- 6 hours ago
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00The premium service class wolf I bought didn't like me.
00:02He only wagged his tail for my adopted sister.
00:05So I brought home a low class stress relief wolf instead.
00:08I was drunk sitting outside the bar and smoking to sober up.
00:11A street vendor crept over.
00:13Miss, you look totally stressed out.
00:15Need to let it all out?
00:17I've got a stress relief wolf.
00:18Good for unwinding.
00:20What?
00:21The dealer glanced around nervously.
00:23A wolf shifter stepped into the light.
00:24He stepped forward and his shadow fell across my face.
00:27The vendor yanked the rough collar and dragged him to one knee.
00:30He unclipped a rusted bite guard,
00:32then grabbed the wolf's hair and pulled his head back, exposing his face.
00:35His narrow eyes locked on me like a wild beast.
00:39Look at that face, miss.
00:40Wouldn't it feel good to smack something that pretty?
00:42He was exactly my type.
00:44And my doctor had said my stress hormones were out of control.
00:47I genuinely needed an outlet.
00:49But I already had a wolf at home.
00:50Ash would mind.
00:51Get up.
00:52Show her your build.
00:53The wolf stood slowly.
00:54He peeled off his shirt.
00:57I saw the bruises layered over bruises.
00:59High stamina.
01:00Heals fast.
01:012,000 for two hours of release.
01:04You can do whatever you want.
01:05Just don't slit his throat and drain his blood, and he'll recover.
01:08Slit his throat?
01:09People's tastes had gotten that dark?
01:11Forget it.
01:12My wolf at home wouldn't let me touch him anyway.
01:14This one was cheap.
01:15Obedient sounded fine.
01:16How much to buy him outright?
01:18Not cheap.
01:19He's our best.
01:20Name your price.
01:21I'll give you a discount.
01:23Just 58,800.
01:26My parents spent millions on Ash, my premium service wolf gift.
01:30This one was practically free by comparison.
01:33Too much?
01:34Fine.
01:35Round it down.
01:3650 grand.
01:37I bought him for 5,000 in the end.
01:39I wasn't ready to go home yet, so I took him to a hotel.
02:07I left my phone in there.
02:11He hadn't locked the door.
02:13Eli froze his back to me.
02:14His pale skin made his scars all the more shocking.
02:17Water streamed down his shoulders along the rusted chains, washing away rust and dried blood.
02:22His tail hung low, trembling slightly.
02:24The fur was dull, brittle, wild, and fragile at the same time.
02:28My brain went offline.
02:30I crossed the room and hugged him from behind, pressed my lips to the bruising on his spine.
02:34Eli shuddered.
02:35His whole body went rigid.
02:37What are you doing?
02:38First time I'd heard his voice.
02:40Take it easy.
02:41That's not...
02:42Hmm?
02:43What is that?
02:43That's not how stress Ramif works.
02:45I've never done this before.
02:46Bear with me.
02:48I pushed him onto the bed.
02:49I kissed every bruise, one by one.
02:51He lay still and let me, his body tense the whole time.
02:54He didn't know how to respond.
02:56Then, at the crucial moment, he reached out and locked his hand around my waist.
03:00Are you sure?
03:01Yeah.
03:01I'm just a low-class wolf.
03:04My answer was to stop waiting.
03:05He let out a muffled sound and closed his eyes.
03:10Ash was my parents' apology.
03:12A premium, competition-grade service wolf.
03:14A compensation for the 18 years they lost me.
03:16I was five when I disappeared.
03:18Twenty-three when they finally found me.
03:20When I came home, I found out my parents had already adopted a little girl, Emma.
03:25She'd been with them since she was a baby.
03:27She was 17 now.
03:28When I appeared, Emma fell apart.
03:30Get out!
03:31I'm their real daughter!
03:33Why are you here taking my parents?
03:36This is my home!
03:37Get out!
03:38She screamed and sobbed and threw everything she could reach at me.
03:42Don't cry.
03:43You'll always be our daughter.
03:46Zoe coming back doesn't change how much we love you.
03:50Emma's been spoiled.
03:52You're six years older.
03:53Just try to be patient with her.
03:55I should have been devastated, but I was 23.
03:57I survived those lonely years craving my parents.
04:00Now, I was in the phase of desperately needing money.
04:03I let my eyes well up, looked down.
04:06I understand, Dad.
04:07Playing vulnerable worked.
04:09The monthly allowance they wired me kept going up.
04:13Morning.
04:14I had my cheek pressed against Eli's arm.
04:16My best friend Lily texted me.
04:18Where are you?
04:19Did you do your usual disappearing act and go home alone again?
04:22No.
04:23I bought a new stress relief wolf last night.
04:26Been busy.
04:26Zoe, what is wrong with you?
04:28I know you're upset that your wolf at home ignores you, but you can't just go buy a punching bag.
04:33You couldn't bring yourself to hit the expensive one, so you went out and bought a cheap one to beat
04:38up?
04:39I would report you if you weren't my best friend.
04:41I am appalled.
04:43I didn't hit him.
04:44Why would I hit a dog?
04:45Then how did you unwind?
04:48The way you're thinking, on bed.
04:50We both stopped typing.
04:51Then she sent me a long message explaining everything.
04:54Stress relief wolves were illegal.
04:56Traffickers stole young shifters or bought low-class ones cheap.
04:59Then they tortured and filtered them, keeping only those with strong bodies and fast healing.
05:04Some became living punching bags for paying clients.
05:07Others ended up in underground fight rings.
05:09Death matches.
05:10Even after rescue, these wolves were considered feral and untamable.
05:14Official shelters offered them for free adoption.
05:17The ones no one took.
05:19Euthanized.
05:23I know where he lives, if you regret it.
05:26I startled.
05:26Quickly darkened my screen and turned over.
05:32He runs with a crew.
05:34They probably won't give you the money back.
05:37But if I catch him alone, I might be able to...
05:41I don't regret it.
05:42As long as you behave.
05:44Only listen to me.
05:46Nobody else.
05:47Okay.
05:48There were a few faint scars along the fur of his ears.
05:51I couldn't help it.
05:52I reached out to touch them.
05:53His ears snapped back instantly.
05:55He flinched away.
05:56This one wouldn't let me touch his ears either.
05:58Sorry.
05:59Force of habit.
06:03You can touch them now.
06:07If you still want to.
06:08I didn't hesitate.
06:09I swung up and sat across his waist, braced my hands on his chest, and squeezed his ears
06:14between my fingers.
06:15Eli's breathing deepened.
06:16His whole body got warmer.
06:17He tipped his head back, eyes half-lidded, watching me.
06:21Can we do it again?
06:24We didn't go straight home.
06:26I took Eli to a shifter clinic first.
06:28The doctor said his healing ability was excellent.
06:31The bruising wasn't a concern, but severe malnutrition.
06:34He needed long-term supplementation.
06:36The total for all the supplements cost more than I'd paid for him.
06:39I don't need it.
06:40I can eat anything.
06:41Don't spend the money.
06:42I won't die.
06:43This amount was what Ash burned through on snacks every month.
06:46It's fine.
06:47Do you like these?
06:49I held out a new collar and bite guard in front of him.
06:52Slim, black, metal collar.
06:53Custom black bite guard to match.
06:55I hadn't wanted him to keep wearing restraints.
06:58But the doctor was firm.
06:59Don't let a feral wolf's looks fool you.
07:01He could take out your throat in one bite.
07:03So I'd picked the most comfortable version I could find.
07:06When the doctor removed the old bite guard, he held it up to the light.
07:09Fight ring or stress relief.
07:11Before this, I mean.
07:14Both.
07:15Figured.
07:17Look at these bite marks.
07:18He did this to himself when the pain got too bad.
07:21Those are from last night.
07:23I went very still.
07:24In the ring?
07:26No.
07:26He looked at my back.
07:27From when I was being used.
07:29We got home past midnight.
07:30Mom and dad were already asleep.
07:32Ash was probably in Emma's room, as usual.
07:35Come in.
07:38He hadn't moved.
07:39He was staring at something on the floor.
07:41I bent down and picked it up.
07:43This is Ash's.
07:46On my first birthday in this house, mom and dad had given me Ash.
07:50Zoe's too quiet.
07:51We thought having a companion might open her up.
07:53Back then, Ash hadn't shifted yet.
07:55Just a small black wolf pup.
07:57Why does she get one and I don't?
07:59You said you wouldn't pick favorites.
08:02He's mine!
08:05She snatched the puppy and ran out.
08:06Didn't come back.
08:07My birthday dinner was ruined.
08:09My birthday present was gone.
08:10Mom and dad were a mess for days.
08:12I cried too.
08:14I'm so sorry.
08:15I made her leave.
08:16It's my fault.
08:17Twelve days later, one girl and one scruffy wolf pup appeared at the front door.
08:22Mom.
08:23Dad.
08:23I'm so hungry.
08:25I was wrong.
08:26I'm never running again.
08:28Mom and dad rushed out and all three of them sobbed together on the doorstep.
08:31When they finally looked up, mom's face went guilty the instant she saw me standing there.
08:37Mom, you hit me?
08:39Do you know what the last 12 days were like?
08:41I just got back and you're hitting me.
08:42Do you ever think about what your sister's last 18 years were like?
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.
08:54She gave Ash back a few weeks later.
08:57Not long after that, he shifted dark curls, soft, downturned eyes.
09:02He tilted his head at me and said his first shifted word.
09:04E.
09:06I'm Emma!
09:08You remember me!
09:10You remember me!
09:13Of course.
09:15I remember everything about Emma.
09:18Mom and dad sighed and put an arm around me.
09:20It took weeks of trying before Ash reluctantly accepted that I was his owner.
09:24But he refused to wag his tail for me.
09:27Refused to let me touch his ears.
09:29Never waited by the door for me.
09:30He only reacted to Emma's footsteps.
09:32He only waited for her.
09:34I watched them every time.
09:36I told myself I didn't really care.
09:37Because Ash's monthly expenses came out of the account in my name.
09:41And mom and dad's quiet guilt kept filling that same account.
09:44But lately, I'd been breaking out.
09:46Stress hormones.
09:47The doctor said.
09:48Ash wouldn't touch me.
09:49Eli had shown up at exactly the right moment.
09:51I had no reason to say no.
09:55Sleep with me tonight?
09:57I'll take you shopping for clothes.
09:58Will he mind?
09:59Who?
10:00Ash.
10:01Wolves are territorial.
10:02He doesn't like sleeping with me.
10:03It's fine.
10:04Do you need it again tonight?
10:06Need what?
10:07Stress relief.
10:08I do.
10:09But my legs are killing me.
10:10I have good stamina.
10:11You can just lie there.
10:12That's very considerate of you.
10:14It's nothing.
10:16In the morning, I stepped out of my room at the exact same time as Ash.
10:20Zoe.
10:20Why were you talking in your sleep last night?
10:22All those little sounds, it was loud.
10:25Sorry.
10:25I'll keep it down.
10:27Were you having a nightmare?
10:28I thought I heard you crying.
10:29I was having the time of my life.
10:31If you ever have a nightmare, you can-
10:33Ash, I can't find my slippers.
10:34Don't walk around barefoot.
10:36He 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?
10:42Because you carried me to bed last night and forgot to bring them.
10:45He sat her on his knee, found the bunny slippers, and put them on her feet.
10:49One by one, patient.
10:50Then he headed upstairs to the bathroom.
10:52Perfect service, wolf.
10:53Just not mine.
10:54Zoe.
10:55My laundry's in the hamper.
10:56Take it to the dry cleaner.
10:59What's that smell?
11:00What?
11:01He stepped close, pressed his nose to my neck, then inhaled.
11:04The deeper he breathed, the harder his hand gripped my waist.
11:06Zoe.
11:07Why do you smell like another wolf?
11:09Eli had just opened the door and walked out.
11:11He was half a head taller than Ash.
11:13That's my scent.
11:18Zoe, who is that?
11:19His name is Eli.
11:20He's my new wolf.
11:22What?
11:22You got another wolf?
11:25What about me?
11:26Oh, wow.
11:27Mom, Dad, come look.
11:29Zoe got a new wolf.
11:30This is Eli, our newest family member.
11:33Sir.
11:34Ma'am.
11:34He's even more handsome than Ash.
11:36Competition grade, I assume?
11:37Zoe gets so much allowance.
11:38Competition grade?
11:39He's wearing a muzzle.
11:40His fur is splitting.
11:41His shirt is falling apart.
11:42He's shedding everywhere.
11:43He's feral bottom class.
11:45The kind shelters can't even give away.
11:46Zoe, you only brought him home to mess with me, didn't you?
11:48If he goes feral and hurts you, don't come crying to me.
11:50Zoe, we're not against you keeping him.
11:52We just want you safe.
11:54We can't lose you again.
11:55I won't hurt her.
11:56If it makes you feel better, I'll keep the restraints on.
11:59I can sleep in a crate at night.
12:00Only fight ring wolves sleep in crates.
12:02That's lower than a stress relief slave.
12:04I've already decided he's staying.
12:05Ash's expenses come from Mom and Dad.
12:08Eli's are on me.
12:09Zoe!
12:10Relax.
12:11Given how Zoe grew up, it makes sense she has a thing for low-class wolves.
12:15It's basically her aesthetic.
12:17Mom, Dad, since Zoe has a new wolf, can I have Ash?
12:21He likes me more anyway.
12:23I'm just taking what's left over.
12:25Leftover drained the color from Ash's face.
12:27No.
12:28Ash was a gift from Mom and Dad.
12:30He's mine.
12:31I decide what happens to him.
12:32My certainty knocked something loose in him.
12:34For the first time, Ash wagged his tail for me.
12:37Just barely.
12:37Small, uncontrolled flicks.
12:39Even if you say that, I'm not forgiving you.
12:42I had no intention of giving him away.
12:44Not because I was attached.
12:45First, the budget they gave me for his upkeep was generous.
12:48I pocketed a healthy margin every month.
12:50Second, Ash was worth a lot.
12:51If I ever decided I was done, I could sell him for seven figures.
12:54Why would I hand that to Emma for free?
12:55She's right.
12:56He was given to Zoe.
12:58If you want him, talk to your sister.
12:59A few months earlier, Mom and Dad had planned a family camping trip to get us all bonding.
13:06Seven days.
13:06On the night we set up tents, everyone drank a little too much.
13:09Emma called me sis every five minutes.
13:11I called her sis back.
13:12Mom and Dad were so happy.
13:13When I came back from a cigarette break, I saw Emma in my tent.
13:16The campfire had gone out.
13:17One small lantern flickered inside.
13:19Ash was lying on my sleeping bag.
13:21Emma was slowly crawling on top of him, leaning toward his mouth.
13:24Their shadows overlapped against the canvas.
13:26I watched Ash reach up and tuck her hair behind her ear, and kissed her back.
13:29Ash, promise me you won't touch her.
13:32But-
13:32Wait until I'm 18.
13:34It's only a few months.
13:35In this world, a wolf who slept with a human under 18 faced immediate disposal.
13:40You know I have standards.
13:41I don't like her touching me.
13:42Can't we just keep this clean between us?
13:44Ash said yes.
13:47The video ended.
13:48Emma.
13:49Is this how I raised you?
13:50Using yourself to manipulate a wolf just to spite your sister?
13:53Zoe, I was drunk that night.
13:56I thought it was you coming-
13:57Nobody asked you.
13:58I paid for you.
13:59You're here to serve my daughter, not audition replacements.
14:01I'm calling your cellar today.
14:02Mom, why aren't you yelling at her?
14:04Can't you see how calculating she is?
14:05She recorded it.
14:06I made one stupid mistake and she plays it like this.
14:09Ever since she came back, you love me less.
14:11Are you really gonna let her run my life?
14:12Emma, you did this.
14:14If you hadn't, there'd be nothing to record.
14:16Both of you, this month's allowances go to Zoe, and you're both grounded for three days.
14:19A large sum landed in my account that afternoon.
14:22Mom and Dad's invisible scale tipped a little more in my direction.
14:25I'd been fighting for things my whole life.
14:27This was no different.
14:29Three days without Emma or Ash hovering around, I took Eli shopping.
14:34Everywhere.
14:35He was a specimen.
14:37Built like every suit had been cut for him specifically.
14:40Everything looked good on him.
14:42So I wanted to buy him everything.
14:44But the best part was watching him in a dress suit.
14:48I went slightly feral and bought 12 custom-tailored ones.
14:51Then I was too tired to walk.
14:53Eli 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.
15:01Eli, you look like this.
15:03Didn't they try to make you sell yourself?
15:06They tried.
15:07He set me on the bed and dropped to one knee.
15:09Took off my heels.
15:11Swapped them out for slippers.
15:13He'd watched Ash do it for Emma a hundred times.
15:16He hadn't fully adjusted to human-scale gentleness yet.
15:19He kept catching himself, recalibrating his grip.
15:23But he'd memorized every step.
15:25And?
15:26He went a little pink.
15:28I didn't.
15:29I hurt the client and ran.
15:30They caught me.
15:31I stopped eating to fight back.
15:34They got scared I'd die and cost them money so they threw me in the ring.
15:38I hadn't eaten in three days.
15:39I don't know how I did it.
15:41I bit through the other wolf's throat.
15:44After that, I stayed in the ring.
15:46They kept my food limited so I'd be too weak to resist.
15:50The last fight, I got badly injured.
15:52They figured I was done, so they put me on stress relief work.
15:56I survived that too.
15:58This week, they were debating sending me back to the ring.
16:01Then you bought me.
16:03Eli was still kneeling.
16:05Wearing the new suit, I'd just bought him.
16:08Both hands wrapped lightly around mine.
16:10He had no idea he looked like he was proposing.
16:14I'm not hiding anything from you.
16:16I am a low-class, violent wolf.
16:19I've hurt humans.
16:20I've hurt my own kind.
16:22I grew up without learning to be around people.
16:24I don't know how to take care of someone.
16:27I barely know how to use a fork.
16:29I don't know how hard to hold you without hurting you.
16:32Last night when you cried.
16:34I panicked.
16:37I remembered.
16:38The second time was so much better than the first.
16:41I'd lost control and made a sound I hadn't expected.
16:44I'm sorry, did I hurt you?
16:45I misjudged.
16:47It's my fault.
16:48You can punish me, hit me, starve me, whatever you want.
16:52Just don't cry.
16:53Please.
16:54I remembered the apology going on for a while, but I'd passed out mid-sentence.
16:59No wonder the atmosphere that morning had been so heavy.
17:01He'd been stewing in it all night.
17:03You didn't hurt me.
17:04I cried because it was good.
17:06He pressed his nose against my neck.
17:08His silver-white ears brushed my face.
17:11I grabbed them.
17:13Eli's breathing hitched.
17:15He reached up, fingers calloused, deliberate, and slowly traced the side of my neck.
17:21The same spot Ash had pressed his nose against that morning.
17:25Methodical.
17:26Inch by inch.
17:28Are you trying to cover his scent?
17:29It's fine.
17:30I don't mind.
17:31I just don't understand.
17:33You went three days without food to avoid being sold.
17:37But you never fought back against me.
17:39Not once.
17:40You gave up?
17:41He looked up.
17:42His eyes didn't quite meet mine.
17:44They landed on my mouth.
17:45Maybe because you were young and beautiful.
17:48That's an airtight reason.
17:49Maybe because you said you had no experience.
17:53Also because that was the first time I'd ever been kissed.
17:57I just want you to know I am violent and feral.
18:00But I will never hurt you.
18:02Never.
18:03Not ever.
18:04I believe you.
18:06As a reward.
18:11Let me kiss you again.
18:14Eli and I fell into a rhythm.
18:16I finally understood why people spent fortunes on wolves.
18:20With Ash, everything had been a production.
18:23Premium wolves had standards.
18:25I'd had to train with him daily.
18:27Manage his nutrition.
18:29Force feed him supplements.
18:31And run a full grooming routine just to keep him in condition.
18:34So he could use that condition to take care of Emma.
18:37Eli was different.
18:38I followed the doctor's supplement plan and he just glowed.
18:42I felt a little guilty about the contrast.
18:45So I sat him down and did a proper grooming session on him.
18:49Ash walked in while I had both hands buried in Eli's foam-covered ears.
18:54Zoe!
18:55That's my special foam soap.
18:57I bought this one for Eli.
18:59Out of your room already?
19:00You must be so pleased with yourself.
19:03Not really.
19:03You got off easy.
19:04But I'll try harder next time.
19:08Zoe!
19:08Send him out.
19:09I can explain the video, but I am not sharing this house with a bottom-class wolf.
19:14You're not sharing anything.
19:16You sleep in Emma's room.
19:17You always have.
19:19Wolves had sharp senses.
19:21Ash had been the only one in the house who knew about my smoking habit.
19:24He'd always complained my room smelled and used it as an excuse to sleep in Emma's room instead.
19:29It's fine, Ash.
19:30You always said she smelled anyway.
19:32Come stay with me.
19:35Zoe.
19:36You're going to regret this.
19:38Take good care of him, won't you, Emma?
19:41The house settled into a strange cold war.
19:44Ash and Emma spent a while putting on a show in front of me.
19:47They were all warmth and sweetness, trying to get a reaction out of me.
19:51I had none.
19:51As long as they weren't doing it in my face, I could handle it.
19:56Eli spent a lot of time watching them.
19:58Emma kept flushing every time she caught him looking.
20:01Then pretending she hadn't noticed, he was studying.
20:04He watched every move Ash made with Emma.
20:07The grip, the order of things.
20:08And translated it all into how he took care of me.
20:12Ash, meanwhile, looked like a ghost.
20:15He kept catching himself staring at me with something half-formed in his expression.
20:19I 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.
20:26You have hands.
20:27Do it yourself.
20:28Am I your pet or am you mine?
20:31My products are running out, too.
20:33Then ask Zoe.
20:34It's her account, not mine.
20:37Emma, why are you like this?
20:39You 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.
20:48She never complained about how much work it was.
20:50Blame me?
20:51You didn't exactly stop me.
20:53And now you think she's better?
20:55Then go to her!
20:56Go on!
20:57See if she even wants you.
21:00Did Emma love Ash?
21:02I doubted it.
21:04Emma just loved being the center.
21:06The one everyone orbited.
21:08Ash fawning over her fit that.
21:10Me existing complicated it.
21:12After that fight, Ash deteriorated fast.
21:15He kept starting sentences near me and never finishing them.
21:18Too proud to ask.
21:20I ignored it.
21:21Until one night.
21:23I was out on the second floor balcony in my slip dress,
21:26smoking a post-session cigarette.
21:28Ash came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me without a word.
21:33Warm tears dropped onto my neck.
21:35One at a time.
21:39You're not complaining about the smell?
21:41I'm sorry.
21:43Can you forgive me?
21:44I was drunk that night.
21:46I swear I thought it was you.
21:48I wanted it to be you.
21:49I believe you.
21:51If you'd known it was Emma, you wouldn't have stopped her either.
21:54That's not true.
21:56Before I shifted, Emma and I were on the streets together.
22:00A group of guys tried to grab me.
22:03We could have struck and tweed pad me.
22:05She ran at them, screaming and crying, until they gave up and fled.
22:10You're my owner.
22:11But she saved my life.
22:12I couldn't refuse her.
22:14In the tent that night, I was half as asleep.
22:17I thought it was you.
22:19When I opened my eyes and saw her, I felt sick.
22:23I realized I'd wanted it to be you.
22:26I'd wanted you all along.
22:28But she saved my life.
22:30How could I turn her down?
22:33Then keep being grateful to her.
22:35I was never in the way.
22:36Zoe, please don't.
22:43Ash, do you know why I smoke?
22:45Because I grew up with a crew of street girls who were never going to win any etiquette awards.
22:50When I got caught stealing and got beaten up, they took the hits with me.
22:55When 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.
23:07So, I had more people doing things for me than you ever did.
23:11And I never crawled into anyone's bed over it.
23:13Never said yes just because someone asked.
23:16Ash, you're wired to follow whoever pays you the most attention.
23:19Someone gives you a little warmth and off you go.
23:21Ash, they say premium wolves have the highest human-like cognitiveness.
23:24I believe it.
23:25You've even evolved past a dog's most basic trait.
23:28Loyalty.
23:29I don't know.
23:29I'm sorry, Zoe.
23:31You never talked about before.
23:32I didn't know what you went through.
23:34I only ever heard Emma's side.
23:35She 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.
23:41If I'd known, I wouldn't have complained about the smoking.
23:43I wouldn't have helped her make things harder for you.
23:45His tear-wet face pressed into my collar and passed his shoulder, two figures in the dark.
23:50The closer one, tall and still, was Eli.
23:52The farther one was Mom.
23:54I met her eyes.
23:55My cigarette hand barely paused.
23:56I didn't hide it.
23:58Fine.
23:59She saw.
24:00When I came home, I'd glossed over the first years.
24:03They'd worked so hard on Emma.
24:05Piano.
24:06Ballet.
24:08Flower arranging.
24:09Everything polished.
24:11Me?
24:11Good at stealing?
24:13Lockpicking with a hairpin.
24:15Chain smoking before I was old enough to buy them.
24:17I hadn't thought parents who'd replaced me in a year would love me very much.
24:21Tell 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.
24:27So I'd shown them the clean resume.
24:30Good grades.
24:31Sweet face.
24:32Polite answers.
24:33Like interviewing for the role of daughter.
24:35Mom said,
24:36Go to sleep.
24:37Then she went back to her room.
24:38The 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.
24:49Ash noticed him for the first time.
24:50He stepped in front of me.
24:52Sent the low, warning growl at Eli again.
24:54Eli didn't react.
24:55He stepped closer.
24:57Ash shifted back without meaning to.
24:58Eli draped a jacket over my shoulders.
25:01Looked at Ash.
25:02You can keep going.
25:03I'm just here for the coat.
25:05Ash didn't take him up on it.
25:06He said instead, to me.
25:08Stay with me tonight.
25:09I know what to do.
25:10I was trained.
25:12I'd be better than him.
25:14Is that right?
25:15I mean it.
25:16Please, let me fix this.
25:18His tail went into overdrive.
25:20Eli's expression didn't change.
25:22But his hand at his side closed into a fist.
25:24I don't think so.
25:25You kissed Emma.
25:27The thought of it ruins it for me.
25:29Good night, Ash.
25:32Eli followed me back to the bedroom.
25:34I shrugged off the jacket and looked at him.
25:36Jealous?
25:37He took the jacket and said,
25:38No.
25:39You're exceptional.
25:40You'll have a boyfriend someday.
25:42A husband.
25:44I 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.
25:52And his scent.
25:53I went to the bathroom.
25:55Eli 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?
26:12Licking might work better.
26:13He pointed to his bike guard.
26:15I thought for a moment, then unclipped it.
26:18That spot doesn't have his scent on it.
26:21He said.
26:22Didn't stop.
26:23He 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.
26:33I cracked one eye open to look at him.
26:36Steam and fog all around him.
26:38Eyes shut tight, long lashes trembling.
26:41I thought this might have been our first real kiss.
26:45I stopped making Eli wear the bike guard.
26:47Mom and dad kept reminding me to be careful, but they didn't push.
26:51I worked at the family company.
26:53Most days I didn't come home for lunch.
26:55One afternoon I did.
26:56Just wanted to nap.
26:57Voices drifted up from the living room.
26:59Eli and Ash.
27:00I leaned on the second floor railing and watched.
27:03Eli was sitting on the couch, watching TV.
27:05Ash planted himself in front of him, tail bristling.
27:08You think Zoe actually likes you?
27:10She's using you to get at me.
27:12Once she's over it, she'll throw you out like trash.
27:15So what?
27:16Zoe said you're dirty.
27:18At least I'm clean.
27:19Anyone who tries to touch me, I bite their throat out.
27:22Unlike you.
27:23Half pushing someone away and then giving in anyway.
27:26Interesting.
27:27In front of me, Eli was steady and careful and almost meek.
27:31This was the first time I'd seen his edges.
27:33Clean?
27:35You've killed wolves in a ring.
27:37Do you even know how many?
27:39He stood up slowly.
27:40I know.
27:41Useful information.
27:43Honestly, you bother me.
27:45Me?
27:46Ash nearly went airborne.
27:47You're the outsider here.
27:48Zoe paid millions for me.
27:50I was here first.
27:52Millions?
27:52Eli looked him over.
27:53You don't look worth that.
27:55He 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.
28:02How to make a wolf disappear quietly.
28:04I'm probably the only kind who knows that.
28:07What are you doing?
28:08What would I do?
28:09Eli shrugged.
28:10I'm just a low-class wolf.
28:11Then he lunged.
28:12Ash panicked and shifted into full wolf form on instinct.
28:15The black wolf tackled Eli, teeth sinking into his forearm.
28:19Eli crashed into the coffee table.
28:21Porcelain cracked.
28:22Shards scattered across the floor.
28:24When mom came running at the noise, she found Eli on the ground.
28:27Arm bleeding badly.
28:29Sitting up pale and pressing the wound.
28:33I'm sorry, ma'am.
28:35I've been too close to Zoe lately.
28:37Ash was unhappy.
28:38I 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.
28:48Yesterday, he'd sworn up and down he had no jealousy whatsoever.
28:51And he'd already planned this.
28:53It's not true!
28:54Ash stumbled over his own words.
28:56He went at me first!
28:57He's setting me up!
28:59Setting you up?
29:00If he wanted to hurt you, you'd still be on the floor.
29:03Zoe, I'm serious!
29:05I'm calling the seller.
29:06This wolf is going back.
29:07Mom was already on her phone.
29:09No need.
29:10I'll sell him to a friend who's been looking for a premium wolf.
29:13Mom paused.
29:14That works.
29:15He's yours to decide.
29:17Zoe, you'd sell me for him?
29:19Ash's face went blank.
29:20You said you liked me.
29:21I 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.
29:50That 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.
30:08I 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.
30:15Maybe 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.
30:31Thank you.
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.
30:43The 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, and then landed on stunned.
31:07Zoe, you already 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.
31:54Good 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.
32:01I wished I could physically lift the building and scream, it'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.
32:30Did 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.
33:17So that's it?
33:19You found your real daughter and now I become Charity?
33:23We gave you a home, education, love, security.
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.
33:50At that, his eyes lifted.
33:54Don'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.
34:20He 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.
34:30Emma 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.
34:46But tomorrow, 20% of the company's shares transfer to Zoe.
34:51Emma stopped breathing.
34:53The 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.
35:18It 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.
35:34Closed 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.
36:34Quiet.
36:36Calm.
36:36Too 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.
37:42I 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.
38:09Then 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.
38:16His 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.
39:13Breathing 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.
39:33Hands 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.
40:30He'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.
40:57The 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,
41:17I will bury this department in court
41:19until your grandchildren are tired.
41:23So will I.
41:27Eli looked up slowly,
41:29like 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,
41:38but quiet did not mean forgiven.
41:40Dad cut off her accounts.
41:41Mom packed her things herself.
41:43University, dorm housing, monthly allowance.
41:46Nothing else.
41:47Emma screamed until her voice broke.
41:48No 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,
41:55eyes 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,
42:13he would have lowered his head.
42:14Apologized.
42:15Followed.
42:15This time,
42:16his tail stayed still.
42:17Thank 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.
42:33After Emma left,
42:34Dad 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,
43:08I 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.
43:19All alive.
43:20All 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.
45:32Men.
45:32Collars.
45:33Water.
45:34Doors.
45:35He knew things no textbook knew.
45:38Which 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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