- 23 hours ago
Ella lo compró para tener sexo New Ep,30 SM
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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.
00:15Need to let it all out? I've got a stress relief wolf. Good for unwinding.
00:20What? The dealer glanced around nervously. A wolf shifter stepped into the light. He stepped forward
00:25and his shadow fell across my face. The vendor yanked the rough collar and dragged him to one
00:30knee. He unclipped a rusted bite guard, then grabbed the wolf's hair and pulled his head back,
00:34exposing his face. His narrow eyes locked on me like a wild beast. Look at that face, miss.
00:40Wouldn't it feel good to smack something that pretty? He was exactly my type. And my doctor
00:44had said my stress hormones were out of control. I genuinely needed an outlet. But I already had
00:49a wolf at home. Ash would mind. Get up. Show her your build. The wolf stood slowly. He peeled off
00:55his shirt. I saw the bruises layered over bruises. High stamina. Heals fast. 2,000 for
01:02two hours of release. You can do whatever you want. Just don't slit his throat and drain
01:07his blood and he'll recover. Slit his throat? People's tastes had gotten that dark? Forget
01:12it. My wolf at home wouldn't let me touch him anyway. This one was cheap. Obedient sounded
01:16fine. How much to buy him outright? Not cheap. He's our best. Name your price. I'll give
01:22you 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
01:35it down. 50 grand. I bought him for 5,000 in the end. I wasn't ready to go home yet.
01:40So
01:40I took him to a hotel. The vendor gave me a long list of warnings on the way out. Don't
01:47remove
01:47the bike guard until he's fully tamed. Keep the chains on. Both of them. In the hotel
01:53suite, Eli stood still in the entryway, eyes down, waiting for whatever came next. I came
01:58out of the shower wrapped in a robe, still not daring to take off his restraints yet.
02:02Go shower. He looked at me for a few seconds, then turned and walked into the bathroom.
02:07After a few minutes, I knocked. I left my phone in there. He hadn't locked the door.
02:12Eli froze his back to me. His pale skin made his scars all the more shocking. Water streamed
02:18down his shoulders along the rusted chains, washing away rust and dried blood. His tail
02:22hung low, trembling slightly. The fur was dull, brittle, wild, and fragile at the same time.
02:28My 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.
02:37What are you doing?
02:38First time I'd heard his voice. Take it easy.
02:41That's not. Hmm? What is that?
02:43That's not how stress Ramif works. I've never done this before. Bear with me.
02:47I pushed him onto the bed. I kissed every bruise, one by one. He lay still and let me,
02:52his body tense the whole time. He didn't know how to respond. Then, at the crucial moment,
02:57he reached out and locked his hand around my waist.
03:00Are you sure? Yeah.
03:02I'm just a low-class wolf. My answer was to stop waiting. He let out a
03:06muffled sound and closed his eyes. Ash was my parents' apology. A premium,
03:13competition-grade service wolf. A compensation for the 18 years they lost me. I was five when
03:17I disappeared. 23 when they finally found me. When I came home, I found out my parents had
03:23already adopted a little girl, Emma. She'd been with them since she was a baby. She was 17 now.
03:28When I appeared, Emma fell apart. Get out! I'm their real daughter! Why are you here taking
03:34my parents? This is my home! Get out! She screamed and sobbed and threw everything she
03:41could reach at me. Don't cry. You'll always be our daughter. Zoe coming back doesn't change how
03:48much we love you. Emma's been spoiled. You're six years older. Just try to be patient with her.
03:55I should have been devastated. But I was 23. I survived those lonely years craving my parents.
04:00Now I was in the phase of desperately needing money. I let my eyes well up. Looked down.
04:06I understand, Dad. Playing vulnerable worked. The monthly allowance they wired me kept going up.
04:13Morning. I had my cheek pressed against Eli's arm. My best friend Lily texted me. Where are you?
04:19Did you do your usual disappearing act and go home alone again? No. I bought a new stress relief wolf
04:25last night. Been busy. Zoe, what is wrong with you? I know you're upset that your wolf at home ignores
04:30you,
04:31but you can't just go buy a punching bag. You couldn't bring yourself to hit the expensive one,
04:35so you went out and bought a cheap one to beat up? I would report you if you weren't my
04:40best friend.
04:41I am appalled. I didn't hit him. Why would I hit a dog? Then how did you unwind the way
04:48you're
04:48thinking on bed? We both stopped typing. Then she sent me a long message explaining everything.
04:54Stress relief wolves were illegal. Traffickers stole young shifters or bought low-class ones cheap. Then
05:00they tortured and filtered them, keeping only those with strong bodies and fast healing. Some became living
05:05punching bags for paying clients. Others ended up in underground fight rings, death matches. Even after
05:11rescue, these wolves were considered feral and untamable. Official shelters offered them for
05:16free adoption. The ones no one took. Euthanized. I know where he lives, if you regret it. I startled,
05:26quickly darkened my screen and turned over. He runs with a crew. They probably won't give you the
05:35money back. But if I catch him alone, I might be able to-
05:41I don't regret it. As long as you behave. Only listen to me. Nobody else.
05:47Okay. There were a few faint scars along the fur of his ears. I couldn't help it. I reached out
05:52to
05:53touch them. His ears snapped back instantly. He flinched away. This one wouldn't let me touch his
05:58ears either. Sorry. Force of habit. You can touch them now. If you still want to. I didn't hesitate.
06:09I swung up and sat across his waist, braced my hands on his chest and squeezed his ears between my
06:14fingers.
06:15Eli's breathing deepened. His whole body got warmer. He tipped his head back, eyes half-lidded,
06:19watching me. Can we do it again? We didn't go straight home. I took Eli to a shifter clinic
06:28first. The doctor said his healing ability was excellent. The bruising wasn't a concern,
06:32but severe malnutrition. He needed long-term supplementation. The total for all the
06:37supplements cost more than I'd paid for him. I don't need it. I can eat anything. Don't spend
06:42the money. I won't die. This amount was what Ash burned through on snacks every month. It's fine.
06:47Do you like these? I held out a new collar and bite guard in front of him. Slim, black,
06:53metal collar. Custom black bite guard to match. I hadn't wanted him to keep wearing restraints,
06:58but the doctor was firm. Don't let a feral wolf's looks fool you. He could take out your throat in
07:03one bite. So I'd picked the most comfortable version I could find. When the doctor removed
07:07the old bite guard, he held it up to the light. Fight ring or stress relief. Before this, I mean.
07:15Both. Figured. Look at these bite marks. He did this to himself when the pain got too bad.
07:21Those are from last night. I went very still. In the ring? No. He looked at my back. From when
07:28I was being used. We got home past midnight. Mom and Dad were already asleep. Ash was probably in Emma's
07:33room, as usual. Come in. He hadn't moved. He was staring at something on the floor. I bent down and
07:42picked it up. This is Ash's. On my first birthday in this house, Mom and Dad had given me Ash.
07:50Zoe's too quiet. We thought having a companion might open her up. Back then, Ash hadn't shifted yet.
07:55Just a small black wolf pup. Why does she get one and I don't? You said you wouldn't pick favorites.
08:02He's mine. She snatched the puppy and ran out. Didn't come back. My birthday dinner was ruined.
08:09My birthday present was gone. Mom and Dad were a mess for days. I cried too. I'm so sorry I
08:15made
08:16her leave. It's my fault. Twelve days later, one girl and one scruffy wolf pup appeared at the front door.
08:22Mom, Dad, I'm so hungry. I was wrong. I'm never running again. Mom and Dad rushed out and all three
08:29of them sobbed together on the doorstep. When they finally looked up, Mom's face went guilty the
08:34instant she saw me standing there. Mom, you hit me? Do you know what the last 12 days were like?
08:41I just got back and you're hitting me. Do you ever think about what your sister's last 18 years were
08:44like?
08:47If you ever make Zoe feel unwelcome in this house again, don't call me Mom.
08:52After that, Emma stopped coming after me openly. She gave Ash back a few weeks later. Not long after
08:57that, he shifted dark curls, soft downturned eyes. He tilted his head at me and said his first shifted
09:04word. E. I'm Emma. You remember me. You remember me. Of course. I remember everything about Emma.
09:18Mom and Dad sighed and put an arm around me. It took weeks of trying before Ash reluctantly
09:22accepted that I was his owner. But he refused to wag his tail for me. Refused to let me touch
09:28his ears.
09:28Never waited by the door for me. He only reacted to Emma's footsteps. He only waited for her. I watched
09:34them every time. I told myself I didn't really care. Because Ash's monthly expenses came out of
09:39the account in my name. And Mom and Dad's quiet guilt kept filling that same account. But lately,
09:44I'd been breaking out. Stress hormones, the doctor said. Ash wouldn't touch me. Eli had shown up at
09:50exactly the right moment. I had no reason to say no.
09:55Sleep with me tonight? I'll take you shopping for clothes. Will he mind? Who? Ash. Wolves are
10:01territorial. He doesn't like sleeping with me. It's fine. Do you need it again tonight? Need what?
10:07Stress relief. I do. But my legs are killing me. I have good stamina. You can just lie there.
10:12That's very considerate of you. It's nothing. In the morning, I stepped out of my room at the exact
10:19same time as Ash. Zoe, why were you talking in your sleep last night? All those little sounds,
10:23it was loud. Sorry. I'll keep it down. Were you having a nightmare? I thought I heard you
10:29crying. I was having the time of my life. If you ever have a nightmare, you can- Ash,
10:33I can't find my slippers. Don't walk around barefoot. He stepped right past me and went into Emma's room.
10:38How did your slippers end up in the living room if you were in your room? Because you carried me
10:43to
10:43bed last night and forgot to bring them. He sat her on his knee, found the bunny slippers,
10:48and put them on her feet. One by one, patient. Then he headed upstairs to the bathroom. Perfect
10:52service wolf, just not mine. Zoe, my laundry's in the hamper. Take it to the dry cleaner.
10:59What's that smell? What? He stepped close, pressed his nose to my neck, then inhaled. The deeper he
11:04breathed, the harder his hand gripped my waist. Zoe, why do you smell like another wolf? Eli had just
11:10opened the door and walked out. He was half a head taller than Ash. That's my scent.
11:18Zoe, who is that? His name is Eli. He's my new wolf. What? You got another wolf?
11:25What about me? Oh, wow. Mom, Dad, come look. Zoe got a new wolf. This is Eli, our newest family
11:32member.
11:33Sir, ma'am. He's even more handsome than Ash. Competition grade, I assume? Zoe gets so much
11:38allowance. Competition grade? He's wearing a muzzle. His fur is splitting. His shirt is falling apart. He's
11:42shedding everywhere. He's feral bottom class. The kind shelters can't even give away. Zoe, you only
11:47brought him home to mess with me, didn't you? If he goes feral and hurts you, don't come crying to
11:50me.
11:50Zoe, we're not against you keeping him. We just want you safe. We can't lose you again.
11:55I won't hurt her. If it makes you feel better, I'll keep the restraints on. I can sleep in a
12:00crate at night. Only fight ring wolves sleep in crates. That's lower than a stress relief slave.
12:04I've already decided he's staying. Ash's expenses come from Mom and Dad. Eli's are on me.
12:09Zoe! Relax. Given how Zoe grew up, it makes sense she has a thing for low-class wolves.
12:15It's basically her aesthetic. Mom, Dad, since Zoe has a new wolf, can I have Ash? He likes me more
12:22anyway. I'm just taking what's left over. Leftover? Drained the color from Ash's face. No.
12:28Ash was a gift from Mom and Dad. He's mine. I decide what happens to him.
12:32My certainty knocked something loose in him. For the first time, Ash wagged his tail for me.
12:37Just barely. Small, uncontrolled flicks. Even if you say that, I'm not forgiving you.
12:42I had no intention of giving him away. Not because I was attached. First,
12:45the budget they gave me for his upkeep was generous. I pocketed a healthy margin every month.
12:50Second, Ash was worth a lot. If I ever decided I was done, I could sell him for seven figures.
12:54Why would I hand that to Emma for free? She's right. He was given to Zoe. If you want him,
12:59talk to your sister.
13:01A few months earlier, Mom and Dad had planned a family camping trip to get us all bonding.
13:06Seven days. On the night we set up tents, everyone drank a little too much. Emma called me sis every
13:10five minutes. I called her sis back. Mom and Dad were so happy. When I came back from a cigarette
13:14break, I saw Emma in my tent. The campfire had gone out. One small lantern flickered inside. Ash was lying
13:20on my sleeping bag. Emma was slowly crawling on top of him, leaning toward his mouth. Their shadows
13:24overlapped against the canvas. I watched Ash reach up and tuck her hair behind her ear and kissed her
13:29back. Ash, promise me you won't touch her. But wait until I'm 18. It's only a few months. In this
13:35world, a wolf who slept with a human under 18 faced immediate disposal. You know I have standards.
13:41I don't like her touching me. Can't we just keep this clean between us? Ash said yes.
13:47The video ended. Emma, is this how I raised you? Using yourself to manipulate a wolf just to spite
13:52your sister? Zoe, I was drunk that night. I thought it was you coming. Nobody asked you,
13:58I paid for you. You're here to serve my daughter, not audition replacements. I'm calling your cellar
14:02today. Mom, why aren't you yelling at her? Can't you see how calculating she is? She recorded it. I made
14:06one stupid mistake and she plays it like this. Ever since she came back, you love me less. Are you
14:11really
14:11gonna let her run my life? Emma, you did this. If you hadn't, there'd be nothing to record. Both of
14:16you, this month's allowances go to Zoe, and you're both grounded for three days. A large sum landed in
14:20my account that afternoon. Mom and Dad's invisible scale tipped a little more in my direction. I'd been
14:25fighting for things my whole life. This was no different. Three days without Emma or Ash hovering
14:32around. I took Eli shopping. Everywhere. He was a specimen. Built like every suit had been cut for him
14:39specifically. Everything looked good on him. So I wanted to buy him everything. But the best part
14:46was watching him in a dress suit. I went slightly feral and bought 12 custom tailored ones.
14:51Then I was too tired to walk. Eli carried everything with one arm and me with the other.
14:56I had my arm hooked around his neck, tracing the line of his nose with one finger. Eli, you look
15:02like
15:02this. Didn't they try to make you sell yourself? They tried. He set me on the bed and dropped to
15:09one knee, took off my heels, swapped them out for slippers. He'd watched Ash do it for Emma a hundred
15:15times. He hadn't fully adjusted to human scale gentleness yet. He kept catching himself, recalibrating
15:22his grip. But he'd memorized every step. And? He went a little pink. I didn't. I hurt the client
15:29and ran. They caught me. I stopped eating to fight back. They got scared I'd die and cost them money
15:36so
15:36they threw me in the ring. I hadn't eaten in three days. I don't know how I did it. I
15:41bit through the
15:42other wolf's throat. After that, I stayed in the ring. They kept my food limited so I'd be too weak
15:48to
15:49resist. The last fight, I got badly injured. They figured I was done so they put me on stress relief
15:55work. I survived that too. This week they were debating sending me back to the ring.
16:01Then you bought me. Eli was still kneeling. Wearing the new suit I'd just bought him.
16:08Both hands wrapped lightly around mine. He had no idea he looked like he was proposing.
16:14I'm not hiding anything from you. I am a low-class, violent wolf. I've hurt humans. I've hurt my own
16:21kind. I grew up without learning to be around people. I don't know how to take care of someone.
16:27I barely know how to use a fork. I don't know how hard to hold you without hurting you. Last
16:32night
16:32when you cried, I panicked. I remembered. The second time was so much better than the first.
16:41I'd lost control and made a sound I hadn't expected. I'm sorry, did I hurt you? I misjudged.
16:47It's my fault. You can punish me, hit me, starve me, whatever you want. Just don't cry. Please.
16:54I remembered the apology going on for a while, but I'd passed out mid-sentence. No wonder the
16:59atmosphere that morning had been so heavy. He'd been stewing in it all night. You didn't hurt me.
17:04I cried because it was good. He pressed his nose against my neck. His silver-white ears brushed my
17:10face. I grabbed them. Eli's breathing hitched. He reached up, fingers calloused, deliberate,
17:19and slowly traced the side of my neck. The same spot Ash had pressed his nose against that morning.
17:24Methodical. Inch by inch. Are you trying to cover his scent? It's fine. I don't mind. I just don't
17:32understand. You went three days without food to avoid being sold. But you never fought back against
17:38me. Not once. You gave up? He looked up. His eyes didn't quite meet mine. They landed on my mouth.
17:45Maybe because you were young and beautiful. That's an airtight reason. Maybe because you said you had no
17:51experience. Also because that was the first time I'd ever been kissed. I just want you to know I am
17:58violent and feral. But I will never hurt you. Never. Not ever. I believe you. As a reward.
18:11Let me kiss you again.
18:14Eli and I fell into a rhythm. I finally understood why people spent fortunes on wolves. With Ash,
18:21everything had been a production. Premium wolves had standards. I'd had to train with him daily,
18:28manage his nutrition, force feed him supplements, and run a full grooming routine just to keep him in
18:33condition. So he could use that condition to take care of Emma. Eli was different. I followed the
18:40doctor's supplement plan and he just glowed. I felt a little guilty about the contrast. So I sat him
18:46down and did a proper grooming session on him. Ash walked in while I had both hands buried in Eli's
18:52foam-covered ears. Zoe! That's my special foam soap. I bought this one for Eli. Out of your room
19:00already? You must be so pleased with yourself. Not really. You got off easy. But I'll try harder next
19:06time. Zoe, send him out. I can explain the video but I am not sharing this house with a bottom
19:13class
19:13wolf. You're not sharing anything. You sleep in Emma's room. You always have. Wolves had sharp
19:20senses. Ash had been the only one in the house who knew about my smoking habit. He'd always complained
19:25my room smelled and used it as an excuse to sleep in Emma's room instead. It's fine, Ash. You always
19:31said she smelled anyway. Come stay with me. Zoe, you're going to regret this. Take good care of him,
19:39won't you, Emma? The house settled into a strange cold war. Ash and Emma spent a while putting on a
19:46show in front of me. They were all warmth and sweetness, trying to get a reaction out of me.
19:51I had none. As long as they weren't doing it in my face, I could handle it. Eli spent a
19:57lot of time
19:57watching them. Emma kept flushing every time she caught him looking, then pretending she hadn't
20:02noticed. He was studying. He watched every move Ash made with Emma. The grip, the order of things,
20:08and translated it all into how he took care of me. Ash, meanwhile, looked like a ghost. He kept
20:15catching himself staring at me with something half-formed in his expression. I knew why.
20:20A few days earlier, I'd heard an argument spilling from Emma's room.
20:24Emma, you haven't groomed me in forever. You have hands. Do it yourself. Am I your pet or am you
20:29mine?
20:31My products are running out too. Then ask Zoe. It's her account, not mine.
20:37Emma, why are you like this? You used to actually like spending time with me.
20:43If you hadn't kissed me that night, Zoe wouldn't have-
20:46Zoe always groomed you every day. She never complained about how much work it was.
20:50Blame me? You didn't exactly stop me. And now you think she's better?
20:55Then go to her! Go on!
20:57See if she even wants you.
21:00Did Emma love Ash? I doubted it. Emma just loved being the center. The one everyone orbited.
21:08Ash fawning over her fit that. Me existing complicated it. After that fight, Ash deteriorated
21:14fast. He kept starting sentences near me and never finishing them. Too proud to ask. I ignored it.
21:21Until one night. I was out on the second floor balcony in my slip dress, smoking a post-session
21:27cigarette. Ash came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me without a word.
21:33Warm tears dropped onto my neck, one at a time.
21:39You're not complaining about the smell?
21:41I'm sorry. Can you forgive me? I was drunk that night. I swear I thought it was you.
21:47I wanted it to be you. I believe you. If you'd known it was Emma, you wouldn't have stopped her
21:53either. That's not true. Before I shifted, Emma and I were on the streets together. A group of guys
22:01tried to grab me. We could have struck until we pad me. She ran at them, screaming and crying,
22:08until they gave up and fled. You're my owner, but she saved my life. I couldn't refuse her.
22:14In the tent that night, I was half as asleep. I thought it was you. When I opened my eyes
22:20and
22:20saw her, I felt sick. I realized I'd wanted it to be you. I'd wanted you all along. But she
22:29saved
22:29my life. How could I turn her down? Then keep being grateful to her. I was never in the way.
22:36Zoe, please don't.
22:43Ash, do you know why I smoke? Because I grew up with a crew of street girls who were never
22:48going to win any etiquette awards. When I got caught stealing and got beaten up,
22:53they took the hits with me. When a man tried to assault me, they scratched his face apart.
23:00When I had a fever and passed out, they pulled whatever they had and dragged me to a back alley
23:05clinic. So, I had more people doing things for me than you ever did. And I never crawled into
23:12anyone's bed over it. Never said yes just because someone asked. Ash, you're wired to follow whoever
23:17pays you the most attention. Someone gives you a little warmth and off you go. Ash, they say
23:22premium wolves have the highest human-like cognitiveness. I believe it. You've even
23:25evolved past a dog's most basic trait, loyalty.
23:28I don't know. I'm sorry, Zoe. You never talked about before. I didn't know what you went through.
23:34I only ever heard Emma's side. She made it sound like you were the one taking things from her,
23:38like Ash and everything that came with him should have been hers. If I'd known,
23:41I wouldn't have complained about the smoking. I wouldn't have helped her make things harder for
23:45you. His tear-wet face pressed into my collar and past his shoulder, two figures in the dark.
23:50The closer one, tall and still, was Eli. The farther one was Mom. I met her eyes.
23:54My cigarette hand barely paused. I didn't hide it. Fine. She saw. When I came home,
24:01I'd glossed over the first years. They'd worked so hard on Emma. Piano. Ballet. Flower arranging.
24:09Everything polished. Me? Good at stealing? Lockpicking with a hairpin. Chain smoking before
24:16I was old enough to buy them. I hadn't thought parents who'd replaced me in a year would love me
24:20very much. Tell them the real version and they'd probably fear me as much as pity me.
24:25And Emma would run a reason to attack me. So I'd shown them the clean resume. Good grades.
24:31Sweet face. Polite answers. Like interviewing for the role of daughter.
24:35Mom said,
24:36Go to sleep.
24:37Then she went back to her room. The hall was dark again, except for Eli's outline.
24:41He stood watching Ash press his face into my shoulder and make small, unhappy sounds.
24:46Eli said quietly,
24:47It's cold out here. Ash noticed him for the first time. He stepped in front of me.
24:52Sent the low warning growl at Eli again. Eli didn't react. He stepped closer. Ash shifted back
24:57without meaning to. Eli draped a jacket over my shoulders. Looked at Ash. You can keep going.
25:03I'm just here for the coat. Ash didn't take him up on it. He said instead, to me.
25:08Stay with me tonight. I know what to do. I was trained. I'd be better than him.
25:14Is that right? I mean it. Please, let me fix this.
25:18His tail went into overdrive. Eli's expression didn't change, but his hand at his side closed
25:23into a fist. I don't think so. You kissed Emma. The thought of it ruins it for me. Good night,
25:29Ash.
25:32Eli followed me back to the bedroom. I shrugged off the jacket and looked at him.
25:36Jealous?
25:37He took the jacket and said,
25:38No. You're exceptional. You'll have a boyfriend someday. A husband. I know my place.
25:46Should I run a bath?
25:47I'd been heading for bed.
25:48Why?
25:49You have Ash's tears and saliva on you. And his scent.
25:53I went to the bathroom. Eli followed and washed every inch of skin with focused, careful attention.
26:00He was kneeling on the wet bathroom tile looking up at me.
26:03Hey.
26:04I reached down and touched his ears.
26:06What is it?
26:07Can't get it clean.
26:09What?
26:10Can I take this off? Licking might work better.
26:13He pointed to his bite guard. I thought for a moment, then unclipped it.
26:18That spot doesn't have his scent on it.
26:21He said. Didn't stop. He kissed upward, inch by inch, all the way to my chin.
26:28May I?
26:29He cupped my face in one hand.
26:31Yes.
26:31His kiss was careful, unpracticed.
26:34I cracked one eye open to look at him. Steam and fog all around him. Eyes shut tight. Long lashes
26:40trembling.
26:41I thought this might have been our first real kiss.
26:45I stopped making Eli wear the bite guard. Mom and dad kept reminding me to be careful, but they didn't
26:50push.
26:51I worked at the family company. Most days I didn't come home for lunch. One afternoon I did. Just wanted
26:56to nap.
26:57Voices drifted up from the living room. Eli and Ash. I leaned on the second floor railing and watched.
27:03Eli was sitting on the couch, watching TV. Ash planted himself in front of him, tail bristling.
27:08You think Zoe actually likes you? She's using you to get at me. Once she's over it, she'll throw you
27:14out like trash.
27:15So what? Zoe said you're dirty. At least I'm clean. Anyone who tries to touch me, I bite their throat
27:21out.
27:22Unlike you. Half pushing someone away and then giving in anyway.
27:26Interesting. In front of me, Eli was steady and careful and almost meek. This was the first time I'd seen
27:32his edges.
27:33Clean? You've killed wolves in a ring. Do you even know how many?
27:39He stood up slowly. I know. Useful information. Honestly, you bother me.
27:45Me? Ash nearly went airborne.
27:47You're the outsider here. Zoe paid millions for me. I was here first.
27:52Millions? Eli looked him over.
27:53You don't look worth that. He stepped forward.
27:55Do you know which part of the throat to bite so the other person can't make a sound?
28:01Another step. How to make a wolf disappear quietly. I'm probably the only kind who knows that.
28:07What are you doing? What would I do? Eli shrugged. I'm just a low-class wolf.
28:11Then he lunged. Ash panicked and shifted into full wolf form on instinct.
28:15The black wolf tackled Eli, teeth sinking into his horror. Eli crashed into the coffee table.
28:21Porcelain cracked. Shards scattered across the floor.
28:24When mom came running at the noise, she found Eli on the ground, arm bleeding badly, sitting up pale and
28:30pressing the wound.
28:33I'm sorry, ma'am. I've been too close to Zoe lately. Ash was unhappy. I should have been more careful.
28:40I came downstairs.
28:41Eli, what happened?
28:43It's nothing.
28:44He said softly.
28:45Nothing like what I dealt with in the ring.
28:46I was biting down hard on a laugh. Yesterday, he'd sworn up and down he had no jealousy whatsoever, and
28:52he'd already planned this.
28:53It's not true.
28:54Ash stumbled over his own words.
28:56He went at me first. He's setting me up.
28:59Setting you up? If he wanted to hurt you, you'd still be on the floor.
29:03Zoe, I'm serious.
29:05I'm calling the seller. This wolf is going back.
29:07Mom was already on her phone.
29:09No need. I'll sell him to a friend who's been looking for a premium wolf.
29:13Mom paused.
29:14That works. He's yours to decide.
29:17Zoe, you'd sell me for him?
29:19Ash's face went blank.
29:20You said you liked me. I know you did.
29:21You used to grab my tail in your sleep so you wouldn't have nightmares.
29:24You wrote in your journal that you were lonely here.
29:26That at least you had me, even if I didn't like you.
29:29You'd sneak pets when I was asleep.
29:31You asked me once when you were drunk why I never liked you.
29:34Why even I was always on Emma's side.
29:36Zoe, you can't feel nothing for me.
29:38He was right.
29:39I wasn't as detached as I like to think.
29:41Even at 23, arriving at a stranger's house had still scared me.
29:44Watching my parents tilt toward Emma had still stung.
29:47Thinking about Emma living the life that should have been mine, that had still burned.
29:51When I found out my birthday gift was going to be a wolf, I had been genuinely excited.
29:55I had put hope in Ash.
29:57He'd ground it down slowly, over months.
30:00I imagined too much.
30:01I said.
30:02To me, I met his eyes.
30:04You're just a disloyal dog.
30:07I moved fast.
30:09Ash was gone the next day.
30:10I handed him to a contact who dealt in resale.
30:13I didn't ask where he ended up.
30:14Maybe he'd be used for breeding.
30:16Maybe he'd find a kinder owner.
30:17Either way, he had served his purpose in my life.
30:20Financial conversion.
30:21Complete.
30:22Eli, meanwhile, was draped across my bed looking tragically injured.
30:25He'd been worse than this the first night I met him.
30:27And still propped himself up with one arm to do things.
30:30But now...
30:32He said weakly, taking the soup I brought.
30:34He's really gone?
30:35Yes.
30:36Eli stared into his bowl.
30:38That's a shame.
30:39I really did want to get along with him.
30:41Want me to bring him back?
30:42You two can be best friends.
30:44The buyer already has him.
30:45They probably won't return him.
30:47I could offer them a little extra.
30:49Eli put tremendous effort into not snapping the porcelain bowl in his hand.
30:53That would be ideal.
30:54He said carefully.
30:55I'll go now then.
30:57But...
30:57He looked up, nervous.
30:58What?
30:59If he bites me again, what do I do?
31:01I said nothing.
31:02Just watched him.
31:03His expression went from nervous to tense to lost.
31:05And then landed on stunned.
31:07Zoe, you...
31:08Already knew?
31:09I don't know what you're talking about.
31:11Can you tell me which part of the throat stops someone from making a sound?
31:15I'm sorry.
31:15I...
31:16He kept coming at me.
31:17Please don't send me away.
31:18I was bluffing.
31:19I would never actually hurt him.
31:21I'll be good.
31:22It's fine.
31:22Honestly, I kinda like you with an edge.
31:25In a way, Emma and Ash were the same type.
31:28Both spoiled by affection.
31:29Both certain they were the main character.
31:31Eli and I were the same type.
31:33If I'd been in his position, I'd have done the same thing.
31:37Getting rid of Ash bought me two months of peace.
31:40Emma stopped crying in hallways.
31:42Stopped leaving Ash's old leash where I could see it.
31:44Stopped making wounded little comments over breakfast.
31:47She was waiting.
31:48People like Emma didn't give up.
31:49They just changed costumes.
31:50Then her 18th birthday arrived.
31:52Mom and Dad gave her an apartment.
31:54Downtown.
31:55Good location.
31:55Good building.
31:56Expensive enough to make my smile freeze.
31:59I held it in place anyway.
32:00Inside, I was on fire.
32:02I wished I could physically lift the building and scream,
32:04It's mine.
32:05A colleague at work had once said,
32:07It all comes to you eventually anyway.
32:08Why do you fight so hard over small things?
32:11That was exactly why.
32:12I didn't trust eventually.
32:13What was in my hand was mine.
32:15Emma swept over with Mom and Dad on her arm.
32:17Bright-eyed and glowing.
32:18Ready to gloat.
32:19Zoe, did you get me a birthday present?
32:21I set down my champagne.
32:23My parents are already yours.
32:25What more do you want?
32:26The room went quiet.
32:27Emma blinked.
32:28Everything you eat, wear, and use,
32:31Did any of it belong to you first?
32:32And you're asking me for a gift?
32:34Do you want my blood too?
32:36Would that satisfy you?
32:37Emma's face twisted.
32:39Mom, Dad, do you see this?
32:40Today is my birthday and she's attacking me.
32:43I always said she was faking it.
32:45You never believed me.
32:47Dad's hand landed gently on my shoulder.
32:49Not hers.
32:50Mine.
32:50We know.
32:51Emma froze.
32:52Mom looked tired in a way I hadn't seen before.
32:55Zoe is right.
32:56Emma's mouth opened.
32:56Nothing came out.
32:57Your mother and I have been afraid to ask about your past.
32:59We didn't want to reopen wounds.
33:01You didn't feel safe enough to be yourself here.
33:03That's on us.
33:04My throat went tight.
33:05I hated that.
33:05I hated how badly I still wanted to hear it.
33:09Emma did not scream at first.
33:11That was how I knew it was bad.
33:13She just stood there.
33:14Still.
33:14Pretty.
33:15Ruined.
33:15Then she laughed.
33:16So that's it?
33:19You found your real daughter and now I become Charity?
33:23We gave you a home.
33:25Education.
33:26Love.
33:27Security.
33:29We are not abandoning you.
33:30You gave her everything!
33:32No.
33:34You borrowed everything.
33:36Emma turned to me slowly.
33:37There it was.
33:38The real thing under the tears.
33:40Hatred.
33:40Not fear.
33:41Not grief.
33:42Hatred.
33:43You think you won because you bought a filthy wolf and sold the pretty one?
33:47Eli had been standing near the wall, silent the whole time.
33:51At that, his eyes lifted.
33:53Don't look at me like that.
33:55Everyone knows what you are.
33:57A stress relief slave.
33:59A ring dog.
34:01A thing people throw money at when they want something to hurt.
34:05Emma.
34:05But Emma wasn't looking at her.
34:07She was looking at me.
34:08You act so proud, Zoe.
34:10But you picked him because he reminds you of yourself.
34:13Cheap.
34:14Dirty.
34:15Raised wrong.
34:16The glass in Eli's hand cracked.
34:18I turned my head slightly.
34:20Eli.
34:21He lowered his eyes at once.
34:22Sorry.
34:23The obedience in his voice made Emma's smile sharpen.
34:26Oh.
34:26He listens well.
34:27I walked across the room.
34:29Everyone watched me.
34:31Emma lifted her chin like she expected a slap.
34:33I didn't give her one.
34:35Careful.
34:37Low-class wolves bite.
34:39Her face paled.
34:41Enough.
34:42Emma, the apartment remains yours.
34:45We will support you through school.
34:47But tomorrow, 20% of the company shares transfer to Zoe.
34:51Emma stopped breathing.
34:52The rest will be placed in an iridizable will.
34:56Everything else goes to you.
34:57Emma's face collapsed.
34:59This time when she screamed, no one moved to comfort her.
35:05Emma left for university across the country.
35:07The house breathed for the first time.
35:10Breakfast became quiet.
35:11Mom started asking me what I liked to eat.
35:13Dad started bringing company documents home and explaining things without making it sound like a favor.
35:17It was strange.
35:19Almost peaceful.
35:21I didn't adapt to it.
35:23Peace was usually the moment before someone climbed through a window.
35:26Then I saw the apartment listing online.
35:29Emma had put it up for sale at a huge loss.
35:31I stared at the screen.
35:32That was not my business.
35:34Close the tab.
35:35Three days later, Eli found me in the garage.
35:37He was holding my coat.
35:38You forgot this.
35:39I was going to the office.
35:42I know.
35:43He didn't move.
35:44What?
35:46There's a wolf scent by the east gate.
35:49Ash?
35:50No.
35:51Then his gaze flicked toward the driveway.
35:54Not only Ash.
35:55A black SUV rolled through the gate.
35:58Emma stepped out first.
36:00Hair perfect.
36:00Eyes red.
36:01Smile too bright.
36:03Then Ash climbed out behind her.
36:05Thinner than before.
36:06Collar different.
36:07Expression worse.
36:09He looked at me first.
36:10His tail moved once.
36:12Then stopped.
36:13Emma saw it.
36:14Her smile cracked.
36:16Surprise?
36:18I bought him back.
36:20I looked at Ash.
36:22With the apartment money?
36:23Yeah.
36:24I can afford it.
36:26He's mine now.
36:27Ash's face went pale.
36:29No.
36:29I didn't know she was selling the apartment.
36:31I told her not to.
36:32Eli stepped slightly in front of me.
36:35Quiet.
36:36Calm.
36:37Too calm.
36:38Ash stared at him.
36:40For one second, neither of them looked human.
36:42Emma lifted her chin.
36:43You sold him like trash.
36:45So I picked him up.
36:47Funny, isn't it?
36:48I looked at Ash's new collar.
36:50Emma couldn't hide her triumphant look.
36:52No.
36:54It's predictable.
36:57Emma wanted a reaction.
36:58I gave her none.
36:59It filled her with rage.
37:01For two weeks, she brought Ash everywhere.
37:03Family dinners.
37:04Company lobby.
37:05Even the clinic where Eli went for follow-up checks.
37:07Ash followed her, but badly.
37:09Too quiet.
37:10Too delayed.
37:10Like a dog walking toward an owner while looking back at the door.
37:13Emma noticed every time.
37:14So did Eli.
37:15He said nothing.
37:16That was how I knew he was furious.
37:18At night, he got sweeter.
37:19More careful.
37:19More unbearable.
37:20He'd kneel to take off my shoes.
37:22Brush my hair.
37:23Wore my hands between his palms.
37:24Then look at me like he was waiting for me to compare.
37:27I finally put down my book.
37:29Eli.
37:30Yes?
37:31Are you competing with Ash?
37:32No.
37:33His tail was absolutely still.
37:35Suspiciously still.
37:36I reached out and touched one ear.
37:38It twitched under my fingers.
37:40I sold him.
37:41I know.
37:41I don't want him back.
37:43I know.
37:44You don't sound like you know.
37:47He was expensive.
37:50So?
37:51Premium.
37:53So?
37:55Trained.
37:56Do you think I kept you because you were useful?
38:01At first?
38:02At first, I kept you because you were beautiful and I was drunk.
38:06He blinked.
38:08Then, because you were mine.
38:11His ears flushed pink.
38:13I kissed the corner of his mouth.
38:14Now I keep you because I like you.
38:17His hands tightened around my waist.
38:18Outside the window, something clicked.
38:20Eli went still.
38:21A red dot slid across the glass.
38:23Then disappeared.
38:24He moved before I understood.
38:25One arm around me.
38:26One hand over my head.
38:27The window shattered inward.
38:31Eli threw me behind the bed.
38:33Glass exploded across the floor.
38:34He didn't shout.
38:35Didn't panic.
38:35The careful, gentle wolf vanished.
38:37What stood in his place was something the fight ring had built and failed to destroy.
38:41A man came through the broken window.
38:43Then another.
38:43Then another.
38:44Masks.
38:44Shock collars.
38:45Tranquilizer guns.
38:46Not here for me, but for Eli.
38:48One raised the gun.
38:49Eli caught his wrist and twisted.
38:51A crack.
38:51The man dropped without making a sound.
38:53I understood then.
38:54The throat thing had not been a threat.
38:55It had been restraint.
38:56Downstairs.
38:57Mom screamed.
38:58Dad shouted my name.
38:59Eli glanced toward the door.
39:00Just once.
39:01That was enough.
39:02One of the men lunged at me.
39:03Eli crossed the room faster than thought.
39:05His teeth bared.
39:06His eyes gone silver bright.
39:07He hit the man so hard they both crashed through the wardrobe.
39:10Wood split.
39:10The man didn't get up.
39:11Eli.
39:12He froze.
39:12Breathing hard.
39:13Blood on his mouth.
39:14Not his.
39:15His eyes snapped to mine.
39:16Horror cut through the violence.
39:18I'm sorry.
39:20I didn't mean to scare you.
39:21Another man behind him lifted a collar pole.
39:24Ash appeared in the doorway.
39:25For one second he hesitated.
39:26Then he launched himself forward and took the shock rod in his side.
39:30He dropped with a strangled yelp.
39:31Eli turned.
39:32The last man ran.
39:33He didn't get far.
39:34Hands visible.
39:34Head lowered.
39:35Blood everywhere.
39:39Don't put me down.
39:41Please.
39:42I crossed the glass barefoot and took his face in both hands.
39:45Look at me.
39:47Good wolf.
39:48His whole body shuddered.
39:51The police came.
39:52Then animal control.
39:53Then the shifter welfare officers.
39:55Then three men in expensive suits who tried very hard not to look afraid of Eli.
39:59They looked at his file.
40:01Fight ring.
40:01Stress relief trafficking.
40:03Prior violence.
40:04Human injury.
40:05Wolf fatalities.
40:07He's dangerous.
40:08Eli didn't defend himself.
40:09He sat on the edge of the bed with his hands folded.
40:12Too still.
40:13Too obedient.
40:13Like he had already prepared himself for a cage.
40:16I hated that.
40:17Ash was on the floor beside the paramedics.
40:19Shaking from the shock rod.
40:21Emma stood near the door.
40:22White faced.
40:23Did you know?
40:24Mom turned on her.
40:25I didn't think they'd come here.
40:27What did you do?
40:29I just wanted to check him.
40:31He's dangerous.
40:32Everyone knows wolves like him go feral.
40:34I sent them his old seller's contact.
40:35That's all.
40:36I didn't know they were traffickers.
40:38Ash looked at her.
40:39For the first time, he looked at her like he truly saw her.
40:42You called them?
40:43I was scared.
40:45No.
40:46You were jealous.
40:48You stole everything!
40:50No.
40:52You lost everything because you couldn't stand anyone loving me.
40:56Security has the gate records.
40:58The police can take her statement.
40:59Take my statement?
41:00Dad?
41:01You brought traffickers to our home.
41:03Mom was crying, but she didn't reach for Emma.
41:06The officer cleared his throat.
41:08About the silver wolf?
41:09Eli stays with me.
41:11Miss?
41:12He protected me.
41:15And if anyone tries to take him, I will bury this department in court until your grandchildren are tired.
41:23So will I.
41:26So will I.
41:28Eli looked up slowly, like he didn't know what to do with a family standing behind him.
41:34Emma was not arrested that night.
41:36Rich families had ways of making things quiet, but quiet did not mean forgiven.
41:40Dad cut off her accounts.
41:41Mom packed her things herself.
41:43University.
41:44Dorm housing.
41:45Monthly allowance.
41:46Nothing else.
41:47Emma screamed until her voice broke.
41:49No one changed their mind.
41:50Ash did not leave with her.
41:51That surprised me.
41:52He stood in the hall with a bandage around his ribs, eyes fixed on the floor.
41:56Come on.
41:57Emma turned on him.
41:59Ash.
42:01After everything I did to get you back?
42:04You didn't get me back.
42:07You bought me to hurt Zoe.
42:09Emma slapped him.
42:10Hard.
42:11His face turned with it.
42:12In the past, he would have lowered his head.
42:14Apologized.
42:15Followed.
42:16This time, his tail stayed still.
42:18Thank you for saving me when I was a pup.
42:20I mean that.
42:21But I paid for it too long.
42:23Emma stared.
42:24You think she'll take you?
42:26He looked at me.
42:27I said nothing.
42:28That was answer enough.
42:29His face crumpled.
42:30But he nodded.
42:31I know.
42:32After Emma left, Dad asked what I wanted done with Ash.
42:35I looked at him for a long moment.
42:37Then at Eli.
42:38Eli's expression was blank.
42:39His tail was not.
42:40It had curled possessively around my ankle.
42:44Send Ash to a rehabilitation shelter.
42:46Not resale.
42:51I don't want him.
42:53But I'm done turning damaged things into money.
42:56Eli's tail tightened around me.
42:58I glanced down.
42:58Except you.
43:00You're still very profitable emotionally.
43:02He didn't understand the joke.
43:04But he looked pleased anyway.
43:07After the attack, I stopped pretending this was only personal.
43:10The traffickers had come through an old chain.
43:12Seller.
43:13Ring handler.
43:14Client list.
43:15Transport crew.
43:16Fake shelter permits.
43:17All connected.
43:18All alive.
43:19All making money.
43:21I took the folder to the company boardroom.
43:24Dad sat at the head of the table.
43:26Mom beside him.
43:27Eli behind my chair.
43:28No bike guard.
43:29No chains.
43:30Just a black suit and quiet eyes.
43:32Some directors stared.
43:34I let them.
43:35This is a liability.
43:36I opened the folder.
43:38Photographs slid across the table.
43:40Wolves in cages.
43:42Medical reports.
43:43Death records.
43:44Payment ledgers.
43:45The room went silent.
43:46This is a market.
43:48Illegal.
43:49Profitable.
43:50And sitting close enough to our logistics partners to poison us if we ignore it.
43:55So we don't ignore it.
43:57I tapped the final page.
43:58We fund a rescue center.
44:00Publicly.
44:01Medical care.
44:03Legal shelter.
44:05Rehabilitation.
44:06Placement.
44:07And privately, we cooperate with investigators to collapse the trafficking chain.
44:12Another director frowned.
44:14And him?
44:14He nodded toward Eli.
44:15Eli didn't move.
44:17He runs Wolves assessment.
44:20A few people laughed.
44:21Then Eli lifted his eyes.
44:23The laughter died.
44:25He survived the ring.
44:27He knows who can be saved, who needs distance, and who is lying.
44:31Dad signed first.
44:33Mom second.
44:34Then the rest followed.
44:37That night, the first raid happened.
44:40Police stormed three holding sites.
44:4247 wolves recovered.
44:44Most were half starved.
44:46Some feral.
44:48Some too quiet.
44:49When Eli stepped into the temporary shelter, every wolf in the room went still.
44:53One injured gray wolf lifted his head.
44:55Sniffed.
44:56Then lowered it.
44:57Not submission, exactly.
44:59Recognition.
45:00Another whispered.
45:01Silver.
45:02Eli stopped.
45:03I looked at him.
45:05What does that mean?
45:06He didn't answer.
45:07But all around us, broken wolves began lowering their heads.
45:11One by one.
45:13Like they had just found someone they remembered from a nightmare.
45:16Or a king.
45:19Eli avoided the word for three days.
45:22Silver.
45:22I let him.
45:23He read intake files until dawn.
45:25Sorted wolves by risk.
45:27By trauma response.
45:28By food aggression.
45:29By whether they flinched from women.
45:31Men.
45:32Collars.
45:33Water.
45:34Doors.
45:35He knew things no textbook knew.
45:37Which silence meant fear.
45:39Which stillness meant attack.
45:41Which wolf needed distance.
45:43Which one needed someone to sit nearby and pretend not to watch.
45:46The staff started listening to him.
45:48The wolves already did.
45:49One afternoon, I found him in the largest enclosure.
45:52A young wolf had bitten two handlers and refused food for a week.
45:56Eli sat on the ground ten feet away.
45:59Motionless.
45:59An hour later, the wolf crawled forward and dropped his head into Eli's lap.
46:04Eli's hand hovered above him.
46:07Uncertain.
46:08Then touched him gently.
46:09The wolf shuddered and went still.
46:12I stood behind the glass and watched.
46:14This was the first time I'd seen Eli look like something other than mine.
46:18Not less mine.
46:20More.
46:21Like he had been built for more than surviving.
46:24When he came out, he looked embarrassed.
46:27They keep listening to me.
46:29That's terrible.
46:31I don't know how to lead anyone.
46:34You learned how to survive men who tried to break you.
46:37I fixed his collar.
46:38Leadership is easier.
46:40Zoe.
46:42Why are you doing all this?
46:44The ring.
46:45The center.
46:46Me.
46:47I looked through the glass.
46:48At the wolves sleeping safely for the first time.
46:51Then back at him.
46:53I ran with a rough crowd growing up.
46:56Girls who stole food with me.
46:58Lied for me.
46:59Took hits with me.
47:02That kind of loyalty sticks.
47:04He stared at me for a long moment.
47:06Then leaned down and kissed me.
47:08Not careful.
47:09Not tentative.
47:11All of him.
47:12Held nothing back.
47:14When he pulled away, his forehead rested against mine.
47:17How am I supposed to repay you?
47:19I smiled.
47:21Easy.
47:22His ears tilted toward me.
47:24Give me your loyalty.
47:25For the rest of your life.
47:27Eli's tail wrapped around my waist.
47:30Already yours.
47:31And this time, I believed him.
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