Swapping My Alpha: From Fox to Wolf is an addictive fantasy romance about a young woman who refuses to let betrayal define her future. After heartbreak from the one she once trusted, she makes a life-changing decision that leads her to a powerful Wolf Alpha whose loyalty and strength challenge everything she believed about love.
As ancient rivalries, supernatural secrets, and dangerous enemies emerge, she must choose between the past that hurt her and the future that could change her destiny forever.
Watch the Full Episode filled with werewolves, fated mates, forbidden romance, pack politics, emotional twists, and epic fantasy storytelling.
#SwappingMyAlpha #FromFoxToWolf #WerewolfRomance #AlphaKing #FatedMate #WolfAlpha #RejectedMate #FantasyRomance #SupernaturalLove #FantasyDrama #RomanticDrama #DramaSeries #DramaUrbano #ShortDrama #ShortFilm #ShortMovie #FullEP #ENGSUB #LoveAndDestiny #TrendingDrama
As ancient rivalries, supernatural secrets, and dangerous enemies emerge, she must choose between the past that hurt her and the future that could change her destiny forever.
Watch the Full Episode filled with werewolves, fated mates, forbidden romance, pack politics, emotional twists, and epic fantasy storytelling.
#SwappingMyAlpha #FromFoxToWolf #WerewolfRomance #AlphaKing #FatedMate #WolfAlpha #RejectedMate #FantasyRomance #SupernaturalLove #FantasyDrama #RomanticDrama #DramaSeries #DramaUrbano #ShortDrama #ShortFilm #ShortMovie #FullEP #ENGSUB #LoveAndDestiny #TrendingDrama
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:01In this new era, male werebeasts existed to reproduce with humans.
00:00:15As a top-tier werebeast was diagnosed with infertility, nobody wanted an infertile werebeast.
00:00:22So he was sold to the Red Light District and met me there.
00:00:25I just happened to be looking to buy a werebeast, so he knelt in front of me.
00:00:30Crying and begging me to buy him.
00:00:32Stupid me. I spent all my savings to buy him.
00:00:36Now I ended up at the hospital alone after Jamalian scratched me again.
00:00:46This is deep enough to leave a scar.
00:00:49Has your werebeast ever actually been socialized?
00:00:52I offered a tight smile.
00:00:55He has. Top of his class, actually.
00:00:58My phone buzzed.
00:01:00So many complaining messages from Jamariuk.
00:01:02It's only a scratch.
00:01:04Was it really necessary to go to the hospital?
00:01:06I'm hungry.
00:01:07Come back and make me dinner.
00:01:09I never get enough to eat, not after being yours.
00:01:11You seriously suck at taking care of me.
00:01:14Was that honestly how he saw things?
00:01:15After leaving the hospital, I headed straight for the werebeast exchange.
00:01:19Not my home.
00:01:21I'd like to exchange my werebeast.
00:01:26I'd like to exchange my werebeast.
00:01:29I told the receptionist.
00:01:31She was very polite as she went through the standard intake questions.
00:01:38You've been registered with your current werebeast for a full year.
00:01:42You're almost eligible to form a bond.
00:01:44Why do you want to exchange them now?
00:01:46A deep pan of sadness hit me.
00:01:50It had been a year already.
00:01:54I still remembered how eager I'd been for our bonding.
00:01:57Talking excitedly with Jamarian about what our rings should look like.
00:02:01He'd smirked at me.
00:02:04Do you honestly think you're good enough for me?
00:02:07His ears flattened against his head.
00:02:11Crying won't change anything.
00:02:20I'm never going to form a bond with you.
00:02:22Here's a free tip.
00:02:24You lower class humans look disgusting when you cry.
00:02:28I swallowed the lump in my throat.
00:02:31He doesn't like me.
00:02:34The truth was, he hated me.
00:02:39The receptionist blinked in surprise.
00:02:42Normally, trained werebeats wouldn't act like this.
00:02:45They are supposed to be completely devoted to their owners.
00:02:53And yet, somehow, the impossible had happened to me.
00:02:56I managed a casual smile.
00:02:59I guess I just have bad luck.
00:03:01Her expression turned apologetic.
00:03:04The issue lies with our training.
00:03:06Please don't be too hard on yourself.
00:03:12Come with me.
00:03:28I'd originally paid $80,000 for Jamarian, which meant I could pick a replacement from the same price bracket.
00:03:39I flipped through the available options, taking in faces that were slightly less striking than Jamerons, but still gorgeous.
00:03:47Their files listed them as foxes and leopards.
00:03:50I hesitated.
00:03:53Do you have anyone else?
00:03:55I wanted a canine.
00:03:58Specifically, a golden retriever.
00:04:00I'd heard golden retriever werebeats genuinely liked humans.
00:04:04If that were true, maybe one would even to lower tier human, like me.
00:04:10The staff member maintained her polite customer service smile.
00:04:14Not at the moment.
00:04:16However, werebeats mature quickly, and our next group will be available in two months.
00:04:23I nodded.
00:04:24As she walked me toward the door.
00:04:28A loose photo slipped out of her folder and fluttered to the floor.
00:04:39The man in the picture had cold, vertically slitted gray eyes, with a high nose bridge, broad shoulders, and a
00:04:46narrow waist.
00:04:47He was undeniably handsome.
00:04:49But he looked incredibly dangerous.
00:04:51He was a werewolf.
00:04:53The receptionist sighed, picking it up.
00:05:02He's actually our best behaved werebeast.
00:05:06Management wanted to try expanding into a new market.
00:05:10But buyers are terrified that a werewolf will lose control and attack them.
00:05:16Our supervisors are worried about losing money.
00:05:20So they're selling him to the fighting arena today.
00:05:30She shook her head sadly.
00:05:32The problem is, he was raised to be gentle.
00:05:35If he goes to the arena, the other fighters will definitely kill him.
00:05:42Nobody wants to buy him, and it's truly sad.
00:05:46Nobody wanted him.
00:05:48Nobody wanted me either.
00:05:49But still, I heard that once they go to the arena, they get completely mutilated by the other beasts.
00:05:56That sounded like an agonizing way to die.
00:05:59I hesitated, second-guesting myself.
00:06:04And a werewolf technically counted a nun as a canine, didn't it?
00:06:13I stopped walking.
00:06:15Is he really well behaved?
00:06:17She looked up, instantly hopeful.
00:06:19Yes, absolutely.
00:06:24Then I'll take him.
00:06:29The staff told me the werewolf would be delivered in three days.
00:06:40I carefully tucked the exchange agreement into my bag.
00:06:48On the walk home, I spotted Jemernian and Gianna Will Latford in the distance.
00:06:56The white-haired werewolf stood in the evening light.
00:07:00With his steep-set eyes and his distinct features, he was incredibly handsome.
00:07:07Gianna was a high-class human from the neighboring district.
00:07:17She was smart, elegant, and completely unlike me.
00:07:22Ever since she met Jemernian, she'd made a habit of dropping by with premium nutritional supplements,
00:07:28and the two of them had grown unusually close.
00:07:34I slowed my pace.
00:07:36I slowed my pace.
00:07:42Gianna noticed me.
00:07:44Deb, off to work again?
00:07:48I have to say, even if you're about to form a bond with Jemernian,
00:07:52you really ought to put a little more effort into your appearance.
00:07:55Look at what you're wearing.
00:07:57Walking down the street like that, no one's gonna think you two are a couple.
00:08:04I glanced down, it's down at my plain t-shirt and jeans.
00:08:08Then back at Gianna's beautiful dress.
00:08:17I think I look fine.
00:08:19Jemernian didn't even look at me.
00:08:21She wouldn't look good even if she tried.
00:08:22She's better off pretending she just doesn't know how to dress.
00:08:26That way people won't realize she's genuinely unattractive.
00:08:30Jemernian, how can you say that about Deb?
00:08:35Jemernian smirked.
00:08:37It was a flackless, completely mocking smile.
00:08:42You're trying to help, and she just thinks you're being nosy.
00:08:47Low-class humans simply can't grasp how high-class humans think.
00:08:52It was my own terrible luck that she bought me.
00:08:56He never used to be like this.
00:08:59Back when I couldn't afford the premium supplements that high-grade werebeasts need,
00:09:03he would always insist that he was lucky to have found me.
00:09:06The cheap clothes I bought trapped his sensitive skin,
00:09:10but he never complained.
00:09:13That all changed the day we ran into his former rival,
00:09:17a red werefox on the street.
00:09:21I had dropped my bag,
00:09:23and Jemernian was helping me gather my scattered things.
00:09:28The red werefox stepped out of a car,
00:09:31and planted his foot directly onto Jemernian's hand.
00:09:35Well, well.
00:09:37If it isn't the highly sought after Jemernian,
00:09:40how did you end up with such a plain low-class human?
00:09:44I suppose it makes sense though.
00:09:46A defected product paired with a low-class human is a perfect match.
00:09:53After that, Jemernian locked himself in his room for the rest of the night.
00:10:02I sat outside his door until morning.
00:10:05I tried to tell him that dividing people into classes was wrong,
00:10:09and that he shouldn't care about Werebeet Exchange labeling him as defective.
00:10:14We were doing just fine together.
00:10:22When Jemernian finally opened the door, his eyes were red and swollen.
00:10:28You've never lived in Werebeest Exchange,
00:10:30so of course you think being considered completely worthless is perfectly fine.
00:10:35Then he met Gianna.
00:10:38Gianna was a rich, high-class human.
00:10:42She could give him the expensive supplements,
00:10:45the nice clothes,
00:10:47the high-class life I couldn't afford.
00:10:50They grew a little closer every day.
00:10:54I brought it up cautiously one time.
00:11:00You're my Werebeest.
00:11:02Could you keep your distance from Gianna?
00:11:06Jemernian stared at the male niece and narrowed down at me with contempt.
00:11:10His gaze was cold and full of resentment.
00:11:15Debra,
00:11:16you never would have been able to afford me if I weren't defective.
00:11:20You just took advantage of my desperate situation.
00:11:24What gives you the right to act like my owner?
00:11:27But the truth was,
00:11:28he was the one who had begged me to save him in the first place.
00:11:33Growing up in an orphanage,
00:11:34I never knew what it meant to have a real family.
00:11:38Seeing Jemernian beg like that made me long for someone who loved me.
00:11:44I never brought up his past,
00:11:46terrified it would offend him.
00:11:50I certainly never expected that when he finally brought it up himself,
00:11:55he would accuse me of taking advantage of his misfortune.
00:11:59But now I argued back, trying to defend myself.
00:12:03I never once used your past against you.
00:12:06I protected your feelings every single day.
00:12:11How is that taking advantage?
00:12:15In the heat of the moment, I accidentally brushed his hand.
00:12:19He shoved me so hard that I slammed to the sharp corner of the table.
00:12:23It sliced my arm wide open.
00:12:28You wouldn't be hurt if you hadn't tried to grab me.
00:12:31You did this to yourself.
00:12:36He wouldn't even drive me to the hospital.
00:12:39I'm going shopping with Gianna today.
00:12:41Jemernian and I didn't have to be chained to each other forever.
00:12:45I spoke up, stopping Jemernian just as he was closing the door.
00:12:50Jemernian, does being with me really make you that miserable?
00:12:57He paused.
00:12:59When he looked back over his shoulder, he wore that same mocking ting smirk.
00:13:06Yeah, but someone of your low status got incredibly lucky acquiring me, so you'll never let me go.
00:13:14I'm going to be stuck with a clingy annoyance for the rest of my life.
00:13:18I let out a slow breath, washed over by a sudden, intense wave of relief.
00:13:24It seemed I really had made the right decision to exchange him.
00:13:27When I didn't answer right away, Jemernian thumped his tail impatiently against the floor.
00:13:38What do you want?
00:13:41I looked down, picking on my cuticles.
00:13:46I got you a gift. You'll see it in a few days.
00:13:50An unreadable expression crossed his face for a fraction of a second.
00:13:54He almost looked hopeful, but quickly slipped right back into his usual mocking tone.
00:14:03I hope it isn't more of that cheap nutritional supplement.
00:14:07It's absolute garbage.
00:14:09I'll just end up pouring it down the toilet.
00:14:12I looked at him, dead serious.
00:14:15No. It's what you want most. Freedom.
00:14:22It better be.
00:14:25Jemernian muttered, shutting the door firmly behind him.
00:14:33Giana showed up bright and early the next morning.
00:14:37Jameric and I agreed to go shopping.
00:14:39We just have similar tastes, and we always have so much to talk about when we go out.
00:14:43You aren't mad, are you, Deb?
00:14:47She watched me closely, testing the waters.
00:14:51Normally, I would sulk and refuse to let him know.
00:14:56It always ate at me, but he refused to go anywhere with me, yet constantly went out with her.
00:15:02But today, I had my own plans.
00:15:05I don't mind.
00:15:08Jamerian had been getting a look of disgust ready, but my answer stopped him in his tracks.
00:15:15His expression turned awkward.
00:15:17Deborah, you really aren't angry?
00:15:20I pulled on my jacket.
00:15:23Not at all.
00:15:24Go wherever you want.
00:15:25There was a massive end-of-season sale at the mall today, and I needed to get moving to buy
00:15:31some essential supplies for a werewolf.
00:15:38Giana linked her arm through his, her voice delicate.
00:15:42Isn't it better that she isn't causing trouble?
00:15:44Let's stop talking and just go.
00:15:48I watched how physically close they were.
00:15:51But I didn't feel my usual stab of jealousy.
00:15:54I simply slipped on my shoes and walked quickly out the door.
00:15:59The regular mall was packed, just like it was all year round.
00:16:08It was mostly lower-class people out shopping with their ordinary werebeasts.
00:16:12Shoppers bumped into each other in the crowded aisles, but they all wore happy, genuine smiles.
00:16:17Their up-de-energy started to rub off on me.
00:16:19Once I bought a new werebeast, I'd probably be just as happy.
00:16:22I would never again have to hear Jamerian say that worthless people deserve cheap things.
00:16:29He wouldn't loudly make fun of this mall in public before ditching me, leaving me standing there humiliated.
00:16:39All I really wanted was a normal, affectionate werebeast.
00:16:44I didn't get back until after dark.
00:16:46Jamerian was actually home.
00:16:48He and Giana usually stayed out late.
00:16:50He was Bellamy Shugmouts with the axe of the lathes, humissably and once.
00:16:55He was planted on the couch with his arms crossed, visibly fuming.
00:17:01Where have you been?
00:17:03You didn't even make dinner.
00:17:05It's bad enough living in poverty with you, but now I'm starving.
00:17:09You do a terrible job taking care of me.
00:17:17I took a sip of my coffee and set my shopping bags on the counter.
00:17:21I figured you'd just eat at Gianni's.
00:17:24Plus, I didn't think you wanted my cooking.
00:17:31I spent all afternoon making your birthday dinner and you threw the whole thing in the trash?
00:17:39That shut him up.
00:17:40I focused entirely on unpacking the supplies I'd bought for the werewolf.
00:17:45Chew toys, a grooming comb, and fish oil.
00:17:52I didn't hear Jamerian walk up behind me.
00:17:59Are you treating me like a dog?
00:18:01I don't need cheap trash meant for some low-grade werebeast.
00:18:05A comb like that is going to ruin my hair.
00:18:09And this fish oil isn't even pure.
00:18:11But whatever.
00:18:12Since you already bought it, I guess I can try it out.
00:18:15These aren't for you.
00:18:16I cut him.
00:18:18He froze.
00:18:19His hand hovering just over the comb.
00:18:23What do you mean?
00:18:26I turned to look at his flawless face.
00:18:28I'm not good enough for a high-grade werebeast like you.
00:18:32I've already filed the transfer paperwork.
00:18:35In a couple of days, you'll never have to see me again.
00:18:44The clock ticked loudly in the heavy silence between us.
00:18:52After a long pause, his scowl softened.
00:18:56He spoke with absolute certainty.
00:19:00Gianna was right.
00:19:02About what?
00:19:03You saw us getting close and now you're threatening to leave just to guilt trick me.
00:19:08Now you're bringing up transfer papers.
00:19:12He crossed his arms.
00:19:15Gianna said you were manipulative and she wasn't wrong.
00:19:18Did you honestly think a few empty threats would make me beg for your attention like some cheap werebeast?
00:19:25I was too exhausted to argue.
00:19:28I was too exhausted to argue.
00:19:28Think whatever you want, I muttered.
00:19:32My indifference only fueled his temper.
00:19:41He violently ripped the calendar off the wall.
00:19:45I had highlighted the 20th of next month with a heart.
00:19:52You just want to bond with me, don't you?
00:19:55You interrogated me about ring sizes six months ago and forced me to live with you.
00:20:01If you want me fuck you, just say so.
00:20:05Aren't you ashamed of being so deceptive?
00:20:10By law, wary beats were obligated to provide companionship to their humans.
00:20:14Early on, I hadn't felt comfortable sleeping with him since we were practically strangers.
00:20:19But later, he was the one who refused.
00:20:22We still hadn't been intimate.
00:20:25I had only ever seen him hold Gianna's hand, never mine.
00:20:29Whenever I showed how much that stung, Jumanian would just mock me.
00:20:32Gianna tripped, and I helped her up.
00:20:35We aren't impure like you inferior humans.
00:20:40Looking at Jumarian now, I felt he was a total stranger.
00:20:44I stared at my hands.
00:20:47The hands that had cooked, and cleaned, and tried for a whole year.
00:20:51He'd called every bit of it a trap.
00:20:56I looked at the heart on the calendar.
00:21:01I'd drawn it back when I still loved him.
00:21:05There was nothing shameful about that.
00:21:07Jumarian was still human.
00:21:13He tore the calendar into pieces, letting the scraps flutter to the floor.
00:21:20Listen to me.
00:21:21Even if we bond, I'm still going to see Gianna.
00:21:25If you want to touch me, you have to ask for permission first.
00:21:29His tail lashed behind him.
00:21:34And if we walk down the street, no one can know we're together.
00:21:39Jumarian, I interrupted.
00:21:43He glared at me, clearly not finished with his rant.
00:21:46I had never felt so perfectly calm.
00:21:51No wonder you were marked as defective.
00:21:55Buying you was a terrible mistake.
00:21:58I said, initiating every single word.
00:22:02Jumerican's golden pupils shrank.
00:22:08His fluffy white tail shot straight up in the air.
00:22:11His fur standing on end.
00:22:14A sharp knock at the door cut through the silence.
00:22:23I opened the door.
00:22:25A shadow fell over me.
00:22:28Marcus Rainfield stood in the doorway, filling the entire frame.
00:22:32I had to tip my head back just to see his face.
00:22:35His muscles strained against his short sleeves.
00:22:38Between his sharp brows and the upward slant of his eyes,
00:22:42he looked downright terrifying.
00:22:44The scar on his temple only made him look more so.
00:22:48Jumerian couldn't stop staring at him.
00:22:52This was my first time dealing with a predatory werebeast,
00:22:55and my stomach was in knots.
00:22:57Was a werewolf like him really going to listen to me?
00:23:02Marcus must have picked up on my nerves.
00:23:04He leaned down, offering me his furry ears to pet,
00:23:07and spoke in a surprisingly so soft voice.
00:23:11Hi, Ms. Penningerton.
00:23:13I'm Marcus Rainhurth.
00:23:16The worker with him was Sheila,
00:23:19the same receptionist I'd met before.
00:23:21She gave me a warm smile.
00:23:23Don't worry.
00:23:25I watched Marcus grow up,
00:23:27and he's an absolute sweetheart.
00:23:30There is one issue, though.
00:23:32Because Werebeast Exchange is currently under under-renovation,
00:23:35it'll be about two weeks before we can take Jumamion back.
00:23:39Would it be alright if he stayed here in the meantime?
00:23:43We'll gladly cover his living expenses.
00:23:48While Sheila talked,
00:23:50Marcus's furry tail brushed against my ankle,
00:23:53wagging a mile a minute with excitement.
00:23:59I hesitated, not giving her a definite answer right away.
00:24:03Jumamion had been dead silent.
00:24:06But the second Marcus reached out to gently touch my pinky finger,
00:24:10Jumamion scoffed.
00:24:12Mutt?
00:24:13Marcus flinched.
00:24:18He instantly shrunk his massive frame down and pressed himself against my side.
00:24:23Miss Pennington.
00:24:24He's glaring at me.
00:24:25And I'm really scared.
00:24:30Just like that, my anxiety vanished.
00:24:34People always complained that werewolves were tough to handle,
00:24:37but Marcus was incredibly sweet.
00:24:40He was gentle and eager to please, which was exactly what I wanted.
00:24:48Sheila's smile dropped.
00:24:50Her face went totally flat as she held up her employee badge.
00:24:54Number 4561, Werewolf, at Jumamion Garrard, is that correct?
00:24:59Jumamion went pale.
00:25:01Yes.
00:25:03On behalf of Werebeast Exchange, I am officially notifying you that your owner has requested a replacement.
00:25:10We are highly disappointed in your failure to fill your duties.
00:25:17She tucked the badge away.
00:25:23We will be back to collect you in two weeks.
00:25:26Please have your things ready.
00:25:33Second, Sheila walked out the door.
00:25:36Jamariath lunged, yanking Marcus away from me.
00:25:40Mutt!
00:25:44What do you think you're doing?
00:25:46Is this just some act?
00:25:55Marcus hit the floor, scraping his hand hard against the corner of the table and leaving an angry red wind.
00:26:01He didn't try to fight back.
00:26:03He just scrambled to his feet and looked at me cautiously.
00:26:07Completely miserable.
00:26:09My heart broke for him.
00:26:13I shoved Jumamion out of the way and rushed over.
00:26:17Jamariath slammed back against the wall, wincing.
00:26:20Are you okay?
00:26:23Deborah!
00:26:25I know exactly what you're doing!
00:26:27You're just using this much to manipulate me into a bond!
00:26:31Cancel the agreement right now and send him back!
00:26:34He pointed at the door.
00:26:38If you don't, I will never bond with you.
00:26:42I whipped around, totally out of patience.
00:26:45Jamian!
00:26:46Jamian!
00:26:47I'm only going to say this one last time!
00:26:51I don't want you anymore.
00:27:04Jamerican didn't say another word.
00:27:07He just turned and stormed out the door.
00:27:11Once things had settled, I carefully dabbed some medicine onto Marcus' scraped hand.
00:27:16He kept pulling away from my touch, turning his head so I couldn't see his face.
00:27:21A fresh wave of panic hit me.
00:27:24Do you regret coming here?
00:27:28Terrified he was going to turn out just like Jamariak, I decided to lay all my cards on the table.
00:27:36Look, if you stay with me, you aren't going to get premium nutritional supplements.
00:27:41Since I'm classified as a lower tier human, my paychecks barely cover the basics.
00:27:48I look down at my hands.
00:27:52I work two jobs a day, I smell like sweat half the summer, and I know I'm pretty average looking.
00:28:01If you're ashamed to be seen me, tell me now, and I can send you back.
00:28:15I tried to sound casual as I spoke, subtly wiping my sweaty hands behind my back.
00:28:24Marcus finally looked at me, his grey eyes shining with tears.
00:28:28I'm so sorry.
00:28:30My stomach dropped.
00:28:32Was he going to reject me, too?
00:28:36The skin around his eyes was flushed raw.
00:28:40I'm sorry, I'm just so happy.
00:28:42I'm so glad to be staying with you that I couldn't hold my expression together.
00:28:47I thought I looked ugly when I cried, so I didn't want you to see.
00:28:53A loud sob broke from his chest.
00:28:55I'm sure they were going to ship me off to the fighting arena.
00:28:59Then they told me someone actually wanted me.
00:29:06He clutched my hand tighter.
00:29:10I held your picture at night, and I just couldn't believe it.
00:29:14I was terrified it was a dream.
00:29:16Mrs. Penningston, I think you're incredibly cute and beautiful.
00:29:25I'm not ashamed of you at all.
00:29:29I'm just so full of joy that I can't stop crying.
00:29:33I've never been this happy in my whole life.
00:29:35He was being so silly.
00:29:37The tears were already pouring down his cheeks.
00:29:40Sheila had mentioned that Marcus was quiet and timid simply because nobody wanted him.
00:29:51But listening to him chatter away now, I realized he'd just been keeping it all bottled up.
00:29:57A strange, restless warmth stirred in my chest.
00:30:01Could someone really be this happy just to be with me?
00:30:03It felt like a dream.
00:30:05I took his hand.
00:30:07His palm was damp with nervous sweat, but the solid heat of his skin told me it was real.
00:30:12You don't have to call me Mrs. Pennington, I told him.
00:30:15Just Deb is fine.
00:30:21When Jamarian got back, Gianna was with him.
00:30:25Jamarian marched straight into the bedroom and started packing, making as much noise as humanly possible.
00:30:33Giana lingered in the entryway, looking completely disgusted.
00:30:39You've worked for years, and this tiny place is all you can afford, Deb.
00:30:44Maybe you just aren't working hard enough.
00:30:47Jamarian told me today you wanted a new werebeast.
00:30:51You really take him for granted.
00:30:53If I had a werebeast like him, I'd give up absolutely anything to provide for him.
00:31:00She smoothed her skirt smugly.
00:31:03I'd never kick him out.
00:31:07Inferior people have trash taste.
00:31:10Jamarian scoffed from the other room.
00:31:13She brings home a cheap mutt, and now the whole apartment stinks.
00:31:17I only had to put up with this for two more days, so getting into it with them was pointless.
00:31:24Keeping my head down, I went back to brushing Marcus's tail.
00:31:32The staff over at werebeast exchange hadn't bothered to groom him since no one wanted to buy him.
00:31:38I made sure to brush him out thoroughly, knowing how painful matted fur could be.
00:31:45Jamarian and Giania kept lobbing insults back and forth, tearing me down.
00:31:54Actually, foxes are the ones that stink.
00:31:57Marcus chimed in out of nowhere.
00:32:01Jameritan streamed out of the bedroom, livid.
00:32:04What did you just say?!
00:32:08Marcus stepped in front of me.
00:32:10I said you're a stinking fox.
00:32:12You flirt with other people when you already have an owner.
00:32:15He bared his teeth.
00:32:16You have zero loyalty and zero morals.
00:32:22I stared at him, stunned.
00:32:24I can say it ten times if you want.
00:32:27For a guy who was supposed to be timid, he had a very sharp tongue.
00:32:32Was he defending me?
00:32:38A quiet warmth spread through my chest.
00:32:42When I looked up at him, he just blinked innocently and shrunk against my side.
00:32:47Gianna scoffed loudly.
00:32:49Since you obviously can't stand Jamanalik at Deborah,
00:32:52I assume you won't mind if he crashes at my place?
00:32:55I don't mind at all.
00:32:56I nodded.
00:32:58Jamerian dropped the pile of clothes he was holding.
00:33:02You've wanted to get rid of me this entire time, haven't you, Deborah?
00:33:07I looked down at his feet.
00:33:08He was standing on a $150 shirt.
00:33:11While I was sitting there in a cheap sweatshirt I'd bought at a $3 for $30 sale.
00:33:17I let out a sigh.
00:33:20Jamanian, aren't you the one who wanted to leave?
00:33:24His jaw clenched.
00:33:25Jamekin shot me a glares.
00:33:27Exactly.
00:33:29I want to leave you.
00:33:30It's not the other way around.
00:33:32I don't want to spend another minute in this dump.
00:33:37He turned away.
00:33:39Giana chimed in, quick to pascave him.
00:33:45Don't worry, Jameritan.
00:33:48Come home with me.
00:33:50I'll give you everything you could ever want.
00:33:54But Jamarian didn't answer her.
00:33:57The only sound in the room was his tail thumping a steady rhythm against the floor.
00:34:10After a long, tense pause, he took a few steps forward.
00:34:15He stopped short and looked back at me.
00:34:17I kept my eyes glued to the floor, pretending not to notice.
00:34:26Jamarian?
00:34:26Jamarian?
00:34:30Giana's smile vanished.
00:34:32When Jamarian finally moved, it was to ush Giana toward the door.
00:34:37I really don't want to be here.
00:34:40But where a beast exchange assigned me to Deborah's house.
00:34:44I shouldn't break the rules.
00:34:47You can find me at the hall once I'm officially listed for sale, Giana.
00:34:51He shut the front door firmly, cutting off her frustrated protests.
00:34:55Marcus watched Jamarian stand motionless by the door, then leaned in close.
00:35:01Let's go back to the bedroom, Deb.
00:35:03It's getting late.
00:35:05We should go to sleep.
00:35:07His warm brushed my skin, bringing a sudden hot flush flush to my face.
00:35:12It was a totally ordinary suggestion.
00:35:14But something about the way he said it made me acutely self-conscious.
00:35:19Jamarian whipped around.
00:35:21You two are sleeping in the same bed?
00:35:27Jamarian whipped around.
00:35:29Marcus drept an arm over my shoulders, pulling me flush against his chest.
00:35:34He gave Jamarian a wide-eyed, innocent look.
00:35:38Of course we are.
00:35:40Isn't it normal to sleep next to my owner?
00:35:44Not that it's any of your business anyway.
00:35:47You're just Deb's ex now.
00:35:50I smoothed out the new blankets.
00:35:52I told him.
00:35:58I'm sorry, as soon as Jamarian leaves, I'll clear out the other room for you.
00:36:02At least it's warm out right now, so the floor shouldn't be too bad.
00:36:06Plus, you're a werewolf, so I figured...
00:36:10I padded the mattress.
00:36:11I turned around and stopped short.
00:36:17Marcus was hovering by the door, wringing his hands.
00:36:21His ears were pinned back, drooping heavily.
00:36:24I asked,
00:36:25Hey, what's wrong?
00:36:26Do you not want the floor?
00:36:28You can take the bed, it's fine.
00:36:29I'll take the floor.
00:36:31Now his tail was tucked, too.
00:36:34Tears welled in his eyes.
00:36:35Did I do something wrong?
00:36:37I stared at him, completely lost.
00:36:39No, of course not.
00:36:40Ma, you've been totally fine.
00:36:44Werewolves were massive, and when Marcus dropped heavily to his knees,
00:36:47the tiny room suddenly felt suffocatingly small.
00:36:55Bathed in the warm yellow glow of the lamp,
00:36:58his rugged face just looked incredibly pitiful.
00:37:04Marcus shuffled forward on his knees and wrapped his thick arms around my legs,
00:37:08tears spilling down his cheeks.
00:37:10No.
00:37:15Deb, whatever I messed up, I'll fix it.
00:37:18Please don't make me sleep alone.
00:37:20I swear.
00:37:21They taught me how to serve humans at Wellbeast Exchange.
00:37:25Heat flooded my cheeks as it finally clicked.
00:37:28Was he crying because I was making him sleep in a separate bed?
00:37:33Without thinking, I reached down and wiped a tear away with my thumb.
00:37:39Marcus practically melted into my touch,
00:37:42nuzzling his rough cheek against my palm.
00:37:46Can I?
00:37:47He was a terrifying apex predator.
00:37:50But here he was, crying in completely genuine distress.
00:37:55We just met.
00:37:56I just...
00:37:58I didn't think you'd even want to.
00:38:02Germanion definitely hadn't.
00:38:04He'd made it perfectly clear he'd rather drop dead than touch some inferior human.
00:38:10Marcus pressed hot, wet kisses into the center of my hand.
00:38:15I want to.
00:38:17Deb, I want to give you a child.
00:38:20I want to stay right by your side and protect you both for the rest of my life.
00:38:24I'm just an unwanted, inferior wolf.
00:38:27You're the only person who's actually wanted me.
00:38:29He pressed his forehead to my knees.
00:38:31I really like you.
00:38:33I'm nothing like that fox out there.
00:38:35I am entirely devoted to you.
00:38:36My knees gave out, and I sat down heavily on the edge of the mattress.
00:38:41Marcus's fever-hot hands settled onto my calves.
00:38:45Still crying, he pushed himself up,
00:38:49resting one knee on the bed beside me.
00:38:53He pulled his shirt over his head.
00:38:55Marcus's chest was corded with firm, sculpt muscle.
00:39:04I'm not alone.
00:39:05Please take pity on me.
00:39:06Just give me a chance.
00:39:08My brain just stopped working.
00:39:10Hanging onto my last shred of sanity, I slowly nodded.
00:39:26I woke up in a hazy fog to the sound of rain lashing against the window.
00:39:31No wonder the room felt so suffocatingly hot and humid.
00:39:35I reached out to switch off the bedside lamp, but Marcus pulled me back.
00:39:39I rasped, my throat dry.
00:39:42Someone's knocking.
00:39:44There's someone out there.
00:39:48Stop.
00:39:54The wet kisses trailing down my neck paused, only to hover over my lips.
00:40:00Are you still thinking about him?
00:40:03You like him better, don't you?
00:40:05I felt totally trapped.
00:40:06I don't.
00:40:07I like you.
00:40:09I like you, okay?
00:40:11The second the words left my mouth, the incessant knocking stopped.
00:40:15Looking entirely satisfied, Marcus finally reached over and flicked off the light.
00:40:21The next morning, my entire body ached as I threw on my clothes.
00:40:27I muttered under my breath.
00:40:29Marcus had been way too huffed.
00:40:31Marcus came up behind me, pressing his heavy chest against my back.
00:40:38Deb, you smell so good.
00:40:41No, wait.
00:40:43You smell sweet.
00:40:45Can we sleep together again tonight?
00:40:48Knock it off.
00:40:49I can barely walk as it.
00:40:54The words died in my throat.
00:40:56Jameritan was out there.
00:40:58His eyes were totally dark with fury.
00:41:01Gripping the room and leather armrest of the chair so hard the material was buckling.
00:41:07The sheer intensity of his glare sent an icy chill straight down my spine.
00:41:12Jamerian ground out his face too.
00:41:15Debra, do you have absolutely no shame?
00:41:19Before I could even open my mouth, Marcus's hand clamped possessively onto my waist.
00:41:26His posture went still, instantly hostile.
00:41:31Fox, if you say one more insulting thing to Deb...
00:41:35He growled.
00:41:35I'll bite your neck and snap it.
00:41:38Jamerian's pupils blew out into razor-thin slits.
00:41:41His canons bared.
00:41:42Try it.
00:41:44I'd love to strangle you right now.
00:41:46The air in the tiny room grew thick, heavy with the suffocating tension of two werebeasts
00:41:51gearing up for a territorial bloodbath.
00:41:53I reached back, lacing my fingers firmly through Marcus's.
00:41:56There's no point in fighting with someone who doesn't matter.
00:42:00He's leaving soon anyway.
00:42:02Marcus's whole demeanor flipped on a dime.
00:42:05All that lethal aggression evaporated.
00:42:08He turned to me, his eyes wide and pitiful,
00:42:11his bottom lip poking out in a soft pout.
00:42:14He's so mean, Deb.
00:42:15He scared me.
00:42:20I rubbed Marcus's ears.
00:42:22They were incredibly soft.
00:42:24That's just how he is.
00:42:25Just ignore him.
00:42:27I told him.
00:42:32Come on.
00:42:36Let's go buy you some pajamas.
00:42:38At once, the stiff tension finally drained from Jamerican's humped shoulders,
00:42:42leaving him swaying slightly on his feet.
00:42:45Then, he moved, planting himself squarely in front of the door.
00:42:55He grabbed my arm.
00:42:57At Debra, don't choose him.
00:42:58I thought you liked me.
00:43:00Whatever he can do for you, I can do too.
00:43:02Just send him back.
00:43:04Send him back right now,
00:43:05and I swear I'll pretend none of this ever happened.
00:43:08Behind me, I felt Marcus instantly tense up.
00:43:10I stayed quiet for a moment,
00:43:12letting the silence hang with changing the subject.
00:43:15You know, I grew up in an orphanage.
00:43:20Jamerian frowned,
00:43:21clearly thrown off.
00:43:24So?
00:43:25Because of that, I said,
00:43:27letting my mind drift back.
00:43:29I'm really good at reading people.
00:43:31When you first got here,
00:43:32I could tell you were genuinely happy.
00:43:34But eventually,
00:43:35I watched your mood sour into irritation,
00:43:37and then disgust.
00:43:38I took a breath.
00:43:41I tried so hard to please you.
00:43:46I put in so much effort,
00:43:48but you just continually resented me.
00:43:50You thought I was beneath you,
00:43:52that I was unworthy of you,
00:43:54and those feelings were real.
00:43:56That's exactly why I decided
00:43:58to transfer answer your ownership.
00:44:01I expected you to be happy and relieved right now.
00:44:05Instead, you're acting jealous and angry.
00:44:08Want to tell me why that is, Jamerian?
00:44:11I looked him dead in the eye.
00:44:14Outside, clouds swallowed the sun,
00:44:17plunging the room into dim gray.
00:44:20His fingertips had turned a pale, sickly blue,
00:44:23probably from the chill in the air.
00:44:25For a long time,
00:44:27he didn't say a word.
00:44:30Deciding this was a waste of time,
00:44:32I grabbed Marcus's hand
00:44:33and moved to brush past him.
00:44:36But Jamerian caught my free hand.
00:44:39I turned back.
00:44:40For the first time since I'd known him,
00:44:43his perfectly composed mask cracked.
00:44:45It revealed raw, genuine distress.
00:44:47He finally whispered,
00:44:50Debra,
00:44:51if I tell you right now that I really like you,
00:44:54is it too late?
00:45:00The whole situation was completely absurd.
00:45:04I was so stunned,
00:45:05it took me a second to process what was happening.
00:45:09By the time I snapped back to reality,
00:45:12Marcus was already beating the living hell out of him.
00:45:16Stop!
00:45:18I grabbed Marcus,
00:45:19hauling him back.
00:45:20Stop hitting him!
00:45:22If he dies,
00:45:23you're going to prison!
00:45:25Piece of trash!
00:45:28You piece of trash.
00:45:30Marcus stumbled back,
00:45:32his chest heaving,
00:45:33his knuckles coated in blood.
00:45:40You have no right to confess your feelings to someone else's owner!
00:45:44You're trying to steal her!
00:45:46I'll beat you into the ground every time I see you!
00:45:50Jameritan struggled to prop himself up on his elbows,
00:45:53wiping his bleeding mouth with the back of his hand.
00:45:59Technically,
00:46:00I was here first.
00:46:03You're the one interfering in our relationship.
00:46:06Marcus let me bow a furious yell
00:46:08and kicked him hard in the ribs.
00:46:14Jamalind went completely still.
00:46:22Panic spiked in my chest,
00:46:24and I hurried over to check on him.
00:46:27Jamalind grinned his teeth through the pain,
00:46:30gazing up at me with obvious,
00:46:32desperate hope.
00:46:34You still care about me, don't you?
00:46:39Seeing that his injuries weren't life-threatening,
00:46:41I let it out a heavy breath of relief.
00:46:44I was just worried that if you died,
00:46:46it would ruin Marcus's life.
00:46:50I don't need a hospital.
00:46:54Deb, you heard me.
00:46:56Right?
00:46:57I really like you.
00:46:59Jerrion grabbed my wrist,
00:47:01his voice breaking as he pleaded.
00:47:04You said you wanted to form a bond with me.
00:47:09You wanted us to pick out matching rings.
00:47:12He tried to sit up.
00:47:15Can we go do that right now?
00:47:18I said,
00:47:20calmly prying his fingers off my wrist.
00:47:24Jerrion,
00:47:26Giana already promised she's going to buy you,
00:47:29so you aren't going to be sent back to work in the red light district.
00:47:35You don't have to force yourself to be with me just because you're scared.
00:47:39Stop pretending to like me.
00:47:48No, no.
00:47:49Jamalyn insisted,
00:47:51shrinking back into a smiss-smissive posture.
00:47:54I really do like you.
00:47:57I'm not pretending, I swear.
00:47:59He reached for my hand.
00:48:01I've liked you since the very first day we met.
00:48:04You're kind,
00:48:06and you're hardworking.
00:48:08It's impossible for me not to have feelings for you.
00:48:12As I listened to his desperate, broken assurances,
00:48:16my first and only reaction was pure amusement.
00:48:19How on earth could his past behavior pass for affection?
00:48:23I tilted my head, genuinely curious.
00:48:26So, your way of showing affection is calling me disgusting and dirty?
00:48:31Telling me to get out?
00:48:33Causing me physical and emotional pain?
00:48:36And then having the nerve to say I brought it all on myself?
00:48:39All the remaining color completely drained with Jamaritan's face as I questioned him.
00:48:44If that's the case, Jamarion, then I don't want your affection.
00:48:48Besides, I honestly don't believe you actually like me at all.
00:48:52Stop lying to yourself.
00:48:55Certain he wasn't going to die from his injuries, I stood up.
00:48:59I grabbed Marcus' hand and let him out the front door.
00:49:04I took Marcus straight to the hospital.
00:49:06We ended up with the same nurse as last time,
00:49:09and she eyed him with obvious disgust.
00:49:14Is this your werebeast?
00:49:15The one who let you get banged up three times last month without ever showing his face,
00:49:20but makes you drag him in the second he's the one injured?
00:49:23I shifted uncomfortably, quick to clear the air.
00:49:26No, this is my new werebeast.
00:49:28The nurse flushed and immediately apologized to him.
00:49:31I'm so sorry.
00:49:34When my blood sugar dropped last, last time,
00:49:36Deb broke my fall so I wouldn't get hurt.
00:49:39She's a genuinely good person.
00:49:40I thought you were the werebeast mistreating her.
00:49:44Marcus looked right at me, his expression unreadable.
00:49:52Deb, he said, his voice quiet.
00:49:55I am so sorry for what you went through.
00:49:59I'd always been good at just taking what life handed me.
00:50:02Whenever Jamardial treated me like garbage,
00:50:05I can convince myself I simply wasn't good enough for him,
00:50:08bending over backward to try and please him.
00:50:11It hurt, sure,
00:50:12but I used his anger as fuel to push myself and grow stronger.
00:50:17I honestly thought I was numb to it all by now.
00:50:20The contempt from strangers,
00:50:22the abuse from the people closest to me.
00:50:24But then Marcus said he felt sorry for me.
00:50:27He actually cared about my injuries and all the hard work I'd put in.
00:50:31He had told me he liked me more than anyone else.
00:50:34He truly saw me for who I was.
00:50:36Out of nowhere,
00:50:38a massive wave of grief washed over me,
00:50:40and the tears just started falling.
00:50:43I looked up,
00:50:45gently pushing his face so he was looking straight ahead.
00:50:52Just focus on getting patched up.
00:50:54It hit me then that bad situation really do get better eventually.
00:50:59I didn't have any family,
00:51:00and I'd wound up with Jamarian,
00:51:02a guy who never loved me.
00:51:04But all of that hell was just something I had to survive
00:51:07before finally meeting Marcus.
00:51:11Over the next few weeks,
00:51:13Marcus and I acted like Jamarian didn't even exist.
00:51:16Marcus went out and found a job.
00:51:18I'm an able-bodied man.
00:51:20I can't let you shoulder the burden providing for us all on your own.
00:51:23If we both work,
00:51:25our living situation will get better.
00:51:27That was a total revelation to me.
00:51:29Two people could actually share the heavy lifting of life together.
00:51:34Meanwhile,
00:51:36Jamarian stubbornly camped out on the couch day in and day out,
00:51:40just watching us come and go.
00:51:42The night before we moved out,
00:51:43he cornered me by the apartment gate.
00:51:47I wait at home for you every single day,
00:51:50but you never even look at me.
00:51:52Deb,
00:51:53I know I messed up.
00:51:55Everyone makes mistakes.
00:51:57Why can't you forgive me just this once?
00:51:59I shook my head.
00:52:02I don't blame you.
00:52:04I get it.
00:52:05You're an elite werebeast,
00:52:06and I'm a lower-class human.
00:52:09Buying your contract was pure luck on my part.
00:52:13I completely understand why you were so miserable with me and the life we had.
00:52:20A spark of hope lit up his eyes.
00:52:26So you forgive me?
00:52:28I swear I'll treat you right this time.
00:52:31Tomorrow,
00:52:32we can go together and return that low-grade mutt.
00:52:35I stepped back.
00:52:36No.
00:52:37Marcus is staying.
00:52:39You're just confusing your feelings because you're terrified of being sent to the red light district.
00:52:44Once the contract exchange goes through,
00:52:47your life will go back to normal.
00:52:50No!
00:52:51No!
00:52:52I'm not confused!
00:52:54Deb,
00:52:55how can I make you believe me?
00:52:58I really do like you!
00:53:01Watching him stand there crying and begging,
00:53:04I remembered how desperately I used to crave his love.
00:53:08Seeing it from the outside now,
00:53:10I realized just how pathetic that behavior looked.
00:53:13No wonder Jemarion had always found me so repulsive.
00:53:19Jemarion sank to the pavement,
00:53:21burying his face in his hands.
00:53:24Jemarion's words caught between sobs.
00:53:28I realized a long time ago that I actually had feelings for you,
00:53:33but I just couldn't accept that you were a lower-class human.
00:53:38My pride made me lash out and say things I didn't mean.
00:53:47I thought that by treating you terribly,
00:53:50I was proving I hadn't stooped to your level by being with you.
00:53:56He wiped his face.
00:53:58I got a sick sense of satisfaction out of insulting you
00:54:02and watching you bend over backward to prove your love.
00:54:06It gave me the upper hand in our relationship
00:54:08and made me feel like the admired, elite were-beef I was supposed to be.
00:54:13But I forgot how flawed and unwanted I actually am.
00:54:18Your love was the only thing that ever gave me value.
00:54:21The tears slipped through his fingers,
00:54:23leaving small, dark spots on the concrete.
00:54:28I finally understood his twisted logic.
00:54:32I finally understood his twisted logic.
00:54:35He simply couldn't-couldn't stomach the fact
00:54:38that he liked a lower-class human.
00:54:41He'd used my blind devotion to convince himself
00:54:44he was merely re-putting up with me.
00:54:46Staring down at him, my stomach lurched.
00:54:49I physically gag, overwhelmed by pure disgust.
00:54:52Jamalian panicked, reaching out to soothe me.
00:54:55What's wrong?
00:54:55He asked.
00:54:57I wiped my mouth and shoved his hand away.
00:55:00Jamelian, we're done.
00:55:03Sheila arrived with a radiant smile.
00:55:06Deb, Marcus is really obedient, isn't he?
00:55:09Marcus hurried to speak.
00:55:12Of course I'm obedient, right Deb?
00:55:14I couldn't help but laugh.
00:55:16Yeah, most of the time.
00:55:18Marcus muttered,
00:55:20Nonsense.
00:55:21I've been obedient all the time.
00:55:24Seeing the tall, brew-ware-be-stack like this
00:55:27was inexplicably adorable.
00:55:30Sheila asked me to sign the confirmation agreement.
00:55:33As I picked up the pen,
00:55:34I suddenly remembered the day I bought Jamerian.
00:55:37We sat together.
00:55:38His nose tip was red.
00:55:40Tears and joy mingled together.
00:55:42Because he was so cute,
00:55:44I couldn't help but glance at him a few times.
00:55:47He looked a bit flustered.
00:55:49Sorry, I'll pay more attention to my appearance in the Empire.
00:55:54I couldn't help but laugh.
00:55:56You look pretty good right now.
00:55:58Jamerian laughed along with me.
00:56:01What's good about it?
00:56:03That was one of the rare times I saw him smile.
00:56:06I could recall the curve of his smiling lips,
00:56:08with the left canine on tooth slightly longer.
00:56:12I shook my head,
00:56:14trying to shake off the memory of Jamerian.
00:56:18No matter what,
00:56:19he was no longer that person.
00:56:23Jamerian lay in the room,
00:56:25staring blankly at the ceiling.
00:56:26Sheila finished reading the announcement.
00:56:30Jamerian gave a self-replicating smile.
00:56:36I used to think this bed was really uncomfortable.
00:56:39Only today did I realize it's actually quite comfortable.
00:56:43He sat up and followed at Sheila outside.
00:56:46He walked very slowly,
00:56:48but until he left,
00:56:50neither Marcus nor I looked at him again.
00:56:54Holding scissors,
00:56:55I was eager to try them on Marcus.
00:56:58I watched a video where the owner
00:57:00trimmed their werebeast ear fur
00:57:01into perfect round shapes.
00:57:04It looked so pretty.
00:57:06Let me try.
00:57:08But let's agree first.
00:57:09If I mess it up,
00:57:11you can't get mad.
00:57:13Marcus obediently lowered his head,
00:57:15his ears soft like two clouds.
00:57:18As long as you cut it,
00:57:19I like it all.
00:57:22The front door closed.
00:57:25Jumanon had left.
00:57:28A long time later,
00:57:30I heard from Aunt Sheila
00:57:31that Gianna had not bought Jamerian.
00:57:34She knew Jamerian couldn't have children,
00:57:36and she threw a huge tantra
00:57:38at the werebeast exchange.
00:57:41She said Jamerian wasted her time.
00:57:44He was clearly defective,
00:57:46yet acted so arrogant.
00:57:47I hadn't expected Giana
00:57:49to be unaware of Jamerian's problem.
00:57:52So what about Jameritan?
00:57:54Was he sold to the red light district?
00:57:56He got sick.
00:57:57Depression.
00:57:58He couldn't even talk to people.
00:58:00The manager could only apply to scrape him.
00:58:03She paused on the phone.
00:58:05Now he works at an orphanage.
00:58:06Being around those children,
00:58:08he actually feels calmer.
00:58:11After hang up the phone,
00:58:12I stood there in a daze
00:58:13for quite a while.
00:58:15Marcus hugged me from behind.
00:58:17Are you worried about him?
00:58:19If you're really worried,
00:58:20we could buy him back too.
00:58:21I don't mind.
00:58:23He said he didn't mind,
00:58:24but his hands were almost
00:58:26squeezing my waist in half.
00:58:29I turned around and pinched his face.
00:58:32When will you learn
00:58:34not to say one thing
00:58:35and mean another?
00:58:42Marcus was good in every way,
00:58:44but he was always so careful
00:58:46and eager to please me.
00:58:48Whatever I asked,
00:58:49he was willing.
00:58:51I was really afraid that one day,
00:58:53if I did something bad,
00:58:55he would clean up after me.
00:58:57I hoped he could be more at ease
00:58:58and express his true feelings.
00:59:01I pinched him hard,
00:59:03wanted Marcus to learn
00:59:04to refuse my unreasonable actions.
00:59:07But even when his cheeks
00:59:08turned bright red,
00:59:09he didn't react.
00:59:10Instead, his eyes shone
00:59:12as he looked at me.
00:59:14I felt defeated.
00:59:16Why don't you say it hurts?
00:59:18You can refuse me, you know?
00:59:20Marcus shook his head.
00:59:22You only pinch me.
00:59:23You don't pinch anyone else.
00:59:24That means you like me.
00:59:31You like me.
00:59:32I'm happy.
00:59:32I don't feel pain.
00:59:36I felt amused
00:59:37and a little angry.
00:59:38You really are.
00:59:40You really are.
00:59:45I kissed his swollen red face.
00:59:49You're just too adorable.
00:59:50After the kiss,
00:59:52I suddenly noticed
00:59:53the air in the room
00:59:54had become sticky.
00:59:56Mark Horses was clearly restless,
00:59:58his tail wagging non-stop.
01:00:00I wanted to run,
01:00:01but he had already
01:00:02grabbed my ankle.
01:00:04Our child will be even cuter than me.
01:00:07Do you want to try?
01:00:10I don't want to.
01:00:12It was still Dale time.
01:00:14Marcus tilted his head
01:00:15and think for a minute,
01:00:16but still pulled me back.
01:00:19He was very serious.
01:00:21You said I should learn
01:00:22to refuse you.
01:00:23Then I refuse.
01:00:24You don't want.
01:00:29Is that what I meant?
01:00:30I stopped kissing me.
01:00:33Fortunately,
01:00:34I was someone
01:00:35who could reconcile
01:00:35with myself.
01:00:37Maybe this counted
01:00:37as Marcus' first step
01:00:38toward learning
01:00:39how to love normally.
01:00:42Marcus stood in the kitchen,
01:00:44ears permed up,
01:00:46tail swaying gently.
01:00:48Marcus held up
01:00:49a worn photo of me,
01:00:50pressing it to his chest.
01:00:52Sheila gave me this
01:00:53before I came.
01:00:55I held it every night
01:00:56at the arena.
01:00:57I was so scared
01:00:58no one would ever want me.
01:01:02He set the photo down
01:01:03carefully on the shelf,
01:01:04right where he could see it
01:01:06every morning.
01:01:09Then his ears flattened.
01:01:13Jumanian came back
01:01:14again today.
01:01:15He blocked me
01:01:16at the neighborhood entrance
01:01:17when I was five minutes
01:01:18late from work.
01:01:20Marcus' jaw tightened,
01:01:23I don't like him
01:01:24near you, Deb.
01:01:25I really don't.
01:01:31He pulled me close,
01:01:33resting his chin
01:01:34on top of my head.
01:01:35I know he's leaving soon,
01:01:36but until he does,
01:01:38I want you to stay safe.
01:01:41Marcus came home
01:01:43one afternoon,
01:01:44a folded paper in his hand
01:01:45and tears streaming
01:01:46down his face.
01:01:47Deb,
01:01:49I formed a bond
01:01:50with you.
01:01:51It's certified
01:01:52and official.
01:01:53He held up
01:01:54the bond certificate.
01:01:55His hand was trembling.
01:01:57I'm so happy.
01:01:59I looked at the paper,
01:02:00then at his tear-streaked face.
01:02:04Marcus,
01:02:05you're crying again.
01:02:08I can't help it.
01:02:09He dropped to his knees,
01:02:11wrapping his arms
01:02:11around my waist.
01:02:13I'm just so happy.
01:02:16A few months later,
01:02:17Marcus held a tiny bundle
01:02:18in his massive arms,
01:02:20tears rolling down
01:02:21his cheeks again.
01:02:25It's a daughter.
01:02:27She looks just like you,
01:02:28Deb.
01:02:31I touched the baby's
01:02:32small face.
01:02:36Stop crying, Marcus.
01:02:38It's bad for your eyes.
01:02:41He shook his head,
01:02:43pressing his forehead
01:02:44against mine.
01:02:47I can't help it.
01:02:49I'm so happy.
01:02:51I wish you all happiness, too.
01:02:53I can't help it.
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