Swapping My Alpha From Fox To Wolf - Ep - FULL ✅ #fullmovie #engsub #tvseries #trending2026 #dramaseries #romancemovies #fullhd
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:02In this new era, male werebeasts existed to reproduce with humans.
00:00:15As a top tiered werebeast was diagnosed with infertility, nobody wanted an infertile werebeast.
00:00:22So he was sold to the Red Light District and met me there.
00:00:25I just happened to be looking to buy a werebeast, so he knelt in front of me.
00:00:30Crying and begging me to buy him.
00:00:32Stupid me, I spent all my savings to buy him.
00:00:36Now I ended up at the hospital alone after Jumarion scratched me again.
00:00:46This is deep enough to leave a scar.
00:00:49Has your werebeast ever actually been socialized?
00:00:52I offered a tight smile.
00:00:55He has. Top of his class, actually.
00:00:58My phone buzzed.
00:01:00So many complaining messages from Jumarion.
00:01:03It's only a scratch.
00:01:04Was it really necessary to go to the hospital?
00:01:07I'm hungry.
00:01:08Come back and make me dinner.
00:01:09I never get enough to eat, not after being yours.
00:01:12You seriously suck at taking care of me.
00:01:14Was that honestly how he saw things?
00:01:16After leaving the hospital, I headed straight for the werebeast exchange.
00:01:20Not my home.
00:01:21I'd like to exchange my werebeast.
00:01:27I'd like to exchange my werebeast.
00:01:29I told the receptionist.
00:01:31She was very polite as she went through the standard intake questions.
00:01:38You've been registered with your current werebeast for a full year.
00:01:42You're almost eligible to form a bond.
00:01:45Why do you want to exchange them now?
00:01:46A deep pan of sadness hit me.
00:01:50It had been a year already.
00:01:54I still remembered how eager I'd been for our bonding.
00:01:57Talking excitedly with Jumarion about what our rings should look like.
00:02:01He'd smirked at me.
00:02:04Do you honestly think you're good enough for me?
00:02:07His ears flattened against his head.
00:02:11Crying won't change anything.
00:02:20I'm never going to form a bond with you.
00:02:23Here's a free tip.
00:02:24You lower class humans look disgusting when you cry.
00:02:29I swallowed the lump in my throat.
00:02:31He doesn't like me.
00:02:34The truth was, he hated me.
00:02:39The receptionist blinked in surprise.
00:02:42Normally, trained werebeats wouldn't act like this.
00:02:46They are supposed to be completely devoted to their owners.
00:02:53And yet, somehow, the impossible had happened to me.
00:02:56I managed a casual smile.
00:03:00I guess I just have bad luck.
00:03:01Her expression turned apologetic.
00:03:04The issue lies with our training.
00:03:06Please don't be too hard on yourself.
00:03:13Come with me.
00:03:28I'd originally paid $80,000 for Jumarion, which meant I could pick a replacement from the same price bracket.
00:03:39I flipped through the available options, taking in faces that were slightly less striking than Jumarion's, but still gorgeous.
00:03:47Their files listed them as foxes and leopards.
00:03:50I hesitated.
00:03:53Do you have anyone else?
00:03:55I wanted a canine.
00:03:58Specifically, a golden retriever.
00:04:00I'd heard golden retriever werebeats genuinely liked humans.
00:04:04If that were true, maybe one would even to lower tier human, like me.
00:04:10The staff member maintained her polite customer service smile.
00:04:14Not at the moment.
00:04:16However, werebeats mature quickly, and our next group will be available in two months.
00:04:23I nodded.
00:04:25As she walked me toward the door.
00:04:28A loose photo slipped out of her folder and fluttered to the floor.
00:04:39The man in the picture had cold, vertically slitted gray eyes, with a high nose bridge, broad shoulders, and a
00:04:46narrow waist.
00:04:47He was undeniably handsome.
00:04:49But he looked incredibly dangerous.
00:04:51He was a werewolf.
00:04:53The receptionist sighed, picking it up.
00:05:02He's actually our best behaved werebeast.
00:05:06Management wanted to try expanding into a new market.
00:05:10But buyers are terrified that a werewolf will lose control and attack them.
00:05:16Our supervisors are worried about losing money.
00:05:20So they're selling him to the fighting arena today.
00:05:30She shook her head sadly.
00:05:32The problem is, he was raised to be gentle.
00:05:35If he goes to the arena, the other fighters will definitely kill him.
00:05:42Nobody wants to buy him, and it's truly sad.
00:05:46Nobody wanted him.
00:05:47Nobody wanted me either.
00:05:49But still, I heard that once they go to the arena, they get completely mutilated by the other beasts.
00:05:56That sounded like an agonizing way to die.
00:05:59I hesitated, second-guesting myself.
00:06:04And a werewolf technically counted canine as a canine, didn't it?
00:06:13I stopped walking.
00:06:15Is he really well behaved?
00:06:17She looked up, instantly hopeful.
00:06:19Yes, absolutely.
00:06:24Then I'll take him.
00:06:29The staff told me the werewolf would be delivered in three days.
00:06:40I carefully tucked the exchange agreement into my bag.
00:06:48On the walk home, I spotted Jamarnian and Gianna Relatford in the distance.
00:06:56The white-haired werewolf stood in the evening light.
00:07:00With his steep-set eyes and his distinct features, he was incredibly handsome.
00:07:07Gianna was a high-class human from the neighboring district.
00:07:17She was smart, elegant, and completely unlike me.
00:07:22Ever since she met Jamarion, she'd made a habit of dropping by with premium nutritional supplements,
00:07:28and the two of them had grown unusually close.
00:07:33I slowed my pace.
00:07:36I slowed my pace.
00:07:42Gianna noticed me.
00:07:44Deb, off to work again?
00:07:48I have to say, even if you're about to form a bond with Jamarion,
00:07:52you really ought to put a little more effort into your appearance.
00:07:56Look at what you're wearing.
00:07:57Walking down the street like that, no one's gonna think you two are a couple.
00:08:04I glanced down, it's down, at my plain t-shirt and jeans.
00:08:08Then back at Gianna's beautiful dress.
00:08:16I think I look fine.
00:08:19Jamarion didn't even look at me.
00:08:21She wouldn't look good even if she tried.
00:08:23She's better off pretending she just doesn't know how to dress.
00:08:26That way people won't realize she's genuinely unattractive.
00:08:30Jamarion, how can you say that about Deb?
00:08:35Jamarion smirked.
00:08:37It was a flackless, completely mocking smile.
00:08:42You're trying to help, and she just thinks you're being nosy.
00:08:47Low-class humans simply can't grasp how high-class humans think.
00:08:52It was my own terrible luck that she bought me.
00:08:55He never used to be like this.
00:08:58Back when I couldn't afford the premium supplements that high-grade wear beasts need,
00:09:02he would always insist that he was lucky to have found me.
00:09:06The cheap clothes I bought trapped his sensitive skin,
00:09:09but he never complained.
00:09:13That all changed the day we ran into his former rival,
00:09:17a red werefox on the street.
00:09:21I had dropped my bag, and Jamalion was helping me gather my scattered things.
00:09:28The red werefox stepped out of a car, and planted his foot directly onto Jamalion's hand.
00:09:35Well, well. If it isn't the highly sought after Jamarion, how did you end up with such a plain low
00:09:42-class human?
00:09:44I suppose it makes sense, though.
00:09:46A defected product paired with a low-class human is a perfect match.
00:09:53After that, Jamarion locked himself in his room for the rest of the night.
00:10:02I sat outside his door until morning.
00:10:05I tried to tell him that dividing people into classes was wrong,
00:10:09and that he shouldn't care about wear-bead exchange labeling him as defective.
00:10:14We were doing just fine together.
00:10:21When Jamarion finally opened the door, his eyes were red and swore.
00:10:27You've never lived in will-bead exchange,
00:10:30so of course you think being considered completely worthless is perfectly fine.
00:10:35Then he met Gianna.
00:10:38Gianna was a rich, high-class woman.
00:10:42She could give him the expensive supplements, the nice clothes,
00:10:46the high-class life I couldn't afford.
00:10:50They grew a little closer every day.
00:10:54I brought it up cautiously one time.
00:11:00You're my wear-beast.
00:11:02Could you keep your distance from Gianna?
00:11:06Jamarion stared at the male beast and met her down at me with contempt.
00:11:10His gaze was cold and full of resentment.
00:11:15Debra, you never would have been able to afford me if I weren't defective.
00:11:20You just took advantage of my desperate situation.
00:11:24What gives you the right to act like my owner?
00:11:27But the truth was,
00:11:28he was the one who had begged me to save him in the first place.
00:11:32Growing up in an orphanage,
00:11:34I never knew what it meant to have a real family.
00:11:38Seeing Jamarion beg like that made me long for someone who loved me.
00:11:43I never brought up his past, terrified it would offend him.
00:11:50I certainly never expected that when he finally brought it up himself,
00:11:54he would accuse me of taking advantage of his misfortune.
00:11:58But now I argued back, trying to defend myself.
00:12:02I never once used your past against you.
00:12:05I protected your feelings every single day.
00:12:11How is that taking advantage?
00:12:15In the heat of the moment, I accidentally brushed his hand.
00:12:18He shoved me so hard that I slammed to the sharp corner of the table.
00:12:23It sliced my arm wide open.
00:12:28You wouldn't be hurt if you hadn't tried to grab me.
00:12:31You did this to yourself.
00:12:36He wouldn't even drive me to the hospital.
00:12:38I'm going shopping with Gianna today.
00:12:41Jamarion and I didn't have to be chained to each other forever.
00:12:44I spoke up, stopping Jamarion just as he was closing the door.
00:12:49Jamarion, does being with me really make you that miserable?
00:12:57He paused.
00:12:59When he looked back over his shoulder, he wore that same mocking ting smirk.
00:13:05Yeah.
00:13:06But someone of your low status got incredibly lucky acquiring me,
00:13:11so you'll never let me go.
00:13:13I'm going to be stuck with a clingy annoyance for the rest of my life.
00:13:17I let out a slow breath, washed over by a sudden, intense wave of relief.
00:13:23It seemed I really had made the right decision to exchange him.
00:13:27When I didn't answer right away, Jamarion thumped his tail impatiently against the floor.
00:13:38What do you want?
00:13:40I looked down, picking on my cuticles.
00:13:46I got you a gift.
00:13:47You'll see it in a few days.
00:13:49An unreadable expression crossed his face for a fraction of a second.
00:13:53He almost looked hopeful, but quickly slipped right back into his usual mocking tone.
00:14:03I hope it isn't more of that cheap nutritional supplement.
00:14:07It's absolute garbage.
00:14:09I'll just end up pouring it down the toilet.
00:14:12I looked at him, dead serious.
00:14:15No.
00:14:16It's what you want most.
00:14:18Freedom.
00:14:22It better be.
00:14:24Jamarion muttered, shutting the door firmly behind him.
00:14:32Giana showed up bright and early the next morning.
00:14:36Jamarion and I agreed to go shopping.
00:14:38We just have similar tastes, and we always have so much to talk about when we go out.
00:14:43You aren't mad, are you, Deb?
00:14:46She watched me closely, testing the waters.
00:14:51Normally, I would sulk and refuse to let him know.
00:14:55It always ate at me, but he refused to go anywhere with me, yet constantly went out with her.
00:15:02But today, I had my own plans.
00:15:05I don't mind.
00:15:08Jamarion had been getting a look of disgust ready, but my answer stopped him in his tracks.
00:15:15His expression turned awkward.
00:15:16Debra, you really aren't angry?
00:15:20I pulled on my jacket.
00:15:22Not at all. Go wherever you want.
00:15:25There was a massive end-of-season sale at the mall today, and I needed to get moving to buy
00:15:30some essential supplies for a werewolf.
00:15:37Giana linked her arm through his, her voice delicate.
00:15:41Isn't it better that she isn't causing trouble?
00:15:44Let's stop talking and just go.
00:15:48I watched how physically close they were.
00:15:51But I didn't feel my usual stab of jealousy.
00:15:54I simply slipped on my shoes and walked quickly out the door.
00:15:59The regular mall was packed, just like it was all year round.
00:16:08It was mostly lower-class people out shopping with their ordinary werebeasts.
00:16:12Shoppers bumped into each other in the crowded aisles, but they all wore happy, genuine smiles.
00:16:17Their up-de-energy started to rub off on me.
00:16:19Once I bought a new werebeast, I'd probably be just as happy.
00:16:22I would never again have to hear Jemarion say that worthless people deserve cheap things.
00:16:28He wouldn't loudly make fun of this mall in public before ditching me, leaving me standing there humiliated.
00:16:39All I really wanted was a normal, affectionate werebeast.
00:16:43I didn't get back until after dark.
00:16:45Jemarion was actually home.
00:16:47He and Gianna usually stayed out late.
00:16:50He was Bellamy-shognouts with the axe of the lathes, missively and once.
00:16:54He was planted on the couch with his arms crossed, visibly fuming.
00:17:01Where have you been?
00:17:02You didn't even make dinner.
00:17:04It's bad enough living in poverty with you, but now I'm starving.
00:17:08You do a terrible job taking care of me.
00:17:16I took a sip of my coffee and set my shopping bags on the counter.
00:17:21I figured you'd just eat at Gianna's.
00:17:24Plus, I didn't think you wanted my cooking anymore.
00:17:31I spent all afternoon making your birthday dinner and you threw the whole thing in the trash?
00:17:39That shut him up.
00:17:40I focused entirely on unpacking the supplies I'd bought for the werewolf.
00:17:44Chew toys, a grooming comb, and fish oil.
00:17:51I didn't hear Jemarion walk up behind me.
00:17:58Are you treating me like a dog?
00:18:00I don't need cheap trash meant for some low-grade werebeast.
00:18:05A comb like that is going to ruin my hair.
00:18:08And this fish oil isn't even pure.
00:18:11But whatever. Since you already bought it, I guess I can try it out.
00:18:15These aren't for you.
00:18:16I cut him. He froze.
00:18:18His hand hovering just over the comb.
00:18:22What do you mean?
00:18:25I turned to look at his flawless face.
00:18:28I'm not good enough for a high-grade werebeast like you.
00:18:32I've already filed the transfer paperwork.
00:18:34In a couple of days, you'll never have to see me again.
00:18:44The clock ticked loudly in the heavy silence between us.
00:18:51After a long pause, his scowl softened.
00:18:55He spoke with absolute certainty.
00:18:59Giana was right.
00:19:01About what?
00:19:03You saw us getting close, and now you're threatening to leave just to guilt trick me.
00:19:08Now you're bringing up transfer papers.
00:19:12He crossed his arms.
00:19:13Giana said you were manipulative, and she wasn't wrong.
00:19:17Did you honestly think a few empty threats would make me beg for your attention like some cheap werebeast?
00:19:25I was too exhausted to argue.
00:19:28Think whatever you want, I muttered.
00:19:31My indifference only fueled his temper.
00:19:40He violently ripped the calendar off the wall.
00:19:44I had highlighted the 20th of next month with a heart.
00:19:51You just want to bond with me, don't you?
00:19:55You interrogated me about ring sizes six months ago and forced me to live with you.
00:20:01If you want me, fuck you.
00:20:03Just say so.
00:20:05Aren't you ashamed of being so deceptive?
00:20:09By law, warybeats were ob-gated to provide companionship to their humans.
00:20:14Early on, I hadn't felt comfortable sleeping with him since we were practically strangers.
00:20:18But later, he was the one who refused.
00:20:21We still hadn't been intimate.
00:20:24I had only ever seen him hold Giana's hand, never mine.
00:20:28Whenever I showed how much that stung, Jumanian would just mock me.
00:20:32Giana tripped, and I helped her up.
00:20:34We aren't impure like you inferior humans.
00:20:39Looking at Jumarian now, I felt he was a total stranger.
00:20:44I stared at my hands.
00:20:46The hands that had cooked, and cleaned, and tried for a whole year.
00:20:51He'd called every bit of it a trap.
00:20:55I looked at the heart on the calendar.
00:21:00I'd drawn it back when I still loved him.
00:21:04There was nothing shameful about that.
00:21:06Jumarian was still fleeting.
00:21:13He tore the calendar into pieces, letting the scraps flutter to the floor.
00:21:19Listen to me.
00:21:21Even if we bond, I'm still going to see Giana.
00:21:24If you want to touch me, you have to ask for permission first.
00:21:29His tail lashed behind him.
00:21:33And if we walk down the street, no one can know we're together.
00:21:39Jumarian, I interrupted.
00:21:42He glared at me, clearly not finished with his rant.
00:21:46I had never felt so perfectly calm.
00:21:50No wonder you were marked as defective.
00:21:55Buying you was a terrible mistake.
00:21:57I said, initiating every single word.
00:22:01Jumerican's golden people shrank.
00:22:07His fluffy white tail shot straight up in the air.
00:22:10His fur standing on end.
00:22:13A sharp knock at the door cut through the silence.
00:22:23I opened the door.
00:22:25A shadow fell over me.
00:22:28Marcus Rainfield stood in the doorway, filling the entire frame.
00:22:32I had to tip my head back just to see his face.
00:22:35His muscles strained against his short sleeves.
00:22:38Between his sharp brows and the upward slant of his eyes,
00:22:41he looked downright terrifying.
00:22:44The scar on his temple only made him look more so.
00:22:47Jumerian couldn't stop staring at him.
00:22:51This was my first time dealing with a predatory werebeast,
00:22:55and my stomach was in knots.
00:22:57Was a werewolf like him really going to listen to me?
00:23:01Marcus must have picked up on my nerves.
00:23:04He leaned down, offering me his furry ears to pet,
00:23:07and spoke in a surprisingly so soft voice.
00:23:10Hi, Miss Pennyurton.
00:23:13I'm Marcus Rainhurth.
00:23:16The worker with him was Sheila,
00:23:18the same receptionist I'd met before.
00:23:20She gave me a warm smile.
00:23:23Don't worry.
00:23:24I watched Marcus grow up,
00:23:26and he's an absolute sweetheart.
00:23:29There is one issue, though.
00:23:31Because Werebeast Exchange is currently under under-renovation,
00:23:34it'll be about two weeks before we can take Jumamion back.
00:23:38Would it be alright if he stayed here in the meantime?
00:23:42We'll gladly cover his living expenses.
00:23:47While Sheila talked, Marcus's furry tail brushed against my ankle,
00:23:52wagging a mile a minute with excitement.
00:23:58I hesitated, not giving her a definite answer right away.
00:24:03Jumamion had been dead silent.
00:24:05But the second Marcus reached out to gently touch my pinky finger,
00:24:09Jumamion scoffed.
00:24:11Mutt?
00:24:12Marcus flinched.
00:24:17He instantly shrunk his massive frame down and pressed himself against my side.
00:24:22Miss Pennington, he's glaring at me, and I'm really scared.
00:24:30Just like that, my anxiety vanished.
00:24:33People always complained that werewolves were tough to handle,
00:24:36but Marcus was incredibly sweet.
00:24:40He was gentle and eager to please, which was exactly what I wanted.
00:24:48Sheila's smile dropped.
00:24:49Her face went totally flat as she held up her employee badge.
00:24:53Number 4561, Werewolf, at Jumamion Garrard.
00:24:57Is that correct?
00:24:58Jumamion went pale.
00:25:00Yes.
00:25:02On behalf of Werebeast Exchange,
00:25:05I am officially notifying you that your owner has requested a replacement.
00:25:09We are highly disappointed in your failure to fill your duties.
00:25:16She tucked the badge away.
00:25:22We will be back to collect you in two weeks.
00:25:25Please have your things ready.
00:25:32Second, Sheila walked out the door.
00:25:35Jumariath lunged, yanking Marcus away from me.
00:25:39Mutt!
00:25:43What do you think you're doing?
00:25:45Is this just some act?
00:25:54Marcus hit the floor, scraping his hand hard against the corner of the table
00:25:57and leaving an angry red wint.
00:26:00He didn't try to fight back.
00:26:02He just scrambled to his feet and looked at me cautiously,
00:26:06completely miserable.
00:26:07My heart broke for him.
00:26:12I shoved Jumian out of the way and rushed over.
00:26:16Jumarian slammed back against the wall, wincing.
00:26:19Are you okay?
00:26:22Debra!
00:26:24I know exactly what you're doing!
00:26:26You're just using this mutt to manipulate me into a bond!
00:26:30Cancel the agreement right now and send him back!
00:26:33He pointed at the door.
00:26:37If you don't, I will never bond with you.
00:26:41I whipped around, totally out of patience.
00:26:44Jumian! Jumian!
00:26:46I'm only going to say this one last time!
00:26:51I don't want you anymore.
00:27:03Jumerican didn't say another word.
00:27:06He just turned and stormed out the door.
00:27:10Once things had settled,
00:27:11I carefully dabbed some medicine onto Marcus's scraped hand.
00:27:14He kept pulling away from my touch,
00:27:17turning his head so I couldn't see his face.
00:27:20A fresh wave of panic hit me.
00:27:23Do you regret coming here?
00:27:27Terrified he was going to turn out just like Jumariuk,
00:27:30I decided to lay all my cards on the table.
00:27:35Look, if you stay with me,
00:27:37you aren't going to get premium nutritional supplements,
00:27:40since I'm classified as a lower-tier human.
00:27:43My paychecks barely cover the basics.
00:27:47I look down at my hands.
00:27:51I work two jobs a day,
00:27:53I smell like sweat half the summer,
00:27:55and I know I'm pretty average-looking.
00:28:00If you're ashamed to be seen,
00:28:02we tell me now, and I can send you back.
00:28:14I tried to sound casual as I spoke,
00:28:18subtly wiping my sweaty hands behind my back.
00:28:23Marcus finally looked at me,
00:28:25his grey eyes shining with tears.
00:28:27I'm so sorry.
00:28:29My stomach dropped.
00:28:31Was he going to reject me, too?
00:28:35The skin around his eyes was flushed raw.
00:28:39I'm sorry, I'm just so happy.
00:28:41I'm so glad to be staying with you,
00:28:43that I couldn't hold my expression together.
00:28:46I thought I looked ugly when I cried,
00:28:48so I didn't want you to see.
00:28:52A loud sob broke from his chest.
00:28:54I was sure they were going to ship me off to the fighting arena.
00:28:58Then they told me someone actually wanted me.
00:29:05He clutched my hand tighter.
00:29:09I held your picture at night,
00:29:11and I just couldn't believe it.
00:29:13I was terrified it was a dream.
00:29:15Mrs. Penningston,
00:29:16I think you're incredibly cute and beautiful.
00:29:24I'm not ashamed of you at all.
00:29:28I'm just so full of joy that I can't stop crying.
00:29:31I've never been this happy in my whole life.
00:29:34He was being so silly.
00:29:36The tears were already pouring down his cheeks.
00:29:39Sheila had mentioned that Marcus was quiet and timid
00:29:42simply because nobody wanted him.
00:29:50But listening to him chatter away now,
00:29:52I realized he'd just been keeping it all bottled up.
00:29:56A strange, restless warmth stirred in my chest.
00:30:00Could someone really be this happy just to be with me?
00:30:03It felt like a dream.
00:30:04I took his hand.
00:30:06His palm was damp with nervous sweat,
00:30:08but the solid heat of his skin told me it was real.
00:30:11You don't have to call me Mrs. Pennington, I told him.
00:30:14Just Deb is fine.
00:30:20When Jamarian got back, Giana was with him.
00:30:24Jamarian marched straight into the bedroom and started packing,
00:30:27making as much noise as humanly possible.
00:30:31Giana lingered in the entryway,
00:30:34looking completely disgusted.
00:30:38You've worked for years,
00:30:39and this tiny place is all you can afford, Deb?
00:30:43Maybe you just aren't working hard enough.
00:30:46Jamarian told me today you wanted a new werebeast.
00:30:50You really take him for granted.
00:30:52If I had a werebeast like him,
00:30:55I'd give up absolutely anything to provide for him.
00:30:59She smoothed her skirt smugly.
00:31:02I'd never kick him out.
00:31:06Inferior people have trash taste.
00:31:09Jamarian scoffed from the other room.
00:31:12She brings home a cheap mutt,
00:31:14and now the whole apartment stinks.
00:31:16I only had to put up with this for two more days,
00:31:19so getting into it with them was pointless.
00:31:23Keeping my head down,
00:31:25I went back to brushing Marcus's tail.
00:31:31The staff over at werebeast exchange hadn't bothered to groom him
00:31:34since no one wanted to buy him.
00:31:37I made sure to brush him out thoroughly,
00:31:40knowing how painful matted fur could be.
00:31:43Jamarian and Giania kept lobbing insults back and forth,
00:31:47tearing me down.
00:31:53Actually, foxes are the ones that stink.
00:31:56Marcus chimed in out of nowhere.
00:31:59Jameritan streamed out of the bedroom,
00:32:02livid.
00:32:03What did you just say?!
00:32:06Marcus stepped in front of me.
00:32:08I said you're a stinking fox.
00:32:11You flirt with other people when you already have an owner.
00:32:14He bared his teeth.
00:32:15You have zero loyalty and zero morals.
00:32:21I stared at him, stunned.
00:32:23I can say it ten times if you want.
00:32:26For a guy who was supposed to be timid,
00:32:28he had a very sharp tongue.
00:32:30Was he defending me?
00:32:37The quiet warmth spread through my chest.
00:32:41When I looked up at him,
00:32:42he just blinked innocently and shrunk against my side.
00:32:45Gianna scoffed loudly.
00:32:48Since you obviously can't stand Jamanalik at Deborah,
00:32:51I assume you won't mind if he crashes at my place?
00:32:54I don't mind at all.
00:32:55I nodded.
00:32:57Jamanian dropped the pile of clothes he was holding.
00:33:01You've wanted to get rid of me this entire time, haven't you, Deborah?
00:33:05I looked down at his feet.
00:33:07He was standing on a $150 shirt,
00:33:10while I was sitting there in a cheap sweatshirt I'd bought at a $3 for $30 sale.
00:33:16I let out a sigh.
00:33:19Jamanian, aren't you the one who wanted to leave?
00:33:22His jaw clenched. Jamanian shot me a glares.
00:33:26Exactly.
00:33:27I want to leave you.
00:33:29It's not the other way around.
00:33:31I don't want to spend another minute in this dump.
00:33:36He turned away.
00:33:38Gianna chimed in, quick to pascave him.
00:33:44Don't worry, Jamratin.
00:33:47Come home with me.
00:33:49I'll give you everything you could ever want.
00:33:53But Jamarian didn't answer her.
00:33:56The only sound in the room was his tail thumping a steady rhythm against the floor.
00:34:09I smoothed out the new blankets.
00:34:11I told him.
00:34:16I'm sorry, as soon as Jamarian leaves I'll clear out the other room for you.
00:34:20At least it's warm out right now, so the floor shouldn't be too bad.
00:34:24Plus, you're a werewolf, so I figured...
00:34:28I patted the mattress.
00:34:30I turned around and stopped short.
00:34:36Marcus was hovering by the door, wringing his hands.
00:34:39His ears were pinned back, drooping heavily.
00:34:42I asked,
00:34:43Hey, what's wrong?
00:34:45Do you not want the floor?
00:34:46You can take the bed, it's fine.
00:34:48I'll take the floor.
00:34:49Now his tail was tucked, too.
00:34:52Tears welled in his eyes.
00:34:54Did I do something wrong?
00:34:55I stared at him, completely lost.
00:34:58No, of course not.
00:34:59You've been totally fine.
00:35:02Werewolves were massive, and when Marcus dropped heavily to his knees, the tiny room suddenly felt suffocatingly small.
00:35:14Bathed in the warm yellow glow of the lamp, his rugged face just looked incredibly pitiful.
00:35:22After a long, tense pause, he took a few steps forward.
00:35:26He stopped short, and looked back at me.
00:35:29I kept my eyes glued to the floor, pretending not to notice.
00:35:38Gemalion?
00:35:42Giana's smile vanished.
00:35:44When Gemalion finally moved, it was to ush Giana toward the door.
00:35:49I really don't want to be here.
00:35:52But where a beast exchange assigned me to Deborah's house, I shouldn't break the rules.
00:35:59You can find me at the hall once I'm officially listed for sale, Giana.
00:36:03He shut the front door firmly, cutting off her frustrated protests.
00:36:07Marcus watched Gemalion stand motionless by the door, then leaned in close.
00:36:13Let's go back to the bedroom, Deb.
00:36:15It's getting late.
00:36:17We should go to sleep.
00:36:19His warm brushed my skin, bringing a sudden hot flush flush to my face.
00:36:24It was a totally ordinary suggestion.
00:36:27But something about the way he said it made me acutely self-conscious.
00:36:31Gemalion whipped around.
00:36:33You two are sleeping in the same bed?
00:36:39Gemalion whipped around.
00:36:41Marcus drept an arm over my shoulders, pulling me flush against his chest.
00:36:46He gave Gemalion a wide-eyed, innocent look.
00:36:50Of course we are.
00:36:52Isn't it normal to sleep next to my owner?
00:36:56Not that it's any of your business anyway.
00:36:59You're just Deb's ex now.
00:37:02Marcus shuffled forward on his knees and wrapped his thick arms around my legs, tears spilling down his cheeks.
00:37:13Deb, whatever I messed up, I'll fix it.
00:37:16Please don't make me sleep alone.
00:37:18I swear, they taught me how to serve humans at WellBeast Exchange.
00:37:23Heat flooded my cheeks as it finally clicked.
00:37:27Was he crying because I was making him sleep in a separate bed?
00:37:32Without thinking, I reached down and wiped a tear away with my thumb.
00:37:38Marcus practically melted into my touch, nuzzling his rough cheek against my palm.
00:37:44Can I?
00:37:46He was a terrifying apex predator.
00:37:49But here he was, crying in completely genuine distress.
00:37:53We just met.
00:37:55I just...
00:37:57I didn't think you'd even want to.
00:38:00Germanion definitely hadn't.
00:38:02He'd made it perfectly clear he'd rather drop dead than touch some inferior human.
00:38:08Marcus pressed hot, wet kisses into the center of my hand.
00:38:13I want to.
00:38:16Deb, I want to give you a child.
00:38:19I want to stay right by your side and protect you both for the rest of my life.
00:38:23I'm just an unwanted, inferior wolf.
00:38:25You're the only person who's actually wanted me.
00:38:28He pressed his forehead to my knees.
00:38:30I really like you.
00:38:31I'm nothing like that fox out there.
00:38:33I am entirely devoted to you.
00:38:35My knees gave out, and I sat down heavily on the edge of the mattress.
00:38:40Marcus's fever-hot hands settled onto my calves.
00:38:43Still crying, he pushed himself up.
00:38:48Resting one knee on the bed beside me.
00:38:51He pulled his shirt over his head.
00:38:54Marcus's chest was corded with firm, sculpt muscle.
00:39:03Please take pity on me.
00:39:05Just give me a chance.
00:39:06My brain just stopped working.
00:39:09Hanging onto my last shred of sanity, I slowly nodded.
00:39:24I woke up in a hazy fog to the sound of rain lashing against the window.
00:39:29No wonder the room felt so suffocatingly hot and humid.
00:39:33I reached out to switch off the bedside lamp, but Marcus pulled me back.
00:39:38I rasped, my throat dry.
00:39:41Someone's knocking.
00:39:43There's someone out there.
00:39:46Stop.
00:39:53The wet kisses trailing down my neck paused, only to hover over my lips.
00:39:59Are you still thinking about him?
00:40:01You like him better, don't you?
00:40:03I felt totally trapped.
00:40:05I don't.
00:40:05I like you.
00:40:07I like you.
00:40:09I like you, okay?
00:40:09The second the words left my mouth, the incessant knocking stopped.
00:40:13Looking entirely satisfied, Marcus finally reached over and flicked off the light.
00:40:19The next morning, my entire body ached as I threw on my clothes.
00:40:25I muttered under my breath.
00:40:27Marcus had been way too huffed.
00:40:30Marcus came up behind me, pressing his heavy chest against my back.
00:40:37I'm not a man.
00:40:37Dead, you smell so good.
00:40:40No, wait.
00:40:41You smell sweet.
00:40:43Can we sleep together again tonight?
00:40:46Knock it off.
00:40:47I can barely walk as it…
00:40:52The words died in my throat.
00:40:55Jameritan was out there.
00:40:56His eyes were totally dark with fury,
00:41:00gripping the leather armrest of the chair so hard the material was buckling.
00:41:05The sheer intensity of his glare sent an icy chill straight down my spine.
00:41:11Jamerian ground out his face too.
00:41:13Deborah, do you have absolutely no shame?
00:41:18Before I could even open my mouth,
00:41:20Marcus's hand clamped possessively onto my waist.
00:41:25His posture went still, instantly hostile.
00:41:30Fox, if you say one more insulting thing to Dev...
00:41:33He growled.
00:41:34I'll bite your neck and snap it.
00:41:36Jamerian's pupils blew out into razor-thin slits, his canons bared.
00:41:41Try it.
00:41:42I'd love to strangle you right now.
00:41:45The air in the tiny room grew thick,
00:41:47heavy with the suffocating tension of two werebeasts gearing up for a territorial bloodbath.
00:41:51I reached back, lacing my fingers firmly through Marcus's.
00:41:55There's no point in fighting with someone who doesn't matter.
00:41:58He's leaving soon anyway.
00:42:01Marcus's whole demeanor flipped on a dime.
00:42:03All that lethal aggression evaporated.
00:42:06He turned to me, his eyes wide and pitiful,
00:42:10his bottom lip poking out in a soft pout.
00:42:12He's so mean, Deb.
00:42:13He scared me.
00:42:18I rubbed Marcus's ears.
00:42:20They were incredibly soft.
00:42:22That's just how he is.
00:42:24Just ignore him.
00:42:25I told him.
00:42:30Come on.
00:42:35Let's go buy you some pajamas.
00:42:37The stiff tension finally drained from Jamerican's humped shoulders,
00:42:41leaving him swaying slightly on his feet.
00:42:44Then, he moved,
00:42:46planting himself squarely in front of the door.
00:42:53He grabbed my arm.
00:42:55At Debra, don't choose him.
00:42:57I thought you liked me.
00:42:58Whatever he can do for you, I can do too.
00:43:01Just send him back.
00:43:02Send him back right now,
00:43:04and I swear I'll pretend none of this ever happened.
00:43:06Behind me, I felt Marcus instantly tense up.
00:43:09I stayed quiet for a moment,
00:43:11letting the silence hang, but changing the subject.
00:43:13You know, I grew up in an orphanage.
00:43:18Jamerian frowned,
00:43:20clearly thrown off.
00:43:22So?
00:43:24Because of that,
00:43:25I said, letting my mind drift back.
00:43:27I'm really good at reading people.
00:43:29When you first got here,
00:43:30I could tell you were genuinely happy.
00:43:32But eventually,
00:43:33I watched your mood sour into irritation,
00:43:35and then disgust.
00:43:37I took a breath.
00:43:39I tried so hard to please you.
00:43:44I put in so much effort,
00:43:46but you just continually resented me.
00:43:49You thought I was beneath you,
00:43:51that I was unworthy of you,
00:43:52and those feelings were real.
00:43:55That's exactly why I decided to transference your ownership.
00:44:00I expected you to be happy and relieved right now.
00:44:03Instead, you're acting jealous and angry.
00:44:06Want to tell me why that is, Jamerian?
00:44:09I looked him dead in the eye.
00:44:12Outside, clouds swallowed the sun,
00:44:15plunging the room into dim gray.
00:44:18His fingertips had turned a pale, sickly blue,
00:44:21probably from the chill in the air.
00:44:24For a long time,
00:44:25he didn't say a word.
00:44:28Deciding this was a waste of time,
00:44:30I grabbed Marcus's hand
00:44:32and moved to brush past him.
00:44:35But Jamerian caught my free hand.
00:44:37I turned back.
00:44:39For the first time since I'd known him,
00:44:41his perfectly composed mask cracked.
00:44:43It revealed raw, genuine distress.
00:44:46He finally whispered,
00:44:48Debra,
00:44:49if I tell you right now that I really like you,
00:44:53is it too late?
00:44:59The whole situation was completely absurd.
00:45:02I was so stunned,
00:45:03it took me a second to process what was happening.
00:45:07By the time I snapped back to reality,
00:45:10Marcus was already beating the living hell out of him.
00:45:15Stop!
00:45:16I grabbed Marcus,
00:45:17hauling him back.
00:45:19Stop hitting him!
00:45:20If he dies, you're going to prison!
00:45:23You piece of trash!
00:45:26You piece of trash.
00:45:28Marcus stumbled back,
00:45:30his chest heaving,
00:45:31his knuckles coated in blood.
00:45:38You have no right to confess your feelings
00:45:41to someone else's owner!
00:45:42You're trying to steal her!
00:45:44I'll beat you into the ground every time I see you!
00:45:48Jameritan struggled to prop himself up on his elbows.
00:45:52Wiping his bleeding mouth with the back of his hand.
00:45:57Technically,
00:45:58I was here first.
00:46:01You're the one interfering in our relationship.
00:46:04Marcus let me out a furious yell
00:46:06and kicked him hard in the ribs.
00:46:12Jamlet went completely still.
00:46:20Panic spiked in my chest and I hurried over to check on him.
00:46:25Jamelion grinned his teeth through the pain,
00:46:28gazing up at me with obvious, desperate hope.
00:46:33You still care about me, don't you?
00:46:37Seeing that his injuries weren't life-threatening,
00:46:39I let it out a heavy breath of relief.
00:46:42I was just worried that if you died,
00:46:44it would ruin Marcus's life.
00:46:49I don't need a hospital.
00:46:53Deb, you heard me.
00:46:54Right?
00:46:55I really like you.
00:46:58Jamelion grabbed my wrist,
00:46:59his voice breaking as he pleaded.
00:47:03You said you wanted to form a bond with me.
00:47:07You wanted us to pick out matching rings.
00:47:10He tried to sit up.
00:47:13Can we go do that right now?
00:47:17I said,
00:47:18calmly prying his fingers off my wrist.
00:47:23Jamelion,
00:47:25Giana already promised she's going to buy you,
00:47:27so you aren't going to be sent back to work
00:47:28in the red light district.
00:47:33You don't have to force yourself to be with me
00:47:35just because you're scared.
00:47:37Stop pretending to like me.
00:47:46No, no.
00:47:47Jamelion insisted,
00:47:49shrinking back into a submissive posture.
00:47:52I really do like you.
00:47:55I'm not pretending, I swear.
00:47:57He reached for my hand.
00:47:59I've liked you since the very first day we met.
00:48:03You're kind,
00:48:04and you're hardworking.
00:48:06It's impossible for me not to have feelings for you.
00:48:10As I listened to his desperate, broken assurances,
00:48:14my first and only reaction was pure amusement.
00:48:18How on earth could his past behavior pass for affection?
00:48:21I tilted my head, genuinely curious.
00:48:24So, your way of showing affection
00:48:26is calling me disgusting and dirty?
00:48:30Telling me to get out?
00:48:31Causing me physical and emotional pain?
00:48:34And then having the nerve to say I brought it all on myself?
00:48:37All the remaining color completely drained
00:48:39with Jameritan's face as I questioned him.
00:48:43If that's the case, Jamerian,
00:48:44then I don't want your affection.
00:48:47Besides,
00:48:47I honestly don't believe you actually like me at all.
00:48:51Stop lying to yourself.
00:48:53Certain he wasn't going to die from his injuries,
00:48:55I stood up.
00:48:57I grabbed Marcus's hand and let him out the front door.
00:49:02I took Marcus straight to the hospital.
00:49:04We ended up with the same nurse as last time,
00:49:07and she eyed him with obvious disgust.
00:49:12Is this your werebeast?
00:49:14The one who let you get banged up three times last month
00:49:16without ever showing his face,
00:49:18but makes you drag him in the second he's the one injured?
00:49:21I shifted uncomfortably,
00:49:23quick to clear the air.
00:49:24No, this is my new werebeast.
00:49:26The nurse flushed and immediately apologized to him.
00:49:29I'm so sorry.
00:49:32When my blood sugar dropped last last time,
00:49:35Deb broke my fall so I wouldn't get hurt.
00:49:37She's a genuinely good person.
00:49:39I thought you were the werebeast mistreating her.
00:49:42Marcus looked right at me,
00:49:44his expression unreadable.
00:49:50Deb,
00:49:51he said,
00:49:51his voice quiet.
00:49:53I am so sorry for what you went through.
00:49:57I'd always been good at just taking what life handed me.
00:50:00Whenever Jamardial treated me like garbage,
00:50:03I can convince myself I simply wasn't good enough for him,
00:50:06bending over backward to try and please him.
00:50:09It hurt,
00:50:10sure,
00:50:10but I used his anger as fuel to push myself
00:50:13and grow stronger.
00:50:14I honestly thought I was numb to it all by now.
00:50:18The contempt from strangers,
00:50:20the abuse from the people closest to me.
00:50:22But then Marcus said he felt sorry for me.
00:50:24He actually cared about my injuries
00:50:27and all the hard work I'd put in.
00:50:28He had told me he liked me more than anyone else.
00:50:32He truly saw me for who I was.
00:50:34Out of nowhere,
00:50:36a massive wave of grief washed over me
00:50:38and the tears just started falling.
00:50:41I looked up,
00:50:43gently pushing his face
00:50:44so he was looking straight ahead.
00:50:50Just focus on getting patched up.
00:50:52It hit me then that bad situation
00:50:54really do get better eventually.
00:50:57I didn't have any family
00:50:58and I'd wound up with Jamarian,
00:51:00a guy who never loved me.
00:51:02But all of that hell
00:51:03was just something I had to survive
00:51:05before finally meeting Marcus.
00:51:09Over the next few weeks,
00:51:11Marcus and I acted like Jamarian didn't even exist.
00:51:14Marcus went out and found a job.
00:51:15I'm an able-bodied man.
00:51:18I can't let you shoulder the burden
00:51:19providing for us all on your own.
00:51:21If we both work,
00:51:22our living situation will get better.
00:51:25That was a total revelation to me.
00:51:27Two people could actually share
00:51:30the heavy lifting of life together.
00:51:32Meanwhile,
00:51:34Jamarian stubbornly camped out on the couch
00:51:36day in and day out,
00:51:38just watching us come and go.
00:51:39The night before we moved out,
00:51:41he cornered me by the apartment gate.
00:51:45I wait at home for you every single day,
00:51:47but you never even look at me.
00:51:50Deb,
00:51:51I know I messed up.
00:51:53Everyone makes mistakes.
00:51:55Why can't you forgive me just this once?
00:51:58I shook my head.
00:52:00I don't blame you.
00:52:02I get it.
00:52:03You're an elite werebeast,
00:52:04and I'm a lower-class human.
00:52:06Buying your contract was pure luck on my part.
00:52:11I completely understand
00:52:12why you were so miserable with me
00:52:14and the life we had.
00:52:17A spark of hope lit up his eyes.
00:52:24So you forgive me?
00:52:26I swear I'll treat you right this time.
00:52:29Tomorrow,
00:52:30we can go together
00:52:31and return that low-grade mutt.
00:52:33I stepped back.
00:52:34No.
00:52:35Marcus is staying.
00:52:37You're just confusing your feelings
00:52:38because you're terrified
00:52:40of being sent to the Red Light District.
00:52:42Once the contract exchange goes through,
00:52:45your life will go back to normal.
00:52:48No!
00:52:49No!
00:52:50I'm not confused!
00:52:52Deb,
00:52:53how can I make you believe me?
00:52:55I really do like you!
00:52:59Watching him stand there crying and begging,
00:53:02I remembered how desperately I used to crave his love.
00:53:06Seeing it from the outside now,
00:53:08I realized just how pathetic that behavior looked.
00:53:12No wonder Jamerion had always found me so repulsive.
00:53:17Jamerion sank to the pavement,
00:53:19burying his face in his hands.
00:53:22Jamerion's words caught between sobs.
00:53:26I realized a long time ago that
00:53:28I actually had feelings for you,
00:53:31but I just couldn't accept that you were a lower-class human.
00:53:35My pride made me lash out
00:53:39and say things I didn't mean.
00:53:45I thought that by treating you terribly,
00:53:48I was proving I hadn't stooped to your level by being with you.
00:53:53He wiped his face.
00:53:56I got a sick sense of satisfaction out of insulting you
00:54:00and watching you bend over backward to prove your love.
00:54:03It gave me the upper hand in our relationship
00:54:06and made me feel like the admired, elite were-beef I was supposed to be.
00:54:11But I forgot how flawed and unwanted I actually am.
00:54:15Your love was the only thing that ever gave me value.
00:54:19Tears slipped through his fingers,
00:54:21leaving small, dark spots on the concrete.
00:54:26I finally understood his twisted logic.
00:54:30I finally understood his twisted logic.
00:54:33He simply couldn't couldn't stomach the fact
00:54:36that he liked a lower-class human.
00:54:39He'd used my blind devotion to convince himself
00:54:42he was merely re-putting up with me.
00:54:44Staring down at him, my stomach lurched.
00:54:46I physically gag, overwhelmed by pure disgust.
00:54:50Jamerion panicked, reaching out to soothe me.
00:54:52What's wrong?
00:54:53He asked.
00:54:54I wiped my mouth and shoved his hand away.
00:54:57Jamerion, we're done.
00:55:00Sheila arrived with a radiant smile.
00:55:04Deb, Marcus is really obedient, isn't he?
00:55:07Marcus hurried to speak.
00:55:09Of course I'm obedient, right Deb?
00:55:11I couldn't help but laugh.
00:55:13Yeah, most of the time.
00:55:16Marcus muttered,
00:55:17Nonsense.
00:55:19I've been obedient all the time.
00:55:22Seeing the tall, brew-were-be-stack like this
00:55:24was inexplicably adorable.
00:55:28Sheila asked me to sign the confirmation agreement.
00:55:31As I picked up the pen,
00:55:32I suddenly remembered the day I bought Jamerion.
00:55:35We sat together.
00:55:36His nose tip was red.
00:55:38Tears and joy mingled together.
00:55:40Because he was so cute,
00:55:41I couldn't help but glance at him a few times.
00:55:45He looked a bit flustered.
00:55:47Sorry, I'll pay more attention to my appearance in the Empyr.
00:55:52I couldn't help but laugh.
00:55:53You look pretty good right now.
00:55:56Jamerion laughed along with me.
00:55:59What's good about it?
00:56:01That was one of the rare times I saw him smile.
00:56:03I could recall the curve of his smiling lips,
00:56:06with the left canine tooth slightly longer.
00:56:10I shook my head,
00:56:12trying to shake off the memory of Jamerion.
00:56:15No matter what,
00:56:17he was no longer that person.
00:56:20Jamerion lay in the room,
00:56:23staring blankly at the ceiling.
00:56:25Sheila finished reading the announcement.
00:56:27Jamerion gave a self-replicating smile.
00:56:33I used to think this bed was really uncomfortable.
00:56:36Only today did I realize it's actually quite comfortable.
00:56:41He sat up and followed at Sheila outside.
00:56:43He walked very slowly,
00:56:46but until he left,
00:56:47neither Marcus nor I looked at him again.
00:56:52Holding scissors,
00:56:53I was eager to try them on Marcus.
00:56:56I watched a video where the owner
00:56:58trimmed their werebeast ear fur
00:56:59into perfect round shapes.
00:57:01It looked so pretty.
00:57:04Let me try.
00:57:06But let's agree first.
00:57:07If I mess it up,
00:57:08you can't get mad.
00:57:11Marcus obediently lowered his head,
00:57:13his ears soft like two clouds.
00:57:15As long as you cut it,
00:57:17I like it all.
00:57:20The front door closed.
00:57:22Jumanon had left.
00:57:26A long time later,
00:57:28I heard from Aunt Sheila
00:57:29that Gianna had not bought Jamerion.
00:57:31She knew Jamerion couldn't have children,
00:57:33and she threw a huge tantra
00:57:35at the werebeast exchange.
00:57:39She said Jamerion wasted her time.
00:57:41He was clearly defective,
00:57:43yet acted so arrogant.
00:57:45I hadn't expected Gianna
00:57:47to be unaware of Jamerion's problem.
00:57:49So what about Jameritan?
00:57:51Was he sold to the red light district?
00:57:54He got sick.
00:57:55Depression.
00:57:56He couldn't even talk to people.
00:57:58The manager could only apply to scrape him.
00:58:00She paused on the phone.
00:58:02Now he works at an orphanage.
00:58:04Being around those children,
00:58:05he actually feels calmer.
00:58:08After hanging up the phone,
00:58:10I stood there in a daze
00:58:11for quite a while.
00:58:13Marcus hugged me from behind.
00:58:15Are you worried about him?
00:58:17If you're really worried,
00:58:18we could buy him back too.
00:58:19I don't mind.
00:58:20He said he didn't mind,
00:58:22but his hands were almost
00:58:23squeezing my waist in half.
00:58:27I turned around
00:58:28and pinched his face.
00:58:30When will you learn
00:58:31not to say one thing
00:58:33and mean another?
00:58:40Marcus was good in every way,
00:58:42but he was always so careful
00:58:44and eager to please me.
00:58:45Whatever I asked,
00:58:47he was willing.
00:58:48I was really afraid
00:58:50that one day,
00:58:51if I did something bad,
00:58:52he would clean up after me.
00:58:54I hoped he could be more at ease
00:58:56and express his true feelings.
00:58:59I pinched him hard,
00:59:00wanted Marcus to learn
00:59:02to refuse my unreasonable actions.
00:59:04But even when his cheeks
00:59:06turned bright red,
00:59:07he didn't react.
00:59:08Instead, his eyes shone
00:59:09as he looked at me.
00:59:11I felt defeated.
00:59:13Why don't you say it hurts?
00:59:16You can refuse me, you know?
00:59:18Marcus shook his head.
00:59:19You only pinch me.
00:59:20You don't pinch anyone else.
00:59:22Marcus, that means you like me.
00:59:28You like me.
00:59:29I'm happy.
00:59:30I don't feel pain.
00:59:33I felt amused and a little angry.
00:59:36You really are.
00:59:37You really are.
00:59:43I kissed his swollen red face.
00:59:46You're just too adorable.
00:59:48After the kiss,
00:59:49I suddenly noticed
00:59:50the air in the room
00:59:51had become sticky.
00:59:53Mark Horses was clearly restless,
00:59:55his tail wagging non-stop.
00:59:57I wanted to run,
00:59:58but he had already
00:59:59grabbed my ankle.
01:00:02Our child will be
01:00:03even cuter than me.
01:00:04Do you want to try?
01:00:08I don't want to.
01:00:09It was still Dale time.
01:00:11Marcus tilted his head
01:00:13and think for a minute,
01:00:14but still pulled me back.
01:00:16He was very serious.
01:00:18You said I should learn
01:00:19to refuse you.
01:00:20Then I refuse.
01:00:22You don't want.
01:00:26Is that what I meant?
01:00:28I stopped kissing me.
01:00:30Fortunately,
01:00:31I was someone
01:00:32who could reconcile
01:00:33with myself.
01:00:34Maybe this counted
01:00:35as Marcus's first step
01:00:36toward learning
01:00:37how to love normally.
01:00:40Marcus stood in the kitchen,
01:00:42ears permed up,
01:00:43tail swaying gently.
01:00:45Marcus held up
01:00:46a worn photo of me,
01:00:48pressing it to his chest.
01:00:50Sheila gave me this
01:00:50before I came.
01:00:52I held it every night
01:00:54at the arena.
01:00:55I was so scared
01:00:56no one would ever want me.
01:00:59He set the photo down
01:01:00carefully on the shelf,
01:01:02right where he could see it
01:01:03every morning.
01:01:07Then his ears flattened.
01:01:11Jumanian came back again today.
01:01:13He blocked me
01:01:13at the neighborhood entrance
01:01:14when I was five minutes
01:01:16late from work.
01:01:18Marcus's jaw tightened.
01:01:20I don't like him
01:01:21near you, Deb.
01:01:22I really don't.
01:01:28He pulled me close,
01:01:30resting his chin
01:01:31on top of my head.
01:01:32I know he's leaving soon,
01:01:34but until he does,
01:01:35I want you to stay safe.
01:01:39Marcus came home
01:01:40one afternoon,
01:01:41a folded paper in his hand
01:01:43and tears streaming
01:01:44down his face.
01:01:44Deb,
01:01:46I formed a bond with you.
01:01:48It's certified
01:01:49and official.
01:01:51He held up
01:01:51the bond certificate.
01:01:53His hand was trembling.
01:01:55I'm so happy.
01:01:56I looked at the paper,
01:01:58then at his tear-striped face.
01:02:02Marcus,
01:02:02you're crying again.
01:02:05I can't help it.
01:02:07He dropped to his knees,
01:02:08wrapping his arms
01:02:09around my waist.
01:02:11I'm just so happy.
01:02:13A few months later,
01:02:14Marcus held a tiny bundle
01:02:16in his massive arms,
01:02:17tears rolling down
01:02:18his cheeks again.
01:02:22It's a daughter.
01:02:24She looks just like you, Deb.
01:02:28I touched the baby's
01:02:30small face.
01:02:33Stop crying, Marcus.
01:02:35It's bad for your eyes.
01:02:39He shook his head,
01:02:40pressing his forehead
01:02:42against mine.
01:02:44I can't help it.
01:02:46I'm so happy.
01:02:49I wish you all happiness, too.
Comments