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Each movie brings exciting characters, surprising plot twists, touching relationships, and powerful stories that keep you watching until the final scene. From billionaire romances to inspiring life journeys, every film offers a unique experience.
Enjoy HD movies with English subtitles and stay tuned for regular uploads of the latest popular drama films.
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AmusantTranscription
00:30Everyone said we were a perfect match
00:31When I entered Blackthorn Palace, I was ready to use the bad reputation my stepmother had given me to stir
00:36things up and make everyone afraid of me
00:38Then a little girl tugged on my sleeve and asked timidly
00:41Are you my mom now? Do I really have a mom?
00:45My throat tightened. She looked so helpless
00:48For a moment I was 8 years old again, standing in my father's house after my mother died and waiting
00:53for someone to want me
00:53No one ever had. To my stepmother, I had been nothing but a burden
00:57Even on the day she finally got rid of me, she put on quite a show
01:00She rode with me in the carriage to the moon temple and even pretended to be on the verge of
01:04tears when we stopped outside
01:06Oh Vera, sweetheart
01:08I'm going to miss you terribly
01:10Not a single tear fell. I smiled at her
01:12You know what, mother? If things don't work out with my mate, I'll come home
01:15Make sure you keep my room exactly as it is
01:17Her face went white. She shoved me toward the temple so quickly that I nearly tripped over my own gown
01:22Hurry go
01:23May the moon goddess bless you darling
01:25Now get inside
01:26My ceremonial gown was blood red silk
01:29I had chosen it myself
01:30If I was going to be mated to a ghost
01:32I could at least look like I wanted this
01:33Because my mate wasn't standing at the altar
01:35Ronan Blackthorn was the alpha king everyone feared
01:38A ruler so powerful that no one dared challenge him
01:40He was in the north, dealing with a territorial conflict that couldn't wait
01:44In his place were a framed portrait, his beta, and a signed proxy mate contract
01:48The guests whispered, some covered their mouths and laughed
01:50Poor thing, her own mate didn't even attend the ceremony
01:53What else could she expect?
01:54She should thank the moon goddess that anyone was willing to take her
01:57I signed my name without hesitation
01:59The beta stamped the document
02:00Someone else slid Ronan's ring onto my finger
02:02There was no kiss
02:03No vow spoken in his own voice
02:05Only ink, paper, and a room full of people waiting for me to fall apart
02:09That was it
02:09I walked back down the red carpet alone, chin high
02:12My heels clicking against the marble floor
02:14Every pair of eyes in the room pitied me
02:16I let them, they could pity me all they wanted
02:18I didn't need a mate
02:19I needed a palace, a kingdom, and two walls that would keep my family out of my life for good
02:24The Blackthorn royal carriage waited outside
02:26A coachman in a black uniform opened the door for me
02:28I climbed in, kicked off my heels, and leaned back against the leather seat
02:32Twenty minutes later, the palace came into view
02:34Iron gates, stone walls, torches flickering in the guards' hands against the knight
02:38No one waited at the entrance
02:39There were no flowers, no welcome banner
02:41Only a cold entrance hall
02:43It smelled like money and neglect
02:44An Omega housekeeper led me upstairs without a word
02:47The master bedroom was cold and untouched
02:49I stood in the center of the room and waited
02:51Then I heard something, a soft knock
02:53So soft I almost missed it
02:55I opened the door
02:56A little girl stood there, about five years old
02:58Enormous brown eyes, and a nightgown two sizes too big
03:01She was shaking
03:02She reached up and caught the edge of my sleeve
03:03Are you my mom now?
03:06Her voice trembled
03:07Do I really have a mom?
03:09You'll love us like a mom, won't you?
03:12It felt as though my chest had been torn open
03:15Twenty years earlier, I'd been just like her
03:17Eight years old, standing in a hallway as my new stepmother entered our home
03:20Silently begging
03:21Please, please be kind to me
03:23She hadn't been
03:24I crouched until we were eye to eye
03:25Yes, little one?
03:27I said
03:27You have a mom now?
03:29Behind her, a boy stood half-hidden in the hallway
03:31He was older, maybe ten
03:32His arms were folded across his chest
03:34His jaw was tight
03:35And his eyes held something I recognized immediately
03:37Distrust
03:38He didn't say a word
03:39Somewhere in that dark palace, I heard a woman's heels come in closer
03:42Those heels belonged to Selene Blackthorne
03:44She appeared at the end of the hallway with the calm confidence of a woman who had controlled the palace
03:49for years
03:49Blonde hair, sharp cheekbones, an elaborate gold-embroidered gown at eleven on a Tuesday night
03:54Ronan's sister-in-law, his late older brother's mate, the woman who had run the palace for years
03:58She sniffed at me, openly disgusted
04:00So
04:01She said
04:01You're the replacement
04:03Behind me, Ivy lowered her wolf ears and pressed closer to my leg
04:06Noah remained motionless in the hallway, his tail held tight against his legs
04:10Selene looked at Ivy, and her smile thinned
04:12Pups, it is long past your bedtime
04:15Neither child moved
04:16Selene's smile tightened
04:17She stepped forward, grabbed Ivy's arm, and pinched her hard
04:20Ivy flinched
04:21Her wolf ears flattened against her head, and her tail tucked tightly between her legs, but she didn't make a
04:25sound
04:25Clearly, she had learned long ago not to cry
04:27I unleashed my alpha aura on Selene
04:29Vera's eyes turned into golden wolf eyes
04:31I didn't touch her
04:32The power of my alpha bloodline alone froze her in place
04:35Don't touch her
04:36Selene jerked her hand back
04:37What do you mean?
04:38She's shy
04:39She's meeting me for the first time, you have no reason to hurt her
04:42Selene's voice remained smooth, but the tips of her fangs were already showing
04:45I didn't hurt her
04:46You're mistaken
04:47She looked down at Ivy
04:48Tell her, darling
04:49Did I hurt you?
04:53Ivy shook her head quickly
04:54Too quickly
04:55I made a mental note of that
04:56It's late
04:57Selene said as she turned away
04:58I still have guests to entertain
04:59The pups can show you around tomorrow
05:01Ask one of the Omega servants if you need anything
05:04She walked away without looking back
05:05I stood in the dark hallway beside two children I had known for less than five minutes
05:09I crouched
05:10Ivy still clung to my sleeve
05:11Noah still hadn't said a word
05:12Let me see your faces
05:13Both of you
05:14Ivy looked up first
05:15Her cheeks were round, but she was far too thin
05:18Dark circles shadowed her eyes
05:19The kind no five-year-old should ever have
05:21Noah took longer
05:22When he finally raised his head
05:24I saw a fading bruise along his jaw
05:25Half hidden by his hair
05:27I touched their faces one at a time
05:28Soft, small, so easy to hurt
05:30Listen to me
05:31I said
05:32Both of you
05:32If anyone in this palace hurts you
05:34Anyone
05:34You tell me
05:35Not tomorrow
05:36Not later
05:37Right away
05:38Do you understand?
05:39Ivy nodded her eyes wet and her lowered wolf ears trembling
05:42Noah stared at me
05:43Waiting for the promise to turn into a lie
05:45I didn't blame him
05:46Every adult wolf in his life had already failed him
05:49By the next morning
05:50I understood the situation
05:51The palace had three wings
05:52Selene controlled the west wing
05:54Agatha, the Blackthorn family's former Luna queen
05:56Lived in the east wing
05:58Ronan's two pups had been shoved into two small rooms in the back
06:01Near the Omega servant's entrance
06:02Selene had a nine-year-old son named Damien
06:04The royal household spoiled him and doted on him
06:07The Omegas worshipped the ground he walked on
06:09Noah and Ivy stayed as far away from him as they could
06:12The Omegas avoided me too
06:13They obeyed Selene
06:14They had obeyed her for years
06:15That night, I found Noah's room
06:17Bare walls
06:18A mattress on the floor
06:19One thin blanket
06:20And this was the most luxurious palace in the Blackthorn kingdom
06:23I opened every closet in that wing
06:25They were all empty
06:26The two pups owned three sets of clothes each
06:28Every piece was too small
06:29Every piece was worn through
06:32I closed the last closet door
06:34And my wolf growled inside me
06:36Everyone has been cruel to them
06:37Just like they were to us
06:38It isn't fair
06:39These abusers deserve to have their throats torn out
06:44Calm down, Elizabeth
06:45We don't know anything yet
06:47Things were about to change in this palace
06:49Every wolf in it would learn my name
06:51I went downstairs at seven
06:53The dining room was all dark wood and crystal
06:55Selene sat at the head of the table in a silk gown
06:58Her hair freshly styled
06:59And diamonds all over her fingers at seven in the damn morning
07:02Agatha sat to her right
07:03Sipping black tea and watching me with sharp wolf eyes
07:05A plate had already been set at my place
07:07I looked down
07:08One slice of bread
07:09Hard
07:09Faintly green around the edges
07:11Selene had eggs
07:12Fruit
07:12And a porcelain dish of caviar
07:14Agatha had eggs
07:15Fruit
07:15Fresh bread
07:16And cheese
07:17I pulled out my chair
07:18Sat down
07:19And stared at the moldy bread
07:20Oh
07:21Selene said without looking up
07:22The kitchen wasn't sure what you liked
07:24So they kept it simple
07:25I hope you don't mind
07:26She smiled
07:27Agatha smiled too
07:28The Omega servants lined up against the wall didn't
07:30They knew exactly what this meant
07:32I picked up the bread
07:32Smelled it
07:33And put it back down
07:34You know what Selene?
07:36You're right
07:36I should eat what this palace provides
07:38I stood
07:39Walked to her end of the table
07:40And picked up the porcelain dish of caviar
07:42She blinked
07:43What are you-
07:44I turned it over and dumped it straight onto her gown
07:46Caviar slid down silk worth 5,000 gold coins
07:49Selene screamed
07:50Agatha's teacup struck its saucer with a sharp clink
07:53The Omega servants flattened themselves against the wall
07:55I leaned close to Selene
07:56Letting my alpha aura come through in my whisper
07:59Let me make this clear
08:00If I eat garbage in this palace
08:01You'll eat worse
08:02If my pups go hungry
08:04So will your son
08:05And if you ever, ever try something like this again
08:08I'll make your life so miserable that you'll be on your knees begging Ronan to throw you out on the
08:12street
08:16Selene opened her mouth
08:17But no sound came out
08:18I straightened
08:19Smoothed my hair
08:19And turned toward the Omega servants from the kitchen
08:22Make breakfast again for everyone
08:25From now on
08:26The pups eat first
08:28No one in this palace touches any food before they do
08:31Is that clear?
08:31No one answered.
08:32I gave a cold laugh and released my alpha aura.
08:34It struck the line of Omega servants.
08:37Their knees slammed into the floor.
08:39I repeated each word slowly.
08:40Is that clear?
08:44Yes, your majesty.
08:45Three voices answered at once.
08:46I returned to my seat, sat down, and folded my hands in my lap.
08:49Agatha stared at me in shock and fury.
08:51Selene sat there covered in caviar.
08:53Neither woman said another word.
08:55Twenty minutes later, fresh plates arrived.
08:57Eggs, toast, fruit, and juice.
08:59Noah and Ivy were served first.
09:00The two pups ate with their wolf ears lowered,
09:02glancing at me every few seconds as if they were afraid someone would take the food away.
09:06My heart melted as I watched them.
09:08No one would take it away again.
09:10Ever.
09:10After breakfast, I returned to my room and sat on the edge of the bed for a minute.
09:13Then I started making plans.
09:15Selene thought that morning was the worst I could do.
09:17She thought I had made my point and would now settle down,
09:20follow the rules, and learn my place.
09:21She had no idea.
09:23Because that night, I heard something through Noah's door that changed this fight completely.
09:27I couldn't sleep that night.
09:28The palace kept me awake.
09:29Out of the windows, the wooden beams creaked overhead.
09:32At two in the morning, I got up for water and walked barefoot down the hall.
09:36Noah's room was at the far end.
09:37I almost passed it.
09:38Then I heard crying.
09:39Quiet, smothered crying.
09:40The kind a child tries to keep quiet because he knows he'll be punished if he cries too
09:44loudly.
09:44I stopped.
09:45Then came a second voice.
09:47A boy who sounded older.
09:48His voice alone.
09:49Shut up.
09:50Shut up.
09:51Do you want me to tell my mom?
09:52She'll lock you in the basement again.
09:56My hand found the doorknob.
09:58I didn't knock.
09:58I pushed the door open and saw everything at once.
10:00Selene's nine-year-old son, Damien, was sitting on Noah's chest.
10:03One hand pinned Noah's wrist to the mattress.
10:05The other held a thin, lit candle just inches from Noah's eyes.
10:08Noah didn't fight back.
10:09He lay there with his wolf ears flattened, tears running into his hair.
10:12His teeth clenched tight.
10:13He didn't fight because someone had taught him that resisting only made things worse.
10:16Damien looked at me.
10:17He seemed annoyed, not afraid.
10:18Get out.
10:19This is none of your business.
10:21A soft whimper escaped Noah's throat.
10:22He sounded so hurt, so desperate to hold back his fear.
10:24His whimpers kept pounding in my ears.
10:26As a child, I'd cry like that too, clenching my teeth and holding back every plea for help,
10:30afraid I'd be punished again.
10:31Something inside me snapped.
10:32The next second, I shifted into my wolf form and run, knocking Damien off Noah.
10:35I stood over a little man to shield him, baring my hands and snarling at Damien.
10:39I lifted a front paw, about to move toward him, when a small arm suddenly wrapped around
10:42my neck.
10:43Mom, don't go after him.
10:45Aunt Selyria will punish you.
10:47That one word, Mom, pulled me back from my rage.
10:49I stopped baring my fangs and shifted back into human form, my eyes burning with tears.
10:53Noah was still so young.
10:54He had been afraid for long enough.
10:55I couldn't let him see his mother as dangerous and out of control.
10:58I stood and grabbed the back of Damien's collar.
11:00He shook under my alpha aura.
11:02Let me go!
11:03My mom will kill you!
11:04I dragged him to the balcony door, opened it, and threw him onto the second floor terrace.
11:08He landed on a cushioned bench.
11:09He wasn't hurt, only terrified.
11:10I locked the balcony door.
11:12He pounded on the glass.
11:14Let me in!
11:15I'm telling my mom!
11:16Go ahead.
11:17I said through the glass.
11:18Give him my regards.
11:19I turned back to Noah.
11:21He had sat up.
11:22His wolf ears and tail were both trembling.
11:23He wiped his face quickly, trying to hide the tears before I could mention them.
11:26I sat on the edge of his bed.
11:27How long?
11:28I asked.
11:29He didn't answer.
11:30Noah.
11:31How long has he been doing this?
11:33His voice broke.
11:34Since I was seven.
11:39Three years.
11:40No one had stopped it for three years.
11:41Why didn't you fight back?
11:42He lowered his head.
11:44Aunt Celelia said if I ever hurt Damien, she'd tell my dad I was violent.
11:47She said he'd send me away and I'd never see Ivy again.
11:50My wolf growled inside me.
11:52That woman had used Ivy to control him.
11:54I leaned closer.
11:55Noah.
11:55Look at me.
11:56He did.
11:57A Blackthorn wolf can die fighting, but he doesn't lie on his back and let anyone hurt him.
12:02Do you understand?
12:04He blinked.
12:05If Damien touches you again, break his hand.
12:07I don't care how loudly Celia screams or whether Agatha faints.
12:09Break it, then come find me.
12:11I'll handle the rest.
12:12But.
12:12No buts.
12:14You are not a punching bag.
12:15You are Ronan Blackthorn's son.
12:17The only person in this palace who gets to decide your future is you.
12:21Not Celelia.
12:22Not her little bastard.
12:23You.
12:23He watched me for a long time.
12:25Then he nodded slowly.
12:25His lowered wolf ears twitching.
12:27I pulled the blanket over him.
12:29Sleep?
12:29I'll be right outside.
12:31For the next hour, I stood in the hallway with my arms folded and my back against the
12:34wall.
12:35After a while, Damien stopped pounding on the balcony door.
12:38He curled up on the cushioned bench and fell asleep.
12:40Good.
12:40Let him learn what fear felt like for one night.
12:43By morning, Celine was pounding on my bedroom door.
12:45What did you do to my son?
12:49What did you do to my son?
12:51He was outside all night.
12:52He could have died.
12:53I opened the door in my robe, holding a cup of hot tea.
12:57Your son burned mine with a candle.
12:58Be grateful I only put him out on the balcony.
13:01Her face went white, then red.
13:02If you ever touch my pup again!
13:04If your pup ever touches mine again, the balcony will be the least of his problems.
13:12She bared her thumbs.
13:14I shut the door in her face.
13:15Behind me, I heard a sound I had never heard in that palace.
13:19Noah was laughing.
13:21Celine couldn't beat me on her own, so she went to Agatha.
13:26Two days later, Agatha summoned me to the royal prayer room.
13:29It was a small room beside the east wing, with dark wood, stained glass, and candles lit
13:33in memory of the men of the Blackthorn royal family.
13:36Above the altar hung an emblem of the moon goddess as large as a small child.
13:40Agatha sat in the first pew with both hands resting on her cane.
13:43Celine stood behind her.
13:44Sit.
13:45I remained standing.
13:46Her wolf eyes narrowed.
13:47A mate has duties in this royal family.
13:50Ronan is out there protecting all of us.
13:52The least you can do is pray for his safe return.
13:56Pray, I repeated.
13:58Every morning, five o'clock, on your knees in this room for one hour.
14:02It is tradition.
14:02I looked at Celine.
14:03She had a small, smug smile.
14:05This wasn't tradition.
14:06It was punishment.
14:08And if I refuse, Agatha growled.
14:11Then you are unworthy of the Blackthroat name.
14:14I will write to Ronan myself and tell him his new mate refuses to honor the moon goddess or this
14:20family.
14:20He will deal with you according to our rules.
14:23I waited.
14:23I'd come in wearing a silk robe, carrying a bottle of liquor from Ronan's study.
14:28I sat on the nearest pew and opened the bottle.
14:30I took a long drink.
14:32Agatha's face turned purple.
14:35If the moon goddessy were actually any help, Ronan wouldn't have to fight to defend his territory.
14:40And you wouldn't need me on my knees, in here begging for a miracle.
14:45How dare you!
14:47You have no idea what I'm capable of.
14:49I took another drink.
14:52Let me tell you what's going to happen, Agatha.
14:54I will not kneel.
14:55Not at five in the morning.
14:56Not ever.
14:58If you write to Ronan, make sure you also tell him how his pups have been living under your roof.
15:03Thin clothes.
15:05Empty rooms.
15:06Bruises on their bodies.
15:08Agatha went still.
15:09Selene stepped forward.
15:10She's lying!
15:12Am I?
15:13I looked at Selene.
15:14Should I bring no one down here right now?
15:16Have him take off his shirt in front of Agatha?
15:18Let her see the candle burns your son left on him.
15:22Selene's mouth snapped shut.
15:24Agatha tightened her grip on her cane.
15:26I stood and placed the liquor on the altar.
15:28My terms are simple.
15:30I run this palace.
15:31You stay in the East Wing, say your prayers and drink your tea.
15:34No one bothers you.
15:35No one disrespects you.
15:37But you do not give me orders.
15:40You do not help Selelia go after those two children.
15:43And you do not threaten me with Ronan.
15:47And if I refuse?
15:49Agatha asked.
15:49Then when Ronan comes home, I'll give him the evidence.
15:52Every gold coin Selene stole.
15:54Every injury his hub suffered.
15:56Every night you turned a blind eye.
15:58Then we'll see who he gets angry with.
15:59No one spoke.
16:00Agatha looked at me.
16:01I unleashed my alpha aura on her.
16:03Ten seconds.
16:05Twenty.
16:07Then she slowly released a long breath through her nose.
16:09You are a vicious she-wolf.
16:11She said.
16:12I know.
16:12I smiled.
16:14That's why they sent me here to become your grandson's mate.
16:16I left the prayer room without looking back.
16:18Behind me, I heard Selene growl at Agatha.
16:21We can't just let her-
16:22Enough.
16:22Agatha cut in.
16:24I need to think.
16:25Good.
16:25Let her think.
16:26I was already moving on.
16:30That night, I tucked Ivy into bed.
16:31Before I could leave, she caught my hand.
16:33Are you staying?
16:34She whispered, her wolf ears drooping.
16:36They won't make you go away?
16:38I squeezed her fingers.
16:39Little one, I am not leaving this palace unless I'm carried out in a coffin, and I am very
16:44hard to kill.
16:46At the other end of the hallway, Noah's door stood open.
16:48He was sitting in bed, reading.
16:49He looked up as I passed.
16:50He didn't smile, but he nodded.
16:52For Noah, that meant everything.
16:53I nodded back and kept walking.
16:55Before I went after Selene's money, I had to shake up the way things worked in this palace.
16:58At 3.55 in the morning, I stepped onto the terrace under the moonlight.
17:02At 3.58, I shifted into my wolf form and leaped to the highest point of the palace.
17:06At exactly 4.00, I lifted my head and howled.
17:08The howl tore through the night, charged with my alpha aura.
17:12What's happening?
17:14Are we under attack?
17:17My howl rang through the entire palace.
17:19Panicked footsteps filled every hallway.
17:21It was an alarm call.
17:22Get up.
17:22Stay alert.
17:23Assemble immediately.
17:24I shifted back into human form, returned to the main hall, and waited with my arms folded.
17:27Selene appeared first, stumbling downstairs in a silk nightgown with no makeup and her
17:31hair a mess.
17:32Her face was white with pure fear.
17:33What's happening?
17:34Are we under attack?
17:35Agatha came next, clutching the railing.
17:37Her hand shook around her cane.
17:38Two royal guards flanked her.
17:40Fangs bared as they sniffed the air.
17:41Omega servants poured in from every direction.
17:43Omega maids came wrapped in robes.
17:44Cooks were still rubbing their eyes.
17:46The coachman was only half-dressed.
17:47Damien ran in crying and hid behind his mother.
17:49I waited until every last one of them had arrived.
17:51Then I stopped growling.
17:52Everyone stared at me.
17:53Good morning.
17:54I said.
17:54Selene's fear turned to rage in half a second.
17:56What the hell is wrong with you?
17:58This was a drill.
17:59I paced slowly in front of them with my hands behind my back.
18:01The Black Thread Kingdom has real enemies.
18:03There are plenty of people beyond these gates who would love to put a silver arrow through
18:07every one of us.
18:08And what did I just learn?
18:10This palace needs four full minutes to respond.
18:13Four minutes means death.
18:15You're insane!
18:17Selene snapped.
18:17From now on...
18:18I continued.
18:19The moment you hear my warning howl, everyone moves.
18:22No questions.
18:24Move fast.
18:25Agatha slammed her cane against the marble floor.
18:27You have no authority.
18:29I have full authority.
18:31I'm the Lunar Queen of this kingdom.
18:33Since none of you seem to respect that during the day, we'll start practicing at night.
18:37I pointed at the Omega servants.
18:39Kitchen.
18:40Now.
18:40A full breakfast for ten.
18:42You have twenty minutes.
18:43No one moved.
18:43I released my Alpha aura, directing it at the line of Omegas.
18:46They had no idea I was holding back.
18:48I let out a growl that carried through the hall.
18:50Eighteen minutes.
18:51They ran.
18:52Selene stood there, trembling, holding back a growl.
18:54Ronan will hear about this.
18:58Tell him.
19:00Tell him his mate ran a drill at four in the morning and his palace can't even make breakfast
19:04under pressure.
19:05Let's see whether he's angry with me.
19:07Or with you.
19:09She had no answer.
19:10Agatha slowly sat in a hallway chair and laid her cane across her knees.
19:13She didn't speak.
19:14But she understood something now.
19:15She was beginning to understand me.
19:17Breakfast reached the table in nineteen minutes.
19:19Eggs, toast, and hot tea.
19:21Nothing elaborate, but it was hot and on time.
19:23I made everyone sit down, including the Royal Guards, the Omega Maids, Selene, Agatha, and Damien.
19:29Noah and Ivy sat on either side of me.
19:31Noah ate steadily.
19:32For the first time since I had met him, his hands didn't shake.
19:35Ivy leaned against my arm, her wolf ears drooping with sleep and a piece of toast clutched in
19:39one small fist.
19:40When breakfast ended, I stood.
19:41There will be more drills like this.
19:43Random nights, random times, until this palace can handle a crisis.
19:47Until everyone under this roof is worthy of the Black Throne name.
19:51I pulled back my Alpha aura.
19:52Dismissed.
19:53Everyone scattered.
19:54Selene stormed upstairs without a word.
19:55Agatha remained in her chair, watching me.
19:57You are either very brave, she said quietly, or very foolish.
20:02I'm both, I said.
20:03That's what makes me dangerous.
20:04She almost smiled.
20:06Almost.
20:07I took Ivy's hand and led her back to bed, tucked her in, and kissed her forehead.
20:10Scary way to wake everyone up.
20:13Ivy mumbled, already half asleep.
20:15I know, sweetheart.
20:16Go back to sleep.
20:18Are you staying?
20:20Forever.
20:21She curled her tail around herself and fell asleep within seconds.
20:24I sat beside her bed in the dark, still wide awake.
20:26I had been in that palace for three weeks.
20:28I had already broken their routines and their chain of command.
20:30Now it was time to break their hold on the money.
20:33Because the next day, I was going to check Selene's accounts.
20:35Every ledger.
20:36Every expense.
20:37Every gold coin she had stolen from Ronan's pups.
20:39And when I found what I was looking for, and I knew I would,
20:41not even the most desperate cries for help would save her.
20:44I found the records at two in the morning.
20:48After my warning howl that night, the Omega servants were too afraid of me to stand in my way.
20:51Selene's counting room was on the second floor of the West Wing.
20:54She claimed it was used only for household accounts.
20:56I let myself in, shut the door, and pulled every document from every drawer.
21:00It took me three hours to make sense of it all.
21:02Ronan sent gold home every month.
21:04A lot of it.
21:05Enough to let the two pups live in luxury, cover their training fees, and fill their private vaults.
21:10The pups' private vaults were empty.
21:12Every last coin had been withdrawn.
21:13I found gold withdrawal receipts, gambling, IOS, and the name of a recipient I had never seen before.
21:19Eric Voss.
21:19I kept reading.
21:20Selene's expense ledger.
21:2250,000 gold coins at the gambling house in Greyport.
21:2430,000 at the gaming hall in Riverbend.
21:2680,000 paid to Voss in a single month.
21:28Eric Voss was Selene's lover.
21:30He had been using the pups' money to cover his gambling debts.
21:32I leaned back in Selene's chair and stared at the numbers.
21:34Noah didn't have any winter clothes.
21:36Ivy had stiff paper stuffed inside her shoes to cover the holes.
21:39Those two pups were supposed to inherit a royal fortune.
21:41Instead, Selene kept them in old clothes while her lover gambled away their money.
21:45I did not write to Ronan for help.
21:46That was what weak women did.
21:47Run crying to a man far away at a border.
21:49Beg him to fix it, then wait months for justice.
21:50I was not weak.
21:51Before dawn, I had a plan.
21:52I had a servant bring Gabriel Shaw to the palace.
21:54He was a fixer I'd met while I was still living with the Ashfords.
21:57He owed me a favor because I'd had his name taken out of a case at the royal court.
22:00Gabriel, I need every Blacktwin royal asset Selene can access sealed out.
22:04Whose?
22:04Anything connected to Celia Blacktwin, her withdrawal orders, the private vaults in her name,
22:08and the assets of a male named Eric Voss.
22:10He was silent for a moment, then looked up at me.
22:12You're picking a dangerous fight, Vera.
22:13Good.
22:14Can you do it by noon?
22:15Give me until 10.
22:16At 9.45, Gabriel brought back written confirmation.
22:19Every royal vault Selene controlled was sealed.
22:21Her written withdrawal orders had been confiscated.
22:23Voss could no longer collect any gold.
22:24Three hidden vaults holding royal money were sealed, too.
22:27At 10, I walked into Selene's bedroom without knocking.
22:31Selene sat at her vanity, applying lip color.
22:33She saw me in the mirror, and her wolf pupils contracted.
22:36Get out of my room.
22:37I slammed the documents onto her bed.
22:38Ledgers.
22:39Withdrawal receipts.
22:40Gambling I owe us.
22:41Signed by Voss.
22:42Her money.
22:42Ronan's money.
22:43He had gambled with all of it.
22:44She turned slowly.
22:44The color drained from her face.
22:46Where did you...
22:46Three million gold coins.
22:48That's what you stole Noah and Ivy private vaults.
22:50Three million.
22:51Gone.
22:51All to feed your lover's gambling addiction.
22:55You don't understand.
22:56I understand perfectly.
22:57I showed her the written confirmation bearing the royal treasury seal.
23:00Every royal coin you had access to has been locked away.
23:03Your withdrawal orders are void.
23:05Your lover can't take another coin from us.
23:07It's over.
23:08Selene shot to her feet so fast that her chair turned backward.
23:11You can't do that.
23:13I already did.
23:14That money is mine.
23:15I deserve it.
23:16Those little bastards for years while Ronan was gone.
23:20You starved them.
23:21You dressed them in rags.
23:22You let your son use Noah as a punching bag.
23:25I released my alpha aura and pinned her where she stood.
23:28You don't deserve a single copper coin.
23:30You stole their money.
23:32Selene summoned the royal treasury steward to confirm it.
23:35What did...
23:36She turned back to me, trembling under my alpha aura.
23:39Her eye makeup streaked with tears.
23:40I'll tell Ronan.
23:42I'll tell him you're stealing royal money.
23:43Go ahead.
23:45Tell him.
23:46When he asks for proof, I'll show him these.
23:48I tapped the documents on her bed.
23:49Every expense.
23:51Every lie.
23:52Every coin you sent to a man outside the royal family.
23:55Selene opened her mouth and closed it again.
23:57Oh, and one more thing, Selene.
23:58I picked up the velvet box on her nightstand and opened it.
24:01Inside was a diamond necklace worth at least 40,000 gold coins.
24:04This is going to the trade guild for auction today.
24:06I said.
24:06The rest of your jewelry is going with it.
24:07No!
24:08Call it interest.
24:08I tucked the box under my arm.
24:09You owe those two picks three million gold coins.
24:11I'll get it back piece by piece.
24:12Every ring, every bracelet, every pair of earrings you bought with their future.
24:17I walked toward the door.
24:18You're a monster.
24:19She said under her breath.
24:20I stopped and looked back at her.
24:21No, Selene.
24:21I'm their mother.
24:22And now you know what that means.
24:23That afternoon, two people from the trade guild came to collect Selene's jewelry.
24:27She locked herself in her room and screamed for an hour.
24:29No one came to help her.
24:30By evening, Noah had a new winter coat, Ivy had boots that fit, and the first bag of gold from
24:34the trade guild had been placed in the pup's private vault.
24:36It wasn't enough.
24:37Not even close.
24:37But it was a start.
24:38The next wound would come from outside the palace.
24:40Noah would bring it home and the blood on his shirt.
24:42Noah came back from training with blood on his collar and a split lip.
24:44He walked straight past me without a word.
24:46Went to his room and shut the door.
24:47I gave him ten minutes.
24:48Then I pushed his door open and went in.
24:49He was sitting on the edge of his bed, staring at the wall.
24:52His knuckles were scraped, but the blood on his shirt wasn't his.
24:54Someone had hit him in the mouth and he'd fought back.
24:56He'd hit hard, but clumsily, with no technique at all.
24:59Who was it?
24:59I asked.
25:00It doesn't matter.
25:02Noah.
25:03He finally looked at me.
25:04His eyes were wet, his wolf ears were pinned back, and he looked both furious and humiliated.
25:08Cole Whitmore and two of his friends.
25:11Cole was the grandson of one of the kingdom's elders.
25:13Rich, spoiled, and accustomed to getting away with anything.
25:16What did they say?
25:17Noah's hands curled into fists on his knees.
25:19They said dad chose a crazy woman because no normal woman dared be his mate.
25:24They said my real mom killed herself to get away from us.
25:27My wolf growled inside me.
25:29I forced myself to stay calm.
25:31So you threw the first punch?
25:34Yes.
25:34Good.
25:36But you lost.
25:39There were three of them.
25:40I don't care if there are ten.
25:41I crouched in front of him.
25:44You're a blackthroon.
25:47If you're going to fight, you win.
25:50That's all there is to it.
25:51At the other end of the hallway, I heard Selene speaking to Agatha in the sitting room.
25:54She was deliberately loud enough for us to hear.
25:56The boy got beaten up again.
25:59Pathetic.
26:01Weak.
26:02Just like his father at that age.
26:06Noah's ears flattened.
26:07His tail went rigid.
26:08I stood.
26:09Come with me.
26:10Where?
26:11The training yard.
26:12The Royal Training Yard was behind Blackthorn Palace's East Garden.
26:15It had an archery range, a wrestling area, and a corner with mats and sandbags.
26:19I motioned for him to show me his claws.
26:20They were still small, but already sharp enough.
26:22Noah stared at them.
26:23Raise them.
26:23I said.
26:24He did.
26:24His stance was completely wrong.
26:25Claws held rigid, arm too high, wrist locked.
26:27He was making every mistake a beginner could make.
26:29I corrected his stance, straightened his wrist, and drew his elbow in.
26:36Don't go for the throat.
26:37It's protected.
26:39Don't go for the stomach.
26:40That takes strength.
26:41I tapped the inside of his forearm.
26:43Aim here.
26:43And here.
26:44I touched the soft spot behind his knee.
26:46Go for those spots, and you can end a fight in one move.
26:52Fast and clean.
26:53They'll be on the ground before they know what happened.
26:57You want me to hurt people with my claws?
26:59I never want you to lose again.
27:01I stepped back.
27:02Claws are a last resort.
27:04But knowing how to use them changes the way you stand, the way you speak, and the way you
27:10look at someone who thinks they can hurt you.
27:13Confidence isn't a feeling, Noah.
27:15It's a weapon.
27:16I trained him for the next two hours.
27:18I taught him how to stand, move, walk, and strike back fast.
27:21Noah learned quickly, faster than I had expected.
27:23By the end, he stood straighter, moved faster, and looked calmer.
27:26No longer angry.
27:26Focused.
27:29Noah.
27:29I rested a hand on his shoulder.
27:30No one in this world will spare you just because you're kind.
27:34If you want them to stop, make them hurt.
27:37Make it cost them too much to lay a hand on you.
27:39He nodded firmly.
27:40The next day, Noah returned to the pup's training grounds.
27:42Before lunch, the Elder sent someone to ask me to come to the pup's training grounds.
27:45When I arrived, he was waiting outside the infirmary.
27:47Cole was in the infirmary.
27:49Noah had pinned the boy's hand to a wooden post with his claws.
27:51His claw tips had gone straight through Cole's palm without hitting bone.
27:54Cole was screaming.
27:55His friends stood beside him, terrified.
27:57The Elder confronted me.
27:58Your Majesty, this is assault.
28:01I answered.
28:02This is self-defense.
28:03You let three boys beat my son for weeks at your training grounds.
28:06I've documented every bruise.
28:08Would you like me to send those records to the Whitmore family's steward or to the Alpha Council?
28:13The Elder stared at me without answering.
28:17I thought so.
28:19Noah will continue training there.
28:21Cole will transfer elsewhere.
28:22Do you understand?
28:24Yes, Your Majesty.
28:25I said nothing more and walked away.
28:27When Noah came home that afternoon, he stood straighter than I'd ever seen him.
28:29Ivy ran to the door with her tail wagging, caught his hand, and chattered about her day.
28:33He looked at me over her head.
28:34For the first time since I entered that palace, Noah Blackthorne smiled at me.
28:37It was a real smile.
28:38Small, just for me, and one I would remember.
28:40Selene stood at the top of the stairs with her arms crossed, watching.
28:43She did not say a word.
28:44Smart woman.
28:45She was finally learning.
28:46Three months after our mate ceremony, Ronan came home without warning.
28:48No letter.
28:49No warning.
28:49Not even a messenger sent ahead by the warriors in the north.
28:52Four black carriages rolled up the stone drive at seven on a Tuesday evening.
28:55I was in wolf form, running through the forest beside the palace with both pups riding on
28:58my back.
28:59Ivy lay against the back of my neck, her small hands gripping my fur and her wolf ears flattened
29:03by the wind.
29:03Noah sat behind her, steadying his sister with one hand and holding on tightly to me with
29:07the other.
29:07Faster, Mom!
29:09Ivy laughed, kicking her legs.
29:11You need to sit still first!
29:13Noah told her, but he was laughing too, his tail swishing across my back.
29:16I swayed to one side on purpose.
29:17Both pups cried out in surprise, then burst into laughter again.
29:20I pushed off with my hind legs and leapt out of the trees, both little ones on my back,
29:24landing firmly beside the stone drive.
29:29That rabbit was so fast!
29:31You yelled so loud, you scared it!
29:33Noah was the first to spot Ronan beside the carriage.
29:35His wolf ears shot up and he tightened his grip on his sister.
29:37Ivy followed his gaze.
29:38Her little tail stopped wagging.
29:40The laughter cut off.
29:40Seconds earlier, Ronan had just stepped out of his carriage when he heard laughter from
29:44the forest.
29:44It grew closer, mixed with two pups' excited shouts.
29:47He turned toward the sound.
29:48Suddenly, the bushes shook and a she-wolf leaped out with two little ones.
29:51Noah and Ivy.
29:52His daughter lay laughing against the back of the she-wolf's neck.
29:55His son held her steady, smiling too.
29:57Ronan hadn't even had a chance to speak.
29:58They saw him.
29:59Both pups, laughing and playing just a moment earlier.
30:02Suddenly cowered.
30:03Ronan stood beside the carriage with blood still on his shirt.
30:07He was taller and broader than he had looked in his portrait.
30:10His black hair was longer than in the portrait and swept back, and he looked as though he hadn't
30:13slept in weeks.
30:14The sleeves of his black shirt were rolled to his elbows.
30:16Dried blood marked his forearms, his collar, and his jaw.
30:19It wasn't his.
30:20I lowered myself so Noah could help Ivy climb off my back.
30:22Once they were both down, I shifted into human form.
30:24His gaze settled on the pups.
30:26Noah stood straight and strong.
30:27Ivy was healthy and bright-eyed, her cheeks fuller than they had been three months earlier.
30:31Then he looked at Selene.
30:32She hurried out of the palace in a plain black dress, with no diamonds and no makeup,
30:35her face tight with anger.
30:36The two former senior Omega maids followed her with their heads lowered.
30:39Ronan held back a growl.
30:41Then he looked at me.
30:41I stood beside the two pups.
30:43His gaze locked on me.
30:44When our eyes met, the faded mate Bond slammed into my chest.
30:47My breath caught.
30:48My heart raced, pounding so hard my ears hurt.
30:50His cool cedar scent overpowered the smell of blood.
30:53I breathed it in on instinct.
30:54And with every breath, I wanted him more.
30:56Mate, my wolf all but roared inside me.
30:58I wanted to get close, grab him, and bury my face in the crook of his neck.
31:02The unfamiliar urges hit me so hard that my mind went blank.
31:05I nearly ran into his arms in front of everyone.
31:07At the last second, I clenched my fists and forced myself to stay where I was.
31:10Ronan took half a step toward me, then forced himself to stop.
31:12He pressed his dry lips together and swallowed hard.
31:15His fists tightened until his knuckles turned white.
31:17A growl forced its way through his clenched teeth,
31:19and sweat beaded at his temple as though he were struggling with intense pain.
31:22He never looked away.
31:23My gaze followed the movement of his throat as he swallowed,
31:25then dropped to his open collar.
31:27When I realized what I was staring at, I quickly looked up and met his gaze.
31:30He had seen me looking.
31:31Heat rushed to my face.
31:32I swallowed, and his gaze dropped to my lips and stayed there.
31:35He was my faded mate,
31:36but I didn't even know if this man would let me pull away once I got close.
31:41I knew all too well what happened when I put myself in someone else's hands.
31:44My nails dug into my palms.
31:46I slowly steadied myself on my feet and held his gaze without looking away.
31:49I lifted my chin.
31:50Just before I spoke,
31:51Welcome home, darling.
31:52I realized my breathing was still uneven.
31:54You're three months late.
31:56My voice was a little hoarser than I'd expected.
31:58No one spoke.
31:59Ronan stared at me for a long time, his face giving nothing away.
32:02He looked at the pups, then at Selene.
32:04Dad!
32:05Ivy broke the silence.
32:06She ran toward him.
32:07Ivy wrapped her arms around his neck and began speaking in a rush.
32:10Dad, Mom taught me to read hard words.
32:13And Noah can do push-ups now.
32:15And we eat breakfast first every day, and...
32:18Mom?
32:19Ronan repeated.
32:20His gaze found me again.
32:21I did not look away.
32:22Noah didn't run.
32:23He walked over at a steady pace, his back straight,
32:25and lifted his chin to face his father.
32:27Dad.
32:28Ronan looked down at his son.
32:30His expression changed.
32:31He had not expected this.
32:32Noah.
32:34You're taller.
32:35His voice was low and rough.
32:36Three inches.
32:37Noah said.
32:37Mom measured me last week.
32:39No one missed it.
32:40Selene stood rigid beside the palace entrance,
32:42struggling to hold back a growl.
32:45Ronan gently set Ivy down and led us into the palace.
32:48In the dining room, I sat in the large leather chair at the head of the table.
32:51No one had dared touch that seat in years.
32:54Selene followed us in with the two Omega maids and stopped beside the fireplace.
32:57Ronan pulled out the chair beside mine.
32:59He looked at Selene, then at me in his seat.
33:01Someone is going to explain what happened in this palace while I was gone.
33:07Selene rushed forward.
33:09Ronan, thank the moon godness your home.
33:11That woman is insane.
33:13She threatened us, stole my things, and made the pups hate me.
33:19I didn't answer.
33:20I looked at Noah.
33:21For the first time, my son stood up for himself.
33:23Noah looked at me.
33:24Then he faced his father.
33:25For the first time since I had known him, my son stepped forward to tell the truth.
33:29Noah stepped forward.
33:30Selene tried to cut him off.
33:31Ronan, thank the moon goddess your home.
33:34Her voice broke at exactly the right moment.
33:35That woman destroyed everything.
33:38She threatened me, stole my jewelry, and made the pups hate me.
33:43Ronan did not touch her.
33:44She's unstable.
33:45He let her clutch his shirt and simply watched her.
33:47She howled from the palace roof in the middle of the night.
33:51She fired Omega servants without permission.
33:55She sealed off my private vaults.
33:58My vaults, Ronan.
33:59Selene.
34:00One word.
34:01It was enough.
34:01She wastes your money.
34:04She taught Noah to hurt people with his claws.
34:08She threatened your grandmother.
34:10Selene.
34:11This time, the Alpha King's aura backed the command.
34:13She finally stopped and looked up at him with tear-filled eyes.
34:15Ronan removed her hand from his shirt and turned to Noah.
34:17Come here.
34:18Noah straightened his back, held his chin level, and walked forward.
34:21Three months earlier, the boy had not even been able to meet an adult wolf's eyes.
34:24Now he stood before the most dangerous man in the Blackthorn kingdom without backing down.
34:27Ronan studied him for a long moment.
34:29Tell me everything.
34:30Noah didn't hesitate.
34:31His voice was steady, clear, and matter of act.
34:32No theatrics.
34:33No pleading.
34:34He told his father about the empty private vaults.
34:36About the candle burns Damien had left on him.
34:38About the thin blankets, the bare rooms, and the Omega servants who answered only to Selene.
34:42He told him how Ivy had cried herself to sleep at night because she was hungry.
34:45Then he pulled up his sleeve.
34:46The scars were still there.
34:47Round, old, and clearly visible.
34:51Ronan looked at them.
34:52His expression didn't change, but he was holding back a growl, his fangs already showing.
34:56Selene saw them.
34:56Her tears dried up at once.
34:58He's lying.
34:59She told him to say that.
35:02She's been brainwashing them for months.
35:04Ivy lifted her head from my arms.
35:05Ivy.
35:06Sweetheart.
35:07Is Noah telling the truth?
35:08She had been quiet through it all.
35:10Mum fixed it.
35:11Mum made Selene stop.
35:13Her wolf ears pressed flat against her head.
35:14Selene's face fat.
35:15Roland, you can't believe a five-year-old pup instead of...
35:17Ronan unleashed his power as Alpha King, pinning Selene in place.
35:21I trusted you.
35:23His voice was low and controlled.
35:24I sent gold home every month.
35:26It was worse than a roar.
35:27I sent you a message every week.
35:29I asked you directly, are my pups all right?
35:34And every single time, you said yes.
35:37They were fine.
35:38He grabbed the tabletop once.
35:39Three million gold coins, Selene.
35:42Did you think I didn't check my own ledgers?
35:46Did you think I wouldn't notice after Vera cut off your access to the money?
35:50Selene opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
35:52He had known before he entered the palace.
35:54He had come prepared.
35:55My mate didn't kill you.
35:57She showed you mercy.
35:58He looked at me, then back at Selene.
36:00You won't get any mercy from me.
36:01Selene nearly collapsed.
36:02She caught the back of a chair and forced herself upright.
36:04You have until sunrise.
36:06Take nothing.
36:07Not one ring.
36:08Not one coat.
36:10Not one gold coin.
36:12If I see your face after dawn, you won't get another chance to leave.
36:22Ronan, please.
36:23Where am I supposed to go?
36:24That is no longer my problem.
36:25Selene looked around the room.
36:26At the royal guards who would not meet her eyes.
36:28At the silent Agatha, then at me.
36:30I took a sip of wine.
36:31Selene turned and walked out.
36:32Her heels receded along the marble corridor.
36:34Then she began to run.
36:35The front door slammed.
36:36No one moved.
36:36Then Ivy tugged on Ronan's hand.
36:38Is she really gone, Dad?
36:39Ronan lifted her into his arms and rested his forehead against hers.
36:42Yes, sweetheart.
36:43She's really gone.
36:44Over Ivy's shoulder, his gaze found mine again.
36:46What I saw there was more than gratitude.
36:48We still need to talk.
36:49He said.
36:50Tonight.
36:50I set down my wine glass.
36:51I'll be waiting.
36:52Ronan came to my room at midnight.
36:53He didn't knock.
36:54The door opened.
36:54And there he was.
36:55He had bathed and changed into a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
36:58A thin streak of dried blood still crossed his collarbone.
37:00Whatever had happened in the north had followed him home.
37:02I stood on the balcony, leaning against the railing.
37:04The palace lay dark beneath us, finally under control.
37:06He closed the door and locked it.
37:08Three months.
37:08He said, as he crossed the room toward me.
37:10I left you here alone.
37:11No support.
37:12No one who would recognize your authority.
37:14No money of your own.
37:15And?
37:15And you tore my palace apart with your bare hands and rebuilt it.
37:18I turned to face him.
37:19Someone had to.
37:20He stopped two feet away.
37:21The scent of cedar surrounded me.
37:22The mate bond snapped tight and my breathing faltered.
37:24His gaze moved over my face.
37:26It wasn't the way men usually looked at me.
37:27Not with fear.
37:28Not with calculation.
37:29He wanted me.
37:29What do you want, Vera?
37:30He asked.
37:31What?
37:31From this relationship.
37:33He gestured between us.
37:33From me.
37:34The black throat name?
37:35Money?
37:36A title?
37:36What's your price?
37:39I held his gaze.
37:41You think I did all this for a payout?
37:42I think everyone has a motive.
37:44Fine.
37:44I took one step closer.
37:45I could feel the heat of his body.
37:47I want a mate who shows up.
37:49I want those two pups strong enough to inherit everything you've built.
37:52And I never, ever want you to leave them unprotected again.
37:56A low growl rumbled in his throat.
37:57His eyes dropped to my lips and his breathing grew heavier.
37:59If you can't do that, I said.
38:01Then get out of my way and let me do it for you.
38:03His expression changed.
38:04He was no longer sizing me up.
38:05You aren't afraid of me.
38:06He said.
38:06No.
38:06Everyone is afraid of me.
38:08I'm not everyone.
38:09You knew that when you chose me.
38:10He raised a hand, his fingers closing firmly but carefully around my jaw.
38:13He tilted my face up toward his.
38:14I chose you.
38:15He said quietly.
38:16Because I watched you fight your own family in broad daylight and win.
38:19I chose you because three years ago, I watched from a distance as you beat your stepmother
38:23bloody in the street, then turned around and bought yourself dinner as if nothing had
38:26happened.
38:27My breath caught.
38:27You saw that?
38:28I saw all of it.
38:29The fight.
38:30The tears you wiped away when you thought no one was looking.
38:33The moment you gave your coat to the homeless pup on the street corner.
38:36His thumb brushed along my jaw.
38:37Everyone called you vicious.
38:39I knew better.
38:40My chest tightened.
38:40No one had ever seen past my reputation.
38:42And no one who had truly seen me had ever chosen to stay.
38:44I needed a vicious alpha she-wolf.
38:46Ronan said.
38:47A wolf who would give my thugs the protection she'd never had.
38:50So you used me?
38:51Yes.
38:54He did not flinch.
38:55He did not apologize.
38:56He simply gave me the truth.
38:57And now?
38:58I asked.
38:58Now I don't want this to be just an arrangement anymore.
39:00He kissed me hard, one hand closing around my waist and pulling me against him.
39:04I kissed him back.
39:04It wasn't gentle or sweet.
39:05It carried every bit of anger I had held inside for the past three months.
39:08His palm pressed against my lower back and the mate bond made my knees go weak.
39:11My wolf whined with need as I grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer.
39:14Ronan's breathing was even heavier than mine.
39:16He leaned down to keep kissing me, tightening his arms until there was no space left between us.
39:19He lifted me and pressed me against the stone wall of the balcony.
39:22His body pinned mine.
39:23I did not push him away.
39:24I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck, buried my face in the crook of his neck and breathed his
39:27cedar scent in deeply.
39:28He lowered his head and pressed close to me, his chest heaving, his breath hot against my ear.
39:33This is ridiculous.
39:34I said with a breathless laugh, even as my eyes stung.
39:36What is?
39:36He asked against my cheek.
39:38The moon goddess.
39:39I cupped his face.
39:40I swore I'd never believe in love or give myself to answering to anyone.
39:43And then she went and sent me you.
39:45Do you regret it?
39:46No.
39:46I hugged him tighter at once, but the tears fell anyway.
39:49Ronan, I've never been more grateful to her.
39:51At eight years old, I'd stopped hoping anyone would stay.
39:53But now, pressed against his chest, I could hear his heart racing just like mine.
39:56I actually dared to think about the future.
39:58The defenses I'd kept up for 20 years fell apart in his arms.
40:00I didn't try to put them back up.
40:02This is your fault.
40:03I clutched his collar.
40:04My voice so soft, I barely recognized it.
40:06You've made me vulnerable.
40:10You make me vulnerable too.
40:11He kissed away the tears at the corner of my eye.
40:14So stop carrying everything alone.
40:20Equal partners.
40:21I said against his lips.
40:23Equal partners.
40:24He repeated.
40:24Then we marked each other as mates.
40:27That night,
40:29We were no longer two strangers bound by a mate contract.
40:32We chose each other.
40:33We left North Haven on a Tuesday.
40:35There was no announcement.
40:36No farewell party.
40:37No advance warning for the relatives who had spent years living on royal gold.
40:40The royal sailing ship waited at the North Haven docks.
40:42Its black hull clean and painted with the blackthorn crest.
40:44The kingdom's west coast was our destination.
40:46New territory.
40:47A new palace.
40:48No old rules.
40:48Before we left,
40:49I had one final thing to do.
40:51Agatha was in the sitting room in the east wing.
40:53She sat in her usual chair,
40:55wearing her usual pearls.
40:56I slipped the royal ring from my finger.
40:58I placed it on the table in front of her.
40:59Keep it.
41:00I said.
41:01Or sell it.
41:01I don't care.
41:02Agatha looked at the ring.
41:03You're leaving.
41:04We're leaving.
41:05All four of us.
41:06She almost looked regretful.
41:07I was too hard on you.
41:08You were.
41:11Cilia had poisoned this palace long before you arrived.
41:13I should have seen it sooner.
41:15You should have.
41:15She slowly let out a breath.
41:17The pups.
41:18Will they be alright?
41:19I looked at her and saw past her cruelty.
41:21She was simply an old woman who had lost control of the royal family.
41:24They'll be more than alright.
41:26I said.
41:26No one will dare touch them.
41:28She nodded once.
41:29Then she picked up the ring,
41:30closed her hand around it,
41:31and turned her face toward the window.
41:32I left without looking back.
41:35Outside the carriage was ready.
41:36Ronan leaned against it in a black cloak.
41:38All done?
41:39All done.
41:40He opened the carriage door for me.
41:44A book on military history lay open across Noah's knees.
41:46Ivy was busy drawing in a sketchbook.
41:48I sat down beside them.
41:49Ivy immediately abandoned her drawing and climbed into my lap,
41:52her tail wagging.
41:53Mom, will there be bathing pools there?
41:56Three of them.
41:58Three?
41:58Noah did not look up from his book,
42:00but his wolf ears perked up.
42:01The carriage rolled away from the palace.
42:03I looked back through the window
42:04and watched the iron gates grow smaller.
42:05The stone walls,
42:06the dreary gardens,
42:07the windows I had passed every day.
42:09All of it fell behind us.
42:11At the docks,
42:12Ronan took my hand and walked with me toward the sailing ship.
42:14The warmth of his palm calmed the wolf inside me.
42:17No more northern.
42:18He said.
42:19No more northern.
42:19We climbed the gangway.
42:21Noah went first,
42:22helping Ivy up one step at a time.
42:23At the top,
42:24she turned and waved at the city.
42:25I sat by the window with Ronan beside me.
42:27Across the aisle,
42:28the pups were already arguing over who would get the window seat.
42:30The sails unfurled,
42:31and the ship pulled away from shore.
42:32North Haven receded behind us,
42:34one street at a time,
42:35one light after another.
42:36I watched it fade into the distance.
42:38Three months earlier,
42:38my family had sold me to the Alpha King,
42:40whom I had never met.
42:41They had expected me to suffer,
42:43to fail,
42:43and to come crawling back,
42:44begging.
42:45Instead,
42:45I had taken the late Luna Queen's place
42:47and made it my own.
42:48I had cared for her pups
42:49and helped them grow strong enough
42:50that no one could frighten them anymore.
42:51I had taken control of a palace
42:53that couldn't wait to see me gone.
42:54The Alpha King of the Blackthorn Kingdom
42:56and I had become true mates,
42:57not with a ceremonial gown and sweet vows.
42:59Ivy's voice drifted over from across the aisle.
43:01Mom,
43:02can we have a dog when we get there?
43:05We'll get two,
43:06I said.
43:07Can I name them?
43:08You can name everything.
43:10Ronan took my hand
43:11where it rested on the armrest.
43:12He said nothing.
43:13He didn't need to.
43:14I had not entered the royal family
43:15to be a quiet mate.
43:17I had not come to obey or suffer.
43:19I had come to change everything.
43:21From that day on,
43:23no one ever dared call
43:24the Blackthrone royal family weak again.