Why does she get one and I don't? You said you
07:42wouldn't pick favorites. He's mine. She snatched the puppy and ran out. Didn't come back. My birthday
07:50dinner was ruined. My birthday present was gone. Mom and dad were a mess for days. I cried
07:55too. I'm so sorry. I made her leave. It's my fault. 12 days later, one girl and one scruffy
08:02wolf pup appeared at the front door. Mom, dad, I'm so hungry. I was wrong. I'm never running
08:09again. Mom and dad rushed out and all three of them sobbed together on the doorstep. When
08:13they finally looked up, mom's face went guilty the instant she saw me standing there. Mom,
08:20you hit me? Do you know what the last 12 days were like? I just got back and you're ready.
08:24Do you ever think about what your sister's last 18 years were like?
08:29If you ever make Zoe feel unwelcome in this house again, don't call me mom. After that,
08:35Emma stopped coming after me openly. She gave Ash back a few weeks later. Not long after that,
08:40he shifted dark curls, soft downturned eyes. He tilted his head at me and said his first shifted
08:46word. E. I'm Emma. You remember me. You remember me. Of course, I remember everything about Emma.
09:00Mom and dad sighed and put an arm around me. It took weeks of trying before Ash reluctantly accepted
09:05that I was his owner. But he refused to wag his tail for me. Refused to let me touch his
09:10ears.
09:11Never waited by the door for me. He only reacted to Emma's footsteps. He only waited for her. I
09:16watched them every time. I told myself I didn't really care. Because Ash's monthly expenses came
09:21out of the account in my name. And mom and dad's quiet guilt kept filling that same account. But
09:26lately, I'd been breaking out. Stress hormones, the doctor said. Ash wouldn't touch me. Eli had shown up
09:32exactly the right moment. I had no reason to say no. Sleep with me tonight. I'll take you shopping
09:40for clothes. Will he mind? Who? Ash. Wolves are territorial. He doesn't like sleeping with me. It's
09:46fine. Do you need it again tonight? Need what? Stress relief. I do. But my legs are killing me. I
09:53have
09:53good stamina. You can just lie there. That's very considerate of you. It's nothing. In the morning,
09:59I stepped out of my room at the exact same time as Ash. Zoe, why were you talking in your
10:04sleep
10:04last night? All those little sounds, it was loud. Sorry. I'll keep it down. Were you having a
10:09nightmare? I thought I heard you crying. I was having the time of my life. If you ever have a
10:14nightmare, you can... Ash, I can't find my slippers. Don't walk around barefoot. He stepped right past
10:19me and went into Emma's room. How did your slippers end up in the living room if you were in
10:23your room?
10:24Because you carried me to bed last night and forgot to bring them. He sat her on his knee,
10:28found the bunny slippers, and put them on her feet. One by one, patient. Then he headed upstairs
10:33to the bathroom. Perfect service wolf, just not mine. Zoe, my laundry's in the hamper. Take it to
10:39the dry cleaner. What's that smell? What? He stepped close, pressed his nose to my neck, then inhaled.
10:46The deeper he breathed, the harder his hand gripped my waist. Zoe, why do you smell like another wolf?
10:51Eli had just opened the door and walked out. He was half a head taller than Ash. That's my scent.
11:00Zoe, who is that? His name is Eli. He's my new wolf.
11:04What? You got another wolf? What about me?
11:08Oh, wow. Mom, Dad, come look. Zoe got a new wolf. This is Eli, our newest family member.
11:15Sir, ma'am. He's even more handsome than Ash. Competition grade,
11:19I assume? Zoe gets so much allowance. Competition grade? He's wearing a muzzle. His fur is splitting.
11:23His shirt is falling apart. He's shedding everywhere. He's feral bottom class. The kind
11:27shelters can't even give away. Zoe, you only brought him home to mess with me, didn't you?
11:30If he goes feral and hurts you, don't come crying to me.
11:32Zoe, we're not against you keeping him. We just want you safe. We can't lose you again.
11:37I won't hurt her. If it makes you feel better, I'll keep the restraints on. I can sleep in a
11:42crate at night. Only fight ring wolves sleep in crates. That's lower than a stress relief slave.
11:46I've already decided he's staying. Ash's expenses come from Mom and Dad. Eli's are on me.
11:51Zoe! Relax. Given how Zoe grew up, it makes sense she has a thing for low-class wolves.
11:57It's basically her aesthetic. Mom, Dad, since Zoe has a new wolf, can I have Ash? He likes me more
12:04anyway. I'm just taking what's left over. Leftover drained the color from Ash's face.
12:09No. Ash was a gift from Mom and Dad. He's mine. I decide what happens to him.
12:14My certainty knocked something loose in him. For the first time, Ash wagged his tail for me.
12:19Just barely. Small, uncontrolled flicks. Even if you say that, I'm not forgiving you.
12:24I had no intention of giving him away. Not because I was attached. First, the budget they
12:28gave me for his upkeep was generous. I pocketed a healthy margin every month. Second, Ash was
12:32worth a lot. If I ever decided I was done, I could sell him for seven figures. Why would
12:36I hand that to Emma for free? She's right. He was given to Zoe. If you want him, talk to
12:41your
12:41sister. A few months earlier, Mom and Dad had planned a family camping trip to get us all
12:47bonding. Seven days. On the night we set up tents, everyone drank a little too much. Emma
12:51called me sis every five minutes. I called her sis back. Mom and Dad were so happy. When
12:55I came back from a cigarette break, I saw Emma in my tent. The campfire had gone out. One
12:59small lantern flickered inside. Ash was lying on my sleeping bag. Emma was slowly crawling
13:04on top of him, leaning toward his mouth. Their shadows overlapped against the canvas. I watched
13:08Ash reach up and tuck her hair behind her ear and kissed her back. Ash, promise me you
13:13won't touch her. But wait until I'm 18. It's only a few months. In this world, a wolf who
13:18slept with a human under 18 faced immediate disposal. You know I have standards. I don't
13:23like her touching me. Can't we just keep this clean between us? Ash said yes. The video
13:29ended. Emma, is this how I raised you? Using yourself to manipulate a wolf just to spite
13:34your sister. Zoe, I was drunk that night. I thought it was you coming. Nobody asked
13:40you. I paid for you. You're here to serve my daughter, not audition replacements. I'm
13:43calling your cellar today. Mom, why aren't you yelling at her? Can't you see how calculating
13:47she is? She recorded it. I made one stupid mistake and she plays it like this. Ever since
13:51she came back, you love me less. Are you really going to let her run my life? Emma, you did
13:55this. If you hadn't, there'd be nothing to record. Both of you, this month's allowances go to
13:59Zoe, and you're both grounded for three days. A large sum landed in my account that afternoon.
14:04Mom and dad's invisible scale tipped a little more in my direction. I'd been fighting for
14:08things my whole life. This was no different. Three days without Emma or Ash hovering around.
14:14I took Eli shopping. Everywhere. He was a specimen. Built like every suit had been cut for him
14:21specifically. Everything looked good on him. So I wanted to buy him everything. But the best
14:27part, was watching him in a dress suit. I went slightly feral and bought 12 custom tailored
14:33ones. Then I was too tired to walk. Eli carried everything with one arm and me with the other.
14:38I had my arm hooked around his neck, tracing the line of his nose with one finger.
14:43Eli, you look like this. Didn't they try to make you sell yourself?
14:48They tried. He set me on the bed and dropped to one knee, took off my heels, swapped them out
14:54for slippers. He'd watched Ash do it for Emma a hundred times. He hadn't fully adjusted to human
15:00scale gentleness yet. He kept catching himself, recalibrating his grip. But he'd memorized every
15:06step. And? He went a little pink. I didn't. I hurt the client and ran. They caught me. I stopped
15:14eating to fight back. They got scared I'd die and cost them money so they threw me in the ring.
15:19I hadn't eaten in three days. I don't know how I did it. I bit through the other wolf's throat.
15:26After that, I stayed in the ring. They kept my food limited so I'd be too weak to resist.
15:32The last fight, I got badly injured. They figured I was done so they put me on stress relief work.
15:38I survived that too. This week they were debating sending me back to the ring.
15:43Then you bought me. Eli was still kneeling. Wearing the new suit I'd just bought him.
15:50Both hands wrapped lightly around mine. He had no idea he looked like he was proposing.
15:56I'm not hiding anything from you. I am a low-class, violent wolf. I've hurt humans. I've hurt my own
16:03kind. I grew up without learning to be around people. I don't know how to take care of someone.
16:08I barely know how to use a fork. I don't know how hard to hold you without hurting you.
16:14Last night when you cried, I panicked.
16:19I remembered. The second time was so much better than the first. I'd lost control and made a sound
16:25I hadn't expected. I'm sorry, did I hurt you? I misjudged. It's my fault. You can punish me,
16:31hit me, starve me, whatever you want. Just don't cry. Please.
16:36I remembered the apology going on for a while, but I'd passed out mid-sentence. No wonder the
16:41atmosphere that morning had been so heavy. He'd been stewing in it all night.
16:45You didn't hurt me. I cried because it was good.
16:48He pressed his nose against my neck. His silver-white ears brushed my face. I grabbed them.
16:55Eli's breathing hitched. He reached up, fingers calloused, deliberate, and slowly traced the side of
17:02my neck. The same spot Ash had pressed his nose against that morning. Methodical. Inch by inch.
17:10Are you trying to cover his scent? It's fine. I don't mind. I just don't understand.
17:16You went three days without food to avoid being sold. But you never fought back against me. Not
17:21once. You gave up? He looked up. His eyes didn't quite meet mine. They landed on my mouth.
17:27Maybe because you were young and beautiful. That's an airtight reason. Maybe because you
17:32said you had no experience. Also because that was the first time I'd ever been kissed. I just
17:39want you to know I am violent and feral. But I will never hurt you. Never. Not ever.
17:46I believe you. As a reward. Let me kiss you again.
17:56Eli and I fell into a rhythm. I finally understood why people spent fortunes on wolves. With Ash,
18:03everything had been a production. Premium wolves had standards. I'd had to train with him daily,
18:09manage his nutrition, force feed him supplements, and run a full grooming routine just to keep him
18:15in condition. So he could use that condition to take care of Emma. Eli was different. I followed
18:21the doctor's supplement plan and he just glowed. I felt a little guilty about the contrast. So I sat
18:28him down and did a proper grooming session on him. Ash walked in while I had both hands buried in
18:33Eli's
18:34foam-covered ears. Zoe! That's my special foam soap. I bought this one for Eli. Out of your room
18:42already? You must be so pleased with yourself. Not really. You got off easy. But I'll try harder next
18:48time. Zoe, send him out. I can explain the video, but I am not sharing this house with a bottom
18:55-class
18:55wolf. You're not sharing anything. You sleep in Emma's room. You always have.
19:01Wolves had sharp senses. Ash had been the only one in the house who knew about my smoking habit.
19:06He'd always complained my room smelled and used it as an excuse to sleep in Emma's room instead.
19:11It's fine, Ash. You always said she smelled anyway. Come stay with me.
19:17Zoe, you're going to regret this. Take good care of him, won't you, Emma?
19:23The house settled into a strange cold war. Ash and Emma spent a while putting on a show in front
19:28of me.
19:29They were all warmth and sweetness, trying to get a reaction out of me. I had none. As long as
19:34they
19:34weren't doing it in my face, I could handle it. Eli spent a lot of time watching them.
19:40Emma kept flushing every time she caught him looking, then pretending she hadn't noticed.
19:45He was studying. He watched every move Ash made with Emma, the grip, the order of things,
19:50and translated it all into how he took care of me. Ash, meanwhile, looked like a ghost. He kept
19:57catching himself staring at me with something half-formed in his expression. I knew why.
20:02A few days earlier, I'd heard an argument spilling from Emma's room.
20:06Emma, you haven't groomed me in forever.
20:08You have hands. Do it yourself. Am I your pet or am you mine?
20:13My products are running out too.
20:15Then ask Zoe. It's her account, not mine.
20:19Emma, why are you like this? You used to actually like spending time with me.
20:24If you hadn't kissed me that night, Zoe wouldn't have...
20:28Zoe always groomed you every day. She never complained about how much work it was.
20:32Blame me? You didn't exactly stop me. And now you think she's better?
20:37Then go to her! Go on!
20:39See if she even wants you.
20:42Did Emma love Ash?
20:44I doubted it.
20:46Emma just loved being the center.
20:48The one everyone orbited.
20:50Ash fawning over her fit that.
20:52Me existing complicated it.
20:54After that fight, Ash deteriorated fast.
20:57He kept starting sentences near me and never finishing them.
21:00Too proud to ask.
21:02I ignored it.
21:03Until one night.
21:05I was out on the second floor balcony in my slip dress,
21:08smoking a post-session cigarette.
21:10Ash came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me without a word.
21:15Warm tears dropped onto my neck.
21:17One at a time.
21:22You're not complaining about the smell?
21:23I'm sorry.
21:25Can you forgive me?
21:27I was drunk that night.
21:28I swear I thought it was you.
21:30I wanted it to be you.
21:31I believe you.
21:33If you'd known it was Emma, you wouldn't have stopped her either.
21:36That's not true.
21:38Before I shifted, Emma and I were on the streets together.
21:42A group of guys tried to grab me.
21:45We could struck and tweet pad me.
21:47She ran at them, screaming and crying, until they gave up and fled.
21:52You're my owner.
21:53But she saved my life.
21:54I couldn't refuse her.
21:56In the tent that night, I was half as asleep.
21:59I thought it was you.
22:01When I opened my eyes and saw her, I felt sick.
22:05I realized I'd wanted it to be you.
22:08I'd wanted you all along.
22:10But she saved my life.
22:12How could I turn her down?
22:15Then keep being grateful to her.
22:17I was never in the way.
22:18Zoe, please don't.
22:23Ash.
22:25Do you know why I smoke?
22:27Because I grew up with a crew of street girls who were never going to win any etiquette awards.
22:32When I got caught stealing and got beaten up, they took the hits with me.
22:37When a man tried to assault me, they scratched his face apart.
22:41When I had a fever and passed out, they pulled whatever they had and dragged me to a back alley
22:47clinic.
22:49So, I had more people doing things for me than you ever did.
22:53And I never crawled into anyone's bed over it.
22:55Never said yes just because someone asked.
22:57Ash, you're wired to follow whoever pays you the most attention.
23:01Someone gives you a little warmth and off you go.
23:03Ash, they say premium wolves have the highest human-like cognitiveness.
23:06I believe it.
23:07You've even evolved past a dog's most basic trait.
23:10Loyalty.
23:11I don't know.
23:11I'm sorry, Zoe.
23:13You never talked about before.
23:14I didn't know what you went through.
23:16I only ever heard Emma's side.
23:17She made it sound like you were the one taking things from her.
23:20Like Ash and everything that came with him should have been hers.
23:23If I'd known, I wouldn't have complained about the smoking.
23:25I wouldn't have helped her make things harder for you.
23:27His tear-wet face pressed into my collar and passed his shoulder.
23:31Two figures in the dark.
23:32The closer one, tall and still, was Eli.
23:34The farther one was Mom.
23:35I met her eyes.
23:37My cigarette hand barely paused.
23:38I didn't hide it.
23:40Fine.
23:41She saw.
23:42When I came home, I'd glossed over the first years.
23:45They'd worked so hard on Emma.
23:47Piano.
23:48Ballet.
23:50Flower arranging.
23:51Everything polished.
23:53Me?
23:53Good at stealing?
23:55Lock picking with a hairpin.
23:57Chain smoking before I was old enough to buy them.
23:59I hadn't thought parents who'd replaced me in a year would love me very much.
24:03Tell them the real version and they'd probably fear me as much as pity me.
24:07And Emma would run a reason to attack me.
24:10So I'd shown them the clean resume.
24:12Good grades.
24:13Sweet face.
24:14Polite answers.
24:15Like interviewing for the role of daughter.
24:17Mom said,
24:18Go to sleep.
24:19Then she went back to her room.
24:20The hall was dark again, except for Eli's outline.
24:23He stood watching Ash press his face into my shoulder and make small, unhappy sounds.
24:28Eli said quietly,
24:29It's cold out here.
24:31Ash noticed him for the first time.
24:32He stepped in front of me.
24:34Sent the low, warning growl at Eli again.
24:36Eli didn't react.
24:37He stepped closer.
24:39Ash shifted back without meaning to.
24:41Eli draped a jacket over my shoulders.
24:43Looked at Ash.
24:44You can keep going.
24:45I'm just here for the coat.
24:47Ash didn't take him up on it.
24:48He said instead, to me,
24:49Stay with me tonight.
24:51I know what to do.
24:52I was trained.
24:54I'd be better than him.
24:56Is that right?
24:57I mean it.
24:58Please, let me fix this.
25:00His tail went into overdrive.
25:02Eli's expression didn't change.
25:04But his hand at his side closed into a fist.
25:06I don't think so.
25:08You kissed Emma.
25:09The thought of it ruins it for me.
25:11Good night, Ash.
25:14Eli followed me back to the bedroom.
25:16I shrugged off the jacket and looked at him.
25:18Jealous?
25:18He took the jacket and said,
25:20No.
25:21You're exceptional.
25:22You'll have a boyfriend someday.
25:24A husband.
25:25I know my place.
25:28Should I run a bath?
25:29I'd been heading for bed.
25:30Why?
25:31You have Ash's tears and saliva on you.
25:34And his scent.
25:35I went to the bathroom.
25:37Eli followed and washed every inch of skin with focused, careful attention.
25:42He was kneeling on the wet bathroom tile looking up at me.
25:45Hey.
25:46I reached down and touched his ears.
25:48What is it?
25:49Can't get it clean.
25:51What?
25:52Can I take this off?
25:54Licking might work better.
25:55He pointed to his bike guard.
25:57I thought for a moment.
25:59Then unclipped it.
26:00That spot doesn't have his scent on it.
26:03He said.
26:04Didn't stop.
26:05He kissed upward.
26:07Inch by inch.
26:08All the way to my chin.
26:10May I?
26:11He cupped my face in one hand.
26:13Yes.
26:13His kiss was careful.
26:15Unpracticed.
26:15I cracked one eye open to look at him.
26:18Steam and fog all around him.
26:20Eyes shut tight.
26:21Long lashes trembling.
26:23I thought this might have been our first real kiss.
26:27I stopped making Eli wear the bike guard.
26:29Mom and dad kept reminding me to be careful, but they didn't push.
26:33I worked at the family company.
26:35Most days I didn't come home for lunch.
26:37One afternoon I did.
26:38Just wanted to nap.
26:39Voices drifted up from the living room.
26:41Eli and Ash.
26:42I leaned on the second floor railing and watched.
26:45Eli was sitting on the couch, watching TV.
26:47Ash planted himself in front of him, tail bristling.
26:50You think Zoe actually likes you?
26:52She's using you to get at me.
26:54Once she's over it, she'll throw you out like trash.
26:57So what?
26:58Zoe said you're dirty.
27:00At least I'm clean.
27:01Anyone who tries to touch me, I bite their throat out.
27:04Unlike you.
27:05Half pushing someone away and then giving in anyway.
27:08Interesting.
27:09In front of me, Eli was steady and careful
27:12and almost meek.
27:13This was the first time I'd seen his edges.
27:15Clean?
27:17You've killed wolves in a ring!
27:19Do you even know how many?
27:21He stood up slowly.
27:22I know.
27:23Useful information.
27:25Honestly, you bother me.
27:27Me?
27:28Ash nearly went airborne.
27:29You're the outsider here!
27:30Zoe paid millions for me!
27:32I was here first!
27:34Millions?
27:34Eli looked him over.
27:35You don't look worth that.
27:37He stepped forward.
27:37Do you know which part of the throat to bite
27:40so the other person can't make a sound?
27:43Another step.
27:44How to make a wolf disappear quietly.
27:46I'm probably the only kind who knows that.
27:49What are you doing?
27:50What would I do?
27:51Eli shrugged.
27:52I'm just a low-class wolf.
27:53Then he lunged.
27:54Ash panicked and shifted into full wolf form on instinct.
27:57The black wolf tackled Eli, teeth sinking into his forearm.
28:01Eli crashed into the coffee table.
28:03Porcelain cracked.
28:04Shards scattered across the floor.
28:06When mom came running at the noise, she found Eli on the ground, arm bleeding badly, sitting
28:11up pale and pressing the wound.
28:15I'm sorry, ma'am.
28:17I've been too close to Zoe lately.
28:19Ash was unhappy.
28:20I should have been more careful.
28:22I came downstairs.
28:23Eli, what happened?
28:25It's nothing.
28:26He said softly.
28:27Nothing like what I dealt with in the ring.
28:28I was biting down hard on a laugh.
28:30Yesterday, he'd sworn up and down he had no jealousy whatsoever, and he'd already planned
28:34this.
28:35It's not true.
28:36Ash stumbled over his own words.
28:38He went at me first.
28:39He's setting me up.
28:41Setting you up?
28:42If he wanted to hurt you, you'd still be on the floor.
28:45Zoe, I'm serious.
28:47I'm calling the seller.
28:48This wolf is going back.
28:49Mom was already on her phone.
28:51No need.
28:52I'll sell him to a friend who's been looking for a premium wolf.
28:55Mom paused.
28:56That works.
28:57He's yours to decide.
28:59Zoe, you'd sell me for him?
29:01Ash's face went blank.
29:02You said you liked me.
29:03I know you did.
29:03You used to grab my tail in your sleep so you wouldn't have nightmares.
29:06You wrote in your journal that you were lonely here.
29:08That at least you had me, even if I didn't like you.
29:11You'd sneak pets when I was asleep.
29:13You asked me once when you were drunk why I never liked you.
29:16Why even I was always on Emma's side.
29:18Zoe, you can't feel nothing for me.
29:20He was right.
29:21I wasn't as detached as I like to think.
29:23Even at 23, arriving at a stranger's house had still scared me.
29:26Watching my parents tilt toward Emma had still stung.
29:29Thinking about Emma living the life that should have been mine, that had still burned.
29:33When I found out my birthday gift was going to be a wolf, I had been genuinely excited.
29:37I had put hope in Ash.
29:39He'd ground it down slowly, over months.
29:42I imagined too much.
29:43I said.
29:44To me.
29:45I met his eyes.
29:46You're just a disloyal dog.
29:49I moved fast.
29:51Ash was gone the next day.
29:52I handed him to a contact who dealt in resale.
29:55I didn't ask where he ended up.
29:56Maybe he'd be used for breeding.
29:58Maybe he'd find a kinder owner.
29:59Either way, he had served his purpose in my life.
30:02Financial conversion.
30:03Complete.
30:04Eli, meanwhile, was draped across my bed looking tragically injured.
30:07He'd been worse than this the first night I met him.
30:09And still propped himself up with one arm to do things.
30:12But now.
30:14He said weakly, taking the soup I brought.
30:16He's really gone?
30:17Yes.
30:18Eli stared into his bowl.
30:20That's a shame.
30:21I really did want to get along with him.
30:23Want me to bring him back?
30:24You two can be best friends.
30:26The buyer already has him.
30:27They probably won't return him.
30:29I could offer them a little extra?
30:31Eli put tremendous effort into not snapping the porcelain bowl in his hand.
30:35That would be ideal.
30:36He said carefully.
30:37I'll go now then.
30:39But-
30:39He looked up, nervous.
30:40What?
30:41If he bites me again, what do I do?
30:43I said nothing.
30:44Just watched him.
30:45His expression went from nervous to tense to lost.
30:47And then landed on stunned.
30:49Zoe, you already knew?
30:51I don't know what you're talking about.
30:53Can you tell me which part of the throat stops someone from making a sound?
30:57I'm sorry.
30:57I-
30:58He kept coming at me.
30:59Please don't send me away.
31:00I was bluffing.
31:01I would never actually hurt him.
31:03I'll be good.
31:03It's fine.
31:04Honestly, I kinda like you with an edge.
31:07In a way, Emma and Ash were the same type.
31:10Both spoiled by affection.
31:11Both certain they were the main character.
31:13Eli and I were the same type.
31:15If I'd been in his position, I'd have done the same thing.
31:19Getting rid of Ash bought me two months of peace.
31:22Emma stopped crying in hallways.
31:23Stopped leaving Ash's old leash where I could see it.
31:26Stopped making wounded little comments over breakfast.
31:29She was waiting.
31:29People like Emma didn't give up.
31:31They just changed costumes.
31:32Then her 18th birthday arrived.
31:34Mom and dad gave her an apartment.
31:36Downtown.
31:37Good location.
31:37Good building.
31:38Expensive enough to make my smile freeze.
31:41I held it in place anyway.
31:42Inside, I was on fire.
31:43I wished I could physically lift the building and scream,
31:46It's mine.
31:47A colleague at work had once said,
31:48It all comes to you eventually anyway.
31:50Why do you fight so hard over small things?
31:53That was exactly why.
31:54I didn't trust eventually.
31:55What was in my hand was mine.
31:57Emma swept over with mom and dad on her arm.
31:59Bright-eyed and glowing.
32:00Ready to gloat.
32:01Zoe.
32:01Did you get me a birthday present?
32:03I set down my champagne.
32:05My parents are already yours.
32:07What more do you want?
32:08The room went quiet.
32:09Emma blinked.
32:10Everything you eat, wear, and use,
32:13Did any of it belong to you first?
32:14And you're asking me for a gift?
32:16Do you want my blood too?
32:18Would that satisfy you?
32:19Emma's face twisted.
32:21Mom, dad, do you see this?
32:22Today is my birthday and she's attacking me.
32:25I always said she was faking it.
32:27You never believed me.
32:29Dad's hand landed gently on my shoulder.
32:31Not hers.
32:32Mine.
32:32We know.
32:33Emma froze.
32:34Mom looked tired in a way I hadn't seen before.
32:37Zoe is right.
32:37Emma's mouth opened.
32:38Nothing came out.
32:39Your mother and I have been afraid to ask about your past.
32:41We didn't want to reopen wounds.
32:43You didn't feel safe enough to be yourself here.
32:45That's on us.
32:45My throat went tight.
32:47I hated that.
32:47I hated how badly I still wanted to hear it.
32:51Emma did not scream at first.
32:53That was how I knew it was bad.
32:55She just stood there.
32:56Still.
32:56Pretty.
32:57Ruined.
32:57Then she laughed.
32:58So that's it?
33:01You found your real daughter and now I become charity?
33:05We gave you a home.
33:07Education.
33:08Love.
33:09Security.
33:11We are not abandoning you.
33:12You gave her everything!
33:14No.
33:16You borrowed everything.
33:17Emma turned to me slowly.
33:19There it was.
33:20The real thing under the tears.
33:22Hatred.
33:22Not fear.
33:23Not grief.
33:24Hatred.
33:25You think you won because you bought a filthy wolf and sold the pretty one?
33:29Eli had been standing near the wall, silent the whole time.
33:33At that, his eyes lifted.
33:35Don't look at me like that.
33:37Everyone knows what you are.
33:39A stress relief slave.
33:41A ring dog.
33:43A thing people throw money at when they want something to hurt.
33:47Emma.
33:47But Emma wasn't looking at her.
33:49She was looking at me.
33:50You act so proud, Zoe.
33:52But you picked him because he reminds you of yourself.
33:55Cheap.
33:56Dirty.
33:57Raised wrong.
33:58The glass in Eli's hand cracked.
34:00I turned my head slightly.
34:02Eli.
34:03He lowered his eyes at once.
34:04Sorry.
34:05The obedience in his voice made Emma's smile sharpen.
34:07Oh.
34:08He listens well.
34:09I walked across the room.
34:11Everyone watched me.
34:12Emma lifted her chin like she expected a slap.
34:15I didn't give her one.
34:17Careful.
34:19Low-class wolves bite.
34:21Her face paled.
34:23Enough.
34:24Emma.
34:25The apartment remains yours.
34:27We will support you through school.
34:29But tomorrow, 20% of the company shares transfer to Zoe.
34:33Emma stopped breathing.
34:34The rest will be placed in an irredecible will.
34:38Everything else goes to you.
34:39Emma's face collapsed.
34:41This time when she screamed, no one moved to comfort her.
34:47Emma left for university across the country.
34:49The house breathed for the first time.
34:52Breakfast became quiet.
34:53Mom started asking me what I liked to eat.
34:55Dad started bringing company documents home and explaining things without making it sound
34:59like a favor.
35:00It was strange.
35:01Almost peaceful.
35:03I didn't adapt to it.
35:05Peace was usually the moment before someone climbed through a window.
35:08Then I saw the apartment listing online.
35:11Emma had put it up for sale at a huge loss.
35:13I stared at the screen.
35:14That was not my business.
35:16Closed the tab.
35:17Three days later, Eli found me in the garage.
35:19He was holding my coat.
35:20You forgot this.
35:21I was going to the office.
35:24I know.
35:25He didn't move.
35:26What?
35:28There's a wolf sent by the east gate.
35:31Ash?
35:32No.
35:33Then his gaze flicked toward the driveway.
35:35Not only Ash.
35:37A black SUV rolled through the gate.
35:40Emma stepped out first.
35:42Hair perfect.
35:42Eyes red.
35:43Smile too bright.
35:45Then Ash climbed out behind her.
35:47Thinner than before.
35:48Collar different.
35:49Expression worse.
35:51He looked at me first.
35:52His tail moved once, then stopped.
35:55Emma saw it.
35:55Her smile cracked.
35:58Surprise?
36:00I bought him back.
36:01I looked at Ash.
36:03With the apartment money?
36:05Yeah.
36:06I can afford it.
36:08He's mine now.
36:09Ash's face went pale.
36:11No, I didn't know she was selling the apartment.
36:13I told her not to.
36:14Eli stepped slightly in front of me.
36:16Quiet.
36:18Calm.
36:19Too calm.
36:20Ash stared at him.
36:22For one second, neither of them looked human.
36:24Emma lifted her chin.
36:25You sold him like trash.
36:27So I picked him up.
36:29Funny, isn't it?
36:30I looked at Ash's new collar.
36:32Emma couldn't hide her triumphant look.
36:34No.
36:36It's predictable.
36:39Emma wanted a reaction.
36:40I gave her none.
36:41It filled her with rage.
36:43For two weeks, she brought Ash everywhere.
36:45Family dinners.
36:46Company lobby.
36:47Even the clinic where Eli went for follow-up checks.
36:49Ash followed her, but badly.
36:51Too quiet.
36:52Too delayed.
36:52Like a dog walking toward an owner while looking back at the door.
36:55Emma noticed every time.
36:56So did Eli.
36:57He said nothing.
36:58That was how I knew he was furious.
37:00At night, he got sweeter.
37:01More careful.
37:01More unbearable.
37:02He'd kneel to take off my shoes.
37:04Brush my hair.
37:05Warm my hands between his palms.
37:06Then look at me like he was waiting for me to compare.
37:09I finally put down my book.
37:11Eli.
37:12Yes?
37:13Are you competing with Ash?
37:14No.
37:15His tail was absolutely still.
37:17Suspiciously still.
37:18I reached out and touched one ear.
37:20It twitched under my fingers.
37:22I sold him.
37:23I know.
37:24I don't want him back.
37:25I know.
37:26You don't sound like you know.
37:29He was expensive.
37:32So?
37:33Premium.
37:35So?
37:37Trained.
37:38Do you think I kept you because you were useful?
37:43At first?
37:44At first I kept you because you were beautiful and I was drunk.
37:48He blinked.
37:51Then because you were mine.
37:53His ears flushed pink.
37:55I kissed the corner of his mouth.
37:56Now I keep you because I like you.
37:58His hands tightened around my waist.
38:00Outside the window something clicked.
38:02Eli went still.
38:03A red dot slid across the glass.
38:05Then disappeared.
38:05He moved before I understood.
38:07One arm around me.
38:08One hand over my head.
38:09The window shattered inward.
38:13Eli threw me behind the bed.
38:15Glass exploded across the floor.
38:16He didn't shout.
38:17Didn't panic.
38:17The careful, gentle wolf vanished.
38:19What stood in his place was something the fight ring had built and failed to destroy.
38:23A man came through the broken window.
38:25Then another.
38:25Then another.
38:26Masks.
38:26Shock collars.
38:27Tranquilizer guns.
38:28Not here for me, but for Eli.
38:30One raised the gun.
38:31Eli caught his wrist and twisted.
38:33A crack.
38:33The man dropped without making a sound.
38:35I understood then.
38:36The throat thing had not been a threat.
38:37It had been restraint.
38:38Downstairs.
38:39Mom screamed.
38:40Dad shouted my name.
38:41Eli glanced toward the door.
38:42Just once.
38:43That was enough.
38:44One of the men lunged at me.
38:45Eli crossed the room faster than thought.
38:47His teeth bared.
38:48His eyes gone silver bright.
38:49He hit the man so hard they both crashed through the wardrobe.
38:52Wood split.
38:52The man didn't get up.
38:53Eli.
38:54He froze.
38:54Breathing hard.
38:55Blood on his mouth.
38:56Not his.
38:57His eyes snapped to mine.
38:58Horror cut through the violence.
38:59I'm sorry.
39:02I didn't mean to scare you.
39:03Another man behind him lifted a collar pole.
39:06Ash appeared in the doorway.
39:07For one second he hesitated.
39:08Then he launched himself forward and took the shock rod in his side.
39:12He dropped with a strangled yelp.
39:13Eli turned.
39:14The last man ran.
39:15He didn't get far.
39:15Hands visible.
39:16Head lowered.
39:17Blood everywhere.
39:21Don't put me down.
39:23Please.
39:24I crossed the glass barefoot and took his face in both hands.
39:27Look at me.
39:29Good wolf.
39:30His whole body shuddered.
39:33The police came.
39:34Then animal control.
39:35Then the shifter welfare officers.
39:37Then three men in expensive suits who tried very hard not to look afraid of Eli.
39:41They looked at his file.
39:43Fight ring.
39:43Stress relief trafficking.
39:45Prior violence.
39:46Human injury.
39:47Wolf fatalities.
39:49He's dangerous.
39:50Eli didn't defend himself.
39:51He sat on the edge of the bed with his hands folded.
39:54Too still.
39:55Too obedient.
39:55Like he had already prepared himself for a cage.
39:58I hated that.
39:59Ash was on the floor beside the paramedics.
40:01Shaking from the shock rod.
40:03Emma stood near the door.
40:04White faced.
40:05Did you know?
40:06Mom turned on her.
40:07I didn't think they'd come here.
40:09What did you do?
40:11I just wanted to check him.
40:12He's dangerous.
40:14Everyone knows wolves like him go feral.
40:16I sent them his old seller's contact.
40:17That's all.
40:18I didn't know they were traffickers.
40:20Ash looked at her.
40:21For the first time, he looked at her like he truly saw her.
40:24You called them?
40:25I was scared.
40:27No.
40:28You were jealous.
40:30You stole everything!
40:32No.
40:34You lost everything because you couldn't stand anyone loving me.
40:38Security has the gate records.
40:40The police can take her statement.
40:41Take my statement?
40:42Dad?
40:43You brought traffickers to our home.
40:45Mom was crying, but she didn't reach for Emma.
40:48The officer cleared his throat.
40:50About the silver wolf?
40:51Eli stays with me.
40:53Miss?
40:53He protected me.
40:57And if anyone tries to take him, I will bury this department in court until your grandchildren are tired.
41:05So will I.
41:09Eli looked up slowly, like he didn't know what to do with a family standing behind him.
41:16Emma was not arrested that night.
41:18Rich families had ways of making things quiet.
41:20But quiet did not mean forgiven.
41:22Dad cut off her accounts.
41:23Mom packed her things herself.
41:25University.
41:26Dorm housing.
41:27Monthly allowance.
41:28Nothing else.
41:29Emma screamed until her voice broke.
41:31No one changed their mind.
41:32Ash did not leave with her.
41:33That surprised me.
41:34He stood in the hall with a bandage around his ribs, eyes fixed on the floor.
41:38Come on.
41:39Emma turned on him.
41:41Ash.
41:42After everything I did to get you back?
41:46You didn't get me back.
41:49You bought me to hurt Zoe.
41:51Emma slapped him.
41:52Hard.
41:53His face turned with it.
41:54In the past, he would have lowered his head.
41:56Apologized.
41:57Followed.
41:57This time, his tail stayed still.
41:59Thank you for saving me when I was a pup.
42:02I mean that.
42:03But I paid for it too long.
42:04Emma stared.
42:06You think she'll take you?
42:08He looked at me.
42:09I said nothing.
42:10That was answering up.
42:11His face crumpled.
42:12But he nodded.
42:13I know.
42:14After Emma left, Dad asked what I wanted done with Ash.
42:17I looked at him for a long moment.
42:19Then at Eli.
42:20Eli's expression was blank.
42:21His tail was not.
42:22It had curled possessively around my ankle.
42:26Send Ash to a rehabilitation shelter.
42:28Not resale.
42:33I don't want him.
42:35But I'm done turning damaged things into money.
42:38Eli's tail tightened around me.
42:39I glanced down.
42:40Except you.
42:42You're still very profitable emotionally.
42:44He didn't understand the joke.
42:46But he looked pleased anyway.
42:49After the attack, I stopped pretending this was only personal.
42:52The traffickers had come through an old chain.
42:54Seller.
42:55Ring handler.
42:56Client list.
42:57Transport crew.
42:57Fake shelter permits.
42:59All connected.
43:00All alive.
43:01All making money.
43:03I took the folder to the company boardroom.
43:06Dad sat at the head of the table.
43:07Mom beside him.
43:09Eli behind my chair.
43:10No bike guard.
43:11No chains.
43:12Just a black suit and quiet eyes.
43:14Some directors stared.
43:16I let them.
43:17This is a liability.
43:18I opened the folder.
43:20Photographs slid across the table.
43:22Wolves in cages.
43:24Medical reports.
43:25Death records.
43:26Payment ledgers.
43:27The room went silent.
43:28This is a market.
43:30Illegal.
43:31Profitable.
43:32And sitting close enough to our logistics partners to poison us if we ignore it.
43:37So we don't ignore it.
43:39I tapped the final page.
43:40We fund a rescue center.
43:42Publicly.
43:43Medical care.
43:45Legal shelter.
43:46Rehabilitation.
43:48Placement.
43:49And privately, we cooperate with investigators to collapse the trafficking chain.
43:54Another director frowned.
43:55And him?
43:56He nodded toward Eli.
43:57Eli didn't move.
43:59He runs Wolves' assessment.
44:02A few people laughed.
44:03Then Eli lifted his eyes.
44:05The laughter died.
44:07He survived the ring.
44:09He knows who can be saved, who needs distance, and who is lying.
44:13Dad signed first.
44:15Mom second.
44:16Then the rest followed.
44:19That night, the first raid happened.
44:22Police stormed three holding sites.
44:2447 wolves were covered.
44:26Most were half starved.
44:28Some feral.
44:29Some too quiet.
44:31When Eli stepped into the temporary shelter, every wolf in the room went still.
44:34One injured gray wolf lifted his head.
44:37Sniffed.
44:38Then lowered it.
44:39Not submission, exactly.
44:41Recognition.
44:42Another whispered.
44:43Silver.
44:44Eli stopped.
44:45I looked at him.
44:47What does that mean?
44:48He didn't answer.
44:49But all around us, broken wolves began lowering their heads.
44:53One by one.
44:55Like they had just found someone they remembered from a nightmare.
44:58Or a king.
45:01Eli avoided the word for three days.
45:03Silver.
45:04I let him.
45:05He read intake files until dawn.
45:07Sorted wolves by risk.
45:09By trauma response.
45:10By food aggression.
45:11By whether they flinched from women.
45:13Men.
45:14Collars.
45:15Water.
45:16Doors.
45:17He knew things no textbook knew.
45:19Which silence meant fear.
45:21Which stillness meant attack.
45:23Which wolf needed distance.
45:25Which one needed someone to sit nearby and pretend not to watch.
45:28The staff started listening to him.
45:30The wolves already did.
45:31One afternoon, I found him in the largest enclosure.
45:34A young wolf had bitten two handlers and refused food for a week.
45:38Eli sat on the ground ten feet away.
45:41Motionless.
45:41An hour later, the wolf crawled forward and dropped his head into Eli's lap.
45:46Eli's hand hovered above him.
45:48Uncertain.
45:50Then touched him gently.
45:51The wolf shuddered and went still.
45:54I stood behind the glass and watched.
45:56This was the first time I'd seen Eli look like something other than mine.
46:00Not less mine.
46:02More.
46:03Like he had been built for more than surviving.
46:06When he came out, he looked embarrassed.
46:08They keep listening to me.
46:11That's terrible.
46:13I don't know how to lead anyone.
46:16You learned how to survive men who tried to break you.
46:19I fixed his collar.
46:20Leadership is easier.
46:22Zoe.
46:24Why are you doing all this?
46:26The ring.
46:27The center.
46:28Me.
46:29I looked through the glass.
46:30At the wolves sleeping safely for the first time.
46:33Then back at him.
46:35I ran with a rough crowd growing up.
46:38Girls who stole food with me.
46:40Lied for me.
46:41Took hits with me.
46:44That kind of loyalty sticks.
46:45He stared at me for a long moment.
46:48Then leaned down and kissed me.
46:50Not careful.
46:51Not tentative.
46:53All of him.
46:54Held nothing back.
46:56When he pulled away, his forehead rested against mine.
46:59How am I supposed to repay you?
47:01I smiled.
47:03Easy.
47:04His ears tilted toward me.
47:06Give me your loyalty.
47:07For the rest of your life.
47:09Eli's tail wrapped around my waist.
47:12Already yours.
47:13And this time, I believed him.