- 16 hours ago
Claimed By Three Beasts
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00.
00:00:30.
00:01:14I was matched with three Beastmen from childhood.
00:01:18On my 21st birthday, I was supposed to choose one of them to bond with.
00:01:22The Fox Beastman, Reese, was really...
00:01:31...warm and charming. The Tiger Beastman, Finn, was proud and sharp-tongued.
00:01:37The Snake Beastman, Calum, had double the fun.
00:01:40By the time Calum had me too sore to straighten my back, I saw their group chat.
00:01:45Whoever she picks is seriously unlucky. I don't like her.
00:01:49What about you two? You mangly fox. You stinking tiger.
00:01:52I don't like her either. She's always yanking my fur in bed.
00:01:56I'm practically going bald. Her sister's so much gentler, don't you think?
00:02:00Right, you dead black snake?
00:02:02Don't like her.
00:02:04She's always biting my tail tip.
00:02:06I let out a cold laugh. Perfect.
00:02:10As a fake heiress, they saved me from agonizing over who to pick.
00:02:16That same night, I booked a flight overseas for school.
00:02:22Forget it. I don't want any of the three of you.
00:02:26The sound of rushing water came from the bathroom.
00:02:29But what they'd said came back to me.
00:02:58I held back my tears.
00:03:01Fifteen years of waking up beside them, and it couldn't buy me one person's honest heart.
00:03:07They'd only met Sofia a handful of times, and they were already falling for her?
00:03:12I'd been sitting here, counting down to my birthday next month, ready to give them an answer they'd be happy
00:03:17with.
00:03:18What a joke that looks like now.
00:03:20If I hadn't stumbled onto their real feelings today, I would have humiliated myself at next month's party.
00:03:26My identity was already shaky enough, being a fake heiress.
00:03:30And they were playing games with me on top of it.
00:03:33Tears welled up in my eyes.
00:03:35I was about to wipe it away when arms folded around me from behind.
00:03:40Caleb leaned in and carefully licked the tear from their cheek.
00:03:43I'm sorry sweetheart, but you warmed up?
00:03:46That's on me.
00:03:47We don't have to do both next time.
00:03:49I hadn't even noticed him come out of the bathroom.
00:03:52He'd just showered, still warm from the water.
00:03:55My scratches still marking his skin.
00:03:57I saw something in his eyes that looked real and not concerned.
00:04:01It made me angry.
00:04:03I shoved his hand off.
00:04:04He could say something that cruel and still act this well.
00:04:12I shot him a glare over my shoulder.
00:04:15Look at him.
00:04:16Was this my fault?
00:04:17He was the one always baiting me.
00:04:20The angrier I got, the more I wanted to do something about it.
00:04:24I opened my mouth and bit down on his tail tip.
00:04:27Heart.
00:04:28Caleb let out a low grunt and pulled me closer instead.
00:04:34My tongue accidentally grazed his tail.
00:04:37I watched him tip his head back, jaw tight.
00:04:40I released his tail.
00:04:42I didn't look at the man behind me, breathing rough.
00:04:45The red at the corners of his eyes still not fading.
00:04:49I shoved the door open and walked out.
00:04:52Right into a burning hot chest.
00:04:55Well, well.
00:04:57What happened princess?
00:05:06Did that stupid snake leave you unsatisfied?
00:05:09Finn grinned down at me.
00:05:11Then he leaned to my ear and breathed.
00:05:13Wanna come to my room?
00:05:15Get away from me!
00:05:16I pushed him off and walked.
00:05:18Finn stared at my closed door, then turned a sharp look toward Calum.
00:05:23You upset her?
00:05:24I didn't.
00:05:26Calum looked just as lost.
00:05:28Did you say something to her?
00:05:30Calum frowned.
00:05:32What's all the noise?
00:05:34Reese leaned in the doorway.
00:05:36Talking's boring.
00:05:37Just fight it out.
00:05:38As if.
00:05:39Stop pretending to be reasonable.
00:05:41After the commotion died down, all three of them went back to their own rooms.
00:05:46Why not?
00:05:47I don't do it in honor.
00:06:06I lay in bed and couldn't sleep no matter which way I turned.
00:06:09I'd spent over 20 years as the heiress of this family.
00:06:13And now, I was being told it was all fake.
00:06:15The identity wasn't mine.
00:06:17My parents' love wasn't mine.
00:06:19Everything I had belonged to Sophia.
00:06:21I was the one who stole her brilliant life.
00:06:24So, I was the one who volunteered to me.
00:06:26That's how I ended up in this villa.
00:06:28I hadn't even planned on bringing the three of them.
00:06:30They showed up on their own room.
00:06:32The letter was short, bitter sound.
00:06:34My eyes went blurry.
00:06:36I bit into my pillow.
00:06:37Fake.
00:06:37All of it.
00:06:39Fake.
00:06:39The only real thing I had was my acceptance letter from the Eastmore Conservatory.
00:06:44I picked up my phone and dialed the number.
00:06:46Yes.
00:06:46That's right.
00:06:47Move the date up.
00:06:48Just one person.
00:06:50I hadn't had the chance to tell them yet.
00:06:52Right when I got the acceptance letter, the story broke that I wasn't the Morrison's real
00:06:56daughter.
00:06:57My parents held Sophia and cried.
00:06:59I quietly picked the mother away.
00:07:01They'd hired tutors for my piano since I was small.
00:07:04They'd given me the room with the best light upstairs for a practice room.
00:07:08Every bit of skill I had came from the foundation they built for me.
00:07:11Then one day my parents took my hands in the house.
00:07:15Lena, go somewhere else for a while.
00:07:18In our hearts we're still our child.
00:07:20My mouth opened but I couldn't bring myself to mention going away.
00:07:24In the dark I bit my lip.
00:07:26Honestly, maybe this was the better way.
00:07:29I had no reason to stay.
00:07:31No one loved me.
00:07:32But I would love myself just fine on my own.
00:07:35I'd meant to keep my temper in check.
00:07:37Spend one last quiet month with the three of them and leave without a scene.
00:07:41But some people never let you rest.
00:07:46Finn, get out.
00:07:48Princess, what did that stupid snake do to you?
00:07:50He acted like you hadn't heard me.
00:07:52Still upset?
00:07:53I didn't answer.
00:07:55I don't care.
00:07:57Tonight's my turn.
00:07:59I'll make it good for you.
00:08:00I pushed him back and said it again.
00:08:02I don't want to.
00:08:06Go back to your room.
00:08:07Finn finally registered that I meant it.
00:08:10His expression fell.
00:08:12What do you mean you don't want to?
00:08:13I've been waiting days!
00:08:17I slapped him across the face.
00:08:19Get out.
00:08:20Finn held his cheek, looking at me with eyes full of wounded disbelief.
00:08:24Then he slammed the door behind me.
00:08:27The noise brought Calum and Reese into the hallway.
00:08:29Lena, he ran out.
00:08:31Leave her.
00:08:32I said it silently.
00:08:35Outside thunder rolled.
00:08:37The rain came down hard.
00:08:39Dean fell.
00:08:40Everything being here, Chuck is sad.
00:08:47As we rental down, we recognize him.
00:08:58Join us with a tree.
00:08:59I don't know when we're in the hotel.
00:09:00Everybody's either gone or are not where were we.
00:09:03Go back to your altar.
00:09:09that whole night every time i closed my eyes he was the most stubborn of the three i wasn't worried
00:09:17about him getting into real trouble high level beast men were capable in every sense of the word
00:09:22it was just that this feeling of things slipping out of control wasn't good like being drowned
00:09:27slowly in a tide of memories you couldn't fight off the next morning i walked out of my room with
00:09:32dark circles under my eyes galen was standing by my door like a guard i startled and stepped back
00:09:38what are you doing outside my room he didn't answer just looked at me with those quiet searching eyes
00:09:43then he reached over and tugged on the head of my clothes can i come to your room tonight
00:09:48faced with that desperate look i tried very hard not to roll my eyes no
00:09:55i'll wear that butler outfit tonight okay i bought a crop did i hurt you last time you can use
00:10:01it on me
00:10:05i turned toward the stairs and walked away i didn't look back at whatever he said next
00:10:09reese was at the bottom of the stairs watching me with an unreadable expression
00:10:13i stepped around him and sat down at the table reese paused then came and stood behind my chair
00:10:19baby he said am i forgetting something before i used to give each of them a good morning kiss when
00:10:25i came
00:10:25down right now i played dumb eat reese and kalem exchanged a look behind me then they quietly pulled
00:10:33out their chairs halfway through the meal the front door banged open i felt my eye twitch before i even
00:10:40saw who it was sophia walked in behind finn both of them about something sophia wrapped herself around my
00:10:47arm like we were close lena the clothes in your room are all so pretty but i thought someone else
00:10:53already wore them so that's kind of gross right
00:10:55so i threw them all out you don't mind do you
00:11:17i don't need them i said it and glanced at the three beast men their eyes were all on sophia
00:11:25finn in
00:11:26particular was watching me with an almost defiant look lena sophia wants to stay here a few days
00:11:32you don't have a problem with that do you i looked straight at finn the others watched my face for
00:11:36a
00:11:36reaction finn's eyes slid away from mine last night if i hadn't ran into sophia i would have been out
00:11:41in
00:11:41that rain all night you didn't even sure i smiled and turned to sophia before any of them could react
00:11:47stay as long as you want little sister feel free to pick any room you like
00:12:05and including rose lena all three said my name at the same time what are you saying no one goes
00:12:11in our
00:12:11rooms sweetheart did that tiger make you lose your mind he's awful we don't need him finn looked like
00:12:21he had a lot to say but couldn't he said it quietly then shot ruse a look i didn't bother
00:12:26with any of
00:12:27them i grabbed my things and took the car out alone no one came with me at the bar my
00:12:33friend
00:12:33pass it pulled me into her side what's going on princess i swirled my cocktail don't call me that
00:12:39i'm a fake and everything i have is someone else's i knocked the drink back the burn hit my throat
00:12:45all of it all of it don't say that you're my best friend it's got nothing to do with where
00:12:51you come
00:12:51from i leaned on cassie's shoulder what's got you so miserable you've got three beastmen at home
00:12:58can't they cheer you up she laughed a little don't mention them they give me a headache
00:13:09my phone kept going on messages and calls from all three of them i didn't pick up one
00:13:16by the time i got home my steps weren't quite steady
00:13:21i'd barely opened the door when hands gripped my shoulders
00:13:31lena why didn't you answer your phone
00:13:34halen's voice was right in my ear tight with worry you drank that much let me take you upstairs
00:13:39i'm fine i shrugged him off i didn't drink that much i wasn't lying a few drinks wasn't enough to
00:13:46actually get me drunk i said let me walk on my own annoyance flashed across my face
00:13:55fueled by the alcohol i blurted it out without noticing all three of them go pale lena don't
00:14:00joke like that i couldn't tell who said it i went back to my room
00:14:07soured and got into bed
00:14:17half asleep i felt something wrap around my waist
00:14:20i opened my eyes to reese's face when he saw me wake he kissed me
00:14:25lena don't open my head my head was still foggy
00:14:30he pressed his face against my neck the rounded ears on top of his head brushing my chin
00:14:39he was looking at me with that practiced melting gaze the alcohol dulled my brain
00:14:48he didn't wait
00:14:51he didn't wait
00:15:07together, swept up in wanting it. After days of nothing, I couldn't say no. Reese held me close
00:15:13and spoke against my ear. Lena, you'll choose me, won't you? Just me. Choose? I barely registered
00:15:21what he was asking. I just nodded along. It seemed to light something in me. He threw himself into
00:15:26it, more eager than before. Here? Is this the right amount of pressure? Lena, pull my phone.
00:15:35Really pull it. After that reckless night, the morning came. I had just woken up in Reese's
00:15:47arms. Then I found Calum and Finn standing at the side of the bed, watching us in silence.
00:15:52Clothes scattered all over the flame. Awkward, didn't quite cover it. Reese acted like he
00:15:57couldn't sense anything was wrong, his full tail patting lazily against my chest. Good morning,
00:16:03Lena. He kissed my cheek with a loud snap. Well, things were already a mess, so I figured
00:16:09I might as well go with it. I had too much sleep this night. I wasn't thinking so. Excuse me.
00:16:17You said yourself you weren't drunk, Lena. Are you playing favorites now? If you wanted someone,
00:16:23you should have come to me. Finn's eyes were red at the corners. We agreed. When you turned
00:16:2718, every two days, rotate. Do you have any idea how long it's been since you came to my room?
00:16:34Shut up. I shook my head and pushed Reese's tail off me. Since that's how it is, let's cancel it.
00:16:40Cancel what? The rotation. The room went quiet in a way that felt like something cracking.
00:16:53Sophia was leaving the very next day. She had etiquette classes and trainings to get to.
00:16:59She has no time to keep making a scene. Lena, I'm so jealous of you.
00:17:05I have so many nice things. My mouth twitched. I have nothing. Sophia's eyes had barely left the
00:17:12three of them the whole basement. It'll all be yours soon. Sophia left. I had somewhere to be too.
00:17:20Your face just reminds me of last night. Where do you think you're going?
00:17:25Back to campus. I have some paperwork to sort out. I'll come with you. I'll come with you.
00:17:30All three stepped forward at the same time. Are you serious? You're still going? Have you got no shame?
00:17:36Finn elbowed Reese aside. Fair competition. You're just jealous, aren't you?
00:17:41While they argued, Kalem caught my hand. Take me with you.
00:17:46You dead snake!
00:17:50Enough. Everyone, stop.
00:17:52I shook my head. I'm going alone. No one is coming.
00:17:56Then I left. Of course I couldn't bring them. I was going back to submit paperwork for studying abroad.
00:18:04Lena, congratulations. Maestro Harlan almost never takes students. Your future is very bright.
00:18:11I walked toward the gate. Then I found Kalem leaning against a car, waiting.
00:18:16How did you know where I was?
00:18:18He opened the door, head bowed. I hesitated for a moment, then got in with him.
00:18:25Kalem, you...
00:18:26A hand pressed to the back of my head, and he kissed me.
00:18:34Hard and desperate, like a small animal with no sense of safety trying to prove something.
00:18:40I was forced to tilt my head back and stay tangled up with him for a moment.
00:18:44Enough.
00:18:45I moved his hand away before it could wander. Kalem's tail wound around my waist, slowly tightened.
00:18:52Baby, are you going to leave me?
00:18:53I smiled, swallowing down the bitter edge beneath it. Who left who first?
00:18:58Stop imagining things.
00:19:00Is that so?
00:19:01He was already undoing the buttons of his shirt as he said it. He pressed my hand against his chest.
00:19:07Touch it for me.
00:19:08I smacked his hand away in exasperation. Kalem shuddered. Then his breathing went rougher and more wanting.
00:19:15Damn, he enjoyed that.
00:19:16You'll choose me, won't you, baby?
00:19:19I broke into a smile then.
00:19:21Of course.
00:19:22Kalem looked at me with those liquid eyes, serious, the heat in them not quite gone.
00:19:27As a beast, Kalem.
00:19:29I was worried you...
00:19:30Never mind.
00:19:31A few more days, and then it's just the two of us.
00:19:34He trailed off near the end, said it too quietly. I didn't catch it.
00:19:59I wasn't even out of the car when I got back, and Reese came sprinting toward me.
00:20:04Bad news, Lena. The tiger went into heat earlier.
00:20:06Stop!
00:20:07Before, whenever one of them went into heat, I was the one who handled it. Under the current
00:20:13circumstances, I wasn't exactly eager. I barely touched the door handle before it flew open.
00:20:19Finn scooped me up and dropped me onto the bed. He searched for my lips urgently, and when he found
00:20:24them, a low, relieved sound left him. His hands moved under my clothes, setting fires.
00:20:30Lena, you're such a bad girl.
00:20:32His eyes had gone red, his ears and tail already showing in the half-shifted state.
00:20:37Finn, calm down.
00:20:39I pushed his head back.
00:20:43What's that supposed to mean? You're really refusing me?
00:20:47He held me too tightly, and it hurt. Let go. Keep this up in your hands.
00:21:04Handling it yourself.
00:21:05Finn wrapped himself around me, subdued, no longer pushing,
00:21:09just rubbing his cheek against my thigh, quiet.
00:21:12Didn't you used to like it? I've got bobs.
00:21:15I looked away. Finn looked like he might cry again.
00:21:19Then at least touch me.
00:21:24I worked his tail with my hands.
00:21:28Not enough. Lower.
00:21:30By the time my hands were too tired to keep going,
00:21:33Finn pressed a kiss to the top of my head.
00:21:36Lena, you'll choose me, won't you?
00:21:38I could barely keep my eyes open.
00:21:41What had gotten into all three of them?
00:21:43Coming to ask me that one after another, I kissed his lips.
00:21:47Of course.
00:21:48Desire moved through Finn's eyes, possessive and searching, landing on my mouth.
00:21:53Good. When the time comes, I'm collecting everything with interest.
00:21:58One week left before my birthday.
00:22:00The four of us held ourselves in a strange, fragile calm.
00:22:03On the day of the party, I wore a deep plum strapless gown with a fishtail hem.
00:22:08The three beast men looked at me like they were trying to see straight through the fabric.
00:22:13I pretended not to notice and got into the car with them.
00:22:16Under normal circumstances, the identity of a fake heiress wouldn't warrant such a formal event.
00:22:21But everything had been arranged far in advance and business contacts were already coming to network.
00:22:26My parents also weren't willing to write off their investment in me.
00:22:30So the party continued.
00:22:31At the estate, I moved through the crowd with a composed smile.
00:22:35My mother came over, a touch of apology on her face.
00:22:38Lena, you've been away so long.
00:22:40Your father and I aren't trying to push you out.
00:22:43I just get along with your sister.
00:23:00I'm fine, mom.
00:23:01I looked down and kept my voice level.
00:23:04She touched my hair.
00:23:05Tonight's your birthday.
00:23:06Keep your composure.
00:23:08Have you thought about your decision with the beast men?
00:23:10Don't worry.
00:23:11I'll give you an answer you're satisfied with.
00:23:13I took a glass of champagne, looked up, and locked eyes with Sophia across the room.
00:23:18I smiled and lifted my glass to her.
00:23:20Be grateful, little sister.
00:23:22I'm not fighting you for a single thing.
00:23:24I stood on the balcony and made a call.
00:23:27Is everything loaded and ready?
00:23:28Yes.
00:23:28Wait at the front gate.
00:23:29I should be out by 10 if nothing goes wrong.
00:23:32Right.
00:23:32Don't forget extra security.
00:23:33The door opened behind me.
00:23:34I ended the call quickly.
00:23:35Then arms came around me from behind.
00:23:38Lena, I'm so happy.
00:23:39Reese looked at me with soft, burning eyes.
00:23:42You'll choose me, won't you?
00:23:44Maybe it was just my imagination.
00:23:45But I thought I saw longing and a hint of humility in his eyes.
00:23:50Little fox, don't you trust me at all?
00:23:52I smiled and patted his head.
00:23:53He leaned in, eager to kiss me.
00:23:56Don't.
00:23:57My makeup.
00:23:58Reese followed me back into the hall.
00:24:00If he'd had his tail out right now, it would have been wagging.
00:24:07Under the attention of the room, I stepped up onto the stage.
00:24:11The hall quieted.
00:24:12The lights came down on me.
00:24:14My parents and Sophia stood at the front, closest to the stage.
00:24:18Kalem, Reese, and Finn stood below it.
00:24:21I looked at them one more time before I began to speak.
00:24:24The dim light fell across their faces so I didn't see what was written there.
00:24:28Three faces wearing the same expression.
00:24:32A sick, consuming need to possess.
00:24:35Good evening, everyone.
00:24:37Thank you for being here.
00:24:38Before I give my formal remarks, I have something I'd like to say.
00:24:44First, I'm sure you're all aware by now that I'm not the Morrison's biological daughter.
00:24:51That's something that saddens me deeply.
00:24:54I spent 20 years in a life that belonged to Sophia, and I am truly sorry for that.
00:24:59The hall filled with murmuring.
00:25:01No one had expected me to say it here, like this.
00:25:05My parents' expressions faltered.
00:25:07My mother gave me a warning look.
00:25:10I returned it with something steady and reassuring.
00:25:17She'd been my mother for 20 years.
00:25:20She knew what I was doing.
00:25:21I'm deeply grateful to the Morrison family for raising me.
00:25:24And in my eyes, they will always be my parents.
00:25:27Wherever they need me, I will always show up for them.
00:25:31But Sophia did suffer because of me, and I want to do everything in my power to make that right.
00:25:38As you all know, today is the day I meant to choose a partner from the three Beastmen I was
00:25:43matched with at birth.
00:25:45They are all exceptional.
00:25:47I mention this not to boast.
00:25:49Because in truth, everything I have always belonged to Sophia.
00:25:52Only old money families had the resources to arrange Beastman matches from childhood.
00:25:58It wasn't available to most people.
00:26:00I paused.
00:26:01Sophia's expression had gone slightly blank.
00:26:03Downstage, all three Beastmen had gone pale.
00:26:06Therefore, I raised my voice.
00:26:08I am releasing all three of my Beastmen to Sophia.
00:26:14I won't be claiming any of them.
00:26:16The hall roared.
00:26:17My parents and Sophia were on their feet.
00:26:20Sophia's eyes blazed with something like joy.
00:26:24You promised me.
00:26:26You can't lie to me.
00:26:28His voice broke, tinged with tears.
00:26:32Calum and Reese came running toward me like they'd gone mad.
00:26:54I raised a hand.
00:26:56The guards I'd placed moved in front of me.
00:26:58I ran off the stage, cut through the commotion, and was out of the estate before anyone could stop me.
00:27:04I got into the waiting car.
00:27:11I said it immediately.
00:27:13The three of them had already made it outside.
00:27:15Disheveled, nothing left of their polished composure from an hour ago.
00:27:19They were faster than I expected.
00:27:20The car sped up, but they ran behind it and didn't stop.
00:27:24Beastmen's speed was no joke.
00:27:26They could outrun a car on foot.
00:27:27Calum slapped my window, his voice breaking.
00:27:30Lena!
00:27:31Don't leave me!
00:27:32You promised!
00:27:34Then tried to cut off the car.
00:27:36The chassis lurched as they grabbed it.
00:27:37Oh my god, they're insane!
00:27:39They're absolutely insane!
00:27:41Cassie screamed and clung to my arm.
00:27:43Do something!
00:27:45Almost.
00:27:46Just as the tires were close to screaming, the roar of motorcycles cut through from the side.
00:27:51My guards pulled up alongside, great guns in hand.
00:27:54Each of the three got a shot.
00:27:56Their pace slowed.
00:27:58Then they fell onto the road.
00:28:17They could only watch as I drove away.
00:28:21Where did you even find those people?
00:28:22Cassie pressed herself against the rear window.
00:28:25I pressed my fingers to my brow and let out a breath.
00:28:28Money.
00:28:30What can it do?
00:28:32And just like that, I left a mess behind me and went abroad.
00:28:37I enrolled at the conservatory and became a student of Maestro Harland.
00:28:41I had talent to begin with.
00:28:43Four years of hard work and I'd quietly built a name for myself in music.
00:28:48Performing across countries and cities.
00:28:50Constant travel had become my normal.
00:28:53My parents hadn't let what happened push them away from me.
00:28:56They were practical people.
00:28:58The Morrison family's eldest daughter, Lena Morrison.
00:29:02World-class concert pianist.
00:29:04A name like that was worth something to the family.
00:29:07That was enough.
00:29:09I'd had no word of the three of them in years.
00:29:11As if the night they lost their minds chasing my car never happened at all.
00:29:16Maybe they'd gotten exactly what they wanted.
00:29:18Maybe they were with the one they'd loved.
00:29:21But that had nothing to do with me anymore.
00:29:23Once I walked away, there was no going back.
00:29:26The plane touched down and my thoughts came back to me.
00:29:29I put on my sunglasses and walked out of the airport.
00:29:31A wall of reporters pushed microphones toward me.
00:29:35Miss Morrison, what brings you back this time?
00:29:37You've been gone four years since you left without a word.
00:29:39Are you here to reclaim what's yours?
00:29:58You're still recognized as the Morrison family's eldest daughter.
00:30:00Are you coming back to contest the inheritance with your sister?
00:30:03You've accomplished so much, can you say a word?
00:30:05I took off my sunglasses and looked at them with a calm smile.
00:30:09I'm here to perform at an invitationomal piano recital.
00:30:12My relationship with the Morrison family is good.
00:30:14It's nothing like what you're imagining.
00:30:16Miss Morrison, the three elite beastmen who grew up alongside you, why did you give them up?
00:30:22They've each made a name for themselves since then in finance, entertainment, and medicine.
00:30:26Did they do something to betray you? Can you share anything?
00:30:29You refused to bond with them at your birthday.
00:30:31Was it exhaustion or something you couldn't say out loud?
00:30:34Then I said evenly, unimportant people.
00:30:37I forgot them a long time ago.
00:30:39Then I got in and drove away.
00:30:42Back at the villa, everything felt so familiar that it almost felt like another lifetime.
00:30:52My phone rang while I was sitting on the bed, staring at nothing.
00:30:56Hi, Mom.
00:30:57Lena, why didn't you come straight home?
00:30:59I turned something over in my fingers. A single white hair.
00:31:03I wanted to settle in first. I'll be over tonight.
00:31:15Come soon, we've been waiting.
00:31:17You're always so busy, it's been so long.
00:31:20We want a proper conversation tonight.
00:31:22Okay, I'll head over now.
00:31:23I hung up and lay back on the bed. I frowned at the ceiling, genuinely puzzled.
00:31:28Four years of housekeeping and they still hadn't managed to get rid of every trace of them.
00:31:34The house was full of warmth when I arrived.
00:31:38Lena!
00:31:39My mother ran to me and held my face in her hands.
00:31:41You've lost weight. The food abroad isn't any good, is it?
00:31:44Come, come. Cook has made all your favorites.
00:31:48Thank you, Mom. I brought gifts back from overseas for everyone, you and Dad and Sophia.
00:31:54You've gone formal on us going away for a few years.
00:31:57We made small talk and I sat down.
00:32:00As luck would have it, right next to Sophia, four years.
00:32:04Word was she'd already been placed into a role at our father's company.
00:32:08Sophia tapped the table with her diamond-tipped nails.
00:32:12Lena. Long time no see. Long time no see.
00:32:16I looked her over.
00:32:23Four years of comfortable living had done a lot for her.
00:32:27She sparkled, carried herself differently than I remembered.
00:32:30You left quite gracefully back then, Sophia said.
00:32:33Made me look bad, you know.
00:32:34Tone hard to read.
00:32:36I took a sip of water and genuinely didn't know what to make of that.
00:32:39I'd handed her three top-tier beastmen.
00:32:42By any measure, that was a gain.
00:32:44Was she upset they'd been touched by someone else first?
00:32:46That seemed petty.
00:32:48It wasn't that kind of era anymore.
00:32:50That's enough. Don't bring it up.
00:32:52Lena, now that you're back, are you planning to stay-
00:32:55She's not going anywhere.
00:32:56We're gonna find her a good match and settle her.
00:32:59I hadn't even answered when my mother cut in.
00:33:02I poked at the fish in my bowl.
00:33:04Mom, that's really not something you need to do for me.
00:33:06I spent years grinding to get where I am.
00:33:09I didn't do that just to become someone's wife.
00:33:12I still have places to go and things to see.
00:33:17My mother went quiet.
00:33:19She looked at me for a moment.
00:33:21Then her smile faded slowly.
00:33:46She was distracted for the rest of the meal.
00:33:49After dinner, my father called me into a study.
00:33:53He transferred a portion of the company shares into my name.
00:33:56The condition was that I continue as a public ambassador for the brand.
00:34:02Sophia had a rough childhood, so she'll take the larger share of the company.
00:34:06Any objections? I've already begun training her in management.
00:34:10No objection.
00:34:11I looked out calmly at the dark evening and thought of the sky above Lake Takapo in New Zealand.
00:34:17That absolute, clean kind of dark. Nothing like here.
00:34:21My father let out a long breath. He seemed like he had more to say.
00:34:25You were always too headstrong. If you'd stayed and fought back then, things might have been different.
00:34:31Thank you, Dad. But I only want to play piano. I'm not going to fight Sophia for anything.
00:34:37I pulled the door open to leave and found Sophia standing right outside it. I glanced at her and went
00:34:43downstairs.
00:34:44Wait! Sophia followed, then stopped in front of me with an oddly uncomfortable expression.
00:34:49Did you mean what you said in there?
00:34:51Of course. I have my own career now. I have no interest in the company.
00:34:56You'd better mean it. Sophia said, lifting her chin.
00:35:00And by the way, your beastmen refused to go with me no matter what.
00:35:08I never touched them.
00:35:14That sentence made me stop breathing for a second. Then I pulled myself back together.
00:35:18That has nothing to do with me anymore. It's their choice.
00:35:22What do you mean? Sophia looked genuinely puzzled.
00:35:25I have nothing to do with those three. They're terrifying. I don't know how you ever liked that type.
00:35:32When you left, they nearly came apart. She paused.
00:35:36Oh, actually, you should just hear it from them. Here they come.
00:35:40I looked into the living room. There they were. Four years and none of them looked much different.
00:35:47If what Sophia said was true and she'd never taken them, they would have been processed by the beastman registry
00:35:53and placed into work independently.
00:35:57Not a hardship for them. They'd always been in elite programs, even back in school, in their own specialized tracks
00:36:03alongside my international curriculum, trained to the highest standard in everything.
00:36:09Helena.
00:36:10Helena.
00:36:10Calum spoke first. His eyes were fixed on me.
00:36:13Hurt and hoping.
00:36:19I changed direction and walked toward the door.
00:36:25I have nothing to say to any of you. What's done is done. Don't come looking for me again.
00:36:29I got in the car and left. When I got home, I went straight to the piano room and played
00:36:35for
00:36:35hours before I finally stopped, breathing hard. Sophia's words kept circling in my head.
00:36:42Was she lying to me? But what would she gain from that? If what she said is true,
00:36:47then what happened back then was a misunderstanding. So what made them say
00:36:51something that cruel? I couldn't work it out. I poured a glass of red wine and sat in the armchair
00:36:56by the floor-to-ceiling window. Shadows moved outside, then were still. I narrowed my eyes,
00:37:01then picked up my phone. Add extra guards outside. Everyone keeps a tramp gun on hand. After that,
00:37:06I went contentedly to sleep. I woke up because I couldn't breathe. When I finally got my eyes open,
00:37:12I was wrapped up tight in someone's arms. I knew it. Let go. I said it through my teeth.
00:37:24Finn was the closest one, his face lifting from where it had been pressed against my neck.
00:37:29Lena, if I let go, are you gonna run again? Reese had his arm around my waist. His large tail
00:37:34looped
00:37:34around my legs. Baby, to you we're just unimportant people? You actually said that. You promised me.
00:37:41Calum's arms encircled me from behind. I'm sorry. The dark tail tip grazing my lips. Please this time,
00:37:47don't leave me. You can bite me if you want. As long as you're not angry, I'll take anything.
00:37:52Reese's tail shot into my hand. Then pull my fur too. Pull it bald if you want. Stop it,
00:37:57all of you! Are you trying to suffocate me? They pressed in again. Hot lips touched the back of my
00:38:03neck.
00:38:04Lena, four years. Do you know what these four years were like for me? I clenched my fist.
00:38:09This is all an act now. Didn't you say it yourselves? You both loved Sophia so much.
00:38:14Said she was gentle. Said whoever I picked was unlucky. Didn't you want to be with her? Now that
00:38:20it turns out you couldn't manage to stay in her life, you come back to me? That's not it. I
00:38:25never
00:38:25liked her. I never liked her. All three denied it immediately. Stop pretending. I read your chat.
00:38:32You hated me biting your tail. You hated me pulling your fur.
00:38:39I never liked her. You discovered me calling me walking me. I never did.
00:38:45You didn't think she was wet. When you were. I didn't glacely.
00:39:01I was'm
00:39:02crying. Thank you. If
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00:59:29His face lifting from where it had been pressed against my neck.
00:59:37Lena.
00:59:37If I let go, are you going to run again?
00:59:39Reese had his arm around my waist.
00:59:41His large tail looped around my legs.
00:59:44Baby, to you we're just unimportant people.
00:59:46You actually said that.
00:59:47You promised me.
00:59:49Kalem's arms encircled me from behind.
00:59:51I'm sorry.
00:59:51The dark tail tip grazing my lips.
00:59:53Please this time, don't leave me.
00:59:55You can bite me if you want.
00:59:57As long as you're not angry, I'll take anything.
00:59:59Reese's tail shot into my hand.
01:00:01Then pull my fur too.
01:00:02Pull it bald if you want.
01:00:04Stop it, all of you!
01:00:05Are you trying to suffocate me?
01:00:07They pressed in again.
01:00:09Hot lips touched the back of my neck.
01:00:11Lena, four years.
01:00:13Do you know what these four years were like for me?
01:00:15I clenched my fist.
01:00:17This is all an act now.
01:00:18Didn't you say it yourselves?
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