- 15 minutes ago
- #romcom
A delightful modern comedy tracking a quirky high-society lady who completely turns a cold city tycoon's life upside down. #RomCom
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The premium service class wolf I bought didn't like me.
00:03He only wagged his tail for my adopted sister.
00:05So I brought home a low-class stress relief wolf instead.
00:08I was drunk sitting outside the bar and smoking to sober up.
00:12A street vendor crept over.
00:13Miss, you look totally stressed out.
00:16Need to let it all out?
00:17I've got a stress relief wolf.
00:19Good for unwinding.
00:20What?
00:21The dealer glanced around nervously.
00:23A wolf shifter stepped into the light.
00:25He stepped forward and his shadow fell across my face.
00:27The vendor yanked the rough collar and dragged him to one knee.
00:30He unclipped a rusted bite guard, then grabbed the wolf's hair and pulled his head back,
00:34exposing his face.
00:36His narrow eyes locked on me like a wild beast.
00:39Look at that face, miss.
00:40Wouldn't it feel good to smack something that pretty?
00:43He was exactly my type.
00:44And my doctor had said my stress hormones were out of control.
00:47I genuinely needed an outlet.
00:49But I already had a wolf at home.
00:51Ash would mind.
00:52Get up.
00:52Show her your build.
00:53The wolf stood slowly.
00:55He peeled off his shirt.
00:57I saw the bruises layered over bruises.
01:00High stamina.
01:01Heals fast.
01:022,000 for two hours of release.
01:04You can do whatever you want.
01:05Just don't slit his throat and drain his blood, and he'll recover.
01:09Slit his throat?
01:10People's tastes had gotten that dark.
01:12Forget it.
01:12My wolf at home wouldn't let me touch him anyway.
01:14This one was cheap.
01:15Obedient sounded fine.
01:17How much to buy him outright?
01:18Not cheap.
01:19He's our best.
01:21Name your price.
01:22I'll give you a discount.
01:23Just 58,800.
01:26My parents spent millions on Ash, my premium service wolf gift.
01:30This one was practically free by comparison.
01:33Too much?
01:34Fine.
01:35Round it down.
01:3650 grand.
01:37I bought him for 5,000 in the end.
01:39I wasn't ready to go home yet.
01:40So I took him to a hotel.
01:44The vendor gave me a long list of warnings on the way out.
01:47Don't remove the bite guard until he's fully tamed.
01:50Keep the chains on.
01:52Both of them.
01:53In the hotel suite, Eli stood still in the entryway, eyes down, waiting for whatever came next.
01:58I came out of the shower wrapped in a robe, still not daring to take off his restraints yet.
02:03Go shower.
02:04He looked at me for a few seconds, then turned and walked into the bathroom.
02:08After a few minutes, I knocked.
02:10I left my phone in there.
02:12He hadn't locked the door.
02:13Eli froze his back to me.
02:15His pale skin made his scars all the more shocking.
02:17Water streamed down his shoulders along the rusted chains, washing away rust and dried blood.
02:22His tail hung low, trembling slightly.
02:25The fur was dull, brittle, wild, and fragile at the same time.
02:29My brain went offline.
02:30I crossed the room and hugged him from behind, pressed my lips to the bruising on his spine.
02:35Eli shuddered.
02:36His whole body went rigid.
02:38What are you doing?
02:39First time I'd heard his voice.
02:40Take it easy.
02:42That's not...
02:43Hmm?
02:43What is that?
02:44That's not how stress Rameef works.
02:45I've never done this before.
02:47Bear with me.
02:48I pushed him onto the bed.
02:49I kissed every bruise, one by one.
02:52He lay still and let me, his body tense the whole time.
02:55He didn't know how to respond.
02:56Then, at the crucial moment, he reached out and locked his hand around my waist.
03:00Are you sure?
03:02Yeah.
03:02I'm just a low-class wolf.
03:04My answer was to stop waiting.
03:06He let out a muffled sound and closed his eyes.
03:10Ash was my parents' apology.
03:12A premium, competition-grade service wolf.
03:15A compensation for the 18 years they lost me.
03:17I was 5 when I disappeared.
03:1923 when they finally found me.
03:21When I came home, I found out my parents had already adopted a little girl, Emma.
03:26She'd been with them since she was a baby.
03:28She was 17 now.
03:29When I appeared, Emma fell apart.
03:31Get out!
03:32I'm their real daughter!
03:34Why are you here taking my parents?
03:36This is my home!
03:38Get out!
03:39She screamed and sobbed and threw everything she could reach at me.
03:43Don't cry.
03:44You'll always be our daughter.
03:46Zoe coming back doesn't change how much we love you.
03:50Emma's been spoiled.
03:52You're 6 years older.
03:54Just try to be patient with her.
03:55I should have been devastated, but I was 23.
03:58I survived those lonely years craving my parents.
04:01Now, I was in the phase of desperately needing money.
04:04I let my eyes well up, looked down.
04:07I understand, Dad.
04:08Playing vulnerable worked.
04:10The monthly allowance they wired me kept going up.
04:14Morning.
04:15I had my cheek pressed against Eli's arm.
04:17My best friend Lily texted me.
04:19Where are you?
04:20Did you do your usual disappearing act and go home alone again?
04:23No.
04:24I bought a new stress relief wolf last night.
04:26Been busy.
04:27Zoe, what is wrong with you?
04:29I know you're upset that your wolf at home ignores you,
04:31but you can't just go buy a punching bag.
04:34You couldn't bring yourself to hit the expensive one,
04:36so you went out and bought a cheap one to beat up?
04:39I would report you if you weren't my best friend.
04:42I am appalled.
04:44I didn't hit him.
04:45Why would I hit a dog?
04:46Then how did you unwind?
04:48The way you're thinking.
04:49On bed.
04:50We both stopped typing.
04:52Then she sent me a long message explaining everything.
04:54Stress relief wolves were illegal.
04:56Traffickers stole young shifters.
04:58Or bought low-class ones cheap.
05:00Then they tortured and filtered them.
05:02Keeping only those with strong bodies and fast healing.
05:05Some became living punching bags for paying clients.
05:08Others ended up in underground fight rings.
05:10Death matches.
05:11Even after rescue,
05:12these wolves were considered feral and untameable.
05:15Official shelters offered them for free adoption.
05:17The ones no one took.
05:19Euthanized.
05:24I know where he lives.
05:25If you regret it.
05:26I startled.
05:27Quickly darkened my screen and turned over.
05:33He runs with a crew.
05:35They probably won't give you the money back.
05:38But if I catch him alone,
05:39I might be able to...
05:41I don't regret it.
05:42As long as you behave.
05:44Only listen to me.
05:46Nobody else.
05:48Okay.
05:49There were a few faint scars along the fur of his ears.
05:52I couldn't help it.
05:53I reached out to touch them.
05:54His ears snapped back instantly.
05:56He flinched away.
05:57This one wouldn't let me touch his ears either.
05:59Sorry.
06:00Force of habit.
06:04You can touch them now.
06:08If you still want to.
06:09I didn't hesitate.
06:10I swung up and sat across his waist,
06:12braced my hands on his chest,
06:13and squeezed his ears between my fingers.
06:15Eli's breathing deepened.
06:17His whole body got warmer.
06:18He tipped his head back,
06:19eyes half-lidded,
06:20watching me.
06:22Can we do it again?
06:25We didn't go straight home.
06:27I took Eli to a shifter clinic first.
06:29The doctor said his healing ability was excellent.
06:31The bruising wasn't a concern,
06:33but severe malnutrition.
06:35He needed long-term supplementation.
06:37The total for all the supplements cost more than I'd paid for him.
06:40I don't need it.
06:41I can eat anything.
06:42Don't spend the money.
06:43I won't die.
06:44This amount was what Ash burned through on snacks every month.
06:47It's fine.
06:48Do you like these?
06:50I held out a new collar and bite guard in front of him.
06:52Slim black metal collar.
06:55Custom black bite guard to match.
06:56I hadn't wanted him to keep wearing restraints,
06:59but the doctor was firm.
07:00Don't let a feral wolf's looks fool you.
07:02He could take out your throat in one bite.
07:04So I'd picked the most comfortable version I could find.
07:07When the doctor removed the old bite guard,
07:09he held it up to the light.
07:10Fight ring or stress relief.
07:12Before this, I mean.
07:15Both.
07:16Figured.
07:18Look at these bite marks.
07:19He did this to himself when the pain got too bad.
07:22Those are from last night.
07:24I went very still.
07:25In the ring?
07:27No.
07:27He looked at my back.
07:28From when I was being used.
07:30We got home past midnight.
07:31Mom and dad were already asleep.
07:33Ash was probably in Emma's room, as usual.
07:36Come in.
07:39He hadn't moved.
07:40He was staring at something on the floor.
07:42I bent down and picked it up.
07:44This is Ash's.
07:47On my first birthday in this house,
07:49mom and dad had given me Ash.
07:51Zoe's too quiet.
07:52We thought having a companion might open her up.
07:54Back then, Ash hadn't shifted yet.
07:56Just a small black wolf pup.
07:58Why does she get one and I don't?
08:00You said you wouldn't pick favorites.
08:03He's mine.
08:06She snatched the puppy and ran out.
08:07Didn't come back.
08:08My birthday dinner was ruined.
08:10My birthday present was gone.
08:11Mom and dad were a mess for days.
08:13I cried too.
08:15I'm so sorry.
08:16I made her leave.
08:17It's my fault.
08:18Twelve days later,
08:20one girl and one scruffy wolf pup
08:22appeared at the front door.
08:23Mom, dad, I'm so hungry.
08:26I was wrong.
08:28I'm never running again.
08:29Mom and dad rushed out
08:30and all three of them sobbed together on the doorstep.
08:32When they finally looked up,
08:34mom's face went guilty
08:35the instant she saw me standing there.
08:39Mom, you hit me?
08:40Do you know what the last 12 days were like?
08:42I just got back and you're ready.
08:43Do you ever think about
08:43what your sister's last 18 years were like?
08:48If you ever make Zoe feel unwelcome
08:51in this house again,
08:52don't call me mom.
08:53After that,
08:54Emma stopped coming after me openly.
08:56She gave Ash back a few weeks later.
08:58Not long after that,
08:59he shifted dark curls,
09:01soft, downturned eyes.
09:03He tilted his head at me
09:04and said his first shifted word.
09:05E.
09:07I'm Emma!
09:09You remember me!
09:11You remember me!
09:15Of course.
09:16I remember everything about Emma.
09:19Mom and dad sighed
09:20and put an arm around me.
09:21It took weeks of trying
09:22before Ash reluctantly accepted
09:24that I was his owner.
09:25But he refused to wag his tail for me.
09:28Refused to let me touch his ears.
09:30Never waited by the door for me.
09:31He only reacted to Emma's footsteps.
09:33He only waited for her.
09:35I watched them every time.
09:37I told myself I didn't really care
09:38because Ash's monthly expenses
09:40came out of the account in my name.
09:42And mom and dad's quiet guilt
09:43kept filling that same account.
09:45But lately, I'd been breaking out.
09:47Stress hormones.
09:48The doctor said.
09:49Ash wouldn't touch me.
09:50Eli had shown up
09:51at exactly the right moment.
09:52I had no reason to say no.
09:56Sleep with me tonight?
09:58I'll take you shopping for clothes.
10:00Will he mind?
10:00Who?
10:01Ash.
10:02Wolves are territorial.
10:03He doesn't like sleeping with me.
10:05It's fine.
10:06Do you need it again tonight?
10:08Need what?
10:08Stress relief.
10:10I do.
10:10But my legs are killing me.
10:12I have good stamina.
10:13You can just lie there.
10:14That's very considerate of you.
10:15It's nothing.
10:18In the morning,
10:19I stepped out of my room
10:20at the exact same time as Ash.
10:21Zoe,
10:22why were you talking in your sleep last night?
10:24All those little sounds,
10:25it was loud.
10:26Sorry.
10:27I'll keep it down.
10:28Were you having a nightmare?
10:29I thought I heard you crying.
10:31I was having the time of my life.
10:33If you ever have a nightmare,
10:34you can-
10:34Ash,
10:34I can't find my slippers.
10:36Don't walk around barefoot.
10:37He stepped right past me
10:38and went into Emma's room.
10:40How did your slippers end up
10:41in the living room
10:42if you were in your room?
10:44Because you carried me to bed last night
10:46and forgot to bring them.
10:47He sat her on his knee,
10:48found the bunny slippers,
10:49and put them on her feet.
10:50One by one,
10:51patient.
10:52Then he headed upstairs to the bathroom.
10:53Perfect service wolf,
10:54just not mine.
10:55Zoe,
10:56my laundry's in the hamper.
10:58Take it to the dry cleaner.
11:01What's that smell?
11:02What?
11:02He stepped close,
11:03pressed his nose to my neck,
11:05then inhaled.
11:05The deeper he breathed,
11:06the harder his hand gripped my waist.
11:08Zoe,
11:08why do you smell like another wolf?
11:10Eli had just opened the door
11:12and walked out.
11:13He was half a head taller than Ash.
11:15That's my scent.
11:19Zoe,
11:20who is that?
11:21His name is Eli.
11:22He's my new wolf.
11:23What?
11:24You got another wolf?
11:26What about me?
11:27Oh, wow.
11:28Mom,
11:29Dad,
11:29come look.
11:30Zoe got a new wolf.
11:31This is Eli,
11:33our newest family member.
11:34Sir,
11:35ma'am.
11:36He's even more handsome than Ash.
11:37Competition grade,
11:38I assume?
11:38Zoe gets so much allowance.
11:40Competition grade?
11:40He's wearing a muzzle.
11:42His fur is splitting.
11:42His shirt is falling apart.
11:44He's shedding everywhere.
11:45He's feral bottom class.
11:46The kind shelters can't even give away.
11:48Zoe,
11:48you only brought him home to mess with me,
11:49didn't you?
11:50If he goes feral and hurts you,
11:51don't come crying to me.
11:52Zoe,
11:52we're not against you keeping him.
11:54We just want you safe.
11:55We can't lose you again.
11:56I won't hurt her.
11:58If it makes you feel better,
11:59I'll keep the restraints on.
12:00I can sleep in a crate at night.
12:02Only fight ring wolves sleep in crates.
12:04That's lower than a stress relief slave.
12:05I've already decided he's staying.
12:07Ash's expenses come from Mom and Dad.
12:09Eli's are on me.
12:10Zoe!
12:11Relax.
12:13Given how Zoe grew up,
12:14it makes sense she has a thing for low-class wolves.
12:17It's basically her aesthetic.
12:18Mom,
12:19Dad,
12:20since Zoe has a new wolf,
12:21can I have Ash?
12:22He likes me more anyway.
12:24I'm just taking what's left over.
12:26Leftover?
12:27Drained the color from Ash's face.
12:29No.
12:29Ash was a gift from Mom and Dad.
12:31He's mine.
12:32I decide what happens to him.
12:34My certainty knocked something loose in him.
12:36For the first time,
12:37Ash wagged his tail for me.
12:38Just barely.
12:39Small,
12:39uncontrolled flicks.
12:40Even if you say that,
12:42I'm not forgiving you.
12:43I had no intention of giving him away.
12:45Not because I was attached.
12:46First,
12:47the budget they gave me for his upkeep was generous.
12:49I pocketed a healthy margin every month.
12:51Second,
12:51Ash was worth a lot.
12:52If I ever decided I was done,
12:54I could sell him for seven figures.
12:55Why would I hand that to Emma for free?
12:57She's right.
12:58He was given to Zoe.
12:59If you want him,
13:00talk to your sister.
13:03A few months earlier,
13:04Mom and Dad had planned a family camping trip
13:06to get us all bonding.
13:07Seven days.
13:08On the night we set up tents,
13:09everyone drank a little too much.
13:11Emma called me sis every five minutes.
13:12I called her sis back.
13:13Mom and Dad were so happy.
13:15When I came back from a cigarette break,
13:16I saw Emma in my tent.
13:17The campfire had gone out.
13:19One small lantern flickered inside.
13:21Ash was lying on my sleeping bag.
13:22Emma was slowly crawling on top of him,
13:24leaning toward his mouth.
13:25Their shadows overlapped against the canvas.
13:27I watched Ash reach up
13:28and tuck her hair behind her ear
13:30and kissed her back.
13:31Ash,
13:32promise me you won't touch her.
13:33But-
13:34Wait until I'm 18.
13:35It's only a few months.
13:36In this world,
13:37a wolf who slept with a human under 18
13:39faced immediate disposal.
13:41You know I have standards.
13:42I don't like her touching me.
13:44Can't we just keep this clean between us?
13:45Ash said yes.
13:48The video ended.
13:50Emma.
13:50Is this how I raised you?
13:52Using yourself to manipulate a wolf
13:54just to spite your sister?
13:55Zoe.
13:56I was drunk that night.
13:58I thought it was you coming-
13:59Nobody asked you.
14:00I paid for you.
14:00You're here to serve my daughter,
14:01not audition replacements.
14:03I'm calling your cellar today.
14:04Mom, why aren't you yelling at her?
14:05Can't you see how calculating she is?
14:07She recorded it.
14:08I made one stupid mistake
14:09and she plays it like this.
14:10Ever since she came back,
14:11you love me less.
14:12Are you really gonna let her run my life?
14:14Emma,
14:14you did this.
14:15If you hadn't,
14:16there'd be nothing to record.
14:17Both of you,
14:18this month's allowances go to Zoe
14:19and you're both grounded for three days.
14:21A large sum landed in my account that afternoon.
14:23Mom and dad's invisible scale
14:25tipped a little more in my direction.
14:27I'd been fighting for things my whole life.
14:28This was no different.
14:31Three days without Emma or Ash hovering around.
14:34I took Eli shopping.
14:36Everywhere.
14:37He was a specimen.
14:38Built like every suit had been cut for him specifically.
14:42Everything looked good on him.
14:43So I wanted to buy him everything.
14:46But the best part
14:47was watching him in a dress suit.
14:50I went slightly feral
14:51and bought 12 custom tailored ones.
14:53Then I was too tired to walk.
14:55Eli carried everything with one arm
14:57and me with the other.
14:58I had my arm hooked around his neck,
15:00tracing the line of his nose with one finger.
15:03Eli,
15:04you look like this.
15:05Didn't they try to make you sell yourself?
15:07They tried.
15:08He set me on the bed
15:10and dropped to one knee.
15:11Took off my heels.
15:13Swapped them out for slippers.
15:15He'd watched Ash do it for Emma a hundred times.
15:18He hadn't fully adjusted
15:19to human scale gentleness yet.
15:21He kept catching himself,
15:23recalibrating his grip.
15:25But he'd memorized every step.
15:27And?
15:28He went a little pink.
15:29I didn't.
15:30I hurt the client and ran.
15:32They caught me.
15:33I stopped eating to fight back.
15:35They got scared I'd die
15:37and cost them money
15:38so they threw me in the ring.
15:39I hadn't eaten in three days.
15:41I don't know how I did it.
15:43I bit through the other wolf's throat.
15:45After that,
15:46I stayed in the ring.
15:48They kept my food limited
15:49so I'd be too weak to resist.
15:52The last fight,
15:53I got badly injured.
15:54They figured I was done
15:56so they put me on stress relief work.
15:58I survived that too.
16:00This week,
16:00they were debating
16:01sending me back to the ring.
16:03Then you bought me.
16:05Eli was still kneeling.
16:07Wearing the new suit,
16:08I'd just bought him.
16:10Both hands wrapped lightly around mine.
16:12He had no idea
16:13he looked like he was proposing.
16:15I'm not hiding anything from you.
16:18I am a low-class, violent wolf.
16:21I've hurt humans.
16:22I've hurt my own kind.
16:24I grew up without learning
16:25to be around people.
16:26I don't know how to take care of someone.
16:28I barely know how to use a fork.
16:31I don't know how hard to hold you
16:32without hurting you.
16:34Last night when you cried,
16:36I panicked.
16:39I remembered.
16:40The second time was so much better
16:42than the first.
16:43I'd lost control
16:44and made a sound I hadn't expected.
16:46I'm sorry, did I hurt you?
16:47I misjudged.
16:49It's my fault.
16:50You can punish me,
16:51hit me,
16:52starve me,
16:52whatever you want.
16:54Just don't cry.
16:55Please.
16:56I remembered the apology
16:57going on for a while,
16:59but I'd passed out mid-sentence.
17:01No wonder the atmosphere
17:02that morning had been so heavy.
17:03He'd been stewing in it all night.
17:05You didn't hurt me.
17:06I cried because it was good.
17:08He pressed his nose
17:09against my neck.
17:10His silver-white ears
17:12brushed my face.
17:13I grabbed them.
17:15Eli's breathing hitched.
17:17He reached up,
17:18fingers calloused,
17:20deliberate,
17:21and slowly traced
17:22the side of my neck.
17:23The same spot Ash had pressed
17:25his nose against
17:26that morning,
17:27methodical,
17:28inch by inch.
17:30Are you trying to cover his scent?
17:31It's fine.
17:32I don't mind.
17:33I just don't understand.
17:36You went three days
17:37without food
17:37to avoid being sold,
17:38but you never fought back
17:40against me,
17:41not once.
17:42You gave up?
17:43He looked up.
17:44His eyes didn't quite meet mine.
17:46They landed on my mouth.
17:47Maybe because you were
17:48young and beautiful.
17:50That's an airtight reason.
17:51Maybe because you said
17:53you had no experience.
17:55Also because that was
17:56the first time
17:56I'd ever been kissed.
17:59I just want you to know
18:00I am violent and feral,
18:02but I will never hurt you.
18:04Never.
18:05Not ever.
18:07I believe you.
18:08As a reward.
18:13Let me kiss you again.
18:16Eli and I fell into a rhythm.
18:19I finally understood
18:20why people spent fortunes
18:21on wolves.
18:22With Ash,
18:23everything had been a production.
18:26Premium wolves had standards.
18:28I'd had to train with him daily,
18:30manage his nutrition,
18:31force feed him supplements,
18:32and run a full grooming routine
18:35just to keep him in condition
18:36so he could use that condition
18:38to take care of Emma.
18:39Eli was different.
18:41I followed the doctor's
18:42supplement plan
18:43and he just glowed.
18:44I felt a little guilty
18:46about the contrast,
18:47so I sat him down
18:48and did a proper
18:49grooming session on him.
18:51Ash walked in
18:52while I had both hands
18:53buried in Eli's
18:54foam-covered ears.
18:56Zoe!
18:57That's my special foam soap.
19:00I bought this one for Eli.
19:01Out of your room already?
19:03You must be so pleased
19:04with yourself.
19:05Not really.
19:06You got off easy.
19:07But I'll try harder next time.
19:10Zoe, send him out.
19:12I can explain the video,
19:13but I am not sharing this house
19:14with a bottom-class wolf.
19:15You're not sharing anything.
19:18You sleep in Emma's room.
19:19You always have.
19:21Wolves had sharp senses.
19:23Ash had been the only one
19:24in the house
19:25who knew about my smoking habit.
19:26He'd always complained
19:27my room smelled
19:28and used it as an excuse
19:30to sleep in Emma's room instead.
19:31It's fine, Ash.
19:33You always said
19:33she smelled anyway.
19:35Come stay with me.
19:37Zoe,
19:38you're going to regret this.
19:40Take good care of him,
19:41won't you, Emma?
19:44The house settled
19:45into a strange cold war.
19:46Ash and Emma spent a while
19:48putting on a show
19:48in front of me.
19:49They were all warmth
19:50and sweetness,
19:51trying to get a reaction
19:52out of me.
19:53I had none.
19:54As long as they weren't
19:55doing it in my face,
19:56I could handle it.
19:58Eli spent a lot of time
19:59watching them.
20:00Emma kept flushing
20:01every time she caught him looking,
20:03then pretending
20:04she hadn't noticed.
20:05He was studying.
20:07He watched every move
20:08Ash made with Emma,
20:09the grip,
20:10the order of things,
20:11and translated it all
20:12into how he took care of me.
20:14Ash, meanwhile,
20:16looked like a ghost.
20:17He kept catching himself
20:18staring at me
20:19with something half-formed
20:20in his expression.
20:21I knew why.
20:22A few days earlier,
20:24I'd heard an argument
20:24spilling from Emma's room.
20:26Emma,
20:27you haven't groomed me
20:28in forever.
20:28You have hands.
20:29Do it yourself.
20:30Am I your pet
20:31or am you mine?
20:33My products
20:34are running out too.
20:35Then ask Zoe.
20:37It's her account,
20:37not mine.
20:39Emma,
20:40why are you like this?
20:42You used to actually
20:43like spending time with me.
20:45If you hadn't kissed me
20:46that night,
20:47Zoe wouldn't have...
20:48Zoe always groomed you
20:49every day.
20:50She never complained
20:51about how much work it was.
20:53Blame me?
20:53You didn't exactly stop me.
20:55And now you think
20:56she's better?
20:57Then go to her!
20:58Go on!
20:59See if she even wants you.
21:03Did Emma love Ash?
21:05I doubted it.
21:06Emma just loved
21:07being the center.
21:08The one everyone orbited.
21:11Ash fawning over her
21:12fit that.
21:13Me existing
21:13complicated it.
21:15After that fight,
21:16Ash deteriorated fast.
21:17He kept starting sentences
21:19near me
21:19and never finishing them.
21:21Too proud to ask.
21:22I ignored it.
21:24Until one night.
21:25I was out on the
21:26second floor balcony
21:27in my slip dress,
21:28smoking a post-session cigarette.
21:30Ash came up behind me
21:32and wrapped his arms
21:33around me
21:33without a word.
21:36Warm tears
21:37dropped onto my neck.
21:38One at a time.
21:42You're not complaining
21:43about the smell?
21:44I'm sorry.
21:45Can you forgive me?
21:47I was drunk that night.
21:49I swear I thought
21:49it was you.
21:50I wanted it to be you.
21:52I believe you.
21:53If you'd known it was Emma,
21:54you wouldn't have
21:55stopped her either.
21:57That's not true.
21:59Before I shifted,
22:00Emma and I were
22:01on the streets together.
22:03A group of guys
22:04tried to grab me.
22:05We could have
22:06struck and twipat me.
22:08She ran at them,
22:09screaming and crying,
22:10until they gave up
22:11and fled.
22:12You're my owner,
22:13but she saved my life.
22:15I couldn't refuse her.
22:16In the tent that night,
22:17I was half as asleep.
22:19I thought it was you.
22:21When I opened my eyes
22:23and saw her,
22:24I felt sick.
22:26I realized I'd
22:27wanted it to be you.
22:29I'd wanted you all along.
22:31But she saved my life.
22:32How could I turn her down?
22:36Then keep being grateful to her.
22:37I was never in the way.
22:39Zoe, please don't.
22:44Ash,
22:45do you know why I smoke?
22:48Because I grew up
22:49with a crew of street girls
22:50who were never gonna win
22:51any etiquette awards.
22:53When I got caught stealing
22:54and got beaten up,
22:55they took the hits with me.
22:58When a man tried to assault me,
23:00they scratched his face apart.
23:02When I had a fever
23:03and passed out,
23:04they pooled whatever they had
23:05and dragged me
23:07to a back alley clinic.
23:10So,
23:10I had more people
23:11doing things for me
23:12than you ever did,
23:13and I never crawled
23:14into anyone's bed over it.
23:16Never said yes
23:16just because someone asked.
23:18Ash,
23:19you're wired to follow
23:20whoever pays you
23:20the most attention.
23:22Someone gives you
23:22a little warmth
23:23and off you go.
23:24Ash,
23:24they say premium wolves
23:25have the highest human-like cognitiveness,
23:27I believe it.
23:28You've even evolved
23:28past a dog's
23:29most basic trait,
23:31loyalty.
23:31I don't know.
23:32I'm sorry, Zoe.
23:33You never talked about before.
23:35I didn't know
23:35what you went through.
23:37I only ever heard
23:37Emma's side.
23:38She made it sound like
23:39you were the one
23:39taking things from her,
23:41like Ash,
23:41and everything that came with him
23:42should have been hers.
23:43If I'd known,
23:44I wouldn't have complained
23:45about the smoking.
23:46I wouldn't have helped her
23:46make things harder for you.
23:47His tear-wet face
23:49pressed into my collar
23:50and past his shoulder,
23:51two figures in the dark.
23:53The closer one,
23:53tall and still,
23:54was Eli.
23:55The farther one was Mom.
23:56I met her eyes.
23:57My cigarette hand
23:58barely paused.
23:59I didn't hide it.
24:01Fine.
24:01She saw.
24:02When I came home,
24:04I'd glossed over
24:04the first years.
24:05They'd worked so hard
24:07on Emma.
24:07Piano.
24:09Ballet.
24:11Flower arranging.
24:12Everything polished.
24:13Me?
24:14Good at stealing?
24:16Lockpicking with a hairpin?
24:17Chain smoking before
24:18I was old enough
24:19to buy them?
24:20I hadn't thought
24:21parents who'd replaced me
24:22in a year
24:22would love me very much.
24:24Tell them the real version
24:25and they'd probably
24:26fear me as much
24:27as pity me.
24:28And Emma would run
24:29a reason to attack me.
24:30So I'd shown them
24:31the clean resume.
24:32Good grades.
24:33Sweet face.
24:34Polite answers.
24:35Like interviewing
24:36for the role of daughter.
24:38Mom said,
24:39Go to sleep.
24:40Then she went back
24:41to her room.
24:41The hall was dark again,
24:42except for Eli's
24:43outline.
24:44He stood watching Ash
24:45press his face
24:46into my shoulder
24:47and make small
24:48unhappy sounds.
24:49Eli said quietly,
24:50It's cold out here.
24:51Ash noticed him
24:52for the first time.
24:53He stepped in front of me,
24:54sent the low warning
24:55growl at Eli again.
24:57Eli didn't react.
24:58He stepped closer.
24:59Ash shifted back
25:00without meaning to.
25:01Eli draped a jacket
25:02over my shoulders,
25:03looked at Ash.
25:05You can keep going.
25:06I'm just here
25:06for the coat.
25:07Ash didn't take him
25:08up on it.
25:09He said instead
25:10to me,
25:11Stay with me tonight.
25:12I know what to do.
25:13I was trained.
25:14I'd be better than him.
25:16Is that right?
25:18I mean it.
25:19Please,
25:20let me fix this.
25:21His tail went
25:22into overdrive.
25:23Eli's expression
25:23didn't change,
25:24but his hand
25:25at his side
25:25closed into a fist.
25:27I don't think so.
25:28You kissed Emma.
25:29The thought of it
25:30ruins it for me.
25:32Good night, Ash.
25:35Eli followed me
25:36back to the bedroom.
25:37I shrugged off the jacket
25:38and looked at him.
25:39Jealous?
25:40He took the jacket
25:40and said,
25:41No.
25:42You're exceptional.
25:43You'll have a boyfriend
25:44someday.
25:45A husband.
25:47I know my place.
25:49Should I run a bath?
25:50I'd been heading for bed.
25:51Why?
25:52You have Ash's tears
25:53and saliva on you
25:54and his scent.
25:56I went to the bathroom.
25:58Eli followed
25:59and washed
25:59every inch of skin
26:01with focused,
26:01careful attention.
26:03He was kneeling
26:04on the wet bathroom tile
26:05looking up at me.
26:06Hey.
26:07I reached down
26:08and touched his ears.
26:09What is it?
26:10Can't get it clean.
26:12What?
26:13Can I take this off?
26:15Licking might work better.
26:16He pointed to his bike guard.
26:18I thought for a moment,
26:20then unclipped it.
26:21That spot doesn't have
26:22his scent on it.
26:24He said.
26:25Didn't stop.
26:26He kissed upward,
26:28inch by inch,
26:29all the way to my chin.
26:31May I?
26:32He cupped my face
26:33in one hand.
26:34Yes.
26:34His kiss was careful,
26:36unpracticed.
26:37I cracked one eye open
26:38to look at him.
26:39Steam and fog
26:40all around him.
26:41Eyes shut tight,
26:42long lashes trembling.
26:44I thought this might have been
26:45our first real kiss.
26:48I stopped making Eli
26:49wear the bike guard.
26:51Mom and dad kept reminding me
26:52to be careful,
26:53but they didn't push.
26:54I worked at the family company.
26:56Most days I didn't come home
26:57for lunch.
26:58One afternoon I did,
26:59just wanted to nap.
27:00Voices drifted up
27:01from the living room.
27:02Eli and Ash.
27:03I leaned on the second floor
27:05railing and watched.
27:06Eli was sitting on the couch,
27:07watching TV.
27:08Ash planted himself
27:09in front of him,
27:10tail bristling.
27:11You think Zoe actually likes you?
27:13She's using you to get at me.
27:15Once she's over it,
27:17she'll throw you out like trash.
27:18So what?
27:19Zoe said you're dirty.
27:21At least I'm clean.
27:22Anyone who tries to touch me,
27:24I bite their throat out.
27:25Unlike you.
27:26Half pushing someone away
27:27and then giving in anyway.
27:29Interesting.
27:30In front of me,
27:31Eli was steady and careful
27:33and almost meek.
27:34This was the first time
27:35I'd seen his edges.
27:36Clean?
27:38You've killed wolves in a ring!
27:40Do you even know how many?
27:42He stood up slowly.
27:43I know.
27:44Useful information.
27:46Honestly,
27:47you bother me.
27:48Me?
27:49Ash nearly went airborne.
27:50You're the outsider here!
27:51Zoe paid millions for me!
27:53I was here first!
27:55Millions?
27:55Eli looked him over.
27:57You don't look worth that.
27:58He stepped forward.
27:59Do you know
27:59which part of the throat
28:01to bite
28:01so the other person
28:03can't make a sound?
28:04Another step.
28:05How to make a wolf
28:06disappear quietly.
28:08I'm probably the only kind
28:09who knows that.
28:10What are you doing?
28:11What would I do?
28:12Eli shrugged.
28:13I'm just a low-class wolf.
28:14Then he lunged.
28:15Ash panicked
28:16and shifted into full wolf form
28:18on instinct.
28:18The black wolf tackled Eli,
28:20teeth sinking into his forearm.
28:22Eli crashed into the coffee table.
28:24Porcelain cracked.
28:25Shards scattered
28:26across the floor.
28:27When mom came running
28:28at the noise,
28:28she found Eli on the ground,
28:30arm bleeding badly,
28:32sitting up pale
28:33and pressing the wound.
28:36I'm sorry, ma'am.
28:38I've been too close
28:39to Zoe lately.
28:40Ash was unhappy.
28:42I should have been
28:42more careful.
28:43I came downstairs.
28:45Eli,
28:45what happened?
28:46It's nothing.
28:47He said softly.
28:48Nothing like what I dealt
28:49with in the ring.
28:49I was biting down hard
28:50on a laugh.
28:51Yesterday,
28:52he'd sworn up and down
28:53he had no jealousy whatsoever
28:54and he'd already planned this.
28:56It's not true!
28:57Ash stumbled over
28:58his own words.
28:59He went at me first!
29:01He's setting me up!
29:02Setting you up?
29:04If he wanted to hurt you,
29:05you'd still be on the floor.
29:07Zoe,
29:07I'm serious!
29:08I'm calling the seller.
29:09This wolf is going back.
29:11Mom was already
29:11on her phone.
29:12No need.
29:13I'll sell him to a friend
29:14who's been looking
29:14for a premium wolf.
29:16Mom paused.
29:17That works.
29:18He's yours to decide.
29:20Zoe,
29:21you'd sell me for him?
29:22Ash's face went blank.
29:23You said you liked me.
29:24I know you did.
29:25You used to grab my tail
29:26in your sleep
29:26so you wouldn't have nightmares.
29:28You wrote in your journal
29:28that you were lonely here,
29:30that at least you had me
29:31even if I didn't like you.
29:32You'd sneak pets
29:33when I was asleep.
29:34You asked me once
29:35when you were drunk
29:36why I never liked you,
29:37why even I was always
29:38on Emma's side.
29:39Zoe,
29:40you can't feel nothing for me.
29:41He was right.
29:42I wasn't as detached
29:43as I like to think.
29:44Even at 23,
29:45arriving at a stranger's house
29:46had still scared me.
29:48Watching my parents
29:48tilt toward Emma
29:49had still stung.
29:50Thinking about Emma
29:51living the life
29:52that should have been mine,
29:53that had still burned.
29:54When I found out
29:55my birthday gift
29:56was going to be a wolf,
29:57I had been genuinely excited.
29:59I had put hope in Ash.
30:01He'd ground it down slowly
30:02over months.
30:03I imagined too much,
30:05I said.
30:06To me,
30:06I met his eyes.
30:07You're just a disloyal dog.
30:11I moved fast.
30:12Ash was gone the next day.
30:14I handed him to a contact
30:15who dealt in resale.
30:16I didn't ask
30:17where he ended up.
30:18Maybe he'd be used for breeding.
30:19Maybe he'd find
30:20a kinder owner.
30:21Either way,
30:21he had served his purpose
30:23in my life.
30:23Financial conversion.
30:25Complete.
30:25Eli, meanwhile,
30:26was draped across my bed
30:27looking tragically injured.
30:29He'd been worse than this
30:30the first night I met him
30:31and still propped himself up
30:32with one arm to do things.
30:34But now,
30:34thank you,
30:35he said weakly,
30:36taking the soup I brought.
30:37He's really gone?
30:39Yes.
30:40Eli stared into his bowl.
30:41That's a shame.
30:42I really did want
30:43to get along with him.
30:44Want me to bring him back?
30:45You two can be best friends.
30:47The buyer already has him.
30:49They probably won't
30:49return him.
30:51I could offer them
30:51a little extra?
30:52Eli put tremendous effort
30:54into not snapping
30:55the porcelain bowl
30:56in his hand.
30:56That would be ideal.
30:58He said carefully.
30:59I'll go now then.
31:00But-
31:00He looked up,
31:01nervous.
31:02What?
31:02If he bites me again,
31:03what do I do?
31:04I said nothing.
31:05Just watched him.
31:06His expression went
31:07from nervous to tense
31:08to lost
31:09and then landed on stunned.
31:11Zoe,
31:11you already knew?
31:13I don't know
31:13what you're talking about.
31:14Can you tell me
31:15which part of the throat
31:16stops someone
31:17from making a sound?
31:18I'm sorry.
31:19I-
31:19He kept coming at me.
31:20Please don't send me away.
31:22I was bluffing.
31:23I would never actually hurt him.
31:24I'll be good.
31:25It's fine.
31:26Honestly,
31:26I kinda like you
31:27with an edge.
31:29In a way,
31:30Emma and Ash
31:30were the same type.
31:31Both spoiled by affection,
31:33both certain
31:33they were the main character.
31:35Eli and I
31:35were the same type.
31:36If I'd been in his position,
31:37I'd have done the same thing.
31:40Getting rid of Ash
31:42bought me two months of peace.
31:43Emma stopped crying
31:44in hallways.
31:45Stopped leaving Ash's old leash
31:46where I could see it.
31:48Stopped making wounded
31:48little comments
31:49over breakfast.
31:50She was waiting.
31:51People like Emma
31:52didn't give up.
31:53They just changed costumes.
31:54Then her 18th birthday arrived.
31:56Mom and Dad
31:56gave her an apartment.
31:57Downtown,
31:58good location,
31:59good building.
32:00Expensive enough
32:01to make my smile freeze.
32:02I held it in place anyway.
32:04Inside,
32:04I was on fire.
32:05I wished I could
32:06physically lift the building
32:07and scream,
32:08it's mine.
32:08A colleague at work
32:09had once said,
32:10It all comes to you
32:11eventually anyway.
32:12Why do you fight
32:13so hard over small things?
32:14That was exactly why.
32:15I didn't trust eventually.
32:17What was in my hand
32:18was mine.
32:18Emma swept over
32:19with Mom and Dad
32:20on her arm,
32:21bright-eyed and glowing,
32:22ready to gloat.
32:23Zoe,
32:24did you get me
32:24a birthday present?
32:25I set down my champagne.
32:26My parents are already yours.
32:28What more do you want?
32:30The room went quiet.
32:31Emma blinked.
32:32Everything you eat,
32:33wear,
32:33and use,
32:34did any of it belong
32:35to you first?
32:36And you're asking me
32:37for a gift?
32:37Do you want my blood too?
32:39Would that satisfy you?
32:41Emma's face twisted.
32:42Mom, Dad,
32:43do you see this?
32:44Today is my birthday
32:45and she's attacking me.
32:47I always said
32:48she was faking it.
32:49You never believed me.
32:50Dad's hand landed
32:51gently on my shoulder,
32:52not hers,
32:53mine.
32:54We know.
32:54Emma froze.
32:55Mom looked tired
32:56in a way I hadn't seen before.
32:58Zoe is right.
32:59Emma's mouth opened.
33:00Nothing came out.
33:01Your mother and I
33:01have been afraid
33:02to ask about your past.
33:03We didn't want to reopen wounds.
33:04You didn't feel safe enough
33:05to be yourself here.
33:06That's on us.
33:07My throat went tight.
33:08I hated that.
33:09I hated how badly
33:10I still wanted to hear it.
33:13Emma did not scream at first.
33:15That was how I knew
33:16it was bad.
33:17She just stood there.
33:18Still.
33:18Pretty.
33:19Ruined.
33:19Then she laughed.
33:20So that's it?
33:23You found your real daughter
33:25and now I become charity?
33:27We gave you a home.
33:29Education.
33:30Love.
33:31Security.
33:32We are not abandoning you.
33:34You gave her everything!
33:36No.
33:38You borrowed everything.
33:39Emma turned to me slowly.
33:41There it was.
33:42The real thing under the tears.
33:44Hatred.
33:44Not fear.
33:45Not grief.
33:46Hatred.
33:47You think you won
33:48because you bought a filthy wolf
33:50and sold the pretty one?
33:51Eli had been standing near the wall,
33:53silent the whole time.
33:55At that,
33:56his eyes lifted.
33:57Don't look at me like that.
33:59Everyone knows what you are.
34:01A stress relief slave.
34:03A ring dog.
34:05A thing people throw money at
34:07when they want something to hurt.
34:09Emma.
34:09But Emma wasn't looking at her.
34:11She was looking at me.
34:12You act so proud, Zoe.
34:13But you picked him
34:14because he reminds you of yourself.
34:16Cheap.
34:18Dirty.
34:18Raised wrong.
34:20The glass in Eli's hand cracked.
34:22I turned my head slightly.
34:24Eli.
34:24He lowered his eyes at once.
34:26Sorry.
34:26The obedience in his voice
34:28made Emma's smile sharpen.
34:29Oh.
34:30He listens well.
34:31I walked across the room.
34:33Everyone watched me.
34:34Emma lifted her chin
34:35like she expected a slap.
34:37I didn't give her one.
34:39Careful.
34:41Low-class wolves bite.
34:43Her face paled.
34:45Enough.
34:46Emma,
34:47the apartment remains yours.
34:48We will support you through school.
34:51But tomorrow,
34:5220% of the company shares
34:54transfer to Zoe.
34:55Emma stopped breathing.
34:56The rest will be placed
34:58in an iridizable will.
34:59Everything else goes to you.
35:01Emma's face collapsed.
35:03This time when she screamed,
35:05no one moved to comfort her.
35:09Emma left for university
35:10across the country.
35:11The house breathed
35:12for the first time.
35:14Breakfast became quiet.
35:15Mom started asking me
35:16what I liked to eat.
35:17Dad started bringing
35:18company documents home
35:19and explaining things
35:20without making it sound
35:21like a favor.
35:21It was strange.
35:23Almost peaceful.
35:25I didn't adapt to it.
35:27Peace was usually the moment
35:28before someone climbed
35:29through a window.
35:30Then I saw the apartment
35:32listing online.
35:33Emma had put it up for sale
35:34at a huge loss.
35:35I stared at the screen.
35:36That was not my business.
35:38Close the tab.
35:39Three days later,
35:39Eli found me in the garage.
35:41He was holding my coat.
35:42You forgot this.
35:43I was going to the office.
35:46I know.
35:47He didn't move.
35:48What?
35:50There's a wolf sent
35:51by the east gate.
35:53Ash?
35:54No.
35:55Then his gaze flicked
35:56toward the driveway.
35:58Not only Ash.
35:59A black SUV
36:00rolled through the gate.
36:02Emma stepped out first.
36:04Hair perfect.
36:04Eyes red.
36:05Smile too bright.
36:07Then Ash climbed out
36:08behind her.
36:09Thinner than before.
36:10Collar different.
36:11Expression worse.
36:13He looked at me first.
36:14His tail moved once,
36:16then stopped.
36:17Emma saw it.
36:18Her smile cracked.
36:20Surprise?
36:22I bought him back.
36:24I looked at Ash.
36:26With the apartment money?
36:27Yeah.
36:28I can afford it.
36:30He's mine now.
36:31Ash's face went pale.
36:33No, I didn't know
36:34she was selling the apartment.
36:35I told her not to.
36:36Eli stepped slightly
36:37in front of me.
36:39Quiet.
36:40Calm.
36:41Too calm.
36:42Ash stared at him.
36:44For one second,
36:45neither of them looked human.
36:46Emma lifted her chin.
36:47You sold him like trash.
36:49So I picked him up.
36:51Funny, isn't it?
36:52I looked at Ash's new collar.
36:54Emma couldn't hide
36:55her triumphant look.
36:56No.
36:58It's predictable.
37:01Emma wanted a reaction.
37:03I gave her none.
37:03It filled her with rage.
37:05For two weeks,
37:06she brought Ash everywhere.
37:07Family dinners.
37:08Company lobby.
37:09Even the clinic where Eli
37:10went for follow-up checks.
37:11Ash followed her,
37:12but badly.
37:13Too quiet.
37:14Too delayed.
37:15Like a dog walking toward an owner
37:16while looking back at the door.
37:17Emma noticed every time.
37:18So did Eli.
37:19He said nothing.
37:20That was how I knew he was furious.
37:22At night, he got sweeter.
37:23More careful.
37:24More unbearable.
37:24He'd kneel to take off my shoes.
37:26Brush my hair.
37:27Wore my hands between his palms.
37:29Then look at me like he was waiting
37:30for me to compare.
37:31I finally put down my book.
37:32Eli.
37:34Yes?
37:35Are you competing with Ash?
37:36No.
37:37His tail was absolutely still.
37:39Suspiciously still.
37:40I reached out and touched one ear.
37:42It twitched under my fingers.
37:44I sold him.
37:45I know.
37:46I don't want him back.
37:47I know.
37:48You don't sound like you know.
37:51He was expensive.
37:54So?
37:55Premium.
37:57So?
37:59Trained.
38:00Do you think I kept you
38:02because you were useful?
38:05At first?
38:06At first, I kept you
38:08because you were beautiful
38:09and I was drunk.
38:10He blinked.
38:13Then, because you were mine.
38:15His ears flushed pink.
38:17I kissed the corner of his mouth.
38:18Now I keep you
38:19because I like you.
38:21His hands tightened around my waist.
38:22Outside the window,
38:23something clicked.
38:24Eli went still.
38:25A red dot slid across the glass.
38:27Then disappeared.
38:28He moved before I understood.
38:29One arm around me.
38:30One hand over my head.
38:31The window shattered inward.
38:35Eli threw me behind the bed.
38:37Glass exploded across the floor.
38:38He didn't shout.
38:39Didn't panic.
38:40The careful, gentle wolf vanished.
38:41What stood in his place
38:42was something the fight ring
38:43had built and failed to destroy.
38:45A man came through the broken window.
38:47Then another.
38:47Then another.
38:48Masks.
38:49Shock collars.
38:50Tranquilizer guns.
38:51Not here for me,
38:52but for Eli.
38:52One raised the gun.
38:53Eli caught his wrist and twisted.
38:55A crack.
38:55The man dropped without making a sound.
38:57I understood then.
38:58The throat thing had not been a threat.
39:00It had been restraint.
39:01Downstairs.
39:01Mom screamed.
39:02Dad shouted my name.
39:03Eli glanced toward the door.
39:05Just once.
39:06That was enough.
39:06One of the men lunged at me.
39:07Eli crossed the room faster than thought.
39:09His teeth bared.
39:10His eyes gone silver bright.
39:11He hit the man so hard
39:13they both crashed through the wardrobe.
39:14Wood split.
39:15The man didn't get up.
39:16Eli!
39:16He froze.
39:17Breathing hard.
39:18Blood on his mouth.
39:18Not his.
39:19His eyes snapped to mine.
39:20Horror cut through the violence.
39:22I'm sorry.
39:24I didn't mean to scare you.
39:26Another man behind him lifted a collar pole.
39:28Ash appeared in the doorway.
39:29For one second, he hesitated.
39:31Then he launched himself forward
39:32and took the shock rod in his thigh.
39:34He dropped with a strangled yelp.
39:35Eli turned.
39:36The last man ran.
39:37He didn't get far.
39:38Hands visible.
39:39Head lowered.
39:39Blood everywhere.
39:44Don't put me down.
39:45Please.
39:46I crossed the glass barefoot
39:48and took his face in both hands.
39:49Look at me.
39:51Good wolf.
39:52His whole body shuddered.
39:55The police came.
39:57Then animal control.
39:58Then the shifter welfare officers.
39:59Then three men in expensive suits
40:01who tried very hard not to look afraid of Eli.
40:04They looked at his file.
40:05Fight ring.
40:06Stress relief trafficking.
40:07Prior violence.
40:08Human injury.
40:10Wolf fatalities.
40:11He's dangerous.
40:12Eli didn't defend himself.
40:14He sat on the edge of the bed
40:15with his hands folded.
40:16Too still.
40:17Too obedient.
40:18Like he had already prepared himself for a cage.
40:20I hated that.
40:21Ash was on the floor.
40:22Beside the paramedics.
40:24Shaking from the shock rod.
40:25Emma stood near the door.
40:26White faced.
40:27Did you know?
40:28Mom turned on her.
40:30I didn't think they'd come here.
40:32What did you do?
40:33I just wanted to check him.
40:35He's dangerous.
40:36Everyone knows wolves like him go feral.
40:38I sent them his old seller's contact.
40:40That's all.
40:40I didn't know they were traffickers.
40:42Ash looked at her.
40:43Ash looked at her.
40:44For the first time, he looked at her like he truly saw her.
40:47You called them?
40:47I was scared.
40:50No.
40:50You were jealous.
40:52You stole everything!
40:55No.
40:56You lost everything because you couldn't stand anyone loving me.
41:00Security has the gate records.
41:02The police can take her statement.
41:04Take my statement?
41:05Dad?
41:05You brought traffickers to our home.
41:08Mom was crying, but she didn't reach for Emma.
41:10The officer cleared his throne.
41:12About the silver wolf?
41:14Eli stays with me.
41:15Miss?
41:17He protected me.
41:19And if anyone tries to take him, I will bury this department in court until your grandchildren are tired.
41:27So will I.
41:31So will I.
41:32Eli looked up slowly, like he didn't know what to do with a family standing behind him.
41:38Emma was not arrested that night.
41:40Rich families had ways of making things quiet.
41:43The quiet did not mean forgiven.
41:44Dad cut off her accounts.
41:46Mom packed her things herself.
41:48University.
41:48Dorm housing.
41:49Monthly allowance.
41:51Nothing else.
41:51Emma screamed until her voice broke.
41:53No one changed their mind.
41:54Ash did not leave with her.
41:56That surprised me.
41:57He stood in the hall with a bandage around his ribs, eyes fixed on the floor.
42:01Come on.
42:02Emma turned on him.
42:03Ash.
42:05After everything I did to get you back?
42:09You didn't get me back.
42:12You bought me to hurt Zoe.
42:14Emma slapped him.
42:15Hard.
42:15His face turned with it.
42:16In the past, he would have lowered his head.
42:19Apologized.
42:19Followed.
42:20This time, his tail stayed still.
42:22Thank you for saving me when I was a pup.
42:24I mean that.
42:25But I paid for it too long.
42:27Emma stared.
42:28You think she'll take you?
42:30He looked at me.
42:31I said nothing.
42:32That was answering up.
42:33His face crumpled.
42:34But he nodded.
42:35I know.
42:37After Emma left, Dad asked what I wanted done with Ash.
42:40I looked at him for a long moment.
42:41Then at Eli.
42:42Eli's expression was blank.
42:44His tail was not.
42:45It had curled possessively around my ankle.
42:49Send Ash to a rehabilitation shelter.
42:51Not resale.
42:55I don't want him.
42:57But I'm done turning damaged things into money.
43:00Eli's tail tightened around me.
43:02I glanced down.
43:03Except you.
43:04You're still very profitable emotionally.
43:07He didn't understand the joke.
43:08But he looked pleased anyway.
43:12After the attack, I stopped pretending this was only personal.
43:15The traffickers had come through an old chain, seller, ring handler, client list, transport
43:20crew, fake shelter permits.
43:22All connected.
43:23All alive.
43:24All making money.
43:26I took the folder to the company boardroom.
43:29Dad sat at the head of the table.
43:30Mom beside him.
43:32Eli behind my chair.
43:33No bike guard.
43:34No chains.
43:35Just a black suit and quiet eyes.
43:37Some directors stared.
43:39I let them.
43:40This is a liability.
43:41I opened the folder.
43:43Photographs slid across the table.
43:45Wolves in cages.
43:47Medical reports.
43:48Death records.
43:49Payment ledgers.
43:50The room went silent.
43:51This is a market.
43:53Illegal.
43:54Profitable.
43:55And sitting close enough to our logistics partners to poison us if we ignore it.
44:00So we don't ignore it.
44:01I tapped the final page.
44:03We fund a rescue center.
44:05Publicly.
44:06Medical care.
44:08Legal shelter.
44:09Rehabilitation.
44:11Placement.
44:12And privately.
44:13We cooperate with investigators to collapse the trafficking chain.
44:17Another director frowned.
44:18And him?
44:19He nodded toward Eli.
44:20Eli didn't move.
44:22He runs Wolf's assessment.
44:25A few people laughed.
44:27Then Eli lifted his eyes.
44:28The laughter died.
44:30He survived the ring.
44:32He knows who can be saved.
44:34Who needs distance.
44:35And who is lying.
44:36Dad signed first.
44:38Mom second.
44:39Then the rest followed.
44:42That night.
44:43The first raid happened.
44:45Police stormed three holding sites.
44:47Forty-seven wolves were covered.
44:49Most were half starved.
44:51Some feral.
44:52Some too quiet.
44:53When Eli stepped into the temporary shelter.
44:56Every wolf in the room went still.
44:58One injured gray wolf lifted his head.
45:00Sniffed.
45:01Then lowered it.
45:02Not submission exactly.
45:04Recognition.
45:05Another whispered.
45:06Silver.
45:07Eli stopped.
45:08I looked at him.
45:09What does that mean?
45:11He didn't answer.
45:12But all around us.
45:14Broken wolves began lowering their heads.
45:16One by one.
45:18Like they had just found someone they remembered from a nightmare.
45:21Or a king.
45:24Eli avoided the word for three days.
45:27Silver.
45:27I let him.
45:28He read intake files until dawn.
45:30Sorted wolves by risk.
45:32By trauma response.
45:33By food aggression.
45:34By whether they flinched from women.
45:36Men.
45:37Collars.
45:38Water.
45:39Doors.
45:40He knew things no textbook knew.
45:42Which silence meant fear.
45:44Which stillness meant attack.
45:46Which wolf needed distance.
45:48Which one needed someone to sit nearby and pretend not to watch.
45:51The staff started listening to him.
45:53The wolves already did.
45:54One afternoon.
45:55I found him in the largest enclosure.
45:57A young wolf had bitten two handlers and refused food for a week.
46:01Eli sat on the ground ten feet away.
46:03Motionless.
46:04An hour later.
46:06The wolf crawled forward and dropped his head into Eli's lap.
46:09Eli's hand hovered above him.
46:11Uncertain.
46:13Then touched him gently.
46:14The wolf shuddered and went still.
46:17I stood behind the glass and watched.
46:19This was the first time I'd seen Eli look like something other than mine.
46:23Not less mine.
46:25More.
46:26Like he had been built for more than surviving.
46:29When he came out, he looked embarrassed.
46:31They keep listening to me.
46:34That's terrible.
46:36I don't know how to lead anyone.
46:39You learned how to survive men who tried to break you.
46:42I fixed his collar.
46:43Leadership is easier.
46:45Zoe.
46:47Why are you doing all this?
46:49The ring.
46:50The center.
46:51Me.
46:52I looked through the glass.
46:53At the wolves sleeping safely for the first time.
46:56Then back at him.
46:58I ran with a rough crowd growing up.
47:01Girls who stole food with me.
47:03Lied for me.
47:04Took hits with me.
47:07That kind of loyalty sticks.
47:08He stared at me for a long moment.
47:10Then leaned down and kissed me.
47:13Not careful.
47:14Not tentative.
47:16All of him.
47:17Held nothing back.
47:19When he pulled away, his forehead rested against mine.
47:22How am I supposed to repay you?
47:24I smiled.
47:26Easy.
47:27His ears tilted toward me.
47:29Give me your loyalty.
47:30For the rest of your life.
47:32Eli's tail wrapped around my waist.
47:35Already yours.
47:35And this time, I believed him.
47:38I believed him.
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