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Alpha Daddy, Mommy is Dead | Short Drama Full HD #ARS
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Short filmTranscript
00:00After I died, my child called the Alpha of the Midnight Pack.
00:04Daddy, I am Wynne.
00:07The man on the other end paused. He scoffed.
00:10What new trick is this? You think the Midnight Park is easy prey?
00:15My five-year-old did not catch his words. She only caught prey. She answered bright.
00:21Yes! Wynne is from the Preylands.
00:24The line went silent for a long time. When he spoke again, the cold smile was gone.
00:30Put your mother on the phone.
00:31But I could not pick up the phone anymore. Wynne answered exactly as I taught her.
00:35Mommy went to another home. Mommy said she cannot take me. She told me to find Daddy.
00:41Mommy said she raised me for five years. Now it is your turn.
00:45Silas would believe this story. Six years ago, I abandoned him the same way.
00:50I was right. A cold laugh cut through the phone.
00:53Same Ivy. Same games. Why does she think I will come?
00:57Wynne stumbled through her next line.
00:59Mommy said we can do a DNA test. You are my daddy. Daddy, I do not want the Omega Sanctuary.
01:08Her last words trembled. After a long silence, Simus said one word.
01:15Address.
01:16Rink gave the address. The call ended. He would be here soon.
01:22I let out a breath. Wynne blinked at me.
01:25Mommy? Why are we tricking Daddy? Did Mommy not die?
01:33I floated in the air. I did not answer at first. The trick was not for Silas. It was for
01:39Wynne.
01:39Wynne has seen ghosts since she was born. To her, death is just another way to keep living. Like me.
01:45I am only beside her in a new form. So she does not cry. She is not sad. She finds
01:51her spirit mother
01:52interesting. But other wolves will call her a freak. They will say she talks to empty corners.
01:57They will say she stares at things that are not there. I do not know if Silas can accept this
02:02kind
02:02of child. I cannot risk it. Mommy wants to play a game with Daddy. I want to see when he
02:07can find
02:08Mommy. I bent down. I made my voice secret. So you cannot tell him Mommy died. You cannot tell him
02:14you can see Mommy. Yes. Ryn nodded hard. She covered her mouth. My lips are sealed, Mommy. Good.
02:20Good baby. I laughed. I brushed her hair through the air. Later, Ryn ate some bread. Then she fell
02:27asleep. Her body is special. She sleeps more than other pups her age. I sat by her bed. I watched
02:34her.
02:35I watched the corner of her blanket gap open. I could not fix it. Then in the deep silence,
02:40a fist hit the door. A cold, deep voice came through. Open up, Simus Cole.
02:49I floated to the door. I passed through it. I almost passed through Silas. I jumped back
02:53two steps. Silas stood there. He rubbed his nose. His brow pulled tight. He caught a scent.
02:58Faint. Familiar. His wolf stirred behind his eyes. I never thought our reunion after six
03:03years would be this. Face to face. Mate to spirit. Silas knocked again. Harder. His knuckles passed
03:10through my body. Anyone home?
03:12Ryn woke up. She shuffled to the door in slippers. She opened it. She looked up.
03:18Are you daddy?
03:19Silas froze. It was not just her face. His wolf snapped to attention inside him.
03:25Bloodline link. A pull straight to his chest. His own pup. Confirmed before a word. He stared
03:31down at her with heavy eyes. She looks just like him. One glance tells you whose child she is.
03:36After a moment, Silas pulled his eyes away. He scanned the apartment.
03:39She let you live in a place like this? He stepped inside. I floated by him. I snapped
03:45back. You make it sound like you never lived small. 500 square feet is fine. He could not
03:50hear me. He stopped and asked when. Where is your mother? Really gone?
03:59He lowered his eyes. He waited. Rick shrunk back. She hid behind me. The hiding was useless. After a
04:05brief standoff, Simus crouched down. He met her eyes. His voice softened. Your mother's number,
04:10do you know it? Rink pinched her sleeve. She hummed once. Then she spoke my number, soft but clear.
04:15Simus took out his phone. The call log was a wall of red. He had called me many times already.
04:21Silas walked to the balcony. He made a call. Number is live. Find the address. The apartment
04:28is still warm. She has not been gone long. He held the railer with one hand. Lazy stance,
04:34sharp focus. I floated next to him. You hunt well. I looked at the distant lights. Then I spoke softly,
04:42but you will not find me. Not ever, Silas. Silas was taking Wynn away. Before they left,
04:49I told Rink to pack. Bring your sleep clothes. Bring your favorite stuffed wolf. The blue medicine
04:55box. Second shelf. For your allergies. Bring your milk and oats. You may not like new food.
05:01I talked and talked. Wynn kept making trips. She kept bringing my photos to the box.
05:08I went quiet. After a moment, I stopped her. Just one photo of us. Not so many.
05:14She held my photo book. Her eyes were wide. Why?
05:20Daddy will not like it. Sinus would not want my photos in his home.
05:27Who are you talking to?
05:31I looked up. Silas stood in the bedroom door. Rink jumped. The photo book hit the floor. It fell
05:36open on one page. Photos of me and Silas. Smiling. Joking. Close. The air went still. Silas
05:42stared at the photo. Finally, he laughed soft, cold. Ivy, are you sick? He cursed me. I could
05:46not curse back. Wynn pointed at the book. Daddy, can I bring this? No. Sinus threw the
05:54word out. Hard. It made me remember the breakup. His eyes were red then. No. He pulled me into
06:00his arms. I refused to break up. You can never leave me. But later, I destroyed his trust with
06:08my own hands. I opened the hotel suite door in a robe. Red marks burned on my neck. He
06:14smelled the other wolf on my skin first. His pupils blew wide. His wolf bared its teeth.
06:20You slept with him? His voice shook. I said nothing. The fight was huge. Silas beat the man into
06:28custody. His beta came to handle it. He glared at me. Apologize to Silas. He still cares about
06:36you. This can pass. My voice was flat. Sorry. No time. My boyfriend is hurt. I need to care
06:43for him. The beta dropped the act. He flared. You bitch! Ivy, you are nothing without Silas.
06:49A friend refugee at best. Do not push your luck. The curse stopped. Silas stepped in front
06:54of him. Enough. Ivy. Blood ran from his forehead. Tears too. Do not let me see you again.
07:05He hated me to the core.
07:10The convoy reached the Alpha's estate just after midnight. I used to come here often. The dogwood
07:17tree in the yard. I planted it with Silas. The petals had just dropped. I never got to
07:24see it bloom. Celasus got out of the car. Rin slept on his shoulder. The pack's staff went
07:30quiet at the sight. Celas carried Rin to the guest room. He tucked her in. Alpha, who is this?
07:37Then a maid whispered. My daughter. Celas set it flat. He closed the door. He walked to the
07:43terrace. He ignored the stairs behind him. He pulled out a cigarette. He held it in his
07:50teeth. A small red glow grew in the dark. He never smoked before. Celas leaned on the
07:57rail. He looked down at the dogwood tree. His eyes went dark.
08:02You make the child call me. Then you hide.
08:08Ivy, is this fun? I floated next to him. I teased. I do not want this. Or would you
08:16whip my corpse to feel better? Short laugh came from beside me. I turned. A she-wolf
08:24spirit was floating there. Red satin slip dress. Leather jacket. Heels she could not possibly
08:30walk in. Even though I was a spirit too, I jumped back two steps.
08:33Just died, yes? Is he your mate? She drifted closer like an old friend. I shook my head.
08:41Not anymore. Six years apart.
08:44Celina, she said. Pleasure, sort of. Then I claim him.
08:49What? I mean sleep with him. I cross over soon. I want a top-tier alpha before I go.
08:59Why an alpha? Selene shrugged. I was a fringe too. Forty years a fringe. Never been touched by
09:05anything higher than a beta in my life. Died alone in a hospital bed last Tuesday. No pack.
09:11No mate. Line for next of Kent was blank. The moon goddess gives every spirit three days before the pull.
09:17I asked for one favor before I cross. One night with a pure line alpha. So I do not go
09:24into the
09:25next life empty. I have watched him for days. His bed never stays empty. He is not loyal. I feel
09:32no guilt.
09:35I stared at Silas. His face hid in the smoke. He looked perfect. Can you pick someone else?
09:44What? Cannot forget the past? Selene smiled at me.
09:48Mommy, where are you?
09:51Then a weak crying voice came from inside.
09:55I moved at once. Silas crushed the cigarette. He brushed off the ash. I stopped myself. I had to
10:04leave anyway. Rin should get used to it. So I hid in the corner. I watched. Wink held her stuffed
10:12wolf. She stood in the hallway. Tears covered her face. Mommy, where are you? Mommy! She woke in a
10:18strange room. I was not there. She was terrified. Pain pulled at me. I forced myself to stay back.
10:26Silas crouched in front of Wyn. He wiped her tears.
10:30Do not cry. Daddy is here.
10:33Wyn threw herself into his arms.
10:36Mommy! I want Mommy!
10:39Silas picked her up. He patted her back.
10:43Did Mommy not leave long ago? Tell Daddy where she went. Daddy will find her.
10:50Rine hiccuped.
10:51Mommy did not leave. Mommy was at home.
10:55Silas frowned.
10:56At home?
10:57Mommy said she would come with me.
10:59Rin buried her face in his shoulder. Her tears soaked his shirt. His frown grew deeper. His face
11:04went cold. After a moment, his lip twisted.
11:07Ivy, playing me. Do not let me catch you.
11:10After a moment, his lip twisted.
11:13He really does not know you are dead?
11:15Selene popped up next to me. I nodded.
11:17I want to see his face when he learns. It will be a show.
11:19Her eyes brightened.
11:20You said his bed never stays empty. Why would he care about an ex?
11:24I shook my head.
11:25Selene looked wise.
11:26Wolves split, sags in love. He still carries you.
11:30I said nothing more.
11:31I stared at Silas' back. Still carries me.
11:36Silas said to my face once.
11:37I did not deserve that.
11:41Simus had no skill with pups. A maid took wind to bathe her in the end.
11:45Silas exhaled.
11:46He went to the terrace. He lit another cigarette.
11:48He used to be polished. Now his hair was a mess. His shirt was wrinkled and damp.
11:52I laughed.
11:54See?
11:54Pups break any alpha.
11:56His phone rang.
11:57I reached for my pocket on instinct.
11:59Then I caught myself.
12:00I was dead.
12:01I take no calls.
12:02The call was for Silas.
12:04He glanced at the screen.
12:05He answered lazy.
12:06I did not catch the words.
12:08Silas laughed cold.
12:09I brought her back less than an hour ago.
12:10Your spies move fast.
12:12I leaned in.
12:13A man spoke on the other end.
12:14The voice felt familiar.
12:15Five years old.
12:16Is she that ivy woman's pup?
12:17Did you run the DNA test?
12:18Where is the woman?
12:19It was Silas' father.
12:21The old alpha.
12:22Caleb Cole.
12:22I turned to Silas.
12:24He blew out smoke.
12:25Caleb broke the silence.
12:26If she is yours, keep her.
12:27Midnight blood stays in the family.
12:28I saw Silas twist his mouth.
12:30He smiled with scorn.
12:31The old alpha paused.
12:33His voice went hard.
12:34But the mother is not needed.
12:35Remember what she did to you.
12:37Silas crushed the cigarette.
12:38His face went blank.
12:39I will only punish her.
12:41The worse, the better.
12:42He hung up.
12:44I studied the face I had missed for six years.
12:47Then I cried while smiling.
12:49I already died very badly.
12:52Silas, can you stop hating me?
12:54He did not answer.
12:55The phone rang again.
12:57This time Silas picked up fast.
12:58What?
12:59His investigator must have found something.
13:01The man on the line hesitated.
13:03Alpha, we did not find her.
13:04But-
13:04Silas grew impatient.
13:05A heavy breath came through.
13:07I drove past the east docks.
13:08Sentinel tape everywhere.
13:09A body in the water.
13:10Looks like a jump.
13:11She looks exactly like-
13:12The voice cut off.
13:13Silas' phone hit the floor.
13:14The crack was sharp.
13:17I had imagined at Silas hearing about my death many times.
13:21A flicker of surprise.
13:23A flat, I see.
13:25We were strangers now, but I still hoped for something.
13:30I was wrong.
13:32After the proper surprise, Silas picked up the phone.
13:37His hand was shaking.
13:38He could not hide it.
13:41He laughed.
13:43The sound came out thin and wrong.
13:46You have not seen her.
13:50Alpha, I checked the photo camera.
13:53I am coming now.
13:55I studied his face.
13:57I searched for something.
13:59I found nothing.
14:01Silas went back to the room.
14:03Daddy, look.
14:05I gave the wolf a new style.
14:07Rin waved her stuffed wolf at him.
14:09I finally saw a crack on his face.
14:11He started to speak.
14:12He stopped.
14:13I have something to handle.
14:14Wait here.
14:14He left one line.
14:15He rushed out.
14:16I hesitated.
14:17I did not follow.
14:19Not going to watch him break down?
14:21Selina showed up again.
14:23I forced a casual smile.
14:25Too far.
14:26Costs energy.
14:27I can flash you there.
14:28I worry about Rin alone.
14:30I twisted my mouth.
14:33I can call spirit friends to Godha.
14:36Strong ones.
14:38I had no answer.
14:40She floated cross-haged.
14:42She rested her chin in her hand.
14:45What are you afraid of?
14:46What was I afraid of?
14:48I was afraid Silas would not care at all.
14:51Afraid he would not even claim my body.
14:53Selina asked again.
14:55I am curious.
14:57What happened between you two?
14:58Did you dig up his ancestors?
15:00Is he the son of your enemy?
15:03No.
15:04None of that.
15:05We just loved and parted.
15:08Simple.
15:08Before he was 17, Silas did not carry the Cole name.
15:12He used his mother's name.
15:13He was Silas Hart.
15:15Silas Hart moved to my coastal pack at age 6 with his mother.
15:19Day one, he stomped my sandcastle flat.
15:22I told him to apologize.
15:24He's trying to let.
15:25He stared.
15:27His eyes wide.
15:29Castle?
15:30I thought it was a dirt pile.
15:32How is a castle that ugly?
15:33I scooped sand and threw it at him.
15:36War started.
15:37Sand flew everywhere.
15:39When his mother and my father came, I was riding his back.
15:43I poured sand down his pants.
15:46My father scolded me first.
15:49His mother bent down.
15:51She brushed sand from my face.
15:54Your pretty face is dirty now.
15:57Long black hair.
15:59White shirt.
16:00Long dress.
16:01High heels.
16:03Two dimples when she smiled.
16:04How was such a soft she-wolf Silas' mother?
16:08I hated Silas more for it.
16:10He climbed trees.
16:12I shook the trunks.
16:13He swim.
16:15I cut his swim shorts.
16:17He fought back too.
16:19He poured bitter juice in my honey.
16:21He hid stones in my bag.
16:23We fought into our teen years.
16:26Silas grew up with his mother's bones.
16:28He was the top wolf at school.
16:30He got many love notes.
16:31But he only opened the ones I delivered.
16:35After reading, Silas pulled out his own note.
16:38Do not be jealous.
16:39I wrote you one too.
16:40Look.
16:42It was a taunt and an insult.
16:44I threw it in the trash, unread.
16:46When I turned to leave, he grabbed my wrist.
16:49He sighed.
16:52You always wanted my mother to be your mother.
16:55I have a way.
16:56He had my interest.
16:58My father raised me alone.
17:00I never had a mother.
17:02What way?
17:03His mother was the only she-wolf who gave me a mother's warmth.
17:06So I asked.
17:08Mate bond.
17:11He stared at me.
17:14After we mate, you can call her mother.
17:17Properly.
17:18His pretty wolf eyes held something new.
17:22I realized late.
17:24The love note was real.
17:28But I never accepted his confession.
17:30His father, Caleb Cole, came to claim him.
17:33Silas was taken to the Midnight Pack.
17:35I was young and naive.
17:37I thought Silas had risen.
17:38His future was open.
17:40I might rise with him.
17:41Then his mother collapsed at home.
17:43We rushed her to the pack healer.
17:45End stage cancer.
17:46No one saw it coming.
17:48By her bed, she still brushed my tears with gentle hands.
17:51Do not cry.
17:53Your face will swell.
17:55My throat locked.
17:57I could not speak.
17:58How could a she-wolf so kind die so soon?
18:01She touched my head.
18:04Stay with Silas for me.
18:07With you, he will be happy.
18:11I promised.
18:13But Silas was not happy.
18:15He hated Caleb.
18:17He hated Caleb for ruining his mother.
18:19For making her flee.
18:21For raising him alone.
18:22He hated Caleb for shipping him off to a mountain pack in Europe.
18:26He missed his mother's last hour.
18:28Simus turned rebellious.
18:30He worked to defy Caleb.
18:31He refused the Midnight Inheritance fight.
18:33He built his own pack to destroy Caleb.
18:35But his pack was new.
18:36My family broke.
18:38My father stayed quiet his whole life.
18:40Then he tried business at the wrong age.
18:41He lost everything.
18:43He owed millions.
18:46Caleb made an offer.
18:48Take the Midnight Throne.
18:49The debts disappear.
18:52Silas refused.
18:53I asked to break up.
18:56I am not that useless.
18:58He kissed my tears like his mother used to.
19:01Ivy, let us not give up.
19:03I did not say yes.
19:04I did not say no.
19:06But on the day he sold his pack assets and came to me with the cash.
19:10I met him at a hotel room.
19:14To this day, I regret it.
19:16I regret these blank six years.
19:19I regret that before I died, we had no real reunion.
19:22Our last memory was that line outside the Sentinel Station.
19:25Enough.
19:30But regret means nothing now.
19:32The dead leave grudges behind.
19:35It all ends here.
19:38So I did not go to those docks.
19:41I did not see Silas' reaction.
19:44The next morning, Silas returned to the estate.
19:47He looked rough.
19:49Red rings under his eyes.
19:51Dark shadows from no sleep.
19:54Two Pax Sentinels came with him.
19:56They asked Wyn the standard questions.
19:59When did you last see Mommy?
20:02Wyn held her stuffed wolf.
20:03She answered well.
20:06Yesterday morning, Mommy walked me to preschool.
20:09Who took you home?
20:11My teacher.
20:12The Sentinel raised an eye.
20:16Why did you call Daddy?
20:18Wyn squeezed the wolf's ear.
20:21I...
20:23I wanted to see Daddy.
20:24I had never seen Daddy.
20:26I taught her this before Silas and the Sentinels came.
20:29If they asked why she said her mother abandoned her,
20:32she could say she lied to find her father.
20:34But strangely, they did not push.
20:37It seemed Silas did not tell them everything from their call.
20:40I stared at Silas.
20:41He stayed blank.
20:42Only his eyes were not blank.
20:44Gray.
20:44Still.
20:45Angry.
20:45The Sentinels left.
20:47Wyn looked at Silas.
20:48She tilted her head.
20:50Daddy, your face is so pale.
20:52Silas paused.
20:53He let her pull him down.
20:54Her small forehead touched.
20:56When Wyn felt sick, I always checked her fever this way.
21:00She remembered.
21:02After a moment, Wyn pulled back.
21:05She tugged her braid.
21:06Not hot.
21:07She looked at me for help.
21:09Mommy!
21:09Check Daddy!
21:12I shook my head.
21:13I tried to speak.
21:15Then Silas turned.
21:16He stared in my direction.
21:18He walked toward me.
21:21One step.
21:23Another.
21:26I tensed up.
21:27I grabbed Selina's arm.
21:29He cannot see me, can he?
21:31Selina did not care.
21:33Not every wolf has spirit sight.
21:34Your daughter is one in a hundred thousand.
21:37Relax.
21:38He only senses something is here.
21:39A scent.
21:40A pull.
21:41That was creepy enough.
21:42Silas came closer.
21:44He stopped just before me.
21:45His pupils blew wide.
21:47His wolf was right at the surface.
21:49He suddenly reached out.
21:50His fingertips passed through my body.
21:53He grabbed nothing.
21:54I am losing my mind.
21:55He twisted his lip.
21:57Half a smile.
21:58Lost.
21:59His bent back slowly straightened.
22:01Silas turned.
22:02He walked back to Wyn.
22:04I let out a breath.
22:05But a small ache stayed.
22:07Just once.
22:08If we could meet just once.
22:10Daddy is not sick.
22:11Silas crouched.
22:13He fixed her braid gently.
22:15Has mommy been sick?
22:17Sad?
22:18Has she said things like take care of yourself?
22:20They suspected suicide.
22:22The timing was suspicious.
22:23I died.
22:24And Rick called Silas.
22:26Before the Sentinels left.
22:28I overheard their private talk.
22:30The dock cameras were broken.
22:32My co-org said I often said I want to die.
22:35My boss said I was tracking too many leads.
22:38Under heavy pressure.
22:41They decided I killed myself.
22:43They thought I told my pup to call Silas first.
22:47They were all wrong.
22:48Selina laughed.
22:49Who at work does not say that?
22:51Office wolves complain they still show up every day.
22:54And the cameras.
22:55Always broken at the right time.
22:57And Sentinels paid off at the right price.
23:00Useless.
23:01I nodded hard.
23:04Ren shook her head.
23:05No.
23:06Mommy said she would take me to the Moonlight Carnival for my birthday.
23:09Her eyes sparkled.
23:10Daddy.
23:11Will you come too?
23:12Silas' eyes darkened.
23:14His throat moved.
23:15He forced out the words.
23:17Mommy.
23:17Cannot come with you.
23:19Ren looked at me.
23:20She insisted.
23:21Mommy can come.
23:22Simus paused.
23:23He chose his words.
23:25Mommy went somewhere far.
23:26You will not see her again.
23:28But...
23:28Ren cut him off.
23:29I know.
23:30But Mommy is still here.
23:32She ran to me.
23:33She looked up.
23:34Mommy.
23:35Is the game over?
23:37Daddy knows Mommy died.
23:38He almost found Mommy too.
23:40The living room went silent.
23:42I did not know how to handle this sudden change.
23:45Silas stayed half crouched.
23:47He turned his head slowly.
23:48His face was stiff.
23:50Shocked.
23:51Tell him the truth.
23:52He treats the pup well.
23:55Selina nudged me.
23:56I came back to myself.
23:58I breathed in.
23:58I bent down.
23:59I smiled at Ren.
24:01Yes.
24:01The game is over.
24:03Tell Daddy your power.
24:04Okay.
24:06Ren's eyes curved.
24:07She turned to Silas.
24:09Daddy.
24:10I can see Mommy.
24:11She is right there.
24:13Beside you.
24:15The words were too much.
24:17Silas slowly stood.
24:19He stared at my direction.
24:20He did not speak for a long time.
24:22I had Ren repeat things.
24:23Only Silas and I knew.
24:25The love note.
24:26The $300,000 that hit my bank account after we broke up.
24:29Each item shifted his face.
24:31Finally I said it.
24:32Sorry.
24:33Silas heart.
24:34I broke my promise.
24:36He believed I was here.
24:37He walked over slowly.
24:38He reached out.
24:39He touched lightly.
24:40Not my mind playing tricks.
24:42You really are here.
24:43His voice cracked.
24:44I finally saw Silas cry for me.
24:46I am sorry.
24:48He said.
24:49How did this happen?
24:50If I had known.
24:51Tears kept falling.
24:53Six years away from you.
24:55I am so sorry.
24:57I could not touch him.
24:58I could not comfort him.
25:00Now at her.
25:00Ren looked at me.
25:01She looked at Silas.
25:03Mommy.
25:03Daddy.
25:04Do not cry.
25:05She reached for my hand.
25:06She caught air.
25:07She blinked.
25:08Her eyes filled.
25:09She turned to Selina.
25:11Aunt Selina.
25:12Touch Mommy for me.
25:14Selina sighed.
25:15She said nothing.
25:16She put her arm around my shoulder.
25:18She patted me gently.
25:20Ren turned and tugged Silas's sleeve.
25:22Daddy.
25:23Do not cry.
25:24Mommy is here.
25:26Silas buried his face in his hands.
25:28He could not speak.
25:29Long silence.
25:30I changed the subject.
25:32Ren.
25:32Tell Daddy.
25:33Mommy met a client yesterday.
25:35His name is Jared.
25:36Tell the Sentinels.
25:37You suddenly remembered.
25:38Mommy mentioned meeting an uncle named Jared in the morning.
25:41I had reached this point.
25:42I would not let my killer walk free.
25:46Jared moved the meeting.
25:47East side docks.
25:48No Sentinels.
25:49No cameras.
25:50I should have refused.
25:51But 11 months on his account.
25:53I needed the close.
25:54He was waiting.
25:55Black coat.
25:55No umbrella.
25:56I caught it halfway across the lot.
25:58A smell under his colon.
25:59Sharp.
26:00Wrong.
26:00I stopped.
26:01Papers?
26:02Inside.
26:03Out here.
26:03He smiled.
26:04Then he dropped his pressure on me.
26:06My knees hit the concrete.
26:07Pure Alpha.
26:08One in 10,000.
26:09Most packs only ever have one.
26:11A pure Alpha hiding inside a sales suit.
26:14For 11 months, he crouched.
26:16Caught my chin.
26:18You really thought I chased your account because I liked you?
26:22I have been suspecting that pup of yours for months.
26:25The eyes.
26:27The bone structure.
26:28Too much midnight in her face.
26:30But I needed to be close enough to be sure.
26:33I came to your office last week.
26:35I held the door for your daughter at pick up.
26:37I bent down to her level.
26:39I smelled Silas Cole on her.
26:41The bloodline scent.
26:42Plain as daylight.
26:43She is his.
26:45My blood stopped.
26:46Rin.
26:47He dropped a photograph in front of me.
26:51Rin.
26:52Blue raincoat.
26:53Stuffed wolf.
26:54Outside her preschool gate.
26:56The midnight pack has been a thorn for 20 years.
26:58Every empire has a soft spot.
27:01Silas signs over the northern roots.
27:03I let her go.
27:04Maybe.
27:07You will not touch her.
27:13Sweetheart.
27:14You cannot even stand.
27:21He was right.
27:23But my wolf could.
27:27Six years as a fringe.
27:29My wolf had been chained down so long I had almost forgotten her.
27:32She was still there.
27:33I let her come.
27:35All the way up.
27:36Bone snapped.
27:37Claws split through.
27:39I lunged.
27:40Teeth on his wrist.
27:41Alpha blood.
27:42He roared and threw me.
27:44Three ribs went.
27:45I got back up.
27:47I got back up.
27:47He shifted.
27:48Twice my size.
27:50This was not a fight.
27:52It was a delay.
27:54His jaws closed on my shoulder.
27:56The bone gave.
27:57Shoulder gone.
27:58Heart faltered.
27:59I got up.
28:00But Ivy did not scream.
28:02For Rin.
28:02I became a shield.
28:04I bit his throat and held.
28:06Every second I held him was a second Winhad.
28:09Three days ago, I had left her a note.
28:12Called her teacher with a pickup code.
28:15Texted the sentinel tip line
28:19Some part of me had known
28:20He slammed me down
28:22Once
28:23Twice
28:26The third time my vision went white
28:29My wolf was gone
28:32I was just Ivy
28:33He stood over me
28:35Laughing
28:36Grabbed my hair
28:40You know what you are Ivy?
28:42A fringe nobody
28:43Silas threw you out six years ago
28:45You have been clawing the gutter ever since
28:47Tonight you die on a dock no one visits
28:50Tomorrow Silas reads about a Jane Doe
28:53He will not even come to identify you
28:55That is what you are to him
28:57A used up little bitch nobody wanted
29:02He waited for me to cry
29:06I smiled
29:07Blood between my teeth
29:10Wrong Doc, Jared
29:12The first siren wailed
29:14His face changed
29:16He ran
29:19I turned my head
29:21Toward the gap in the fence
29:23Ran was not there
29:24She was safe
29:26At home
29:27But I looked anyway
29:28Run baby
29:29Mommy bought you time
29:30My ribs stopped hurting
29:32The sirens came closer
29:34I closed my eyes
29:40I did not tell Silas the full story
29:43It was not right for Rin to relay
29:46The truth would surface in the investigation
29:49Silas did not push
29:50He just stared at me
29:51His eyes were furious
29:53He was holding it in
29:54A vein stood up on his neck
29:56He punched the wall
29:57His knuckles split
29:58He grabbed his phone
30:00Called the sentinels
30:01Then came back to my spot
30:03Ivy
30:05Wait for me
30:06Will you still be here?
30:08Daddy
30:09Mommy is here
30:10Rin sat on the couch
30:12She pointed at my new spot
30:13Cyrus paused
30:15He turned his head
30:16His eyes were red
30:18I need to go out
30:18Can you wait for me?
30:20I went quiet
30:22I had risk say yes
30:26Cyrus left then
30:28Selina leaned close
30:29She whispered
30:31I was right
30:32Your alpha still loves you
30:34I shook my head
30:36He is not my alpha
30:37Not anymore
30:38Sure
30:39She stretched
30:41You both miss each other
30:43Those women
30:45I checked
30:47His father set them up
30:49Tell me the truth
30:50Do you want to see him?
30:53I froze
30:54I did not answer
30:55Selina smiled
30:56Like she understood
30:59My bloodline carries
31:00The old moon rites
31:01Pre-packed craft
31:03Older than the sanctuaries
31:05If you want
31:06I can call my father
31:08To help
31:10Why help me?
31:11I asked
31:11I asked my father once
31:13Why we still keep the reins?
31:15He said the dead
31:16Need a way home
31:18The living need a way
31:19To say goodbye
31:21I get it now
31:22She turned to me
31:23She smiled
31:25The veil is still thin
31:27Go see him
31:32Silas was gone longer this time
31:34The third night
31:35In heavy rain
31:36He rushed back
31:37His coat was soaked
31:38Daddy
31:38He went straight to Wyn's room
31:40She pointed at his chin
31:41Daddy
31:42Strouble
31:42She rolled her big eyes
31:44She looked him over
31:45Daddy
31:45Why are you old?
31:47Where is mommy?
31:48He asked fast
31:49Wren
31:51The relic
31:52I reminded her softly
31:53Wren ran to the nightstand
31:55She pulled the carved wolf totem
31:56From the drawer
31:57She held it up
31:58A drop of alpha blood
31:59Sat on it
32:00Selene's father
32:01Had cut Silas during the call
32:02He took the blood
32:03He bound it to the totem
32:05This was the old craft
32:06He left after
32:07Wren placed the totem
32:08In Silas' hand
32:10He stopped
32:11His eyes went to my spot
32:13His scent shifted
32:14His wolf came forward
32:15The blood on the totem warmed
32:17The veil thin for him
32:19Ivy?
32:20His voice shook
32:25Silas strode over
32:27He pulled me into his arms
32:29Even though he hugged only air
32:33It is me
32:36I matched his motion
32:38I answered low
32:40He cried harder than before
32:46Sorry
32:47Sorry
32:49Sorry
32:50Sorry I let you suffer
32:52Sorry you were alone
32:54On that dock
32:54For so long
32:55So he knew the full story now
32:58Ivy
32:59You must hate me
33:01He lowered his head
33:03Tears poured
33:05How could I hate you?
33:07I smiled
33:09I tried to cup his face
33:12I only thought of your good
33:15When Jared was tearing me apart
33:17I thought of you
33:18Of Wren
33:20Of your mother
33:22I knew I should have come back to you years ago
33:28Silas and I went to his room
33:31Some words are not for Wren to hear
33:33Silas
33:35You hate me
33:36And you cannot forget me
33:39Silas laughed
33:40He opened the drawer
33:43He pulled out the photo book
33:44I brought from my apartment
33:47He turned the pages slowly
33:50I never hated you
33:52I was stunned
33:53The Ivy I knew would not cheat
33:55I figured it out years ago
33:59What hurt me
34:01You chose to deal with him
34:03You left me
34:04Then he went to the safe
34:06Came back with a folder
34:10There is something you need to see
34:12I floated over it
34:15Selene drifted close
34:16A bank transfer
34:17Three hundred thousand dollars
34:19To my father's creditors
34:21Dated two days before I walked into that hotel room
34:24The sender was not Silas
34:26It was Caleb Cole
34:27Underneath
34:28A coercion agreement
34:29My father's signature
34:31Recipient agrees to publicly terminate all relations with subject SC
34:35By means of demonstrated infidelity
34:37Within 72 hours of payment receive
34:3972 hours
34:41By means of demonstrated infidelity
34:45The hotel room was Caleb's design
34:47The wolf who left marks on my neck
34:50Was on Caleb's payroll
34:52Six years
34:53Silas thought I picked at another wolf over him
34:56I thought I was saving him from a fight he could not win
34:59Caleb sat in the northern territory
35:01And waited for his son to come home him empty handed
35:03Silas reached into the drawer
35:06Pulled out a short blade
35:07Pack forged
35:08Silas
35:09No
35:10He drew it across his palm
35:13He pressed his bleeding hand to the totem
35:15By my blood
35:17By my line
35:18By the moon who watches
35:20I name her mine
35:22I call her back
35:25I will not let her go
35:28The totem flared white
35:30Silas coughed
35:32Bright blood ran from his mouth
35:34Silas!
35:36The moon goddess will not give you back to me
35:39I know
35:41But I had to try
35:45Silas dug deeper
35:46Three days after the docks
35:48His investigators traced it
35:50Jared had not acted alone
35:52The surveillance on Rents Preschool
35:55The dock cameras pulled the morning I died
35:58All of it tied to one sponsor
36:02Caleb Cole
36:04He had sold Jared the route in
36:06A small favor between Alphas
36:10He had not asked who Jared was hunting
36:14Silas picked up the phone
36:18Caleb
36:20You sold a man my mate's location
36:22You took the fee and signed the route
36:25Tomorrow morning I file the books with the council
36:27He hung up
36:29Six years of files
36:30Off ledger transfers
36:32Off pack deals
36:33Every favor sold
36:35The council had no choice
36:37They convened the next sundown
36:39Voted unanimously
36:41They held the stripping of the mantle at moonrise
36:44Selene came back and told me
36:46Silas would not
36:49Caleb knelt in front of his own pack
36:51The council elder pulled the alpha glive off his throat with a silver knife
36:56They burned the strip of skin in front of him
36:59Halfway through his face went slack on one side
37:02He fell sideways into the dirt
37:04They finished the ceremony anyway
37:06The mantle came off a man on the ground
37:09He survived
37:10He would never walk, speak, or hold the mantle again
37:14Silas did not attend
37:15He stayed with Wren
37:17Read her a story
37:19After Wren slept
37:21He came to me
37:23Is that enough?
37:25No
37:27But it is enough for you
37:28I floated closer
37:30Wren's birthday is in two days
37:32Take her to the moonlight carnival
37:36Silas looked up
37:38He already knew what that meant
37:41Selene had told me two nights ago
37:43Blood oath only held the spirit a few more days
37:46After the last thread broke
37:47The moon goddess would call
37:49Wren's birthday was the last thread
37:51Silas swallowed
37:52He did not argue
37:53One thing before then
37:54Please
37:58I waited
37:59Selene drifted over
38:01A picture
38:02The veil can give you one visible hour
38:05A photograph the living can keep
38:09One hour
38:10Then the bond breaks faster
38:17I looked at at Silas
38:20Set it up
38:21Tomorrow afternoon
38:23Under the dog rack tree
38:27Selene's father came in the morning
38:29He set the totem in the grass
38:31Beneath the dogwood tree
38:32He cut Silas' palm again
38:35He marked the totem fresh
38:39Then he left
38:42Silas brought Wren out at three in the afternoon
38:45He had told her something
38:46I do not know what
38:49She came out holding his hand
38:51And she was not afraid
38:53She was wearing her black carnival dress
38:56A day earlier
38:56Silas had laid a picnic blanket
38:59Under the tree
39:00A thermos
39:01Three cups
39:02A small paper crown for Wren
39:05He had thought of everything
39:08The totem warmed in his hand
39:11The veil opened
39:13I stepped into the light
39:15Solid
39:15Whole
39:16In a sundress I had owned at twenty
39:19Her eyes went wide
39:23Mommy
39:26She let go of Silas' hand
39:28And ran
39:29She hit my legs
39:31I caught her
39:32I caught her
39:34The weight of her
39:35The smell of her hair
39:36I dropped to my knees
39:38And held her
39:39I did not let go
39:41Silas had not moved
39:43He stood at the edge of the blanket
39:45And looked at me
39:48He came
39:49He sat beside me
39:52Wren crawled into the space between us
39:56I poured imaginary tea
39:58Wren declared it the best tea in the world
40:00Silas laughed
40:01A real laugh
40:03His shoulder pressed against mine
40:05I felt it
40:06He set the paper crown on Wren's head
40:08She declared herself queen of the picnic
40:11Silas pulled out a phone
40:13And took the photo
40:15Three of us on the blanket
40:17Dogwood petals
40:18Wren's shoulder
40:20He looked at it
40:21A long time
40:22He did not show me
40:24He just put the phone away
40:27Wren fell asleep on the blanket
40:30I stroked her hair
40:32I counted her freckles
40:34I had never gotten to count them
40:37Silas watched me
40:38How long?
40:41Not long now
40:42Tell me what to do
40:44Raise her loud
40:44She is going to be loud
40:46Let her be
40:47She will see things other wolves do not see
40:50Do not let anyone teach her to be ashamed of it
40:54Take her to the carnival every year on her birthday
40:56Even when she is too old for it
40:58Especially then
41:01Keep the photo on your desk
41:03Not hidden in a drawer
41:04And eat Silas
41:06Run your pack
41:07Be the alpha you built
41:10I reached up
41:11Put my hand on the side of his face
41:13I could see the dogwood petals through the back of my own hand
41:16He felt it anyway
41:18He closed his eyes
41:19My alpha
41:20I said
41:21My mate
41:21Den ran stirred
41:23She had not been asleep
41:24Not really
41:24She sat up
41:25She looked at me
41:26She reached up and put her small hand on Silas' hand
41:29Mommy?
41:30Yes baby?
41:31You do not have to stay in the dark anymore
41:34Daddy will protect me now
41:36The garden went still
41:37Even the wind stopped
41:41She was the only person in the world who could have given me that
41:44And she did
41:45I pressed my hand to my mouth
41:47I nodded
41:47I could not speak
41:48The fade came faster after
41:50My hand on Silas' cheek went first
41:53Silver dust drifting up
41:56Then my arm
41:57Then the hem of the sundress
41:59Silas' hand closed around the space where my hand had been
42:02He held it like it was a wrist
42:03I love you
42:05It came out as wind
42:07Since the sandcastle
42:08Since the dirt pile
42:10The last of me was a scatter of pale dust on the picnic blanket
42:13Then I was gone
42:16The paper crown stayed
42:19Silas knelt on the grass with his hand still raised
42:21Rick leaned against his arm and looked at the sky
42:24Then Silas Cole, alpha of the midnight pack, threw back his head and howled
42:30Not a hunting call
42:31Not a challenge
42:32The sound an alpha makes once
42:34It rolled out across the estate
42:36Past the gates
42:38Into the northern territory
42:40On the far ridges
42:41Sentinels froze where they stood
42:42In distant dens
42:43Cubs pressed against their mothers
42:45In the city
42:46Dogs lifted their heads from sleep
42:47Every wolf for 300 miles heard it and knew
42:50An alchvarab and alpha
42:51Had lost his mate
42:52When the howl faded
42:54Silas lowered his head
42:55Work crawled into his lap
42:57And put her small arms around his neck
42:58Dogwood petals fell around them
43:02Three weeks later
43:03Silas put the framed photograph on his desk
43:06Three of them
43:07Under the dogwood tree
43:08A paper crown on a small girl's head
43:11He did not hide it
43:14On Ren's sixth birthday
43:16Silas took her to the moonlight carnival
43:17He rode every ride she pulled him toward
43:20He bought her a paper crown
43:22When the fireworks started
43:24Ren tugged his sleeve and pointed up
43:26He looked
43:29He did not see what she saw
43:31Then a soft breeze blew across his face
43:34He smiled
43:36Silas put his hand on his daughter's head
43:41I see her baby
43:43He sighed
43:44I see her too
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