- 2 days ago
The Alpha King’s Intoxicating Mate
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I was born with heavy breasts and lush curves.
00:03My half-sister Chloe was afraid her mate Brad would go feral over me.
00:07So she sold me to an impotent alpha.
00:10She patted my shoulder.
00:14Who knows, maybe he's good at other things.
00:18Three months later, I was begging for mercy every night.
00:21Funny. He seemed good at everything.
00:25Case Valerius.
00:27The Blackwood Pax Alpha.
00:28The Lycan King's most trusted war commander.
00:30He was carried back from the battlefield soaked in blood.
00:33Someone suggested...
00:34A mate bond shares life force.
00:37If Alpha Case was bound to a living, healthy mate,
00:39her strength could flow into him and pull him back.
00:42Chloe rushed to play matchmaker and presented me to Martha before I could object.
00:46I had no way to refuse.
00:47If I wouldn't agree, she'd transfer me to serve 60-year-old Elder Kevin.
00:51I knew she resented my history with her mate.
00:54I dropped to my knees and swore to the Moon Goddess.
00:56I swear, Chloe, I had no feelings for Brad.
01:00Chloe jabbed a finger at my forehead, fury in her eyes.
01:03What good is a vow?
01:05Do you have any idea how distracting you are?
01:07I hunched my shoulders.
01:09Tears slid down my cheeks.
01:11Just look at that ample body and those charming curves,
01:14parading your body in front of every male in the clan.
01:16Who among them would not lose their minds at the smell of you?
01:20I wanted to tell her.
01:21To bind my chest, I'd wrapped myself layer after layer in the sweltering heat
01:25until I broke out in a rash.
01:27Her expression softened.
01:29She wiped my tears.
01:31It's not that I don't trust you.
01:33It's that I don't trust males.
01:35Do you know how powerful Alpha Case is?
01:37If my mother and Martha weren't old friends,
01:40you wouldn't even have this opportunity.
01:42Chloe, I don't want to be anyone's offering.
01:44I'd rather scrub kitchen floors.
01:47Just don't make me...
01:50Two sharp slaps landed across my face.
01:53My cheek burned.
01:54Leah, are you out of your mind?
01:56If I hadn't vouched for you,
01:58Martha wouldn't have given you a second glance.
02:00You wouldn't even be worthy of being Case's mate.
02:03The maid burst in, breathless.
02:05Miss Chloe, word from the Valerius Estate.
02:08Alpha Case has woken up.
02:11Chloe dragged me straight to Valerius Estate.
02:13Enormous.
02:14I followed her through the main hall
02:15to a set of heavy double doors, pulled half shut.
02:18Through the gap, I could make out a man's shape in the bed.
02:20Thin, motionless,
02:22chest rattling with shallow coughs every few minutes.
02:24Martha stood on our side, eyes red.
02:27Thank you for everything you've done for Case.
02:29I won't destroy a girl's future over it.
02:31Chloe's eyes moved.
02:31Quick and calculating.
02:33Valerius, the bond should still be completed.
02:36Leah arrived the same day Case woke up.
02:38That's the moon goddess guiding us.
02:40Seal the bond properly.
02:42Her life force will keep pulling him back toward health.
02:45Before she could speak,
02:46the healer Ella stepped out, expression tight.
02:48Alpha Case has regained consciousness,
02:51but an arrow struck his inner thigh during battle.
02:55I'm afraid he will no longer be able to-
02:57Unable to do what?
02:58He will no longer be able to get hard.
03:01Martha's knees gave out.
03:02I caught her before she hit the floor.
03:04She looked up at me with hollowed eyes.
03:06Leah, knowing this, are you still willing?
03:10Yes, she's been looking forward to it.
03:12Chloe was already answering for me.
03:14Of course she is.
03:15She's just an omega with no prospects.
03:17She should be grateful.
03:19I didn't speak right away.
03:21My mind went to my past.
03:23There was a young wolf in the poor quarter
03:24behind our estate.
03:26I first saw him through the fence gaps.
03:28Thin wrists, hollow cheeks,
03:30hunched over a cracked bowl with nothing in it.
03:32I started passing food through the gaps.
03:34Bread first, then soup, then whatever I had.
03:38Day after day, I watched him change.
03:40The hollows in his cheeks filled out.
03:42His shoulders broadened.
03:44He started training before dawn,
03:46running laps around the back wall
03:47while I was still half asleep.
03:49He was going to enter the warrior trials.
03:51I knew it before he told me.
03:53When he passed,
03:53I went to find him that same night.
03:55I was happy.
03:56I remember it clearly.
03:57I was genuinely happy.
03:58I knocked on the gate.
03:59He didn't open it.
04:00His voice came.
04:01Leah, I'm betrothed now.
04:03It wouldn't be proper.
04:04Then a soft thud in the dirt at my feet.
04:05A pouch of silver.
04:06Consider my debt repaid.
04:08I stood there for a moment.
04:09Then I picked it up and walked away.
04:11That wolf became Chloe's mate.
04:13Brad.
04:14I acted like I'd never known him.
04:16Chloe found out anyway.
04:18I snapped back to reality.
04:19I gathered my skirts and knelt in front of Martha.
04:22My lady, I'm willing.
04:24I'll complete the bond,
04:26care for Case,
04:27and serve you as long as you need me.
04:29Luna.
04:30Martha kept her word
04:31and prepared a dignified mating dress for me.
04:33Chloe deliberately chose a day
04:35when Brad was away on pack business
04:36to send me off.
04:37She walked me to the door,
04:39guilt on her face.
04:40Even though Case can't get hard,
04:42at least you'll be spared
04:43the pain of bearing pups.
04:44Don't worry.
04:46An alpha who can't perform in that area
04:48is probably exceptional in every other.
04:51Honestly,
04:51none of what Chloe said
04:52had even crossed my mind.
04:54I told myself
04:55I was simply moving
04:56to a new household.
04:57Case was too weak
04:58to stand through
04:59the full mate blessing ritual.
05:00I completed the bond rites
05:02beside his ceremonial sword instead.
05:05Martha watched from the front,
05:06eyes wet the whole time.
05:08When it was done,
05:09I was alpha Case's mate.
05:11The mating chamber was quiet.
05:13I pushed the door open carefully.
05:15Case was already inside,
05:17half reclined against the headboard
05:19in a white bathrobe.
05:20He turned when he heard me.
05:21Up close,
05:22he was strikingly handsome.
05:24Sharp jaw,
05:25dark eyes,
05:26the kind of face
05:27that didn't need color in it
05:28to hold attention.
05:29I had no intention
05:30of taking a mate,
05:31he said with a low voice.
05:33If it doesn't trouble you,
05:35we can treat this
05:35as a sibling arrangement.
05:36He pointed to the chaise
05:38along the far wall.
05:40Tonight the bed is yours.
05:42I'll take that.
05:43Tomorrow you move
05:44to the guest quarters.
05:45All right.
05:46I nodded.
05:47He had thought of everything.
05:48It wasn't what I'd expected.
05:50Before the ritual,
05:51one of the older maids
05:52had pulled me aside
05:53and pressed something
05:54into my hands.
05:55A small handbook,
05:56worn at the corners.
05:58She'd whispered
05:59with a strange look.
06:00There are other ways
06:01between maids.
06:02You might find it useful.
06:04I had no idea
06:05what she meant
06:05until I opened it.
06:07Heat pooled in my core
06:08just from looking
06:09at the pages.
06:10Is it too hot?
06:12Case was watching me
06:12from the bed,
06:13eyes direct,
06:15unblinking.
06:16The dress is heavy.
06:18I'm a little warm.
06:20Then wash up and rest.
06:22He pulled the blanket
06:22over himself
06:23and turned toward the wall.
06:24Within minutes,
06:25his breathing evened out.
06:26I set the handbook
06:28down on the vanity
06:28and took down my hair.
06:30Then the layered robes,
06:32piece by piece,
06:32until I was standing
06:33in nothing but my nightgown.
06:35I turned to the mirror.
06:36The thin fabric
06:37clung to every curve,
06:39heavy breasts
06:40straining against the cloth,
06:41slim waist giving way
06:42to the flare of my hips.
06:44I walked straight
06:45into Case's gaze.
06:46He wasn't asleep.
06:47His chest rose hard.
06:49The tips of his ears
06:50went red.
06:51His throat worked
06:52as he swallowed.
06:52I grabbed my outer robe
06:54and pressed it
06:55against my chest.
06:56Alpha,
06:57I thought you were asleep.
06:59A long pause.
07:00I could sleep later.
07:02My breath hitched.
07:04He rose slowly to his feet,
07:06his tall frame
07:07casting a shadow over me.
07:18The handbook's images
07:19came flooding in.
07:20My breathing shifted
07:21without me meaning it to,
07:23somehow falling
07:23into the same rhythm
07:24as his.
07:25Then Case turned
07:26and walked to the door.
07:27The moment cool night air
07:29rushed in,
07:29I snapped back
07:30to my senses.
07:31He'd already disappeared
07:32into the darkness.
07:33I turned it over
07:34in my mind.
07:35When he'd looked at me
07:36just now,
07:37his eyes had flashed
07:39with something
07:39unmistakably like shock.
07:41Had my figure
07:42actually frightened him?
07:43Before I lay down,
07:44I made a firm decision.
07:46Tomorrow morning,
07:47I was binding my chest
07:48at least one full loop tighter.
07:50I was hovering somewhere
07:51between sleep and waking
07:52when Case slipped back in.
07:54The tips of his hair
07:55still beaded with water.
07:56He'd apparently gone to shower.
07:58By morning,
07:58he was already gone.
07:59Ivy came in
08:00to help me dress.
08:01From the corridor outside
08:03came the sound of a man.
08:04Once.
08:06Then again.
08:07Martha's headmaid's voice
08:08carried clearly
08:09through the door.
08:10Alpha Case?
08:11Why didn't you call someone
08:12to heat the water?
08:14It's already summer,
08:15but the nights are still cold.
08:16Of course you've caught a chill.
08:18I'll go brew tea right now.
08:19I glanced at Ivy.
08:21Does the Alpha
08:22usually take cold showers?
08:24I honestly don't know, miss.
08:26I dismissed her
08:26and locked the door.
08:28I wound a strip of cloth
08:29tight over my undergarments,
08:30then pulled on
08:31the most conservative dress
08:33I could find in the wardrobe.
08:34High neck,
08:35loose cut,
08:36heavy fabric.
08:37Then I went to living room.
08:39Case was already there
08:40when I arrived,
08:41seated beside Martha.
08:42She lit up the moment
08:43she saw me,
08:44her whole face warm
08:46with welcome,
08:47until Case coughed
08:48and the warmth
08:49vanished instantly.
08:50Case, I have a few
08:52private words for Leah.
08:54Go rest for a while.
08:55Case rose and left
08:56without a word.
08:57Martha waved me over
08:58and took both my hands
08:59in hers,
09:00eyes glistening.
09:02Sweet girl,
09:03our Case is lucky
09:05to have you.
09:08The pack healer says
09:09the injury drained
09:10his life force.
09:12There's no telling
09:12how long he has left.
09:14Some of the elders
09:15suggested I find a child
09:16for him to adopt
09:17to carry on the bloodline.
09:21But if I did that,
09:23wouldn't I be stealing
09:25your whole future from you?
09:26I'm already grateful
09:28you came into this family
09:29to save Case.
09:30I can't let you sacrifice
09:31the rest of your life
09:32on top of that.
09:33I've thought it through.
09:34If Case's time does come,
09:36I'll have him issue you
09:37a formal mate release.
09:38Your future stays protected
09:40and I'll see to it
09:41that you receive property
09:42and a place of your own.
09:44I reached up
09:45and wiped the tears
09:45from the corners of her eyes,
09:47chest tight
09:47with an ache
09:48I couldn't name.
09:49Mrs. Valerius,
09:51thank you for looking
09:52out for me.
09:52I'd come here
09:53thinking of myself
09:54as nothing more
09:54than a transferred
09:55Omega servant.
09:56I never imagined
09:57she would think
09:58this far ahead
09:59on my behalf.
09:59My thoughts drifted
10:00to the mother
10:01I had never known.
10:01If she had been alive,
10:03if I had grown up
10:03under a mother's protection,
10:05I never would have ended up
10:06in any of the situations
10:07I'd been through.
10:08Martha laughed
10:09through her tears.
10:10Look at me,
10:11I've gone and made you cry too.
10:13She squeezed my hands.
10:14Leah,
10:15there's no need
10:15to be so formal.
10:17Call me mom,
10:18just like Case does.
10:19She took a breath.
10:20So,
10:21I have a proposition for you.
10:22Chloe mentioned
10:23you know how to prepare
10:24medicinal soups.
10:25I'd like you to take over
10:26Case's daily meals
10:28and care.
10:28I just want him
10:29to live a little longer.
10:30That's my one selfish wish.
10:32By the end,
10:33her voice had gone rough.
10:34I nodded.
10:35I headed to the kitchen
10:36to gather ingredients.
10:37The last time
10:38I'd prepared medicinal soup
10:39was several years ago,
10:40back when Brad
10:41was not yet Chloe's mate.
10:43He'd lost both parents
10:44and lived alone
10:45in a run-down unit,
10:46skipping meals
10:47to save every cent
10:48for his warrior training.
10:50One day,
10:50I found him collapsed
10:51at our back gate
10:52and brought him around.
10:53Out of sympathy,
10:54I dug through
10:55my mother's
10:55old healer journals
10:56and prepared medicinal meals
10:58for him every day
10:59to rebuild his strength.
11:00Only the two of us
11:01ever knew about it.
11:02From the looks of things,
11:04he was the one
11:05who told Chloe,
11:06just to get me driven out.
11:07The lengths he had gone to
11:09were truly something.
11:10I carried the steaming soup
11:12to the bedroom
11:12and found Case directing
11:14servants to pack up
11:15his belongings.
11:16Alpha,
11:17what's this about?
11:19Weren't we agreed
11:19that I was moving
11:20to the guest room?
11:20His sharply handsome face
11:22didn't shift
11:22so much as a fraction.
11:24I have fewer things.
11:26It makes more sense
11:27for me to move.
11:28At least eat first.
11:29I set the food
11:30on the table.
11:30He gave it a brief glance
11:32and sat down.
11:35You can leave this kind of thing
11:36to the maid from now on.
11:38It's no different
11:39coming from me.
11:41It is different.
11:43His voice remained flat
11:44and cool.
11:45Have Ivy bring it
11:46from now on.
11:47He finished the soup
11:48in a few quick swallows,
11:50said a few words
11:51to the servants
11:51and swept past me.
11:53In that moment,
11:54I confirmed one thing.
11:56Alpha Case couldn't stand
11:57the sight of me.
11:58I followed his instructions
11:59and had Ivy deliver
12:01his daily healing meals
12:02to the study from then on.
12:03Martha couldn't stop
12:04singing my praises.
12:06The pack healer says
12:07Case's condition
12:08has stabilized significantly.
12:09I can see the color
12:10coming back to his face.
12:12Leah, that's entirely
12:13because of you.
12:15Delighted,
12:15she pressed a gold bracelet
12:17into my hands.
12:18Back in my room,
12:19I tucked it into
12:20my jewelry box,
12:21which had been slowly
12:22filling with pieces
12:23Martha had gifted me
12:24since my arrival.
12:25Leah, you never wear
12:26any of these.
12:27Isn't it a waste
12:28to just put them away?
12:29How is it a waste?
12:31Every one of these
12:32can be converted to cash.
12:34That's my security fund.
12:35But Lady Martha
12:36gave these to you personally.
12:37Are you really going
12:38to sell all of them?
12:39Not right now,
12:40but if the mate bond
12:41is ever severed,
12:42naturally I'd sell them
12:43and keep the money on hand.
12:45Ivy's expression
12:46shifted to pure bewilderment.
12:48As she turned away,
12:49she dropped her voice
12:50to a murmur.
12:52Alpha.
12:55Alpha?
12:55I spun around
12:56and met a pair
12:57of ink-dark eyes.
12:58Martha's eyesight
12:59must truly be failing her.
13:01Case looked worse than ever.
13:03Case's face
13:03was even paler than before.
13:05His gaze was sharp and cutting,
13:07fixed on me
13:08with cold precision.
13:09The look unsettled me completely,
13:11but I didn't dare
13:12let a single trace of it show.
13:14Alpha,
13:15is there something you need?
13:18A journal.
13:19We looked together.
13:20I checked the shelves,
13:21he checked the writing desk.
13:23Neither of us spoke.
13:24I spotted the journal
13:25pushed to the very back
13:26of the top shelf,
13:27behind a row
13:27of my mother's medical notes.
13:29I reached up on my toes,
13:31my fingertips just grazed the cover.
13:33Case's hand came over mine.
13:35Warm, steady.
13:37He reached past me
13:38without effort
13:38and closed his hand
13:39around the journal.
13:40I turned my head.
13:42His face was right there,
13:44closer than I'd realized.
13:45He was looking down at me.
13:47Then,
13:48I lost my footing
13:48and pitched straight into him.
13:50My heavy breasts
13:51hit his chest first.
13:52My waist went straight
13:54into his palm,
13:55his hand catching me
13:55before he could react.
13:57Case didn't step back.
13:59His eartips went red.
14:00His throat worked
14:01as he swallowed.
14:02When he exhaled,
14:03the breath came out uneven
14:05against the top of my head.
14:06His eyes flashed gold
14:08for a second,
14:09then green.
14:10I scrambled upright,
14:11face burning.
14:13Your journal.
14:14He took it without a word
14:15and walked out.
14:16Perfect.
14:17My standing in his eyes
14:18had just sunk even lower.
14:20After that day,
14:20I made every effort
14:21to avoid crossing paths
14:22with Case.
14:23He was injured and recovering.
14:25He needed to stay calm.
14:26But there was one more thing
14:27bothering me.
14:28Brad had been sending notes.
14:30Three times already.
14:32I hadn't opened a single one,
14:33just dropped them in a box.
14:35Then,
14:35Ivy pressed one into my hand
14:36that morning.
14:37It's not just a note this time.
14:38He's here.
14:39Side entrance.
14:40Says he won't leave
14:41until you come out.
14:42I clenched my fist
14:43and walked out.
14:43I didn't notice the figure
14:44that followed
14:45from the far end
14:46of the courtyard.
14:46Brad was standing
14:47at the gate.
14:49Leah,
14:50you finally came.
14:51You should be calling me
14:52Mrs. Valerius.
14:54He paused,
14:55dropped his voice.
14:56Mrs. Valerius.
14:57Do you have any idea
14:58how many times
14:59you've put me
15:00in an impossible position
15:01with these meetings?
15:02I know.
15:04I just wanted to tell you
15:06I'll be securing
15:07more power in the pack.
15:08Soon I won't need
15:09Chloe's father
15:10backing me anymore.
15:11He stepped closer.
15:12I'll buy a house,
15:13Leah.
15:14Come with me.
15:15Anything's better
15:16than staying
15:16with a dying man.
15:17He reached for me.
15:19I stepped back.
15:21You want me
15:22as your mistress?
15:23Brad nodded,
15:24completely serious.
15:25I laughed.
15:26Why would I give up
15:27being the Alpha's mate
15:28to be your mistress?
15:29The whole pack
15:30knows Case is dying.
15:32He won't last.
15:34And he can't even
15:35stand up anymore.
15:36His eyes dropped
15:37deliberately to my chest.
15:38Isn't that a waste?
15:41Disgust surged
15:42through me.
15:43Brad,
15:44I will never be
15:45anyone's mistress.
15:47Case fought
15:47on the front lines
15:48for this pack.
15:49Those injuries
15:50are his honor.
15:52You've benefited
15:53from every battle
15:54he won
15:55and you're standing here
15:56calling him
15:56less of a man.
15:58You're the one
15:59who's less.
16:01Come near me again
16:02and every note
16:03you've sent
16:03goes straight to Chloe.
16:05How do you think
16:06that ends for you?
16:08His face went white.
16:10I swung the gate shut.
16:11I turned around
16:12and came face to face
16:13with Case.
16:14White t-shirt,
16:15standing less than
16:15half a foot away,
16:16his full height
16:17bearing down on me.
16:18Alpha,
16:18I managed.
16:19A faint edge
16:20flickered across
16:20his expression.
16:21Wasn't it my mate
16:22just a moment ago?
16:23Why so formal
16:24all of a sudden?
16:26I looked down
16:27and started walking.
16:29Please don't misunderstand.
16:31As long as I'm
16:31in this estate,
16:32I honor this bond.
16:33Completely.
16:34Fast.
16:34It's getting late.
16:35I should go
16:36make your evening meal.
16:37I moved to step past him.
16:38His hand closed
16:39around my arm.
16:40I lost my footing
16:41and pitched straight
16:41into him.
16:42My heavy breasts
16:43against his chest.
16:44My waist caught
16:45in his grip.
16:46I looked up.
16:47His face was inches
16:48from mine.
16:48His eyes were deep
16:49and unreadable.
16:51One tilt forward
16:52and our lips
16:52would have touched.
16:53His breath hit my face.
16:55Warm.
16:56My breath hitched.
16:57Heat pooled low
16:58in my core.
17:00Case swallowed hard.
17:02As long as I remain
17:03in this estate.
17:04Each word slow.
17:05Deliberate.
17:06You counting down
17:07the days
17:07until you can leave?
17:09I couldn't exactly tell him
17:10I'll leave the day you die.
17:12No.
17:13Nothing like that.
17:14I shifted in his grip.
17:16Alpha, you're hurting my arm.
17:18Did you mean
17:19every word you said just now?
17:20I blinked
17:21and asked which part.
17:22He let out a quiet breath
17:24and released me.
17:25I bolted.
17:26And I noticed,
17:28for the first time,
17:29his face had actual color in it.
17:31His cheeks were just as red
17:32as mine.
17:34That night,
17:35I had a strange dream.
17:36Case's lips grazed slowly
17:38along my cheek.
17:39His fingers hooked
17:40into the strap of my slip,
17:42voice dropping
17:42to a low murmur.
17:43Does my Luna want this?
17:46I nodded like someone
17:47completely under a spell.
17:48Then a fierce,
17:50consuming kiss
17:50caught my lips
17:51and wouldn't let go.
17:52I jolted awake
17:53in a tangle of sheets,
17:54heart still hammering,
17:56breathless.
17:58Ivy knocked and came in.
17:59I asked her to bring
18:00a basin of cold water.
18:01She stared at my sweat-damp hair
18:03and murmured,
18:04It really is getting hotter.
18:06I splashed cold water
18:07onto my face.
18:08And then it hit me.
18:09That first night.
18:10Case.
18:11Cold shower.
18:13Surely he hadn't also been...
18:15No.
18:16Impossible.
18:17He was injured and recovering.
18:19He was supposed to be
18:20keeping himself calm.
18:21At midday,
18:21Martha's attendant arrived.
18:23Martha would like dinner
18:24in the garden tonight.
18:25She asks that you
18:26be sure to come.
18:27I've been making excuses
18:28to avoid the main dining hall
18:30for days,
18:30just to steer clear of Case.
18:32But Martha had gone out of her way
18:33to personally extend
18:34the invitation.
18:35I couldn't say no.
18:36I stepped into the garden.
18:38A sprawling rose of Sharon
18:39was in full bloom.
18:40A gust of wind shook loose
18:42a handful of deep crimson petals,
18:44drifting down onto the stone table,
18:46covered with every dish
18:47I loved most.
18:48Martha smiled and gestured
18:50for me to sit.
18:50Case mentioned
18:51it's your birthday today.
18:52He's the one who asked
18:53the kitchen
18:54to prepare all of this.
18:55I looked up
18:56and met a pair
18:57of burning,
18:57intent eyes.
18:59Heat rushed straight
19:00to my face.
19:01Case lit a plate
19:02of chestnut cake
19:03in front of me
19:03without changing
19:04his expression.
19:06How did you know
19:07today was my birthday?
19:08I'd completely
19:09forgotten it myself.
19:11My birth mother died
19:12bringing me into the world.
19:13No one had ever once
19:14marked the day for me.
19:16Case kept his eyes
19:17lowered and said evenly,
19:19It's not difficult
19:20to know it.
19:21Something in my chest
19:22gave one quiet,
19:23inexplicable pull.
19:25Leah, this peach blossom wine
19:27is from my private reserve.
19:29I'm opening it just for you.
19:31But you two had better
19:32not drink too much.
19:33She pushed back her chair,
19:34said the summer evening breeze
19:36was too much for her old bones,
19:37and left.
19:39The garden went quiet.
19:40To avoid the silence,
19:42I put my head down
19:43and drank.
19:43One cup,
19:44then another,
19:45then another.
19:46The wine was sweet
19:48and dangerously potent.
19:49Before long,
19:50the edges of everything
19:51had gone soft
19:52and blurry.
19:53Case watched me
19:54but said nothing.
19:55By the third glass,
19:57I'd stopped feeling
19:57the awkward silence.
19:58By the fourth,
20:00I'd stopped feeling
20:00much of anything.
20:02I reached across the table
20:03toward the last piece
20:04of chestnut cake.
20:05The dish was empty.
20:06I looked up.
20:08Where's the last piece?
20:10I ate it.
20:11I have absolutely no idea
20:12where the boldness came from.
20:14I leaned straight
20:15toward his face.
20:17Who told you to eat that?
20:19Spit it back out.
20:20I pressed against his chest,
20:22trying to peer into his mouth.
20:23Case looked down at me,
20:24perfectly calm.
20:26You won't find it that way.
20:28I straightened up
20:29and stared at him.
20:30Then how am I supposed
20:31to find it?
20:32A faint flush
20:33crept across his cheeks.
20:35Try using your mouse.
20:36My gaze drifted
20:37to his slightly reddened lips.
20:39I swallowed once
20:40and kissed him
20:41without hesitation.
20:43Case went rigid,
20:44his breathing lurching unsteady.
20:46Then control shifted.
20:47His hand cupped
20:48the back of my head
20:49and he pressed in deeper,
20:51harder.
20:52Neither of us pulled away
20:53until footsteps sounded
20:54from behind the flower bed.
20:57Alpha,
20:58the night air is cool.
21:00Lady Marthen asked me
21:01to bring you both a wrap.
21:02I had no idea
21:03how much Ivy'd seen.
21:04I shot to my feet
21:06and the next instant
21:07the world tilted.
21:08Everything went dark.
21:12When I woke up
21:13with a splitting headache,
21:14it was already morning.
21:15I suddenly remembered.
21:16I'd promised Martha
21:18to visit Case's father's grave.
21:20It was late.
21:21I started rushing around
21:23for my things.
21:25Leah, don't worry.
21:26The driver is still
21:27getting the car ready.
21:29Ivy,
21:30was it you
21:31who brought me back
21:31last night?
21:32No.
21:34The Alpha
21:34carried you back.
21:36I spun around
21:37to check her face.
21:38She nodded,
21:40completely serious.
21:41I didn't say anything stupid,
21:43did I?
21:45Ivy bid back a smile.
21:47The Alpha
21:48set you down on the bed
21:49and you grabbed his sleeve
21:51and wouldn't let go.
21:52You kept calling him
21:53my mate
21:54over and over
21:55until his whole face
21:56went red.
21:58Ivy,
21:59don't you dare
22:00make things up.
22:01She covered her mouth,
22:03laughing,
22:03and ran out.
22:05I met Martha
22:06at the front entrance.
22:08Case's father's grave
22:09was on a hillside
22:10just beyond
22:11the pack territory.
22:12I sat in the back
22:13of the car,
22:14completely distracted,
22:16replaying the moment
22:17I'd kissed Case last night.
22:19Martha must have
22:20misread my expression
22:21because she said,
22:22Leah,
22:24is there someone
22:25you have feelings for?
22:29I've noticed
22:30you've been avoiding Case
22:31these past few days.
22:33Please don't be upset
22:34with me
22:34for pushing you two together
22:35at dinner last night.
22:37I thought if the two of you
22:38couldn't be mates,
22:39you could at least be friends.
22:41But if you're uncomfortable
22:42or if you want to leave,
22:44just say,
22:45I'll have him sever the bond.
22:46I won't let you
22:47be trapped here.
22:48Mom, no.
22:49It's not that.
22:51I was thinking
22:52about something else.
22:53What is it?
22:53I was still figuring out
22:54how to answer
22:55when the car lurched.
22:56The engine screamed.
22:57The car swung hard,
22:59tires off the road,
23:00crashing through brush,
23:01the whole frame shaking.
23:02I grabbed Martha
23:03and looked at the driver.
23:04Slumped over the wheel,
23:06unconscious.
23:07No one to hit the brakes.
23:08A cliff,
23:09straight ahead.
23:10Martha grabbed my arm.
23:12Leah,
23:13what do we do?
23:14We jump.
23:14Now.
23:15We'll be hurt.
23:17We'll die if we don't.
23:18Hold on to me.
23:19I wrapped myself around her
23:20and we threw ourselves clear
23:21the instant the wheels
23:22left solid ground.
23:23We hit the cliff edge
23:24and went over.
23:25My hand shot out
23:26and caught a root
23:27jutting from the rock face.
23:28My other hand
23:29locked around Martha's wrist.
23:30Below her was a straight drop
23:32into nothing.
23:34Mom,
23:35don't look down.
23:36Don't look down.
23:37Hold on to me.
23:38Ivy and the others
23:39are right behind us.
23:40Behind us in the second car.
23:42They'll be here soon.
23:45The root ground
23:45under our weight.
23:47Martha's voice broke.
23:49Leah,
23:50let me go.
23:51We're too heavy.
23:54It's going to snap.
23:58I'm old.
23:59I've lived my life.
24:01You have to keep living yours.
24:04My chest tightened so hard
24:06I could barely breathe.
24:08I couldn't let go.
24:10She'd been a mother to me
24:11from the first day.
24:14Mom,
24:15I would rather die with you
24:16than watch you fall.
24:18Hold on.
24:23They're coming.
24:24The truth was,
24:25I had no idea.
24:27My arms were going numb.
24:29The pain had gone so deep
24:31it had stopped feeling
24:32like pain at all.
24:34Then I heard it.
24:35A wolf's howl split the air,
24:39deafening and close.
24:42Leah,
24:43don't move.
24:44I'm coming down.
24:46Case's voice.
24:47He'd called me by my name.
24:49The first time.
24:51A strong arm came under me.
24:54He'd climbed down the cliff face,
24:57wolf claws dug into the rock.
24:59He untied the rope from his own body
25:02and looped it around my waist.
25:03Then climbed down further
25:05and did the same for Martha.
25:07The people above pulled together.
25:10We came up one at a time.
25:12It wasn't a hallucination.
25:14Case had saved us.
25:16He held me, brow creased.
25:21Why is there so much blood?
25:23Martha clutched her face.
25:25She shielded me when we jumped.
25:28I didn't get a scratch.
25:30It's all hers.
25:33My eyelids felt like lead.
25:35Leah,
25:36don't sleep.
25:38I'm taking you to Ella.
25:39He lifted me into the car
25:41and I stayed curled against his chest.
25:44His forehead was damp with sweat.
25:46He kept one hand on the wheel
25:48and kept talking.
25:49Leah,
25:50Leah,
25:51Leah,
25:52stay awake.
25:53I'll get you chestnut cake.
25:55I'll give you all the jewelry you want to sell.
25:57You don't have to wait for me to die.
25:59I'll write the bond release today.
26:01You can leave whenever you want.
26:02My chest kept clenching.
26:05Something wet hit my face.
26:07I looked up at the sky through the windshield.
26:09It wasn't raining.
26:11Then everything went black.
26:12When I opened my eyes,
26:13every part of my body felt like it had been taken apart
26:16and put back wrong.
26:17My Luna,
26:18the pack healer said you can't move yet.
26:20Ivy pressed a bowl of medicine to my lips,
26:22spooning it in slowly.
26:24You're lucky nothing's broken.
26:26Her voice was steady,
26:27but her eyes were red.
26:28The scrapes were bad.
26:29You need to stay flat or they'll scar.
26:32Your shoulder was dislocated too.
26:33She kept talking.
26:34My eyes had already drifted to the door.
26:37After I finished the medicine,
26:38I asked,
26:40Where's Case?
26:41Investigating.
26:41Someone poisoned the driver with wolf bite
26:43and cut the brake lines.
26:44It was deliberate.
26:45Who would be bold enough
26:46to target the Alpha's family directly?
26:48I was flat on my back for a full month.
26:50I didn't see Case once.
26:52Martha kept her door shut too,
26:54still recovering from the shock.
26:55Everyone in the estate moved with tight faces
26:57and clipped voices,
26:59like something was being held just below the surface.
27:01I asked Ivy.
27:02She said nothing was wrong.
27:04Today, I was finally cleared to get out of bed.
27:06I opened my door
27:07and walked straight into a familiar figure.
27:10Case.
27:10Dark tactical shirt.
27:12Sharper than I remembered.
27:13He held out a small wooden box.
27:15I took it and lifted the lid.
27:17A land deed.
27:18A property contract.
27:20A severance letter.
27:21My body went rigid.
27:23Something locked around my chest
27:24and wouldn't let go.
27:25Case!
27:26Are you throwing me out?
27:28You've been waiting for this
27:29since the day you arrived.
27:30You avoided me,
27:32stayed out of my way,
27:32you never wanted anything to do with me.
27:34You were counting down the days
27:35until I died
27:36so you could walk out cleanly.
27:38I'm just doing it early.
27:40Leah, go.
27:41After today, we're finished.
27:43Something sharp flooded my chest.
27:45My mouth opened and closed.
27:47It took a long time to get anything out.
27:51So that's what you think of me.
27:55Leave now.
27:56I don't want to see you anymore.
27:58Case disappeared around the corner of the yard.
28:01Estate guards all but pushed me out the door.
28:02Ivy fell in to step beside me
28:04and the Alpha said,
28:05you're used to having me around.
28:07He told me to go with you.
28:10I couldn't speak.
28:14We moved into a small house
28:16on the edge of the territory.
28:18By morning,
28:19the pack's official announcement had gone up.
28:21The announcement said Case had betrayed the pack.
28:23The announcement said he had betrayed the pack,
28:26that he had leaked the border patrol routes
28:28to a rogue faction.
28:29By order of the Lycan King,
28:31royal enforcers had been dispatched
28:33to seize him, pending investigation.
28:36Case was being held in the dungeons
28:38under royal guard.
28:39The estate was locked down.
28:42Everyone inside was under scrutiny.
28:45Case would never betray his pack.
28:46He would die before he did something like that.
28:49He rushed to get me out.
28:50That was why.
28:51That was the only reason.
28:54Ivy was pacing circles around the living room.
28:56She'd grown up inside the estate.
28:58She couldn't stand still.
29:00Is there anything we can do?
29:02I made myself sit down and think.
29:04Years ago,
29:05Elder Reed's youngest child
29:07had gotten lost in the forest
29:08and been bitten by a snake.
29:10I'd found him
29:11and used the right herbs
29:12to treat the wound.
29:14Elder Reed had arrived
29:15while I was still crouched over the boy.
29:17He'd seen my face.
29:18I was sure he hadn't forgotten.
29:20I tracked him down
29:21outside the council building
29:22and stepped into his pack.
29:23Elder Reed,
29:24you remember me.
29:26I need a favor.
29:27He looked at me for a long moment.
29:29Then he nodded.
29:31Elder Reed led me into the dungeon.
29:3330 minutes.
29:33No more.
29:34The door unlocked.
29:35Case stood up.
29:36His eyes flashed with surprise.
29:38How did you get in?
29:39My chest ached
29:40as I looked at him
29:41through the blur of tears.
29:42That's why you kicked me out, isn't it?
29:44You were framed.
29:46Think carefully.
29:47Is there any evidence
29:48to prove your innocence?
29:49I will find it.
29:50I will investigate.
29:52I swear I will rescue you.
29:54Case's gaze deepened.
29:55Then his arm shot out
29:56and pulled me into his chest.
29:57Leah.
29:59My heart hammered.
30:00But time was running out.
30:02This wasn't the moment.
30:03I pushed against him.
30:04He didn't budge.
30:05Leah, you don't need to do anything.
30:07I can't say much.
30:10I promise.
30:12Seven days later,
30:13I will accompany you
30:14to watch the sunrise.
30:15Okay?
30:16His eyes were steady.
30:18Certain.
30:18Like he was coaxing
30:19a frightened pup.
30:22I walked out of the dungeon
30:23and straight into Brad.
30:27He stepped into my path.
30:29Slow smile spreading across his face.
30:31It's not too late to reconsider.
30:33Being my mistress
30:34beats being alone and disgraced.
30:37I swung my hand
30:38and slapped him across the face.
30:39He lunged for me.
30:40I stepped sideways
30:41and put distance between us.
30:43Try that again
30:43and every note you sent me
30:44ends up in front of Chloe's father.
30:46Every single one.
30:47You've been whispering in her ear
30:48for years, haven't you?
30:50Trying to get me pushed out
30:51thinking I'd have nowhere to go
30:52and no choice but to run to you.
30:53But you never counted on Chloe
30:54handing me straight to Case.
30:56A man you can't touch.
30:58His face changed.
30:59I didn't wait for him to recover.
31:00I walked away
31:01and didn't look back.
31:02A wolf like that.
31:03The further the better.
31:05I didn't sleep well
31:06for the next five days.
31:07Case's voice kept coming back to me.
31:09I promise.
31:10Seven days later
31:11I will accompany you
31:12to watch the sunrise.
31:13Okay?
31:14On the afternoon of the sixth day
31:15the Lichen King's official decree
31:17went up across the territory.
31:18The leak hadn't come from Case.
31:20It had come from Prince Marcus
31:22and his allies.
31:23The truth is finally revealed.
31:27The Lichen King
31:28had not yet named his heir.
31:30Both Prince Caden
31:30and Prince Marcus
31:31were in the running.
31:32Case was Prince Caden's
31:33most powerful ally.
31:34The alpha who commanded
31:35the most powerful pack.
31:37Taking Case down
31:37was the cleanest way
31:38to clear the path to the throne.
31:40Prince Marcus had planted a spy
31:41inside the Blackwood pack.
31:42Used him to steal
31:43the border patrol routes.
31:44Then framed Case for it.
31:46So the injury had been faked.
31:47All of it.
31:48A deliberate trap
31:49to draw out the spy.
31:50But why fake
31:51being unable to mate?
31:52I turned that over in my mind
31:54all night and couldn't land
31:55on an answer.
31:56Dawn was just breaking
31:56when someone knocked at the door.
31:58I didn't think.
31:59I just ran.
31:59I threw the door open
32:00and walked straight
32:01into Case's chest.
32:02He went completely still.
32:04Then his arms came around me,
32:05slow and deliberate,
32:06and pulled me in hard.
32:07I'd run out in nothing
32:08but a thin sleep shirt.
32:10No warning.
32:11Through the thin fabric
32:12I could feel everything.
32:13The hard muscle of his chest.
32:15His arms locked tight around me.
32:17I pressed my hands
32:17against his chest
32:18and tried to step back.
32:19Leah.
32:20His voice dropped low.
32:21I'm back.
32:23Our eyes locked.
32:23The heat between us
32:24was thick enough to touch.
32:25Then he lifted me off the ground
32:27and carried me
32:27straight toward the bedroom.
32:28I beat a fist
32:29against his chest.
32:31Weren't we supposed
32:32to watch the sunrise?
32:34You first.
32:36Sunrise after.
32:37We fell onto the bed together.
32:42Case pinned me beneath him,
32:43one hand working
32:44the buttons of my sleep shirt open,
32:46eyes never leaving mine.
32:47I covered his eyes
32:48with both hands.
32:49Don't look.
32:50It's embarrassing.
32:52He took my hands down.
32:53His breathing had gone ragged.
32:55It's beautiful.
32:57His eyes were bright and fixed.
32:59My skin went hot
33:00everywhere he touched.
33:01I pressed my palm
33:02flat against his chest.
33:03Hard muscle, warm skin.
33:05Healer said you couldn't get hard.
33:07How is any of this possible?
33:08Lips dragging slowly
33:09along my jaw to my ear.
33:10You want to know if I can?
33:12There's one way to find out.
33:14He kissed me,
33:14one hand cupping my face,
33:16tilting it up toward him.
33:17I kissed him back hard.
33:19My hands slid up his chest,
33:21over his shoulders,
33:22gripping his arms.
33:24He pressed me further
33:25into the mattress,
33:26his weight settling over me.
33:28The heat built fast
33:29and took over completely.
33:30My hands went slack.
33:32He caught them,
33:33laced his fingers through mine,
33:35and pinned them above my head.
33:36He loves me very much
33:38and completely occupies me.
33:40My face gradually became rosy,
33:42and we could only hear
33:44each other's heartbeats
33:45and breathing.
33:46His lips dragged
33:47from my mouth to my jaw,
33:48down the side of my neck,
33:50slow and unhurried.
33:52Then he stopped.
33:53His canines pierced
33:54my mating gland,
33:55a second of sharp,
33:57white-hot pain,
33:57and then it was done.
33:59I lay there,
34:00chest heaving,
34:01fingers still tangled in his.
34:03On my neck,
34:04his mark ached.
34:05Finally,
34:06we weren't just mates
34:07on paper anymore.
34:09After the estate lockdown
34:10was lifted,
34:11Case took me to meet
34:12Prince Kayden,
34:13a slow smile spreading
34:14across his face.
34:15So you're the woman
34:16who brought Case to his knees.
34:17I've been wanting to meet you.
34:20You flatter me,
34:20your highness.
34:21Case helped the kingdom
34:22take down a real threat.
34:23You stood by him
34:24through all of it.
34:25I'll host an official
34:26Luna ceremony for you,
34:27and when that day comes,
34:28I'll have a gift ready.
34:30Thank you, your highness.
34:31Don't blame Case, Leah.
34:33Faking the injury
34:34was always part of the plan.
34:39Too many enemies
34:40wanted him dead.
34:41The only way
34:41to keep him safe
34:42was to make them
34:43think he was already finished.
34:44The part about
34:45not being able to get hard,
34:47that was my idea.
34:48I gave the pack doctor
34:49that order myself.
34:52We grew up together.
34:53I know exactly how he is.
34:55Never any interest in women.
34:57Never any weakness.
34:58I figured it was time
34:59someone did something about that.
35:01Suddenly, I understood.
35:02Just two old friends
35:03and one very elaborate prank.
35:05The car accident.
35:07That was Prince Marcus as well.
35:09They intended it
35:09to look like an accident.
35:10They didn't expect
35:11to hurt you in the process.
35:13Luna, Leah,
35:14it's been dealt with.
35:15You and Case are safe now.
35:21I took a slow breath.
35:23Knowing it was over
35:24didn't make the memory
35:24of dangling off that cliff
35:26any less vivid.
35:27We got back to the estate
35:28to find Chloe already inside,
35:29crying.
35:30She walked an hour ago
35:31and hasn't stopped.
35:32Martha is getting a headache from it.
35:34I told Case to go to his study.
35:36I'd handle it.
35:38I sat down next to Chloe.
35:39Face red, eyes swollen.
35:41Word had already spread.
35:43Brad had been identified
35:44as one of Prince Marcus' informants.
35:46Chloe's father had been cleared,
35:47but Chloe and Brad were finished.
35:50Still crying?
35:51I'll have someone throw you out.
35:53She stopped immediately,
35:54still shaking but quiet.
35:56I misjudged him.
35:57I thought picking someone
35:58from a lower-ranked family
36:00meant he'd be easy to manage.
36:02I didn't think he'd be like this.
36:04I told you he wasn't a good person.
36:07You didn't say it clearly enough.
36:08I rolled my eyes.
36:10I wasn't a powerless Omega anymore.
36:13I didn't have to hold back.
36:18Were you ever angry at me
36:20for how I treated you back then?
36:23No.
36:23I cursed you in my head,
36:25but I don't hold grudges.
36:27You cursed me?
36:28Do you want to punish me for it?
36:30Chloe laughed despite herself,
36:31then caught herself
36:32and pressed her lips together.
36:33I'm sorry for the slap.
36:35Did it hurt?
36:36I already forgot about it.
36:37Then let me slap you back.
36:39We'll be even.
36:40She closed her eyes
36:41and braced herself.
36:42I raised my hand
36:43and let it land soft
36:43against her cheek.
36:46She opened her eyes.
36:49I already gave that slap to Brad.
36:51Chloe stared at me for a second.
36:53Then she laughed,
36:54really laughed,
36:54for the first time
36:55since she'd walked in.
36:56Don't call me Chloe anymore.
36:58Can we be friends?
36:59No.
37:02I don't like friends
37:03who cry too much.
37:04The light was still on
37:05when I passed Case's study.
37:06I pushed the door open.
37:08Before I could say a word,
37:09an arm shot out from behind
37:10and wrapped around my waist.
37:12Bold intruder.
37:13His voice dropped low
37:14against my ear.
37:15You think you can just walk
37:16into the Alpha's office?
37:17The Alpha's mate is right here
37:19and you still dare make a move?
37:21Case played it straight.
37:22His lips found my neck.
37:24Here?
37:25Really?
37:27Right here.
37:28I kept saying no.
37:29My hand said something else entirely,
37:31finding their way to his back.
37:32He murmured against my ear.
37:34You have no idea
37:36how many times
37:36I thought about this in this room.
37:39I wanted to say something back,
37:41but his hand was already moving
37:42and I couldn't get a single word out.
37:44He carried me to the table
37:45and took off my clothes.
37:47Then we had a good time.
37:54When I woke up,
37:55it was almost dawn.
37:57Case was already awake,
37:58sitting up against the headboard,
37:59watching me.
38:00His eyes were soft in a way
38:02that made it hard to look back.
38:04Morning.
38:04I sat up and rubbed my eyes.
38:06Then I remembered.
38:07The sunrise.
38:08He'd promised.
38:10The sunrise.
38:13We still have time.
38:15He was already up.
38:16He picked up my clothes
38:17from beside the bed
38:18and handing them to me.
38:20He dressed me slowly,
38:21straightening each layer
38:22with both hands,
38:23like he'd done it
38:24a thousand times before.
38:25We walked out into the yard.
38:26Cool air.
38:27The smell of pine.
38:28To the east,
38:29the sky had just started
38:30to lighten at the edges.
38:31Case stood behind me
38:32and wrapped both arms around me.
38:34We watched the horizon together.
38:35The sun came up slowly.
38:37Gold light broke across the trees,
38:39spread across the yard
38:40and landed on us.
38:42The clouds caught the color
38:43and held it.
38:44Beautiful.
38:45Close to my ear.
38:47Beautiful.
38:49He pulled me in tighter
38:50and said nothing else.
38:51He didn't need to.
38:53I'll watch every sunrise
38:55and sunset with you.
38:56His voice was quiet
38:56against my hair.
38:57Everyone.
38:58For as long as we have.
39:00I turned around
39:01and kissed him once,
39:02quick and light.
39:04Deal.
39:05The sun came up fully
39:06and the yard filled with light.
39:08Our shadows stretched long
39:09across the ground behind us.
39:11Over the next few days,
39:12the estate came back to life.
39:14Servants moved through the halls
39:15with easy steps again.
39:16Martha's health improved.
39:18She called me in
39:18to talk every morning,
39:19always smiling
39:20when I walked through the door.
39:22One afternoon,
39:23I was trimming the plants
39:23in the yard
39:24when Sunny came running over.
39:25Leah,
39:26Chloe is here again.
39:27She brought a lot of stuff with her.
39:29I set down my shears.
39:31Since the day she'd come in crying,
39:32Chloe had been showing up regularly.
39:34She said she was making up
39:35for lost time.
39:36Really,
39:37she just had nothing to do
39:38and nowhere to be.
39:41Let her in.
39:41I wiped my hands
39:42and went to meet her.
39:45Chloe walked in
39:46with two attendants behind her,
39:47carrying food boxes.
39:49She'd changed a lot.
39:50Less restless.
39:51She dressed simpler now
39:52and moved quieter.
40:00I made your favorite,
40:02chestnut cake.
40:03I asked the Royal Kitchen
40:05for the recipe this time.
40:07Better than anything
40:08the Blackwood Kitchen
40:08has ever made.
40:10I took a piece
40:10and bit into it.
40:11Sweet,
40:12soft,
40:13better than I expected.
40:16Good.
40:18So where's Case?
40:19Not home?
40:21He went to the PAC training ground.
40:22Something came up.
40:24Chloe nodded
40:24and reached for a piece herself.
40:26For a while,
40:27neither of us said anything.
40:28Just the wind
40:29moving through the yard.
40:30My father wants me
40:31to find a new mate.
40:32I looked up.
40:33Don't rush for it.
40:35I know.
40:38After Brad,
40:39I don't know
40:39how to trust anyone.
40:40She looked at me,
40:42something flickering
40:42in her eyes.
40:44You have a good mate.
40:46Case fights for you,
40:47protects you,
40:48and he's the strongest
40:49alpha in the kingdom.
40:50We just got lucky.
40:52You can't force these things.
40:53Chloe nodded
40:54and didn't say anything else.
40:55Just ate her chestnut cake.
40:57The yard went quiet,
40:59just wind moving
40:59through the leaves.
41:01Then she said,
41:03That slap,
41:04do you really not
41:05hold it against me?
41:06Really.
41:08It's in the past.
41:09No point bringing it up.
41:11The truth was,
41:12I'd already let it go
41:12a long time ago.
41:14She wasn't a bad person,
41:15just spoiled.
41:16Used to getting her way.
41:18Chloe's eyes went red
41:19at the edges.
41:21When I arranged the mating,
41:23part of it was because
41:24I was scared you and Brad
41:25would find your way
41:25back to each other.
41:27But part of it was genuine.
41:29I really did think
41:30Case was a good man.
41:31That he wouldn't
41:32treat you badly.
41:33We looked at each other
41:34and smiled.
41:35All the conflicts were solved.
41:38I just didn't expect him
41:40to be faking the whole time.
41:41Chloe laughed,
41:42a little embarrassed.
41:43It's in the past.
41:46Isn't this better?
41:51It is.
41:52She nodded.
41:53Can we be friends?
41:54For real?
41:55I won't be like I was before.
41:59Sure.
42:00I nodded.
42:01Something warm moved
42:02through my chest.
42:03Letting go of old grudges
42:05and coming out the other side
42:06with a friend.
42:06That wasn't a bad ending.
42:07We sat in the yard
42:08for the rest of the afternoon,
42:09eating and talking.
42:11Pack gossip,
42:12small things,
42:13nothing important.
42:14The sun came through the leaves
42:16and the air was warm and easy.
42:17When Case came back
42:18from the training grounds
42:19that evening
42:19and saw the two of us,
42:21surprise crossed his face.
42:23What are you two happy about?
42:25Talking about you.
42:26Chloe grinned.
42:27About what a liar you are,
42:29faking the whole thing
42:30and fooling everyone.
42:33Case walked over
42:34and sat down beside me.
42:35He reached over
42:36and took my hand,
42:37eyes warm.
42:39Tricking you into
42:39becoming my Luna?
42:40That's the luckiest thing
42:41I've ever done.
42:42My face went red.
42:43I gave him a look.
42:45Chloe burst out laughing.
42:46Alright,
42:46I'm leaving you two alone.
42:48Leah,
42:48I'll come by tomorrow.
42:49Sure.
42:50Take care.
42:51I watched her go.
42:52Case turned to me.
42:54Are you a good friend now?
42:56Yes.
42:57The past is the past.
42:59No point holding on to it.
43:00He squeezed my hand.
43:02I'm glad you can think that way.
43:04He knew how much
43:04I'd been through.
43:05Watching me let it go
43:06and just be happy.
43:07I could tell it meant
43:08something to him.
43:10We sat side by side
43:11at the stone table
43:12and looked out at the sky.
43:14Neither of us said much.
43:15We didn't need to.
43:17Days like this,
43:18quiet and unhurried,
43:20became the rhythm of our life.
43:22Case stayed busy
43:23with the pack
43:23and with royal matters,
43:24but he always made time.
43:27Sunrises,
43:27sunsets,
43:28he spoiled me
43:29until I didn't know
43:30what to do with it.
43:32Martha was healthy
43:32and smiling every day.
43:34The estate was calm
43:35and easy again,
43:36the way it used to be.
43:38True to his word,
43:39Prince Caden petitioned
43:40the Lycan king on my behalf.
43:42At my official Luna ceremony,
43:44the Lycan king's decree
43:45was read aloud.
43:46A formal commendation
43:48in front of the entire pack.
43:50The estate was lit up
43:51and full of noise that day.
43:53Case lifted the veil
43:54and placed it over my head himself,
43:56his eyes proud and soft.
43:58The most beautiful Luna.
43:59Then he shifted,
44:01right there in front of everyone.
44:03His wolf was massive,
44:05dark,
44:05broad-shouldered,
44:06still.
44:07He lowered himself
44:08to the ground and waited.
44:10I climbed onto his back.
44:11He rose slowly,
44:13carrying me steady,
44:14and lifted his head
44:15toward the moon.
44:16The howl that came out of him
44:17was long and deep
44:18and carried across
44:19the entire territory.
44:21One by one,
44:22the pack answered.
44:24Howl after howl
44:25rising into the night sky.
44:27I thought about everything
44:28it had taken to get here.
44:29A bastard Omega
44:30with no wolf,
44:32no one to speak for her.
44:33Only I knew
44:34how hard the road had been.
44:36And all of it,
44:37every bit of the happiness
44:38on the other side of it,
44:39came from the man
44:40standing behind me.
44:41After the ceremony,
44:42Case took me south.
44:44Open land,
44:45warm air,
44:46water catching
44:46the afternoon light.
44:48Far from everything
44:49that had tried
44:49to take us down.
44:50The rest of our lives
44:52stretched out ahead of us.
44:53Every year,
44:54every season,
44:55together.
44:57After the ceremony,
44:58life settled into
44:59a new rhythm.
45:00I stood beside Case
45:01at every pack meeting,
45:03every decision,
45:04every matter that came
45:05through the estate gates.
45:06His pack was my pack.
45:08His people were my people.
45:10But he always made time.
45:12A weekend drive
45:13with no destination.
45:14A trail through the forest
45:15at dawn.
45:16Wherever he thought
45:17I'd want to see,
45:18he took me there
45:19without being asked.
45:20The rest of our lives
45:22stretched out ahead of us.
45:23Every year,
45:24every season,
45:25together.
45:26together.
45:26I'm going to see you
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