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Mask Shatters, Alpha Rises (30eps) - Short Drama Full HD #AJR
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00:00In the seventh year of my union with Ralph Hemming, Alpha of the Eclipse Pack, I went to the central
00:05tower of his territory to look for him.
00:07As his Luna, I wasn't supposed to eavesdrop, but my heightened senses picked up a conversation inside his office before
00:13I even reached the door.
00:14Alpha, you've been bonded for seven years now. Your Luna still drops by to see you often like she did
00:19during the honeymoon phase. You must be really happy, huh?
00:25What if I told you I never loved her? Would you believe me?
00:29Come on, Alpha. How could you be with someone for seven years and not love her?
00:34Don't tell me you're still hung up on that human girl, Bonnie, wasn't it? She left ages ago.
00:41Watch your mouth.
00:43But then, with a sigh heavy with memories, he added, Bonnie and I, that's long over.
00:49Bonnie Snow, a witch, Ralph's first love. It had been years since I'd heard that name.
00:55But hearing it now, something stirred.
00:59The wolf spirit inside me snarled in frustration, roused from its long, uneasy slumber.
01:03My hand on the doorknob slowly dropped.
01:05The thermos I held was still warm. It held a thick herbal stew I had made myself, infused with calming
01:11herbs to soothe an unsettled wolf spirit.
01:13Ralph had mentioned his wolf was restless lately, stressed by the pressures of territorial expansion.
01:17I'd made it for him. But suddenly, the warmth drained from the thermos, as if his words had sucked the
01:21heat right out of it, leaving only a chill that cut to the bone.
01:24I turned away, placed the thermos quietly on his secretary's desk, and walked out without a word.
01:32Seven years. It had been seven years since our political union began.
01:37To say I wasn't hurt would be a lie. I had once been the pride of my family, born as
01:42an alpha, raised to lead.
01:44But for the benefit of the alliance, I'd stepped down and offered myself as a bride to Ralph, because only
01:50one alpha could rule a pack.
01:51And so, I performed the ancient rite to suppress my nature, disguising myself as a delicate omega.
01:57I married him, enduring the dismissive looks and instive condescency he showed towards omegas, all the while believing that time
02:06would change things.
02:08But it hadn't. Turns out the seven-year Iche was real, only Ralph never even itched for me.
02:14Around two, Ralph returned. The door opened with a gust of cold air and the scent of rain, and him.
02:19His alpha pheromones swept through the room like a storm front, commanding and heavy.
02:25You're still up?
02:29Couldn't sleep.
02:30We lay in the same bed but back to back, divided as if we belonged to rival packs with clearly
02:34drawn borders.
02:35Thunder flashed through the windows. His words echoed in my mind.
02:39He never loved me. A dull ache spread in my chest.
02:42I bit my lip, but the tears came anyway.
02:44My wolf spirit roared inside me, demanding I bear my claws, demand answers, and challenge his authority.
02:51But I couldn't. For the sake of my fading pack, I had to endure.
02:54Ralph hadn't fallen asleep.
02:56He rolled over, his body pressing up against my back as he wrapped an arm around me.
03:01Tomorrow's our union anniversary.
03:03How do you want to spend it?
03:05For seven years, I had longed for this embrace.
03:08Now, all I felt was the urge to pull away.
03:11I wiped my nose, buried my emotions.
03:15Anything's fine.
03:16I've already asked my beta to take care of your gift.
03:18Tomorrow's packed. I won't have much time to keep you company.
03:21With that, he let go of me and rolled away.
03:23I was used to it.
03:25Every year on this day, I celebrated the anniversary alone.
03:28I was tired.
03:29Too tired to keep pretending.
03:31Too tired to keep score.
03:33I called Ralph to confirm that he'd be home for dinner tonight.
03:37He said yes.
03:38So I spent three hours cooking all his favorite dishes.
03:42Before I married him, I'd never set foot in a kitchen.
03:45As the future alpha of our pack, it wasn't expected of me.
03:48But Ralph once told me that werewolves had delicate stomachs.
03:52He said his digestion was poor.
03:53So I learned how to cook.
03:55For him, he promised to make me the most honored Luna and said I'd always be safe under his protection.
03:59And I believed him.
04:01I played the part of the perfect Omega.
04:03Orbiting around my alpha like he was the center of my world.
04:07But Ralph had a habit of breaking promises.
04:09He was late to every dinner, every meeting, every moment we were supposed to share.
04:14Tonight was no different.
04:15I sat at the table, watching steam slowly fade from the food.
04:19My heart felt nothing.
04:21Just silence.
04:22I called him again.
04:24After all, this wasn't just dinner.
04:26We were supposed to discuss ending the political alliance between our two packs.
04:31That wasn't something to do over text.
04:33It deserved a face-to-face.
04:35He finally picked up on the third try.
04:38I'm busy.
04:39Don't wait for me.
04:43I...
04:43Ralph, I'm starving.
04:49The voice was sweet, high-pitched, and laced with fake innocence.
04:53It was Bonnie.
04:54The witch.
04:55She was back.
04:56A sharp pain stabbed through my chest.
04:58I clenched the phone tightly.
05:01Ralph, today's our anniversary.
05:02It's just an anniversary.
05:03Does it really matter?
05:05I said I'd spend time with you tomorrow.
05:06Isn't that enough?
05:08I let out a bitter laugh.
05:10So Bonnie's more important than the alliance between two werewolf packs?
05:13What about nullifying the bond?
05:14Should that wait until tomorrow, too?
05:16Tala, don't start.
05:17You've talked about breaking the bond so many times.
05:19Did you ever mean it?
05:20Anyway, happy seventh anniversary.
05:21I listened to the beeping of the disconnected line.
05:23Then I reached into the drawer, pulled out the mate bond severation pitch, a document blessed by the moon goddess
05:28itself, and signed my name in firm, steady strokes.
05:31I packed everything I owned, and I walked out of the cold, empty house.
05:45I went straight to my friend Violet Lane, a beta wolf.
05:53This was the eighth time she asked me.
05:55Are you really going through with it?
05:57I nodded.
05:59I already signed.
06:05Tala, you've lost your mind.
06:09You're talking about the alpha of the eclipse pack?
06:13The one you spent 15 years pretending to be someone else just to marry?
06:17She wasn't wrong.
06:18I had lived a lie for 15 years all to secure this union.
06:23But Ralph had never loved me.
06:25His heart always belonged to that witch.
06:27I said quietly, my voice steady and flat.
06:31It doesn't matter anymore.
06:33The next morning, Ralph tried calling.
06:35I didn't answer.
06:37Then came the texts.
06:39Where are you?
06:39Are you really breaking the bond?
06:41Seriously?
06:42Stop being dramatic.
06:43You know I won't agree to this.
06:45Just because I missed some dumb anniversary?
06:47Tala, you're not that petty.
06:49Yesterday wasn't our anniversary.
06:51It's on the 15th of next month.
06:55Violet immediately clamped her mouth shut.
06:58I turned off my phone and went back to packing.
07:01Suddenly, sweat broke out on my forehead.
07:03A wave of nausea turned my stomach.
07:05My wolf spirit surged inside me, crashing wildly like it had a mind of its own.
07:09I barely made it to the bathroom before the dry heavling started.
07:13Tala?
07:13Violet was shocked.
07:15What's happening?
07:15Is something wrong?
07:16I don't know.
07:17Maybe just a stomach ache.
07:18I lied to keep her calm, but I knew it was more than that.
07:21This wasn't just indigestion.
07:23Something strange, powerful was forming inside me.
07:26It pulsed like a heartbeat.
07:29It clashed violently with the spell I'd used to keep up my Omega disguise.
07:34This had never happened before.
07:36You idiot!
07:37I'm taking you to the hospital!
07:39We went to Alex Thorne's hospital.
07:42A top-tier medical facility that catered exclusively to supernatural BCs.
07:48Tala, turn on your phone.
07:50Maybe Ralph's been trying to reach you.
07:55Before I could answer, she switched it on for me.
07:58Other than the same few old message, there was nothing.
08:01I stared at the screen as it dimmed again and gave a bitter smile.
08:05Maybe to him, I'm just a political bride.
08:08Whether I'm around or not doesn't make a difference.
08:11Don't say that.
08:12Alphas are just busy.
08:13Violet tried to defend him, but then suddenly turned her head and froze.
08:18Coming down the hall was Ralph.
08:21At his side was a woman with a faint aura of magic surrounding her.
08:25He was carefully supporting her as they walked.
08:28Oh my gosh, is that Bonnie?
08:31She's back?
08:32Violet grasped under her breath.
08:34Tala, your alpha's being stolen by that witch!
08:38Stolen?
08:39Maybe Ralph was never mine to begin with.
08:41I'm going to ask him what the hell he thinks he's doing.
08:45Violet snapped.
08:47His Luna wants to break the bond, and he doesn't care.
08:51But he's got time to bring another woman to the hospital?
08:54Her raised voice caught their attention.
08:57Ralph looked up, startled to see me.
09:00A flicker of surprise passed through his eyes.
09:04What are you doing here?
09:05He asked.
09:06His tone touched with concern.
09:08He quickly explained.
09:09Bonnie twisted her ankle this morning, so I brought her in for a checkup.
09:13My gaze dropped to his hand.
09:15He was holding Bonnie's arm carefully, like she was made of glass.
09:19Hi Tala, long time no see.
09:21Bonnie greeted me with a soft smile, too gentle to be genuine.
09:25I could feel the hidden edge beneath it.
09:28Yeah, long time.
09:30I replied flatly and turned to leave.
09:32Where are you going?
09:33Are you feeling okay?
09:34I'll take you home.
09:36You have time for that?
09:38I said, pausing to look back.
09:40Shouldn't you be taking your lover home instead?
09:43I just got back and haven't found a place yet, so I stayed at one of Alpha's properties last night.
09:47Bonnie stepped in, all innocence and fake sweetness.
09:50Tala, as the Luna, you don't mind, right?
09:52Oh, and where were you last night?
09:53Ralph was worried sick about you.
09:54So he knew I was gone.
09:56And yet he never looked for me.
09:57Not even once.
09:58I don't mind.
10:00Mrs. Snow, you can stay as long as you like.
10:03I said coolly.
10:04Ralph and I are preparing to nullify the bond anyway.
10:07To my surprise, Ralph came after me, leaving Bonnie behind.
10:10At the end of the hallway his aura closed in around me.
10:13Heavy, possessive, and demanding.
10:15What's this about?
10:16Why are you suddenly ending things?
10:17Because I missed our anniversary?
10:19Tala, I already gave you a gift.
10:20What more do you want from me?
10:21The sharp scent of cigarette smoke made my stomach churn.
10:25Pregnancy had made me extra sensitive to smells.
10:28I turned my head away and said coldly,
10:30Ralph, our anniversary is August 15th, not July 15th.
10:35He froze.
10:37A long silence passed.
10:40He crushed the cigarette under his boot.
10:42I swear.
10:43I'll remember next time, okay?
10:45Just give me one more chance.
10:49I swear.
10:51He had said the same thing in front of the elders when we signed the pact.
10:55He had promised to treat me like a true mate.
10:59And for a while, he played the part so well, even I almost believed it.
11:06Until I heard him say those words.
11:09He never loved me.
11:10It's too late, Ralph.
11:11My mind's made up.
11:13I'm not agreeing to this.
11:14I'll file for the separation with the Elder Council.
11:17You don't have to agree.
11:19Two years from now, the bond will end, whether you like it or not.
11:23Then I turned and walked away.
11:25Back at Violet's place, I collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep almost instantly.
11:31When I woke up, night had already fallen.
11:36My throat was dry as sandpaper.
11:38As I pushed open the bedroom door, I spotted Violet heening over the balcony railing, peering
11:44down at the street.
11:47Tara, finally!
11:48You're awake!
11:50Another hour and Ralph would have turned into a fossil.
11:53I poured myself a glass of water and downed it in one long gulp.
11:59What did you just say?
12:02Ralph!
12:02He's been waiting downstairs forever.
12:04He knocked on the door earlier, but I didn't let him in.
12:07So now he's just standing there.
12:08Looks like it's gonna rain again.
12:10You want me to call him up?
12:11I think he's serious this time.
12:13I glanced outside.
12:16Sure enough, he was there.
12:18Leaning against his car, tall and poised in a tailored suit, every line of his postury
12:23rigid.
12:24Violet's resolve softened.
12:26Let him come up, Tala.
12:27Think about it.
12:28Other than being cold to you, has he really done anything unforgivable to jeopardize the
12:31alliance?
12:32When Ralph finally came upstairs, Violet gave us space.
12:36Come home with me, Tala.
12:38At that moment, I was scrolling through a supernatural-only social network.
12:42Bonnie had just posted a new photo.
12:44The photo showed a hand, large and strong, brushing a leaf from her shoulder.
12:48On its ring finger glinted the Eclipse pack's alpha signet.
12:51I knew that hand.
12:52I knew that ring.
12:53We'd been married for seven years.
12:55In all that time, he had never once used his alpha energy to warm me through a single
12:59winter night.
13:00Love?
13:01Showed in how our energy responded to each other, in how our pheromones reached out and lingered.
13:06Ralph broke the silence.
13:07Are you mad because I forgot our anniversary or because I went to see Bonnie?
13:11When I didn't reply, he kept going.
13:13She just got back.
13:14She has no one, Tara.
13:16No pack.
13:16No family.
13:17If I don't take care of her, who will?
13:19You know how fragile she is.
13:20Bonnie's only human.
13:22Fragile.
13:22I laughed bitterly inside.
13:24That woman was a witch.
13:25A powerful one.
13:26She could twist a top-teeb alpha's mind without lifting a finger.
13:29There was nothing fragile about her.
13:31Yes, Bonnie was what they called a wanderer.
13:33Years ago, when other supernatural creatures bullied her, I was the one who saved her.
13:37I was the one who introduced her to Ralph.
13:39He was ten.
13:40And the moment he laid eyes on her, he was gone.
13:42Later, Ralph's father, the former alpha, sensed the unusual magic flowing from her
13:46and made a decision.
13:47He couldn't risk his heir getting entangled with a mysterious witch who might threaten
13:50the future of the pack.
13:51So he sent her overseas.
13:53During the years Ralph Spirold, I was the one who stood by him.
13:56To the rest of the pack, we were a match made in heaven.
13:59The ideal union between a strong alpha and an omega of noble lineage.
14:02We were supposed to create the next generation of legends.
14:05Our bond was sealed with the blessing of both families and witnessed by two great packs.
14:08For seven years, I believed he'd moved on from Bonnie.
14:11That maybe, just maybe, he'd started to feel something real for me.
14:15But all of it had been a joke.
14:16A cruel one.
14:17Before I could speak again, his phone buzzed.
14:19Bonnie?
14:20What's wrong?
14:21Ralph, I'm hungry.
14:22Come home and cook for me.
14:24Whether you come home or not, I won't agree to breaking our bond.
14:27He rushed after that.
14:29The witch was hungry and needed to go cook for her.
14:31In all seven years of our marriage, he never cooked a single meal for me.
14:35He once told me that real alphas don't stoop to things like that.
14:41But now, for Bonnie, he would.
14:44The days that followed were a blur of pain.
14:46The conflicting forces inside me grew forcer by the hour.
14:50The spell that masked me as an omega was draining my energy fast, while something foreign and powerful within me
14:56surged, pushing against the barrier of that disguise.
15:00I could barely eat.
15:05My body couldn't handle it.
15:07Violet, worried sick, dragged me to Alex's hospital.
15:10Inside the clean, quiet exam room, Alex studied my energy readings with a frown I'd never seen on him before.
15:17As a vampire, Alex had a rare sensitivity to life energy.
15:21Do I look that bad?
15:23What, am I dying?
15:27Alex didn't laugh.
15:29He set the report down and looked at me seriously.
15:33Your energy field is a mess.
15:35Your power is being suppressed by an overwhelming force.
15:38But underneath that, I sensed the burning energy of a top-lier alpha.
15:42Then his voice dropped lower.
15:44And there's more.
15:45I can hear two heartbeats.
15:46The second one, it's strong, wild, alpha level.
15:49This is a miracle.
15:50He hesitated, then handed me the report.
15:53His voice still tinged with disbelief.
15:55Tala, you're pregnant.
15:57Two months along.
16:01I sat there.
16:03Stunned.
16:04I'm pregnant?
16:05With Ralph's child?
16:07An alpha carrying another alpha's baby.
16:10That was unheard of.
16:11In the werewolf world, it was a miracle that would shake the foundation of every plaque.
16:19Does Ralph know?
16:20He'd be thrilled.
16:24No.
16:26I grabbed his wrist.
16:28Don't tell him.
16:29Please, Alex.
16:31Promise me.
16:32Not about the baby and not about who I really am.
16:36The only person who was excited about my pregnancy was Violet.
16:39This is amazing!
16:40Two alphas made a baby?
16:42What do you think, boy or girl?
16:44Can I be the godmother?
16:45You and Ralph's baby must be gorgeous and powerful.
16:48Tara, I can't wait!
16:50This pup is going to have the purest alpha bloodline ever.
16:55She went on and on the whole ride home,
16:59completely forgetting one tiny detail.
17:01I was about to end things with Ralph.
17:04For good.
17:05Our bond wasn't officially dissolved yet, but before that could be decided,
17:09Connor Hemming, the respected former alpha of the Eclipse Pack,
17:13was about to celebrate his 800th birthday.
17:15Early that morning, Ralph showed up outside Violet's place.
17:19Connor had always treated me with kindness.
17:21I didn't want to disappoint him, so I went with Ralph back to the estate.
17:26At the party, Connor held my hand the entire time,
17:29beaming as he asked when I planned to give the pack its next air.
17:33He said he'd been waiting a long time.
17:35My hand instinctively moved to my stomach,
17:38a swirl of emotions tightening in my chest.
17:40Right on cue, Ralph reached over and clasped my fingers in his,
17:44putting on a perfect show for everyone around us.
17:48Don't worry, Grandpa.
17:49Tala and I are working on it.
17:51Watching him perform his role so flawlessly made my stomach turn.
17:55Literally.
17:57A wave of nausea surged up,
17:59and I pushed past him, rushing to the restroom to throw up.
18:02I had just finished washing my hands when I saw her.
18:05Bonnie.
18:07She appeared behind me,
18:08casually turning on the faucet as she smiled at my reflection in the mirror.
18:13There was something cold in that smile.
18:15Something laced with black magic.
18:18You're surprisingly considerate.
18:19Already thinking of ending things?
18:21Her mask dropped completely as she tilted her head,
18:23a cruel smirk curling on her lips.
18:25Tala, let's be honest.
18:27Deep down, you've always known.
18:28In Ralph's eyes, you're just my stand-in.
18:30Now that I'm back, it's time for you to step aside.
18:32The alpha blood in my veins surged at her words,
18:35but I stayed still, meeting her gaze with ice in mine.
18:38Even if I did step aside, you'd still never be Luna.
18:41Luna, that role doesn't go to a witch with no roots and a shadowy past.
18:45I held her glare without flinching.
18:47Bonnie, the elders aren't blind.
18:49They saw through you a long time ago.
18:51If they hadn't, you wouldn't have been the one exiled seven years ago.
18:53I would have.
18:54My words hit their mark.
18:55Her expression twisted in rage.
18:56You think you're so special just because your bloodline's a little purer than mine?
19:00Why does everyone adore you?
19:01Why was I the one sent away while you got to stay by his side?
19:04Because unlike Ralph, the rest of the pack can see things for what they are.
19:08They know exactly what kind of person you are, Bonnie.
19:11You can fool him, but no one else.
19:13Bonnie was never the innocent little lamb she pretended to be.
19:16Sure, she could play the harmless sweetheart in front of Ralph,
19:19but that mask had finally cracked.
19:21I'm betting Ralph's as blind as a bat.
19:24I came back for one reason.
19:25To become Luna of the Eclipse Pack.
19:27The moment the words left her mouth,
19:30a dark, shadowy magic began to swirl in her palm.
19:35Without warning, she swung her hand toward my face.
19:40But I was faster.
19:46My instincts as an alpha kicked in,
19:49and I caught her wrist mid-air.
19:51With a flick of my arm, I slapped her hard across the face.
19:55That strike carried just a hint of my alpha strength.
19:57But it was enough to knock her flat to the ground.
20:00You hit me?
20:02Bonnie gasped in disbelief, clutching her cheek.
20:05Tara, please.
20:06I didn't mean any harm.
20:08I would never get between you and Ralph.
20:10What's going on here?
20:15Tara, what did you do to Bonnie?
20:18Can't you see?
20:19She tried to attack me with witchcraft.
20:21I was just defending myself.
20:23Witchcraft?
20:24Bonnie doesn't know witchcraft.
20:26Tala, how could you be so heartless?
20:27She's just a helpless human.
20:29I didn't bother arguing.
20:30But suddenly, a sharp pain tore through my abdomen.
20:32My hands flew to my stomach.
20:34No, I had shattered that shadow energy before it reached me.
20:37But something was wrong.
20:38A strange force clashed violently with the spell I've used to disguise myself as an omega.
20:42Bonnie rushed over, pretending to be concerned.
20:44But as she leaned in, her voice dropped to a whisper only I could hear.
20:48Laced with venom.
20:49See?
20:50Ralph will always choose me.
20:51Go on, take a guess.
20:52If we were both hurt, who do you think he'd take to the hospital?
20:56Before I could respond, Bonnie let out a sharp, dramatic scream and collapsed to the floor.
21:01Ah, it hurts!
21:03Ralph, my stomach, it hurts so bad!
21:06A piercing cramp shot through my lower abdomen.
21:09I bent over, clutching my belly.
21:11But the pain only worsened.
21:14Then, suddenly, a hot rush surged between my legs, thick with alpha life force.
21:19The air turned heavy with the sharp, metallic scent of blood.
21:23I looked down.
21:24Red.
21:25Bright, terrifying red.
21:29Ralph.
21:30I reached toward him, barely able to lift my hand.
21:33I was desperate to tell him that our baby.
21:35We might be losing the baby.
21:37But he didn't see me.
21:39He didn't even hear me.
21:41His attention was locked on Bonnie.
21:44And the fake magical energy she radiated like cheap perfume.
21:49Hang on, Bonnie.
21:50I'm taking you to the hospital right now.
21:52As he turned to leave, I clutched at the hem of his coat.
21:57Ralph.
21:58My stomach.
21:59It hurts.
22:01Can you just be reasonable for once?
22:03He yanked his arm free from my grap.
22:06Can't you see Bonnie's in worse shape?
22:08Anyone fucking is gonna watch in God!
22:11Then he shoved me hard.
22:13I hit the ground.
22:15Pain exploded through me as blood bloomed beneath me, soaking into the once pristine white carpet.
22:22And without so much as a glance back, Ralphie walked away.
22:25Bonnie cradled tightly in his arms.
22:27He didn't see me.
22:29He didn't smell the blood that should have triggered every instinct in him as an alpha.
22:33The blood of his own child.
22:36Coldness crept from my chest to my fingertips.
22:39I curled my hands into fists, every nerve in my body on fire.
22:43But none of it compared with the ache in my chest.
22:46Tala!
22:46A familiar voice broke through the fog.
22:48Alex.
22:49He was at my side in seconds.
22:50Horror written across his face as he caught the scent in the air and saw the blood spreading beneath me.
22:55What happened?
22:57Where's Ralph?
23:00I managed to whisper before everything went dark.
23:07I didn't know how long I had been asleep.
23:10When I finally came to, I heard Alex and Violet whispering just outside the room.
23:16Is he serious?
23:18Tara's losing her baby and he's still off playing house with that witch?
23:22You knew this whole time and you didn't say anything?
23:26She told us not to tell Ralph about the baby.
23:30She's made up her mind to break the bond.
23:32Maybe losing it is a kind of release for her.
23:36The baby is gone?
23:37I hadn't even made up my mind whether to keep it and now...
23:41There was no decision left to make.
23:43That child was conceived the night Raleigh came home drunk.
23:47It wasn't planned and definitely not wanted.
23:49Not by him.
23:50Maybe this was for the best.
23:52Maybe this was fate tying up a loose end.
23:58Tala!
23:59You're awake!
24:00Violet rushed to my side.
24:02Her eyes rimmed with red.
24:12Where are you?
24:14At the hospital.
24:15Why are you at the hospital again?
24:17Grandpa wants us over for brunch.
24:19I'm coming to pick you up.
24:22The love I once had for him bled out of me last night.
24:25With the baby gone, so was the last fragile thread tying us together.
24:29I'm busy.
24:31If Grandpa didn't ask to see you, do you really think I'd want to?
24:33We're not done talking about you attacking Bonnie yesterday.
24:36Fine.
24:37I'll be there.
24:40This time, I was going to end things properly.
24:44Once and for all.
24:50I'm coming with you.
24:58When I arrived, Ralph was already standing at the entrance of the restaurant.
25:02You didn't even bother to put on makeup before seeing me.
25:04Looking this pale, are you trying to make Grandpa think I've been mistreating you?
25:08Alex, I heard you were back.
25:10You shouldn't be getting this close to my Luna filthy vampire.
25:12I'll wait for you in the car.
25:14If you need anything, just call.
25:17What are you wearing?
25:18Before I could say a word, Ralph yanked it off me with force and threw it at Alex.
25:22Take your death shroud back.
25:24She's not well.
25:25She shouldn't be out in the wind.
25:27And who gave you the right to call her by name?
25:29Drenching me in his overwhelming alpha scent.
25:32A clear territorial claim.
25:34Inside the private room, Connor greeted me with a warm smile the moment he saw me.
25:38Tala, you're here.
25:39Come here, sit next to me.
25:41Why do you look so awful?
25:43That brat didn't bully you, did he?
25:45Here, your favorite.
25:46I stared at the dessert, and my eyes began to well up with tears.
25:50Ralph, there's something I need to say to you.
25:52He glanced up at me, his expression sharp and warning.
25:55I pulled out the signed copy of the mate-bond severance packed from my bag.
25:58Let's talk about how Bonnie left the country.
26:01Shut your mouth.
26:02This isn't the time or place for that.
26:04Watch your mouth, you brat.
26:05Connor barked, smacking Ralph hard on the back of the head.
26:09I stared at the two alphas before me.
26:11Grandfather and grandson, two generations of power.
26:14My expression unreadable.
26:16Seven years ago, I sensed your growing obsession with that witch.
26:19So, I used what little was left of my family's reputation to convince your father.
26:23An alliance with my declining pack would give you the purest alpha bloodline.
26:27I met Ralph's gaze, unflinching, as the fury lit up behind his eyes.
26:32When Bonnie left, I took my chance.
26:34I stayed by your side through your empty days.
26:36Ralph, our bond wasn't born from love.
26:38It was stolen.
26:39A calculated political move.
26:41Shut up.
26:41I said shut up.
26:42Enough!
26:43You insolent pup.
26:45How dare you raise your voice at Tala.
26:47I saw you sneaking out of my birthday party last night with her in your arms.
26:53Ralph's rage simmered down.
26:55He sank back into his chair, but his eyes never left me.
26:58They were cold, sharp, unforgiving.
27:00I don't want your forgiveness.
27:02You should hate me.
27:03I schemed to drive away the woman you loved, and manipulated my way into becoming your Luna.
27:09A wicked Omega like me was never worthy of a noble alpha like you.
27:13I've signed my name.
27:14Just add yours, and we'll be nothing to each other.
27:16Just remember, this was your choice.
27:18Don't come crawling back.
27:19He gripped the pen so tightly it looked like it might snap in his fist.
27:23I won't.
27:24I never will.
27:24Fine, Tala.
27:25If that's what you want, I'll give it to you.
27:27Ralph snatched the pen, and with a stroke as sharp and fierce as ever, signed his name.
27:32In that instant, when the ink hit the page, I felt it.
27:36The bond between us.
27:38The one sanctified by the moon goddess herself.
27:41The one that had bound us for seven long years.
27:44Shattered.
27:45Just like that.
27:45The moment the bond shattered, a wave of emptiness and emotional backlash slammed into me.
27:51My vision darkened, and my body swayed before crashing to the ground.
27:54My bag hit the floor with me, its contents spilling out across the tiles.
27:59Among them was the medical report from Alex's hospital, the one detailing my current condition.
28:04My chest tightened.
28:05I reached for it instinctively, but Ralph was faster.
28:08He snatched it up before I could stop him.
28:10What's this?
28:11Give it back.
28:12It has nothing to do with you.
28:13But I was too late.
28:15Ralph had opened it.
28:16He couldn't understand the unique glyphs, but his alpha instinct picked up on the energy.
28:21A miscarriage?
28:22Ralph's eyes widened.
28:24Shock rippled through him, quickly morphing into rage.
28:27Tala, whose child did you abort?
28:29Was it mine or his?
28:30He whipped around, pointing a trembling finger at Alex, who had just appeared in the doorway.
28:35Ralph snogged.
28:36Well, that explains everything.
28:37Now I see why you were so desperate to break our bond.
28:40You've been sleeping with the damn vampire, haven't you?
28:43He hurled the report at my feet.
28:45Tala, how could you be so loved?
28:46It was yours.
28:47I didn't hide it.
28:48There was no reason to anymore.
28:50I was two months along.
28:51Why would you abort our child?
28:53I didn't hurt him.
28:54You did.
28:54Last night, I told you I was in pain.
28:56I said my stomach hurt.
28:58I was bleeding, Ralph.
28:59Bleeding so much.
29:00That blood carried the life of our child.
29:02And you, you couldn't even smell it.
29:04You couldn't feel it.
29:05Your eyes were glued to that witch.
29:07You didn't even look at me.
29:09Ralph, remember this.
29:10You killed our baby.
29:11You ignored my cries for help.
29:12You let him die.
29:14What did you just say?
29:15Last night, I thought, I thought you were just fighting with Bonnie.
29:18Yes, because in your eyes, I'm always the one causing trouble.
29:21I'll never measure up to her, will I?
29:23I could be bleeding out in front of you and you still wouldn't see me.
29:26I'm done, Ralph.
29:27I don't want to see you ever again.
29:29I turned, barely able to stand.
29:31My voice dropped to a hoarse whisper as I grabbed Alex's arm for support.
29:35Take me away from here, Alex.
29:41When I opened my eyes again, I was lying inside the medical pod at Alex's hospital.
29:46The one designed for elite supernaturals, where the energy was pure and calming.
29:50Soft moonstone light bathed the room, soothing the shattered pieces of my wolf spirit, which
29:55had been teetering on the edge of collapse.
29:57Alex told me I'd been unconscious for an entire day.
30:00Connor had come to visit in person and offered condolences on behalf of the pack for the
30:05loss of my pup.
30:06Violet sat beside me peeling an apple with visible frustration.
30:10The elders still have some decency.
30:12They sent rare herbs and energy crystals to help restore your energy.
30:15But Ralph, that jerk didn't even bother to show his face.
30:18What a heartless scumbag.
30:20Sorry, Tala, I didn't mean to bring him up.
30:22It's okay.
30:23I licked my cracked lips, the emptiness in my gut more painful than any wound.
30:27I just want some water.
30:29Here, let me help you.
30:30Alex said your core essence is badly damaged, the after-effects of severing the blood oath
30:35and the miscarriage.
30:36Your body won't recover overnight.
30:38I'll take you to my place tomorrow.
30:39You can stay with me for a while.
30:41That won't be necessary.
30:43I've made up my mind.
30:44I'm going home.
30:45The door opened.
30:46Alex stepped in, holding the latest energy scan report, his expression grave.
30:50Your life force has stabilized.
30:52But the conflict between your alpha essence and the spell that masked you as an omega
30:57is growing more intense.
30:58I'll allow you to return home.
31:01But only if you promise me one thing.
31:03No emotional outbursts.
31:05And under no circumstances, are you to use your true power.
31:09Understood?
31:10Got it.
31:11You two really are the biggest nags.
31:13It was as if a crushing weight had been lifted.
31:15Seven years of silent suffering peeled away in one clean break.
31:19Maybe I'd been wrong all along.
31:22Clinging to Ralph wasn't the life I was meant for.
31:24My real life was just beginning.
31:26By the time I finished packing, it was already past three.
31:29Alex helped me out of the hospital room.
31:31You sure you want to head out in this heat?
31:33The sun's blazing.
31:34Dummy.
31:35It's fine.
31:36I'm a vampire duke, remember?
31:38A little sunlight doesn't scare me.
31:40He'd always been so nice to me.
31:41When we were kids, whenever I came home bruised and broken from alpha training, he would show
31:46up quietly.
31:47Alex, you're such a good man.
31:49Surely you have a girlfriend by now?
31:50No girlfriend.
31:52But there's someone I like.
31:54Oh, who is it?
31:54Do I know her?
31:55One day, you'll find out.
31:58But not yet.
31:59It's not time.
32:00Wow, how mysterious.
32:02Whoever she is, she must be lucky.
32:04Being your girlfriend would be pretty amazing.
32:06I hope she thinks so.
32:08I really do.
32:12Just as we were passing a bend, I caught the hushed voices of two fey nurses chatting nearby.
32:17Did you see him?
32:18Eclipse packs alpha he's in that VIP room with his little girlfriend.
32:22I saw him.
32:23Didn't he just break the bond with his Luna?
32:25That girl he's with now?
32:27Isn't she just some witch?
32:29What's wrong with that alpha?
32:30Choosing a witch over his own heir he had just lost?
32:33Beats me.
32:34Their world is a mess.
32:35I took a slow deep breath but the ache in my chest returned.
32:38It was sharp and familiar.
32:40Alex's hand tightened around mine.
32:42One day, Ralph will realize losing you was the greatest mistake he'll ever make.
32:47That's his burden, not yours.
32:49Any alpha who can't tell the difference between true love and illusion.
32:54He's not someone worth breaking your heart over.
32:56You're right, he's not my concern anymore.
32:58Who he's with doesn't matter to me now.
33:01Of all the routes we could have taken, it had to be the one that passed the VIP isolation ward.
33:06As we turned the corner, Ralph stepped out of the room, his arm wrapped around Bonnie.
33:10The two of them came face to face with us.
33:12I lifted my gaze to meet hers.
33:15Bonnie looked radiant.
33:16Rosy cheeks, glossy hair, and dressed head to toe in a luxury designer outfit.
33:21Compared to her, I looked like the abandoned one.
33:24Like the Omega no one wanted.
33:26Tala, you're at the hospital too?
33:28You look terrible.
33:29Are you not feeling well?
33:30I didn't want to say a word to either of them.
33:33I turned on my heel to leave.
33:35Where are you going?
33:36Apparently, the backlash from the broken oath hadn't spared him either.
33:40Home.
33:40I'll take you.
33:41No, Alex will drive me.
33:43What's going on between you and that vampire?
33:45Tala, you better explain yourself.
33:47Whether I'm with Alex or any other kind of creature, it's none of your business anymore.
33:51My body, still frail from everything I'd been through, tensed from the stress.
33:55A sharp pain twisted through me.
33:58Instinctively, I clutched my lower stomach.
34:00Are you okay?
34:02Is the pain back?
34:03You're still unwell since we-
34:05Everything Ralph should have done for me, someone else was doing now.
34:08Alex opened my bag, found the small crystal vial and handed it to me.
34:12I drank the warm liquid, and the pain began to ease.
34:15Without looking back at the pair, I took Alex's hand and walked away.
34:19Ralph, what are we having later?
34:21I'm starving.
34:22I want a proper feast.
34:23Will you take me out?
34:24I thought you were supposed to be sick.
34:26Tell the maid to make you something light.
34:28I've got things to do.
34:29Whatever they said next I didn't hear.
34:31I was already gone, and I didn't care.
34:33When I got back to Silver Creek Pack Territory, home, it felt like the first breath of fresh
34:38air after being underwater for too long.
34:40My parents had made a full spread of home-cooked food.
34:43The familiar smells, the warmth in their eyes, the small questions and quiet concern.
34:47All of it made tears burn behind my eyes.
34:50Look at you so thin.
34:52Have you not been eating well?
34:54You haven't visited us in so long.
34:57Now that you're back, stay a while, okay?
34:59They looked so much older than the last time I was here.
35:02I noticed more white in dad's hair, deeper lines on mom's face.
35:06All these years, I'd poured everything into playing the role of Luna chasing after Ralph,
35:11and trying to be the perfect mate.
35:12I had neglected the people who truly loved me.
35:15But this time, I was going to stay, for as long as they needed me.
35:19Dad picked up a piece of roasted meat, my favorite, and gently placed it on my plate.
35:23My chest tightened.
35:25I blinked hard and swallowed down the lump in my throat.
35:28I spent a few quiet days at my parents' place.
35:30Bit by bit, my body and soul began to recover.
35:33There was something about the gentle energy in Silver Creek.
35:36It soothed the ragged edges of my wounded wolf spirit.
35:39I hadn't yet found the courage to tell my parents that I'd severed the blood oath with Ralph.
35:44Let's tell it he's here.
35:46Alpha Ralph, he's downstairs right now.
35:48I walked to the top of the staircase.
35:50And saw him sitting stiffly on the living room couch.
35:53The force of his Alpha presence filled the entire room like a storm front.
35:57Leaving my parents, Silver Creek's Alpha and Luna, looking small and anxious in his shadow.
36:02Watching my dad bow and scrape like that, my heart ached like it was being stabbed with needles.
36:07Tell it it's been a while.
36:08He hadn't called my name like that in years.
36:10Not since we first sealed our blood oath.
36:13What do you want?
36:14I've come to take you home, Ralph said.
36:15You've been staying here for a few days.
36:17Grandpa's been asking about you.
36:19He used the old man as an excuse, polished and polite.
36:22Ralph thought that if I stayed silent, if I didn't tell my parents about the bond being broken,
36:27there might still be hope for us.
36:29I stared at him, expressionless.
36:31He looked tired, worn down even.
36:34So Bonnie's charm hadn't brought him much comfort after all.
36:37All right, I said simply.
36:39I didn't argue.
36:39Didn't give him a fight.
36:41Just nodded and followed him out the door.
36:42He clearly hadn't expected me to agree so easily.
36:46Surprise flickered across his face.
36:47Once we were in the car, he wouldn't stop talking.
36:50He went on and on about how the Elder Council was pressing him to name an heir.
36:54About his father, who'd finally returned from his years abroad.
36:57About PAC politics, new alliances, land deals.
37:00He was trying to fill the silence with noise.
37:03Trying to close the widening space between us.
37:05I said nothing.
37:07And in that silence, I realized something.
37:10For seven years, I had been the one filling the silence between us.
37:13Now the roles were reversed.
37:15We drove through the Eclipse PACs territory, past the familiar houses, and down the winding
37:19road to the estate.
37:21As I stepped back inside, everything felt different.
37:24The furniture in the hall remained exactly where I remembered.
37:27But now, there was someone else sitting on the couch.
37:31Bonnie.
37:32The moment she saw me, her face drained of color.
37:35She shot to her feet as if jolted by an electric current.
37:38You disappeared this morning?
37:39And now I find out you went together?
37:41What's that supposed to mean?
37:42Are you trying to get back together with her?
37:44Ralph's expression soured.
37:46What are you doing here?
37:46He asked, his tone heavy with frustration.
37:48I already arranged a new place for you.
37:50I told you not to come here unless it was important.
37:53I get scared when I'm alone.
37:54And since Tala already ended the blood oath, why shouldn't I move in?
37:58I'm your girlfriend now, aren't I?
38:00Their voices rose as the arguments spiraled into chaos.
38:03But I had no interest in their little drama.
38:06I walked right past them and headed upstairs.
38:08I opened the door to the bedroom that had once belonged to me and Ralph.
38:12A space that had symbolized my role as Luna.
38:14But the moment I stepped inside, I was nearly knocked back by the scent.
38:18It was strong, overwhelming.
38:20An invasive mix of lilies and dark magic.
38:23The unmistakable mark of a witch.
38:26The smell clung to the air like a poisonous fog, wrapping itself around every corner of the room.
38:32It was aggressive and deliberate, like it had been poured into every surface to wipe away anything that had once
38:37been mine.
38:38I looked around.
38:39My clothes?
38:40Gone?
38:40My books?
38:41Gone?
38:42Even the small mementos I'd brought from Silver Creek, they had all vanished.
38:46In their place were Bonnie's things.
38:48Cheap, flashy and reeking of human style.
38:51Gaudy trinkets, floral printed throws and perfume bottles cluttered the nightstands.
38:55She hadn't wasted any time.
38:57It had barely been a few days since I broke the blood oath.
39:00And she was already racing to erase every trace of my existence from this house.
39:04Tala, what do you think you're doing?
39:06Where are my things?
39:07Thrown out?
39:08You're not the Luna of this pack.
39:10There's no reason for your stuff to be here.
39:12Ralph only came to get you because the elders told him to.
39:15You and him?
39:16That's over.
39:16Even if I'm done with him, it's not like things are going so well for you either.
39:20Ralph told you to stay away from here unless it was important.
39:23Seems like you're still a long way.
39:25You bitch!
39:26Bonnie snapped, her face twisted with rage as she lunged at me.
39:30Bonnie, you'd better back off.
39:31My pup died because of your witchcraft.
39:33If you don't want to join my pup in the afterlife, you'll tell me where my things are.
39:38Now, that was when Ralph walked in.
39:40He saw a terrified witch pinned to the wall by the throat.
39:43And me, the one holding her there.
39:46Bonnie, did I give you permission to touch anything in this room?
39:49How dare you put your things here?
39:51I froze.
39:52He didn't allow Bonnie to touch anything in this room?
39:54Why?
39:55Ralph, where are my things?
39:57The birthday gift from my parents, where did they go?
39:59I'll find them for you.
40:00Where are Tyler's things?
40:02I told the mates to toss them.
40:03They're probably in the trash outback.
40:05Ralph, look at her.
40:07I did.
40:07Too bad I didn't squeeze harder.
40:09Maybe then my pup could rest in peace.
40:11I didn't wait for a response.
40:13I walked straight out the door, heading for the trash bins behind the house.
40:17I'll ask the staff to look for them for you.
40:18No need.
40:19I bent down and began searching through the trash myself.
40:22To my surprise, Ralph slipped on his own gloves and crouched beside me, sifting through
40:26the garbage with me, and in that moment, seeing him there like that, I froze, stunned.
40:31The garbage room was tucked away in a sealed basement beneath the villa district.
40:35The air reeked of spoiled food and fermenting waste, a nauseating stench that clung to everything.
40:41For werewolves, whose sense of smell was a hundred times sharper than a human's, this
40:45place was a sensory nightmare.
40:47Everyone in the pack knew that Ralph was a clean freak to an obsessive degree.
40:51He couldn't stand even a trace of filth.
40:53And yet here he was, this proud, untreatable alpha, digging through piles of rotting trash
41:00with me.
41:00He wore gloves, his movements stiff and awkward, his brow furrowed in discomfort.
41:05It was obvious he was fighting.
41:07I stared at him, confusion churning in my chest.
41:10I paused what I was doing, unable to hold back any longer.
41:14Why?
41:14What?
41:15I said why.
41:16Why are you doing this now?
41:18Our blood oath has already been severed.
41:20At last he stopped.
41:21He lifted his head and looked at me.
41:23His dark eyes gleamed with something tangled and raw.
41:27It took me a long time to see the truth but now I see it.
41:30Tala, I can let go of everything that happened before.
41:32I just need you to come back.
41:34I come here to take back what used to be mine.
41:36The old Tala couldn't survive without Ralph.
41:39But now, that heart had died along with the pup I lost.
41:42Tala.
41:43Just call me Miss Tala Ralph.
41:45I don't get it.
41:46It's only been a few days.
41:47How could you change so much?
41:48It's that vampire, isn't it?
41:50Alex came back and now you want to be with him.
41:52Enough Ralph.
41:53You know exactly what you did.
41:55Did you already forget how I lost our child?
41:57Ralph stood there, stunned into silence.
42:00His eyes were now filled with nothing but pain and remorse.
42:03The air between us froze over.
42:05Then, my phone buzzed.
42:06It was Alex.
42:07He'd invited me to dinner.
42:08Please tell your servant to find my things.
42:11Once they do, have them mailed to me.
42:13Tala, I'm giving you one last chance.
42:14Pick me or him.
42:15Ralph, you know who I am.
42:17Back then, I wanted the bond because I still loved you.
42:20But now, the bond is gone.
42:22And so is my love.
42:24The moment those words left my mouth, I finally felt it.
42:27Release.
42:28A strange, liberating peace.
42:29The stench clinging to my hands was unbearable.
42:32I walked into the villa's guest bathroom to wash my hands.
42:35As I stepped inside, I overheard two Omega Maids whispering while they cleaned.
42:39Alpha's been in a terrible mood these past few days.
42:43Nothing we do makes him happy.
42:45Every morning, we lay out his clothes, and he just tosses them all onto the floor.
42:50I don't know what's gotten into him.
42:52You really don't know?
42:53He misses Luna.
42:55She used to make all his meals.
42:57Every morning, she picked out his ties and matched them with his suits.
43:01No wonder.
43:02I saw him the other night in his study.
43:05Sitting there till midnight.
43:07Just staring at a photo of her.
43:09Strange, isn't it?
43:10When Luna was still living here, he always came home late.
43:14But ever since she left, he's back early, sitting alone in that cold, empty room.
43:19So, who does he actually care about?
43:22Luna or Miss Snow?
43:24I can't tell.
43:25But I really don't think he likes Miss Snow.
43:27Every time she gets close to him, he just snaps.
43:31Really?
43:32I froze in place for a beat.
43:34I let out a soft cough to announce my presence and interrupt their conversation.
43:37They turned away quickly as I walked over to the sink.
43:40I twisted the faucet and scrubbed my hands with all the strength I had.
43:44As if I could scrub away every trace of Ralph that had clung to me these past seven years.
43:49Every scent, every memory, everything.
43:52Luna!
43:53Don't call me that.
43:54I no longer belong to the Eclipse Pack.
43:56Oh!
43:57Really?
43:58Luna!
43:59The Alpha still cares about you.
44:01We can all see it.
44:02Nothing pleases him these days.
44:04He keeps snapping at us.
44:06And sometimes, he even calls out your name.
44:08My hands paused under the faucet.
44:10I looked up at the reflection in the mirror.
44:13Since leaving Ralph, I actually looked healthier.
44:15The color had returned to my face.
44:17For the first time in a long while, I saw a version of myself I liked,
44:21and I had no intention of going back.
44:23Alex arrived quickly.
44:25When he saw me, he stepped forward and opened the car door like a gentleman.
44:29What do you want for dinner tonight?
44:30Anything's fine.
44:31Tala, I hope you won't regret this.
44:33I didn't even spare him a glance.
44:35Because now I realized,
44:37choosing to bond with him in the first place had been the greatest mistake of my life.
44:41After everything with Ralph had seemingly ended,
44:43I received a package from him.
44:45Inside were the gifts he had once given me,
44:47each tied to a memory from my youth.
44:49Now battered and broken,
44:51thrown out carelessly by Bonnie.
44:53I spent the entire afternoon cleaning and fixing what I could,
44:56my heart growing heavier with each item I touched,
44:59as though it had been weighed down with lead.
45:02Just then my parents burst through the door,
45:04pale and visibly shaken.
45:05My father looked defeated,
45:07his eyes hollow with despair,
45:09while my mother wept quietly beside him.
45:11What happened?
45:12Something wrong with the pack?
45:14Ralph, he's lost it.
45:16My father's voice trembled.
45:18He sank onto the couch like a man
45:19whose world had just crumbled.
45:21He's pulled every economic support for pack.
45:24You know as well as I do,
45:26our businesses have been struggling for years.
45:29It leaves pack's funding is the only thing keeping us afloat.
45:33Now that he's pulled out,
45:34we're finished.
45:35What?
45:36We're allied through marriage.
45:38How could he do this?
45:40You broke the blood oath.
45:43Is he punishing us because of you?
45:46That's not all.
45:47All the human companies we had contracts with,
45:50they called today.
45:52Every single one can send deals,
45:54batting out,
45:55saying they'll never work with us again.
45:57He's blacklisting us.
45:59Ralph is making sure all pack has no place left in the human world.
46:03I froze at his words,
46:04and suddenly Ralph's words from the day before came back to me.
46:08Tala, I hope you won't regret this.
46:09So that's what he meant.
46:11He wasn't just trying to hurt me.
46:12He was destroying everything I held dear
46:14just because I chose to walk away.
46:16I let out a bitter laugh.
46:18Seven years of loyalty, sacrifice, and compromise.
46:21Turns out to him it was just a game.
46:23A game he could toss aside the moment he lost interest.
46:26Those seven years of my life were a waste.
46:28Tala, my sweet girl.
46:32Please, go talk to Ralph.
46:35Beg him if you have to.
46:38Ralph knew exactly what he was doing.
46:40This wasn't random cruelty.
46:41It was a calculated move that targeted me.
46:44Fine, I'll go see him.
46:45The next morning,
46:46I returned to Eclipse Pack's towering headquarters.
46:49This time, I wasn't the Luna.
46:51I was merely a representative of a crumbling Silver Creek Pack,
46:54an outsider begging for help.
46:56The werewolf guards at entrance no longer looked at me with respect.
47:00Their gazes were cold, almost amused.
47:03They didn't stop me.
47:04They knew exactly why I wash her,
47:06to beg for an audience with their alpha.
47:08I was told Ralph was in a meeting,
47:09so from 9 now until nearly 11.30,
47:12I sat in the public lounge of the lobby.
47:14People stared.
47:15Some looked curious.
47:17Others judged.
47:18Most just pitied me.
47:19And that was exactly what Ralph wanted,
47:21to humiliate me publicly.
47:23Eventually, a passing employee informed me that Ralph had already left through
47:27his private elevator to go out for lunch.
47:29That's winning new.
47:30He was playing me, testing how long I'd wait,
47:33breaking me down on purpose.
47:34But I didn't leave.
47:35I had to prove I was serious.
47:37To l'arpm, Ralph finally returned.
47:40When he saw me still waiting,
47:41his lips curled into a smug smile.
47:44You've got five minutes to say what you commit to say.
47:46I'd like you to take a look at these.
47:47Some of our ventures have already turned a profit.
47:50Ralph snorted.
47:51Epic breakthrough, huh?
47:52What are we talking about?
47:53A million?
47:54Two?
47:54Tala, do you have any idea how much we earn every hour?
47:57Why should I invest in your pack?
47:59His words sliced deep.
48:00I clenched the file in my hand until the edges crumpled.
48:03What do you want from me, Ralph?
48:05What will it take for you to honor the Alliance, eh?
48:07You beg me, then maybe I'll consider it.
48:09I'm begging you, Ralph.
48:10That doesn't sound like begging.
48:12Nocturne Club tonight, you'll come with me.
48:14He wanted to make a spectacle out of me.
48:17To show the world I was still a subordinate.
48:19All right.
48:20This company, this pack was my father's legacy,
48:23my people's only hope.
48:24The Nocturne Club.
48:26Every supernatural elite in the city knew it.
48:28His intentions were clear.
48:30I hadn't eaten or drunk a thing all day.
48:32And yet, Istutal.
48:33Just as I was ready to leave his office,
48:35an ice-cold place drenched in his scent,
48:38my stomach let out an untimely growl.
48:40It wasn't loud, but in this dead silent room,
48:43it was thunder to a top-tier alpha's hypersensitive ears.
48:46Worse, the hunger triggered a disruption in my internal energy.
48:50A dull ache resurfaced in the lower part of my abdomen,
48:54right where an old wound had only just healed.
48:56My face turned pale.
48:58I cursed myself under my breath.
49:00Weakness was the last thing I could afford right now.
49:03All I wanted was to leave.
49:04Stop there.
49:05His voice rang out behind me, low, commanding, and impossible to ignore.
49:10I froze, not turning around.
49:12You haven't had lunch, have you?
49:13His tone was unreadable, but I could feel his gaze, sharp and unyielding, locked on me like a hawk sizing
49:19up prey.
49:20Sitting here waiting for his majesty to hand down a verdict didn't exactly leave me time for lunch.
49:25Isn't this what you wanted?
49:26To torment me, watch me squirm and realize just how far I've fallen?
49:30When did I ever do that?
49:31I had an emergency transatlantic video call in the secured conference room upstairs.
49:36You think I skipped lunch just to mess with you?
49:38I let out a bitter laugh, not believing a word of it.
49:41It sounded like something he came up with on the fly.
49:44It took another step toward the door only to be stopped again.
49:47My lunch is on the way.
49:48Sit, eat with me.
49:49No thanks.
49:49Just then, the door creaked open.
49:52The beta's secretary, Elena Sand, stepped in, pushing a heated food cart.
49:56The cart was laden with elegant dishes, and almost instantly the rich aroma began to fill the office.
50:02Alpha, your lunch is ready.
50:03I stared in shock.
50:05There were two sets of silverware on the tray.
50:07So, he hadn't been lying.
50:09He really hadn't eaten.
50:10Come on, sit, let's eat together.
50:12Ralph shot me a quick glance and gestured toward the chair next to him.
50:15Like nothing had ever happened.
50:17Like there if between us, the shattered blood oath had never existed at all.
50:22The proud wolf spirit inside me snarled in protest.
50:25It wanted me to reject this hollow kindness outright.
50:28I'll eat at home.
50:29Tala, have you forgotten why you're here today, and who do you represent?
50:33That pressure nearly stole the breath from my lungs.
50:36I had to swallow my pride, along with all the bitterness, and take the seat beside him.
50:41Elena remained composed, setting out the dishes with quiet efficiency before bowing slightly
50:46and slipping out of the room.
50:47My brows furrowed as I took in the food on the table.
50:50Every dish was something I had once made for him.
50:53Rosemary roast beef, to replenish the massive energy reserves his body burned through every
50:58day.
50:59Mooncap mushroom stew with devil root, to soothe the restless wolf spirit that surged in him
51:04when pack affairs overwhelmed his mind.
51:06And even the bitter green salad, a dish he always claimed to hate but which was undeniably
51:11good for his health.
51:12I had cooked these meals for him day after day for seven years.
51:16After we broke our bond I thought he'd purge everything that carried my mark.
51:19Erase me from his life, even from his plate.
51:22But he was still eating them?
51:24What are you staring at, eat?
51:25You knew I'd be here all morning and wouldn't eat?
51:28We've known each other too long, I lowering his head to slice into the roast beef.
51:32We were mates for seven years.
51:34Do you really think I don't know you well?
51:35You're the most stubborn creature I've ever met.
51:37Once you set your mind on something, you'll stay until the bitter end.
51:41The words hit me hard, like an invisible hand had clenched around my heart and given it a
51:45cruel twist.
51:46He was right.
51:47That's how I'd always been.
51:49I would wait, just like a stubborn tree rooted in place, until he came back.
51:53I used to think it was loyalty, Luna's dependence on her alpha.
51:57But maybe it was the pride of another alpha, too stubborn to walk away.
52:01My thoughts tangled like brambles.
52:03I gave my head a small shake, trying to cast them off.
52:06I cut a piece of steak and brought it to my lips.
52:08The warmth spread as it slid down my throat.
52:11It dulled the ache in my body and warmed the cold that had settled deep in my bones.
52:15The cooks can't hold a candle to you.
52:17Ralph dropped his fork, visibly annoyed after just a few bites.
52:21His face was drawn in open irritation.
52:23They can't even get the seasoning right.
52:24The timing's off.
52:26Useless.
52:26I should fire the whole lot of them.
52:28Top-rated chefs that I paid a fortune to and they still can't cook like you.
52:31Really?
52:32I think it tastes good.
52:33Everything on the table.
52:34From ingredients to technique, was flawless.
52:37Yet here he was, picking it apart.
52:40If you like it so much then finish it.
52:42All of it.
52:43Without another word, Ralph strode back to his massive desk, diving into the endless stack of
52:48paperwork.
52:49I didn't realize how much I'd eaten until I finally leaned back, full and warm.
52:53Outside, dusk had settled over the city.
52:56Ralph was still working.
52:57He was buried in files, staring down problems like a lion surveying his territory.
53:02I used to find that focused look captivating.
53:04That part hadn't changed, but something inside me had.
53:08Finished?
53:08Yeah.
53:09If there's nothing else, I'll head out.
53:11I'll meet you at Nocturne Club at 8 sharp.
53:13Okay.
53:14But at least we were talking civilly.
53:16Maybe tonight wouldn't be as difficult as I'd feared.
53:18At exactly 8 in the evening I arrived at Nocturne Club.
53:21This wasn't your average human night spot.
53:24It was the exclusive gathering place for the city's supernatural elite.
53:28Tonight the club shimmered with dazzling extravagance.
53:31Magical dust floated through the air like fireflies twinkling beneath the chandeliers.
53:36The heady fragrance of roses mingled with the potent pheromones, creating a charged atmosphere.
53:42It didn't feel like a party.
53:43It felt like a grand proposal.
53:45As soon as I stepped inside, a half-demon with a sly grin sauntered up to me.
53:49His eyes raked over me with barely concealed mischief.
53:52Looks like Alpha Heming's pulling out all the stops tonight.
53:55Guess he's serious about winning someone back.
53:58Word is he rented out the entire club.
54:02If that's not a show, I don't know what is.
54:05I frowned not understanding what he meant.
54:07You don't know.
54:09Tonight's supposed to be Alpha Heming's big redemption arc.
54:13Apparently, he's throwing this whole spectacle for some woman he used to love.
54:19No idea what makes her so special.
54:22But apparently, Alpha Heming thinks she's worth it.
54:26Who is the woman he's talking about?
54:28Rationally, I knew there was no way he meant me.
54:31Ralph had long since cast me aside.
54:33Could it be Bonnie?
54:34To force me to watch as he proposed to that witch?
54:37I clenched my lips.
54:39I slipped into the darkest corner of the room.
54:41Ma'am, this is for you.
54:44When the lady of the night arrives, could you please give it to her?
54:47Before I could respond, another older server rushed over and snatched the ropes.
54:52Are you out of your mind?
54:53Don't you recognize her?
54:55You still don't recognize who the leading lady is tonight?
54:58If Alpha Heming's plan fails because of you, it's on your head.
55:03I am terribly sorry.
55:05Ma'am, he's new.
55:06Didn't he know who you were?
55:08Please forgive us.
55:09They vanished just as fast.
55:11Eyes were starting to turn.
55:13People were whispering, curious, watching.
55:16The lady of the night?
55:18What if Ralph invited me here tonight because he really is trying to win me back?
55:22My heart started to pound faster.
55:24Heat rushing up my neck to my cheeks.
55:26Panic bloomed in my chest.
55:28What would I do if...
55:30Ralph got down on one knee and asked his ex Luna to marry him again.
55:34Could I say no?
55:35And if I did, could my pack survive the fallout?
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