Burned the Fake Bond is an emotional werewolf fantasy romance short drama filled with rejected mates, betrayal, hidden identities, revenge, and second-chance love. After discovering that the mate bond tying her to the powerful Alpha was built on deception, a young she-wolf chooses to burn the false bond rather than live a life of lies. Freed from a destiny manipulated by others, she begins uncovering the truth about her bloodline while rising to become stronger than anyone ever imagined.
As rival packs, jealous Lunas, and ancient conspiracies threaten the werewolf realm, the Alpha who once took her for granted realizes that losing his true mate may be the greatest mistake of his life. I couldn't verify an official production page or synopsis for a vertical short drama released under the exact title Burned the Fake Bond. Current search results do not identify an official listing for this title, so the description above is based on the title and common rejected-mate themes rather than a confirmed official plot.
#BurnedTheFakeBond #RejectedMate #WerewolfRomance #AlphaKing #MoonGoddess #FantasyRomance #WolfShifter #ShortDrama #DramaSeries #ENGSUB #SecondChanceRomance #RevengeDrama #FullEpisode #FantasyDrama #ShortMovie
As rival packs, jealous Lunas, and ancient conspiracies threaten the werewolf realm, the Alpha who once took her for granted realizes that losing his true mate may be the greatest mistake of his life. I couldn't verify an official production page or synopsis for a vertical short drama released under the exact title Burned the Fake Bond. Current search results do not identify an official listing for this title, so the description above is based on the title and common rejected-mate themes rather than a confirmed official plot.
#BurnedTheFakeBond #RejectedMate #WerewolfRomance #AlphaKing #MoonGoddess #FantasyRomance #WolfShifter #ShortDrama #DramaSeries #ENGSUB #SecondChanceRomance #RevengeDrama #FullEpisode #FantasyDrama #ShortMovie
Category
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:00Yona wasted seven years caring for Damien's fake paralyzed mother.
00:00:05She discovered At Damien had already mated a pureblood female named At Nova.
00:00:10Damien only used At Yuna as a free caretaker to secure his beta position.
00:00:16Yuna burned their unofficial mate bond and left the town immediately.
00:00:20She accepted the mating mark from a loyal Border Patrol captain named Caleb.
00:00:25Caleb risked his life to secure an official mate recognition decree for her.
00:00:31Damien lost his power and begged At Yuna to come back.
00:00:34Yuna rejected him and built a happy life with Caleb and their twin pups.
00:00:39I spent seven years of my youth making sure Damien Voss had no burdens as he fought for
00:00:45the position of Deputy Alpha of the Bloodfling Pack.
00:00:49I stayed in that forgotten little town of Greywood, hidden in the woods,
00:00:52taking full-time care of his paralyzed mother, Mira.
00:00:56Seven years.
00:00:58Damien only came home once a year, for the blood moon, and stayed just two days.
00:01:03He never even shared a bed with me.
00:01:06Half of the Bloodfling Pack want the Deputy Alpha spot.
00:01:10I can barely protect myself right now, let alone you.
00:01:14If you got pregnant, I'd have to drag you into hiding everywhere I go.
00:01:18Just the thought of that makes me lose control.
00:01:21Every time we said goodbye at the edge of town, his eyes would turn blood wet and...
00:01:26And he'd hold me so tight it hurt.
00:01:29Once I secure the Deputy position, I'll claim you under the full moon, in front of the entire pack.
00:01:34You'll be my mate, openly and honorably.
00:01:38In the seventh winter, a sudden blizzard swept through the whole of Greywood.
00:01:43Damien was stuck on the road, delayed for days.
00:01:47I had just finished making bone broth and was carrying a bowl to Mira's room when I stopped in my
00:01:52tracks.
00:01:53The door was cracked open.
00:01:55Then, she was on a video call with Damien's cousin.
00:01:58Aunt Mira, how long are you going to keep up the wheelchair act?
00:02:02Keep faking and your legs will really be crippled for good.
00:02:10Mira let out a loud, sharp snort, full of energy.
00:02:14Nothing like a sick person.
00:02:16You don't get it.
00:02:17I'm doing this for Damien.
00:02:20Then, three years ago, he mated with Nova, Magnus Blackwood's daughter.
00:02:26Their pure-blood twins are already running around.
00:02:31If I didn't pretend to be paralyzed and keep Yona trapped here, she would have gone to the city and
00:02:37exposed everything.
00:02:39Once the elders investigate Damien's double-mate bond, his Deputy Alpha position is done for.
00:02:46True.
00:02:47I guess we'll have to keep this secret for now.
00:02:50Damien said, once his Deputy position is solid, he'll give Yona some money and send her away.
00:02:56The bowl slipped out of my hand.
00:02:58It hit the floor without a sound.
00:03:01The boiling hot bone broth splashed over my feet, burning like ice, but I felt nothing.
00:03:07My blood ran cold.
00:03:09My teeth started chavering uncontrollably.
00:03:12So, all his sweet words were, never to protect me.
00:03:16He'd had a real mate in the city the whole time.
00:03:19Seven years.
00:03:20Never changed.
00:03:22I didn't scream.
00:03:23I didn't storm in and confront them.
00:03:25I just turned and walked out of that cabin that had been my prison for seven years.
00:03:30I braved the blizzard and took a car straight to the Silver Ridge Border Patrol Stace to find the one
00:03:36person who had once looked at me like I was his whole world.
00:03:40Caleb, does your offer still stand?
00:03:42The man in patrol uniform spun around.
00:03:46His eyes, always so wild and proud, were full of disbelief.
00:03:51His hands trembled slightly.
00:03:53He blinked a few times, then spoke in a deep, rough voice.
00:03:57Yona, just say the word, and everything I have is yours.
00:04:00But give me two weeks.
00:04:04My squad leaves tonight.
00:04:05We're wiping out a rogue wolf pack crossing the border.
00:04:08When I come back, I'll give everything I have to petition the elders for a mate bond decree.
00:04:14Under the moonlight, in front of the whole pack.
00:04:18We'll be bound officially.
00:04:20I reached up and smoothed his collar.
00:04:23I don't need a decree.
00:04:25I just need you to come back safe and take me with you.
00:04:28I watched Caleb's kai drive off, then walked back to Greywood through the snow.
00:04:33The house should have been dark, but all the lights were on.
00:04:37The front door was open.
00:04:39A tall figure rose from the sofa and stood there.
00:04:42Yona.
00:04:43I came back early.
00:04:45Seven years had worn away all of Damien's tenderness.
00:04:48Now he was a wolf strong enough to make anyone fear him.
00:04:52He instinctively opened his arms, waiting for me to run to him and brush the snow off his shoulders.
00:04:59I didn't.
00:05:01I just sat down, took off my soaked boots and said in a flat voice.
00:05:06Have you eaten?
00:05:08I'll get you some food.
00:05:09His arms froze in midair.
00:05:11His jaw tightened.
00:05:13He tugged at his collar, trying to hide his embarrassment.
00:05:16What's wrong?
00:05:17Are you mad because I was late?
00:05:19In the past, I would have been crying my eyes out.
00:05:22What female wolf would willingly waste her best years trapped in endless waiting?
00:05:26But once the truth is completely revealed, love dies for good.
00:05:30Making a scene would only make me look pathetic.
00:05:33Leaving with dignity was the only choice.
00:05:35I didn't answer.
00:05:36I just walked into the kitchen.
00:05:39Go see Mira.
00:05:40I'll call you when the food is ready.
00:05:44He followed me and wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, his voice cold.
00:05:50You know what's really going on with you?
00:05:53Did someone in town say something to you?
00:05:56I didn't struggle.
00:05:57I just gently plied his fingers off my waist and turned around with a tired little smile.
00:06:02They're all elderly Omegas in this town.
00:06:06Why would I take their gossip seriously?
00:06:09You're being paranoid.
00:06:10The suspicion in his eyes faded, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
00:06:16He reached up to stroke my hair, his voice condescendingly gentle.
00:06:21Yuna, this time I'm back.
00:06:24I want to move you and Mother to the city.
00:06:25There's something I need to tell you first.
00:06:28My heart clenched.
00:06:31Finally, here it comes.
00:06:34After seven years, he couldn't even pretend to be affectionate anymore.
00:06:37Damien led me into the living room.
00:06:41The scene before me was like a nightmare.
00:06:44On my sofa sat a woman in an expensive coat and high heels.
00:06:50Two children stood beside her, their features identical to Damien's.
00:06:55Mira sat in her wheelchair, staring at the floor.
00:06:59And that woman, she was stunning and carried herself with extraordinary grace.
00:07:06She walked over slowly in her red-soled heels, took off her sandglasses, and gave me a fake smile.
00:07:12You must be Yuna.
00:07:14I'm Nova Blackwood.
00:07:16I heard you've been taking care of everything here all these years, looking after Damien.
00:07:21She paused, then nudged the two children forward.
00:07:24Come on, say hello to Auntie Yuna.
00:07:29I couldn't breathe, couldn't speak.
00:07:32When Damien saw how pale I'd gone, he immediately stepped in front of Nova and grabbed my wrist.
00:07:42Yuna, let me explain, please.
00:07:46When I first got to the city, I was ambushed by rogue wolves.
00:07:51I nearly died.
00:07:53Nova and the Blackwood Warriors saved me.
00:07:55The Blackwood Pack never accepts outsiders.
00:07:58The only way I could get into their inner circle was to mate with Nova.
00:08:03I had no choice.
00:08:05But the one I love has always been you.
00:08:07Always.
00:08:08This is just a power play.
00:08:10I never meant to have children with her.
00:08:14He was getting more and more agitated.
00:08:16He raised his hand and swore.
00:08:19Yuna.
00:08:20I did all of this for our future.
00:08:24Come to the city with me.
00:08:25I can give you everything except the title of Deputy Alpha's mate.
00:08:30Everything.
00:08:31No holding back.
00:08:32You never have to see her.
00:08:36I'll protect you, I swear.
00:08:38Watching him pour out his heart with all those lies
00:08:40made me want to throw up.
00:08:43I pulled my wrist back.
00:08:45No tears.
00:08:47Just a faint smile.
00:08:48I'm just glad you've made a place for yourself in the city.
00:08:51No need to explain.
00:08:53The calmness in my own voice surprised me.
00:08:56Mira's leg will never heal here in Greywood.
00:08:58The city has the best healers.
00:09:01She might even walk again.
00:09:03Damien froze.
00:09:05He had expected me to break down, cry, yell, question him.
00:09:10But not this calm.
00:09:12His face lit up instantly.
00:09:14He couldn't wait to speak.
00:09:16Really?
00:09:17Yuna!
00:09:18You actually understand?
00:09:19You're not mad?
00:09:21The tension in the air melted away.
00:09:23He started planning out loud.
00:09:25Pack tomorrow.
00:09:27Leave the day after.
00:09:29We'll make it just in time for the Blood Moon Feast.
00:09:33I'm not going with you.
00:09:35I cut him off directly.
00:09:36The smile vanished from his face.
00:09:41What?
00:09:43Yuna, you just said...
00:09:44I looked him straight in the eye and lied without flinching.
00:09:48The house and my shop are my assets.
00:09:51It'd be a shame to leave them empty.
00:09:53You take Mira to the city and get settled.
00:09:56I'll stay behind to handle the property and organize Mira's medical records.
00:10:01I'll come find you after the Blood Moon.
00:10:03His expression shifted slightly.
00:10:06He knew very well how hard she had worked for that house and that shop.
00:10:10From the day I became an adult,
00:10:12I worked at the healing clinic all day and set up a stall at the night market.
00:10:17Saving every penny.
00:10:20Scraping by.
00:10:21Just to build him a stable home to come back to.
00:10:25A flicker of fake guilt.
00:10:27Guilt passed through his eyes.
00:10:29Yuna,
00:10:30I'm about to become the deputy alpha of the blood-flaying pack.
00:10:34I could buy half this town without blinking.
00:10:37That house is nothing.
00:10:40Don't worry about it.
00:10:41I shook my head.
00:10:42I built this with my own hands.
00:10:45I'm not giving it up easily.
00:10:48Damien hesitated.
00:10:50Nova sensed something was off.
00:10:52She took his arm and lowered her voice.
00:10:55Honey,
00:10:56let her handle it.
00:10:59All the elders are watching you right now.
00:11:02If you bring your old flame into the city on the eve of your appointment,
00:11:07your deputy alpha position is as good as gone.
00:11:11That hit him right in his weak spot.
00:11:14What he feared most was that I,
00:11:16the one who'd waited for him for seven years without ever being officially claimed,
00:11:20would ruin his future.
00:11:21I watched him weigh his options,
00:11:24swallowing the last bit of pain in my heart.
00:11:27To get rid of him for good,
00:11:29I gave him an offer he couldn't refuse.
00:11:32Damien,
00:11:33Nova's right.
00:11:34You can't afford any trouble right now.
00:11:36To put your mind at ease,
00:11:39let's dissolve our old mate bond.
00:11:43Even at Mira's head shot up,
00:11:46his eyes narrowed.
00:11:47That vow?
00:11:48We never had a formal pack ceremony,
00:11:51but back when we were young,
00:11:54we made a private vow on the old street of Greywood.
00:11:57He had signed a mate contract with his own blood.
00:12:00In the eyes of the old school Greywood wolves,
00:12:04that bond was real and unbreakable.
00:12:07Once that contract burns,
00:12:09we're done for good.
00:12:10When Caleb comes back,
00:12:11I'll be free to accept his claim.
00:12:13Damien stared at me,
00:12:14hesitating,
00:12:16genuinely torn.
00:12:17Yonah,
00:12:19you once said that contract meant more to you than your own life.
00:12:23It was proof of our love.
00:12:25Burning it will cause your bloodline to reject you.
00:12:29He remembered everything.
00:12:31But so what?
00:12:34For seven years,
00:12:36he'd lived side by side
00:12:38with another female,
00:12:40climbing the ranks with the help of her family's elders.
00:12:44And me?
00:12:45I spent every day taking care of his mother,
00:12:48who was faking her paralysis.
00:12:50He made me so many beautiful promises,
00:12:52but he never kept a single one.
00:12:54I forced some wetness into my eyes
00:12:56and played the pitiful Omega once more.
00:12:59If it helps you,
00:13:00I can handle a little pain.
00:13:01Once you're settled in the city,
00:13:03you can throw me a big ceremony.
00:13:05We have plenty of time.
00:13:07Mira immediately chimed in.
00:13:10Yonah's right.
00:13:11This is a critical moment.
00:13:13You can't leave any loose ends.
00:13:15Yonah is being so understanding.
00:13:18The Vos family will make it up to her,
00:13:20I promise.
00:13:22Under the watchful eyes of both his mother and Nova,
00:13:26Damien finally pulled out
00:13:27the yellowed contract paper from his coat.
00:13:30He flicked his lighter.
00:13:34Yonah, wait for me.
00:13:36After the blood moon,
00:13:38I will come back for you.
00:13:40The contract turned to ash
00:13:42and scattered in the wind.
00:13:45Every chain that had bound me
00:13:47for seven years was broken.
00:13:50I laughed softly.
00:13:52Okay.
00:13:54That night, after everyone went to sleep,
00:13:56At Nova stopped me in the hallway.
00:14:01Miss Lark,
00:14:02don't go believing that sob story.
00:14:05Nova looked down at me with disdain.
00:14:08That ambush story?
00:14:10Him being forced to mate with me?
00:14:13All of it was a lie Damien made up.
00:14:16He was just afraid you'd ruin his future.
00:14:19I thought spending seven years of my life
00:14:22being lied to by the whole Vos family
00:14:24was rock bottom.
00:14:25I was wrong.
00:14:29Don't be naive, Miss Lark.
00:14:32She kept talking.
00:14:36There was no rogue ambush.
00:14:38He came to my father's door himself,
00:14:40knelt in the rain all night
00:14:42and swore his loyalty
00:14:43just to get into the inner circle.
00:14:47Mating with me
00:14:48was his idea.
00:14:50He called it proving his loyalty.
00:14:54He knows you too well.
00:14:56He knows you're soft-hearted
00:14:58and you keep your promises.
00:15:01This whole tragic forced marriage act
00:15:04was a scam
00:15:05he and his mother cooked up.
00:15:07He just wanted a free caretaker
00:15:09and he wanted you to feel so guilty
00:15:11that you'd come to the city
00:15:13and quietly be his secret mate.
00:15:16She stepped closer,
00:15:18her strong perfume choking my throat.
00:15:20Damien signed a formal mate pact with me.
00:15:23I am his only legal mate,
00:15:26the mother of his only legal children.
00:15:27Stay in line
00:15:29and your seven years of free labor
00:15:32might still earn you a little support.
00:15:35The Voss family can't afford to keep you.
00:15:40If you even think about stepping out of line,
00:15:43the Northern Packs have plenty of ways
00:15:45to make sure you can't survive anywhere.
00:15:48I looked at this proud,
00:15:50pure-blood female wolf
00:15:51standing before me.
00:15:52I felt no anger,
00:15:53just as disgust for Damien.
00:15:55I gave a faint smile.
00:15:57Don't worry, Miss Blackwood,
00:15:59I don't touch trash.
00:16:01Two days later,
00:16:02on the road out of Greywood,
00:16:04I took off the Voss family heirloom
00:16:06moonstone bracelet from my wrist
00:16:08and held it out to Nova.
00:16:10Mira's face changed.
00:16:12She reached out to Kraut to grab it.
00:16:16Yuna!
00:16:17That bracelet
00:16:18is a Voss family symbol
00:16:20meant for the Deputy Alpha's rightful mate!
00:16:24What are you doing?
00:16:27I stepped back and placed the bracelet
00:16:29in Outnova's palm.
00:16:34Aunt Mira,
00:16:35the whole town of Greywood
00:16:37knows what that bracelet means.
00:16:40You're about to move to the main city.
00:16:43Keeping this on me
00:16:44would hurt Damien's reputation.
00:16:47It's right to give it back.
00:16:49Best for everyone.
00:16:50Nova looked at Aunt Mira
00:16:52with a smug expression.
00:16:54She put the bracelet on
00:16:56in front of me,
00:16:57rubbing her fingers
00:16:58over it again and again.
00:17:00That was a wolf's way
00:17:01of marking possession
00:17:02with her scent.
00:17:04Yuna is very sensible, Auntie.
00:17:06I'll hold on to this
00:17:07for Damien for now.
00:17:08Mira was furious,
00:17:09but she couldn't argue.
00:17:12Nova's rank was far above her.
00:17:14She could only force a smile.
00:17:15I turned to Aunt Damien.
00:17:18He was wearing the bone pendant
00:17:19I had carved for him,
00:17:21close to his skin.
00:17:23Mr. Voss,
00:17:25that bone was carved
00:17:26with my first patron healing.
00:17:28I made it with my own hands.
00:17:30My soul mark is carved on the back.
00:17:33It doesn't suit your status anymore.
00:17:35Give it back.
00:17:36Damien raised his hand
00:17:37to protect his chest.
00:17:39Yuna,
00:17:40you're calling me Mr. Voss now?
00:17:42What is wrong with you?
00:17:46Just say my name.
00:17:48My expression was calm
00:17:49with a small smile.
00:17:51Better to keep some distance
00:17:52and boundaries.
00:17:53Don't want to start rumors.
00:17:55Damien sighed,
00:17:56but still refused
00:17:56to take off the bone pendant.
00:17:58I'm keeping this.
00:17:59It's proof that you stayed with me
00:18:01through the hard times.
00:18:01I'm keeping it.
00:18:03When you're done
00:18:04with your business in Greywood
00:18:05and come to the city
00:18:06after the blood moon,
00:18:08I'll give it back to you then.
00:18:10Even at this moment,
00:18:11he still believed
00:18:12I would come back.
00:18:13That I would be
00:18:14his secret mate
00:18:15hidden in the shadows.
00:18:19I watched their car drive away.
00:18:24I didn't look back.
00:18:26I turned and went inside,
00:18:27picked up the bag
00:18:28I had already packed
00:18:29and left for good.
00:18:31Silver Ridge,
00:18:33where Caleb's patrol base was.
00:18:36Winter in the South
00:18:37wasn't bone chillingly cold.
00:18:40The sun could always
00:18:41break through the clouds.
00:18:44My savings were small.
00:18:46I rented a little house
00:18:47with a yard,
00:18:48a few miles
00:18:49from the patrol base.
00:18:53The landlord was a retired
00:18:55wolf warrior.
00:18:57When he heard I was waiting
00:18:58for a patrol team member
00:18:59to return,
00:19:00he helped me carry
00:19:01my bags inside.
00:19:03Young lady,
00:19:04which member
00:19:05are you waiting for?
00:19:06That mission of theirs,
00:19:08it's extremely dangerous.
00:19:09I handed him
00:19:10a bottle of water
00:19:11and said softly,
00:19:13Caleb Hunter.
00:19:14Caleb Hunter!
00:19:16The old man froze.
00:19:17Then he slapped his knee
00:19:18and handed me back
00:19:19my entire deposit.
00:19:21You're Hunter's mate?
00:19:23Take your money.
00:19:24Hunter is a stand-up wolf,
00:19:27a good one.
00:19:28The year before last,
00:19:30during that forest fire,
00:19:32he almost died
00:19:33saving a litter of pups.
00:19:35You can stay in this house
00:19:36as long as you want.
00:19:38Consider it a wedding gift
00:19:39from me to you both.
00:19:44I held that money
00:19:45in my hand
00:19:46and a warm feeling
00:19:47rose in my chest.
00:19:50Caleb usually acted
00:19:51so carefree,
00:19:52cocky,
00:19:53and proud.
00:19:54But here on the border,
00:19:56he had built
00:19:56a solid life for himself.
00:19:59During the days of waiting,
00:20:00I did have doubts.
00:20:02He had begged me
00:20:03with red eyes
00:20:03to give him two weeks,
00:20:05but I had been trapped
00:20:06by Damien for seven years.
00:20:08I was afraid Caleb
00:20:09was just acting on impulse.
00:20:12But I let it go quickly.
00:20:15Even if he changed his mind,
00:20:17I had already escaped
00:20:18the Voss family nightmare.
00:20:20I could start over anywhere.
00:20:22I went to the fabric store
00:20:23and bought red velvet material.
00:20:25I sewed my own ceremonial robe
00:20:28for the mating ceremony.
00:20:29In those seven years
00:20:30with At Damien,
00:20:31I never had a ceremonial robe.
00:20:33I never even had
00:20:34a real anniversary.
00:20:36The old lady Marta
00:20:37back home
00:20:38used to call me foolish.
00:20:40She said I was good-looking,
00:20:42a professional
00:20:43omega-healing apprentice,
00:20:44yet I was wasting my life
00:20:46as a free maid
00:20:47for a wolf
00:20:47with no status
00:20:48or formal pack.
00:20:50I used to argue with her,
00:20:51telling her Damien
00:20:52had a bright future.
00:20:53Now I understood.
00:20:55Marta had been right
00:20:56all along.
00:20:57She was the one
00:20:58who helped me
00:20:59escape Greywood in secret.
00:21:01She found a real estate agent
00:21:03for me.
00:21:04She deliberately
00:21:04walked past my house
00:21:06every day
00:21:06so the neighbors
00:21:07would think I was still home.
00:21:09She covered for me
00:21:10for almost two weeks.
00:21:14The more you fear something,
00:21:16the more it happens.
00:21:18Caleb still hadn't returned.
00:21:20On the third day,
00:21:21a black SUV
00:21:22with city license plates
00:21:23screeched to a halt
00:21:24in front of my yard.
00:21:25The door flew open.
00:21:27Damien stepped out,
00:21:29covered in dust
00:21:29and the cold of winter.
00:21:34His hair was a mess.
00:21:36His eyes were bloodshot.
00:21:38His tie was gone.
00:21:39He didn't look at all
00:21:41like the next deputy alpha
00:21:42of the bloodflang pack.
00:21:44Una Lark,
00:21:45you're getting bolder and bolder.
00:21:47He stormed into the yard
00:21:48and grabbed my wrist,
00:21:50squeezing so hard
00:21:51it felt like he might
00:21:52crush the bone.
00:21:53You said you were staying
00:21:54in Greywood
00:21:55to deal with the property.
00:21:57The agent told me
00:21:58that house was listed
00:21:59for sale two weeks ago.
00:22:00You canceled your phone number?
00:22:02Blocked me on everything?
00:22:03I had the pack search
00:22:04all over Greywood for you.
00:22:06I thought a rogue pack
00:22:07had taken you,
00:22:08you know that?
00:22:08His chest heaved.
00:22:10He was furious,
00:22:11but underneath it all,
00:22:13there was fear.
00:22:14He held my wrist
00:22:14in a death grip.
00:22:16I didn't struggle.
00:22:18I just looked at him calmly.
00:22:20Mr. Voss,
00:22:22you came all this way
00:22:23just to yell at me?
00:22:24Our mate bond
00:22:25is already broken.
00:22:26I don't owe
00:22:27the Voss family anything.
00:22:29Where I go,
00:22:30whether I live or die,
00:22:31is none of your business.
00:22:32Those words cut him deep.
00:22:35None of my business?
00:22:39He yanked me toward him,
00:22:41his eyes turning red.
00:22:44Seven years!
00:22:46We were together
00:22:47for seven years!
00:22:50You think a piece of paper
00:22:51can wipe that all away?
00:22:54Yuna,
00:22:54I know you've been wronged.
00:22:56I know I lied to you.
00:22:58I'm sorry, okay?
00:22:59I was wrong.
00:23:01Come back with me.
00:23:04I'll buy you a mansion,
00:23:05the best part of the city.
00:23:07Everything Nova has,
00:23:08I can give you
00:23:08except the title.
00:23:09Everything.
00:23:10I swear.
00:23:12I'll spend every full moon
00:23:13with you.
00:23:17It's just a house.
00:23:19I couldn't help but laugh.
00:23:23He thought I was negotiating.
00:23:25His brow frontaled.
00:23:27If a house on the ridge
00:23:28isn't enough,
00:23:29I'll get you an estate
00:23:31with a private courtyard.
00:23:33Yuna,
00:23:34the Blackwood Pack saved me.
00:23:36I can't betray them.
00:23:39But the one I love
00:23:40is still you.
00:23:42Shut up, Damien.
00:23:43I pushed him away
00:23:44and stepped back.
00:23:46Stop saying you owe them.
00:23:48It's disgusting.
00:23:50You think you're so clever?
00:23:52Nova told me everything.
00:23:54You're the one
00:23:55who approached
00:23:56the Blackwood Pack.
00:23:59You knelt in the rain
00:24:01all night begging
00:24:01to get into
00:24:02their inner circle.
00:24:04His face turned pale.
00:24:05He opened his mouth,
00:24:07but no words came out.
00:24:09You knew Nova's pack
00:24:11would never share a mate.
00:24:13So you had your mother
00:24:14pretend to be paralyzed
00:24:16to trap me here
00:24:17for seven years
00:24:18working for free.
00:24:20And now you want
00:24:21to act heartbroken?
00:24:22Are you sad about losing me?
00:24:25Or sad that you'll never again
00:24:26have someone so devoted
00:24:28to wait on your mother
00:24:29for free?
00:24:31Looking at his pale face,
00:24:33I cut the last bit
00:24:34of feeling I had for him.
00:24:36The Yuna you remember
00:24:37died the moment
00:24:38I heard that phone call.
00:24:40Get off my property.
00:24:42My mate is coming back
00:24:44from his mission soon.
00:24:45I don't want him
00:24:46to get the wrong idea.
00:24:47His face twisted.
00:24:50Mate?
00:24:51What mate?
00:24:52Who is it?
00:24:53I brushed the dust
00:24:54off my coat.
00:24:56Just a Border Patrol captain.
00:24:59You wouldn't know him.
00:25:00We're not even
00:25:01from the same world.
00:25:02Leave on your own.
00:25:03He lost it completely.
00:25:04His voice shot up.
00:25:08Yuna, have you lost your mind?
00:25:12You're giving up
00:25:13the next deputy alpha
00:25:15of the Blood Flang Bank pack
00:25:16for some nobody
00:25:17Border Patrol grunt
00:25:18with no power or status?
00:25:20With his salary,
00:25:22what kind of life
00:25:23can he give you?
00:25:24You're going back
00:25:25to scraping by
00:25:27and pinching pennies?
00:25:28I looked at him
00:25:29and thought it was
00:25:30absolutely ridiculous.
00:25:32Scraping by?
00:25:35I worked for free
00:25:36for seven years
00:25:37taking care of your
00:25:37fake paralyzed mother
00:25:38and you think I'm afraid
00:25:40of being poor?
00:25:41Damien,
00:25:42don't judge everyone
00:25:44by your own
00:25:44filthy standards.
00:25:47He doesn't have your power
00:25:48or your status,
00:25:49but he has a clean heart.
00:25:52He would never do
00:25:53the disgusting things
00:25:54you did.
00:25:55You!
00:25:56He couldn't get a word out.
00:25:58Then his face changed.
00:26:00He smiled.
00:26:02Dark.
00:26:04He smoothed down his coat.
00:26:07Yuna, I won't argue with you.
00:26:09I can forgive you.
00:26:11But if you insist on
00:26:12staying on this foolish path,
00:26:17don't blame me
00:26:18for what happens next.
00:26:21He pulled out his phone,
00:26:23his face showing
00:26:24a kind of extreme arrogance
00:26:25I had never seen
00:26:26on him before.
00:26:28Southern Border Patrol
00:26:30Commander
00:26:30Renwick
00:26:31just got backing
00:26:32from the Blackwood Pack.
00:26:36One phone call from me.
00:26:38Your little captain
00:26:39will be fired before dawn.
00:26:42Play nice,
00:26:43and I might even let him
00:26:44get a severance package.
00:26:46I had never been
00:26:47a violent wolf.
00:26:51But his words
00:26:52lit a fire in me.
00:26:54He was despicable,
00:26:55and now he wanted to use
00:26:56pureblood family power
00:26:57to destroy Caleb.
00:26:59Caleb who had fought
00:27:00his way up with nothing
00:27:01but his own blood and sweat.
00:27:03I picked up
00:27:04the silver dagger
00:27:05Caleb had left for me
00:27:06from the porch table.
00:27:09The silver blade
00:27:11hissed against my skin,
00:27:12burning a mark into it.
00:27:15The stinging scent of silver
00:27:17triggered Damien's
00:27:18animal instincts.
00:27:20He stepped back,
00:27:21involuntarily.
00:27:23Damien,
00:27:24try it.
00:27:25Touch him,
00:27:26and we both go down.
00:27:31I stared him down.
00:27:35My life may be worthless,
00:27:36but you've just been confirmed
00:27:38by the council
00:27:38as the candidate
00:27:39for deputy alpha.
00:27:42If word gets out tomorrow
00:27:44that the Voss family
00:27:45candidate drove
00:27:46his former mate
00:27:46to suicide,
00:27:49do you think
00:27:49the Blackwood Pack
00:27:50will keep you around?
00:27:52He never expected me
00:27:53to be this extreme.
00:27:55In his eyes,
00:27:56I was always the meek,
00:27:58submissive Omega
00:27:59who never fought back.
00:28:01The air was thick
00:28:03with the smell
00:28:03of burning silver.
00:28:04He quickly raised his hands
00:28:06and stepped back.
00:28:08Yuna,
00:28:08put the knife down.
00:28:10You're crazy.
00:28:11Just then,
00:28:12the sound of a vehicle
00:28:13came from the yard entrance.
00:28:19The car door opened.
00:28:21A tall,
00:28:21straight man
00:28:22in uniform
00:28:23walked over,
00:28:23his powerful alpha presence
00:28:25filling the space.
00:28:26A squad of guards
00:28:27followed behind him.
00:28:29Damien recognized him.
00:28:31His pupils contracted.
00:28:36He forced a smile
00:28:37and walked up to him.
00:28:39Uh,
00:28:41Commander Holt,
00:28:42what brings you here?
00:28:44At the Pack Council
00:28:46meeting last week,
00:28:47I just...
00:28:48Holt ignored him completely.
00:28:50His eyes landed on me,
00:28:52on the dagger in my hand,
00:28:54on the wound on my neck.
00:28:56He frowned.
00:28:58Seeing this,
00:28:59out Damien quickly
00:29:00stepped in front of me.
00:29:02Commander,
00:29:02don't mind her.
00:29:03She's my distant cousin,
00:29:04just having a little
00:29:05emotional fit.
00:29:07It's just a family matter.
00:29:08Why would you be
00:29:09in a place like this?
00:29:10Mr. Voss,
00:29:13I'm here
00:29:13on official business.
00:29:17Holt walked around him
00:29:19and softened his voice.
00:29:20Are you Miss Unilark?
00:29:24I nodded.
00:29:26I still had the dagger
00:29:27in my hand,
00:29:27the burn on my neck
00:29:28still smoking.
00:29:29Holt breathed
00:29:30a sigh of relief,
00:29:31a look of relief
00:29:32in his eyes.
00:29:33Then I'm in the right place.
00:29:35I'm Commander Holt
00:29:36of the Southern Border Patrol,
00:29:37Caleb Hunter's
00:29:38direct superior.
00:29:39Hearing Caleb's name,
00:29:41my heart stopped
00:29:42for a second.
00:29:43Damien looked confused
00:29:44and quickly cut in.
00:29:46Commander,
00:29:46there must be
00:29:46a misunderstanding.
00:29:47My cousin has always
00:29:49been in Greywood.
00:29:50She has nothing to do
00:29:51with your patrol team.
00:29:52That Caleb must have
00:29:53been harassing her.
00:29:54Holt's head snapped
00:29:55toward him,
00:29:55his powerful alpha presence
00:29:57silencing Damien
00:29:58before he could finish.
00:29:59Mr. Voss,
00:30:00watch your words.
00:30:02Warrior Caleb Hunter
00:30:03just completed
00:30:04a 15-hour
00:30:05cross-border battle.
00:30:07He rescued over
00:30:0920 captive Omikas
00:30:10and pups
00:30:11from rogue wolves.
00:30:12He was severely wounded,
00:30:15lost control
00:30:16of his shifting ability
00:30:17and had to be airlifted
00:30:18to the main city
00:30:19healer base.
00:30:21The council has decided
00:30:23to award him
00:30:24the highest warrior medal.
00:30:25He asked for no land,
00:30:28no bounty.
00:30:29His only request
00:30:30was a mate-bond decree.
00:30:36Holt took a sealed letter
00:30:38from his briefcase.
00:30:39The seal was red wax
00:30:41stamped with the moon goddess.
00:30:43He handed the letter to me.
00:30:46Miss Yona Lark,
00:30:48before Caleb went into surgery,
00:30:50he specifically asked me
00:30:51to deliver this
00:30:52to you in person.
00:30:54He said,
00:30:57even if he doesn't wake up
00:30:58or if it takes a long time,
00:31:00he won't let anyone hurt you.
00:31:06Holt looked at
00:31:07Aunt Damien,
00:31:08whose face
00:31:09had turned white.
00:31:12The council has completed
00:31:14the bloodline verification.
00:31:16All members voted
00:31:17unanimously for approval.
00:31:20As of today,
00:31:21Miss At Yona Lark
00:31:22is the legally recognized
00:31:24mate of a decorated warrior
00:31:26protected by the council.
00:31:28Mr. Voss,
00:31:31were you just talking
00:31:32about having
00:31:33Commander Rentrick
00:31:33fire one of his men?
00:31:40Shall I call the council
00:31:42right now,
00:31:43in front of you,
00:31:43to confirm the consequences?
00:31:46I covered my mouth,
00:31:47tears streaming down my face.
00:31:50That carey,
00:31:51wild man,
00:31:53gravely wounded,
00:31:54had fought with everything
00:31:56he had to win
00:31:56the pack's highest honor,
00:31:58just to give me
00:32:00a protection
00:32:00no one could touch.
00:32:02Damien stood frozen,
00:32:03stepping back.
00:32:04All his wealth,
00:32:06all his status,
00:32:07seemed ridiculous
00:32:08and laughable
00:32:08in front of that
00:32:09blood-stained medal
00:32:10and the sealed decree.
00:32:12Impossible.
00:32:14How can this be?
00:32:16His lips trembled
00:32:17uncontrollably.
00:32:20Holt's voice
00:32:21was ice cold.
00:32:22Mr. Voss,
00:32:23if there's nothing else,
00:32:25please leave.
00:32:26Damien moved his feet
00:32:27mechanically.
00:32:28He couldn't even be bothered
00:32:29to keep up appearances.
00:32:31He climbed into his SUV
00:32:33and fled in a panic.
00:32:36Caleb was unconscious
00:32:37for three days.
00:32:39The day he was transferred
00:32:41to a regular room,
00:32:43we signed the mate bond decree
00:32:46by his hospital bed.
00:32:53He still had bandages
00:32:55on his head.
00:32:56His hand holding the pen
00:32:57trembled slightly.
00:33:00But he couldn't stop smiling,
00:33:02full of joy.
00:33:05Yuna,
00:33:06the council has stamped it.
00:33:08You're stuck with me for life.
00:33:10No takebacks.
00:33:16After Caleb recovered
00:33:18and returned to duty,
00:33:19the patrol base
00:33:21held our mating ceremony
00:33:22for us.
00:33:23No fancy hotel,
00:33:24no fake guests,
00:33:26just the full moon overhead
00:33:27and the howling blessings
00:33:28of his entire team,
00:33:29loud enough to shake the sky.
00:33:36That simple ceremony
00:33:38was a hundred times better
00:33:39than any grand celebration
00:33:41Damien had ever promised.
00:33:44The next year,
00:33:46I moved into the family quarters
00:33:47at the base.
00:33:49Life wasn't luxurious.
00:33:52I opened a small bakery.
00:33:54Every day,
00:33:56surrounded by the smell
00:33:57of fresh bread,
00:33:58I waited for my love
00:33:59to come home safe.
00:34:02Sometimes I heard news
00:34:03about Damien
00:34:04from old acquaintances
00:34:05in Greywood.
00:34:09Nova used
00:34:10the Blackwood family's power
00:34:12to completely side-side
00:34:13at Damien
00:34:14in the bloodfin pack.
00:34:15He became a puppet
00:34:17deputy alpha
00:34:18with no real authority.
00:34:20She openly flaunted
00:34:22her affairs,
00:34:23doing whatever she wanted.
00:34:30Damien was too afraid
00:34:31to speak up.
00:34:32The slightest resistance
00:34:33would get all his titles stripped.
00:34:36Mira had faked her paralysis
00:34:38for seven years,
00:34:39but not long after moving
00:34:41to the city,
00:34:42Nova crushed her completely.
00:34:44This time,
00:34:45she really fell ill
00:34:46and was bedtidden for good.
00:34:51Damien was trapped
00:34:52in a nightmare,
00:34:53fighting at home,
00:34:55struggling in the pack.
00:34:57He aged quickly.
00:34:59The proud,
00:35:00confident man
00:35:01who had strutted
00:35:02into the city
00:35:03was gone.
00:35:06Hearing all of this,
00:35:07I felt nothing inside,
00:35:09not even a trace
00:35:10of satisfaction.
00:35:13Every choice
00:35:14has its price.
00:35:17That was their ending,
00:35:19none of my concern.
00:35:21I turned off the oven
00:35:23and started packing orders.
00:35:29Caleb's squad
00:35:30was in training rotation.
00:35:31His appetite
00:35:32had been off lately.
00:35:36I made his favorite food.
00:35:38I was tying ribbons
00:35:39on gift boxes
00:35:40when suddenly
00:35:42a pair of rough,
00:35:43large hands
00:35:44wrapped around
00:35:45my waist
00:35:46from behind.
00:35:47He was in his
00:35:48training uniform,
00:35:49his chin resting
00:35:50on my shoulder.
00:35:52Boss Lady Lark,
00:35:53the healer said
00:35:54you're carrying twins.
00:35:56No overworking.
00:35:59If I catch you
00:36:00in the kitchen again,
00:36:01I'm throwing the oven out.
00:36:05I laughed,
00:36:06turned around,
00:36:07and pinched his nose.
00:36:10Like I wouldn't
00:36:11take good care
00:36:11of my mate?
00:36:13At 5.30 in the morning,
00:36:15before the bass's
00:36:16morning whistle,
00:36:17I was already awake.
00:36:18Not because of
00:36:19the baby's kicking.
00:36:21They'd been quiet lately,
00:36:23probably intimidated
00:36:24by their father's
00:36:25nightly lectures
00:36:26to my belly.
00:36:27Every time
00:36:28before Caleb
00:36:28went on a mission,
00:36:29he'd lie down
00:36:30with his head
00:36:31on my belly,
00:36:32and lectured
00:36:32the two kids.
00:36:34I'm your father,
00:36:36Caleb Hunter.
00:36:37Here are the rules.
00:36:39One,
00:36:39don't kick your mother.
00:36:41Two,
00:36:42don't be picky eaters.
00:36:44Three,
00:36:44when you grow up,
00:36:46you both join
00:36:47the Border Patrol.
00:36:48I always told him
00:36:49he was being ridiculous.
00:36:51The kids weren't
00:36:51even born yet,
00:36:52and he'd already
00:36:53planned out
00:36:53three generations
00:36:54of Border Warriors.
00:36:57He didn't care at all.
00:36:59The hunter bloodline
00:37:00is meant to guard
00:37:01the border.
00:37:03Today was the last day
00:37:05of his current
00:37:05training rotation,
00:37:07and also our
00:37:08second anniversary
00:37:08as mates.
00:37:09I got up early
00:37:11and quiet,
00:37:12six months pregnant
00:37:13but still moving
00:37:14quickly through the kitchen,
00:37:16baking his favorite steak.
00:37:18I'd marinated
00:37:19the meat last night.
00:37:21The whole house
00:37:22smelled of meat.
00:37:25Then I heard a noise
00:37:26from the yard.
00:37:29I peeked out the window
00:37:31and couldn't help
00:37:31but laugh.
00:37:37Caleb was hunched over,
00:37:38sneaking into the yard,
00:37:40carrying a stack
00:37:40of seven or eight boxes,
00:37:42big and small.
00:37:44I was honestly curious
00:37:45how he managed
00:37:46to carry all that
00:37:47back from the base
00:37:47by himself.
00:37:51Captain Hunter,
00:37:51did you empty
00:37:52the base supply warehouse?
00:37:55Hey!
00:37:56He jumped.
00:37:57The boxes almost fell.
00:37:59He quickly turned around.
00:38:02Why are you awake?
00:38:03The healer told you
00:38:04to sleep more.
00:38:05I leaned against
00:38:06the doorframe.
00:38:06You made so much noise
00:38:08you woke up
00:38:08the birds in the yard.
00:38:09How could I sleep?
00:38:14He set the boxes down
00:38:15and stepped inside
00:38:16in two strides.
00:38:19He looked me over
00:38:20from head to toe.
00:38:21Making sure I was fine.
00:38:23Then reached out
00:38:24and gently touched
00:38:25my belly.
00:38:27Hey there, boys.
00:38:29Miss your dad?
00:38:30How do you know
00:38:31they're boys?
00:38:32Maybe they're girls.
00:38:33He grinned.
00:38:35Even better.
00:38:36They'll take after you,
00:38:38beautiful.
00:38:39I'll protect the three
00:38:40of you for life.
00:38:41I pushed him
00:38:42toward the bathroom.
00:38:44Go wash up.
00:38:45Food will be ready soon.
00:38:46He stood still
00:38:47and pulled a small box
00:38:49from his pocket,
00:38:50tucking it into
00:38:51my apron pocket.
00:38:55What's that?
00:38:56Open it.
00:38:58I opened the box.
00:39:01Inside was a ring
00:39:02carved from a wolf's fang.
00:39:05This fang came from
00:39:07the first rogue alpha
00:39:08had hunted alone.
00:39:10The carving
00:39:11wasn't exactly delicate,
00:39:13but every edge
00:39:14had been polished
00:39:15smooth by his own hands.
00:39:17Made it
00:39:20during training
00:39:21in my spare time?
00:39:24Caleb scratched
00:39:26the back of his head,
00:39:27a little awkward.
00:39:28It's not as nice
00:39:29as your ring,
00:39:30but...
00:39:31I slipped the fang ring
00:39:32onto my finger,
00:39:33right next to the
00:39:35council-certified
00:39:36mate ring.
00:39:37This one is better,
00:39:39I said.
00:39:40You made it
00:39:41with your own hands.
00:39:43It's one of a kind.
00:39:44He stood there
00:39:45quietly for a moment.
00:39:47Then he pulled me
00:39:48into his arms.
00:39:53His chin with timeth.
00:39:55His rested
00:39:56on top of my head.
00:39:58His voice was rough.
00:40:00Yuna.
00:40:01I must have
00:40:02saved up a lifetime
00:40:03of good luck
00:40:03in my past life
00:40:04to meet you
00:40:05in this one.
00:40:06I leaned into
00:40:07his chest
00:40:08and smiled.
00:40:09Then you'd better
00:40:10cherish it.
00:40:11Good luck
00:40:12doesn't strike twice.
00:40:13The food was ready.
00:40:15Caleb ate
00:40:16every last bite,
00:40:17even drinking
00:40:18all the broth.
00:40:20I sat across
00:40:22the table from him,
00:40:24watching him.
00:40:26My thoughts
00:40:26drifting back
00:40:27to Greywood.
00:40:29I used to cook
00:40:30for Damien, too.
00:40:31I used to sit
00:40:32and watched him eat.
00:40:34But he never
00:40:35said thank you.
00:40:36He never hugged me
00:40:38from behind.
00:40:40He never asked
00:40:41if I was tired.
00:40:43After eating,
00:40:44he'd just wipe
00:40:45his mouth
00:40:45and ask,
00:40:46Where's the bill
00:40:47for this month?
00:40:48I kept careful
00:40:50records of every
00:40:51expense.
00:40:52Groceries,
00:40:53Mira's medicine,
00:40:55utilities.
00:40:56He'd flip through
00:40:57it quickly,
00:40:58nod,
00:40:58and say,
00:41:01You worked hard.
00:41:03Then he'd leave
00:41:04for the main city
00:41:05the next morning.
00:41:08I used to think
00:41:09that was the price
00:41:09of love.
00:41:10Now I understood
00:41:11completely.
00:41:13That was never love.
00:41:15It was just me
00:41:16giving,
00:41:17and giving,
00:41:18maintaining a transaction
00:41:19that would never be repaid.
00:41:23What are you
00:41:24thinking about?
00:41:28Caleb waved his hand
00:41:29in front of my face.
00:41:31I didn't expect you
00:41:32to be such a smooth
00:41:32talker now.
00:41:33I blinked,
00:41:34coming back to the present.
00:41:36When we first met,
00:41:37you weren't this slick.
00:41:39He pretended
00:41:39to be wronged.
00:41:41I was playing
00:41:42the long game.
00:41:45Fine, fine.
00:41:47Strategic mastermind.
00:41:48I stood up
00:41:49to clear the dishes.
00:41:51He snatched
00:41:52the plates away.
00:41:53Sit.
00:41:54I'll do it.
00:41:56I watched him
00:41:57fumble around
00:41:58at the sink.
00:42:00Those hands
00:42:01could knock out
00:42:01an adult male wolf
00:42:02with one punch,
00:42:03but they couldn't
00:42:04wring out a dishcloth.
00:42:07Water went everywhere.
00:42:10But in that moment,
00:42:12he was the most
00:42:13dazzling sight
00:42:14in my eyes.
00:42:18My bakery business grew.
00:42:21I rented a new shop
00:42:23across from the family quarters
00:42:24and hired two female wolves
00:42:27whose mates
00:42:28were stationed locally.
00:42:32That afternoon,
00:42:33I just took the last
00:42:34batch batch of cookies
00:42:35out of the oven
00:42:35when the shop
00:42:36door's wind chime rang.
00:42:43Welcome.
00:42:47I froze.
00:42:52It was old
00:42:53Mrs. Marta.
00:42:54She had lived
00:42:55on the same street
00:42:56in Greywood
00:42:57for 30 years.
00:42:59She always said
00:43:00I was too stubborn
00:43:01and naive.
00:43:02She was the one
00:43:03who helped me
00:43:04cover my tracks
00:43:05when I sold the house
00:43:05and left.
00:43:10She took my hands.
00:43:13Her eyes read.
00:43:16I finally found you.
00:43:20You left without a word.
00:43:23I asked so many people
00:43:25before I got your address.
00:43:27My heart tightened.
00:43:29I pulled her to a seat.
00:43:33Marta?
00:43:35Sit down.
00:43:36Let me get you some water.
00:43:40Marta sat down
00:43:41and looked around the shop,
00:43:42clicking her tongue.
00:43:46Look at you now.
00:43:47Did you build
00:43:48all this yourself?
00:43:49Just a small business.
00:43:50Enough to get by.
00:43:52I handed her the water.
00:43:54Are you down south
00:43:55for a trip or...
00:43:57A trip?
00:43:58No,
00:43:59I came all this way
00:43:59to find you.
00:44:01She pulled a brown envelope
00:44:03from her bag
00:44:03and put it on the counter.
00:44:06The final payment
00:44:07for your house.
00:44:08The agent transferred
00:44:10it to my account.
00:44:11I brought it to you.
00:44:13I looked at her.
00:44:16You came all this way
00:44:17just for that?
00:44:19You could have just
00:44:20sent me a transfer.
00:44:21You canceled your number.
00:44:23How was I supposed
00:44:24to contact you?
00:44:26She pretended
00:44:27to glare at me.
00:44:28Then her voice softened.
00:44:34More importantly,
00:44:36I was worried about you.
00:44:37You left so suddenly.
00:44:39I've been thinking
00:44:40about you.
00:44:42Warmth filled my heart.
00:44:44I squeezed her hand.
00:44:48Marta,
00:44:49I'm doing well.
00:44:50Really well.
00:44:53She looked around
00:44:54and lowered her voice.
00:44:56That boss boy
00:44:57hasn't bothered you again,
00:44:59has he?
00:44:59He came once.
00:45:01I chased him off.
00:45:03Good!
00:45:05She slapped the counter.
00:45:09That ungrateful brat.
00:45:11You don't know
00:45:12how badly he's doing now!
00:45:14I smiled
00:45:16and cut her off.
00:45:17Marta,
00:45:18I don't want to hear
00:45:19about him anymore.
00:45:21His life,
00:45:22good or bad,
00:45:23has nothing to do
00:45:24with me.
00:45:25She paused,
00:45:27then smiled,
00:45:28her eyes getting red.
00:45:31Right, right.
00:45:32Don't talk about him.
00:45:35My Yuna only looks forward,
00:45:38never back.
00:45:41The bell rang again.
00:45:46Caleb walked in
00:45:47wearing his training uniform,
00:45:48full of energy.
00:45:50Babe!
00:45:51Training ended early.
00:45:52I'm here to take you home.
00:45:53Oh, we have a guest?
00:45:54I introduced them.
00:45:56This is Mrs. Marta,
00:45:57an old neighbor
00:45:58from Greywood.
00:45:59She helped me
00:46:00a lot back then.
00:46:05Caleb immediately
00:46:06straightened up
00:46:06and gave a serious salute.
00:46:08Hello, ma'am.
00:46:09I'm Yuna's mate,
00:46:10Caleb Hunter.
00:46:12Thank you for
00:46:12taking care of her.
00:46:16Marta laughed so hard,
00:46:17she wiped away tears.
00:46:21This boy has
00:46:22such a good character
00:46:23and so handsome.
00:46:26Yuna,
00:46:28you finally chose
00:46:29the right one this time.
00:46:32Caleb grinned
00:46:33from ear to ear.
00:46:35He leaned down
00:46:36and whispered to me,
00:46:38Babe.
00:46:40She says I'm better
00:46:42than that other guy.
00:46:44I rolled my eyes.
00:46:48She was just being polite.
00:46:50Don't let it go
00:46:51to your head.
00:46:52He laughed
00:46:53and headed to the back.
00:46:59I'll go cut some fruit!
00:47:03Marta watched him quietly,
00:47:05then gently squeezed
00:47:06my hand.
00:47:07Yuna,
00:47:08you really chose
00:47:09right this time.
00:47:13He looks at you
00:47:15with real care,
00:47:16real value.
00:47:19That Voss boy
00:47:20never did.
00:47:22When he looked at you,
00:47:24he just saw
00:47:24free labor.
00:47:26I didn't argue.
00:47:28There was no need.
00:47:29Seven years of the past
00:47:31were just a nightmare.
00:47:32After the nightmare,
00:47:34life was new.
00:47:35Sunlight streamed
00:47:37through the window,
00:47:38falling on Caleb,
00:47:39on my belly,
00:47:41on Marta's smiling face.
00:47:45In that moment,
00:47:47I felt richer and happier
00:47:49than any female
00:47:50deputy alpha in the world.
00:47:56I'd been with Caleb
00:47:57for two full years
00:47:59before I found out
00:47:59he had a sister.
00:48:03That day,
00:48:04an SUV drove
00:48:05right up to my door,
00:48:06stopping just
00:48:07two steps away.
00:48:11Yuna!
00:48:13Yuna!
00:48:14She came in loud,
00:48:16her voice even bigger
00:48:17than at Caleb's.
00:48:20I'm Jules Hunter,
00:48:21Caleb's sister.
00:48:22The real deal.
00:48:23I looked at the girl
00:48:24in front of Trunthot,
00:48:26swearing a leather jacket
00:48:27with her hair
00:48:27in a high hinaili
00:48:28full of energy.
00:48:30Then I looked at Caleb,
00:48:31who had a guilty look
00:48:32on his face.
00:48:36Yuna,
00:48:37I was going to tell you,
00:48:38it's just...
00:48:39What kind of work?
00:48:41Jules plopped down
00:48:42on the sofa
00:48:43and crossed her legs
00:48:44casually.
00:48:48Don't listen to him
00:48:49making it sound
00:48:50so mysterious.
00:48:51I'm a bounty hunter.
00:48:53I catch rogue wolves
00:48:54who cross into our territory,
00:48:56that's all.
00:48:59Bounty hunter?
00:49:02She nodded proudly.
00:49:04I have a private contract
00:49:06with the Northern Pack Alliance.
00:49:08Any rogue wolf
00:49:09crosses the border,
00:49:10I catch them
00:49:11and bring them in.
00:49:12Last month,
00:49:13I caught three.
00:49:15All alive,
00:49:17all tied up tight,
00:49:18delivered them
00:49:19to the council myself.
00:49:22I looked at her
00:49:23and couldn't help
00:49:24but smile.
00:49:25She and her brother
00:49:26had the exact
00:49:27same personality.
00:49:29Jules had taken
00:49:30her annual leave
00:49:31specifically to come south
00:49:32and meet me.
00:49:34She stayed for two weeks.
00:49:36She spent every day
00:49:37at my bakery,
00:49:38learning to make pastries
00:49:39from my employees.
00:49:41Unfortunately,
00:49:41she had zero baking talent.
00:49:44The cookies she made
00:49:45were hard enough
00:49:45to break teeth.
00:49:52Yuna,
00:49:53I guess these hands
00:49:54are only good
00:49:54for holding blades.
00:49:55She poked at a tray
00:49:57of burnt cookies
00:49:58and sighed.
00:50:04I held back a smile.
00:50:09Just keep practicing.
00:50:10You'll get better.
00:50:14Forget it.
00:50:16She washed her hands,
00:50:18then leaned close
00:50:19and lowered her voice.
00:50:22My brother said
00:50:23there used to be
00:50:24some asshole
00:50:25who treated you badly.
00:50:27I was quiet for a moment,
00:50:29then nodded slightly.
00:50:34That was a long time ago.
00:50:39Is that asshole still around?
00:50:41Her eyes glinted,
00:50:43her energy sharp.
00:50:45Want me to go deal with him?
00:50:47I've ripped out
00:50:48a rogue's throat
00:50:49with my bare hands.
00:50:51Jules!
00:50:52Caleb's warning voice
00:50:54came from the doorway.
00:50:56She stuck her tongue
00:50:57out at him
00:50:58and obediently
00:50:59reined in her energy.
00:51:00I shook my head.
00:51:03No need.
00:51:04He can't affect me anymore.
00:51:06She looked at me
00:51:07for a long moment,
00:51:08then gave me a thumbs up.
00:51:11Yuna,
00:51:12you're the coolest wolf
00:51:13I've ever met.
00:51:15My brother
00:51:16is so damn lucky
00:51:18to have married you.
00:51:19When that got back
00:51:20to Aunt Caleb,
00:51:21he was insufferably proud
00:51:22for a whole week.
00:51:27It was the 10th day
00:51:29of Caleb's training.
00:51:31I was five months pregnant.
00:51:36I had just finished
00:51:37the last batch of cookies
00:51:38for the shop.
00:51:39My new employee,
00:51:41Anya,
00:51:41was helping me pack them.
00:51:44She kept glancing
00:51:45at my belly
00:51:45until she finally
00:51:47couldn't hold back.
00:51:50Boss Lark,
00:51:52Captain Hunter
00:51:52is way too intense.
00:51:54You're already
00:51:55this far along
00:51:56and he's still
00:51:56away training.
00:51:57What if you go
00:51:58into labor early?
00:52:00I shoved a cookie
00:52:01in her mouth.
00:52:06He's guarding the pack,
00:52:08not out playing around.
00:52:09And my due date
00:52:10is still months away.
00:52:12No need to rush.
00:52:17Anya chewed the cookie
00:52:18and muttered,
00:52:20I mean,
00:52:21that's true.
00:52:22But every other
00:52:23pregnant maid
00:52:24at the base
00:52:25has their partner
00:52:25glued to their side,
00:52:27pampering them.
00:52:29Only you,
00:52:30pregnant
00:52:30and running
00:52:31a whole shop
00:52:32by yourself.
00:52:33I didn't argue.
00:52:39Some happiness
00:52:40doesn't need
00:52:40to be explained
00:52:41to outsiders.
00:52:48The night
00:52:49before he left
00:52:50for training,
00:52:51at Belay's
00:52:52Caleb spent
00:52:53Caleb a full hour
00:52:54massaging
00:52:55my swollen feet.
00:52:56At four in the morning,
00:52:58he got up early
00:52:59and stocked
00:52:59the storage room
00:53:00with enough flour,
00:53:02sugar,
00:53:02and butter
00:53:03to last a month,
00:53:04all neatly arranged.
00:53:06When he left,
00:53:08he turned at the door
00:53:09and looked at me
00:53:10for a long moment.
00:53:13Yuna,
00:53:14wait for me
00:53:15to come back.
00:53:18I waved at him.
00:53:21Go on!
00:53:24The SUV
00:53:25drove off slowly.
00:53:26I stood in the yard
00:53:27and watched
00:53:28until it disappeared
00:53:29over the horizon.
00:53:30In that moment,
00:53:32I felt more grounded
00:53:33and secure
00:53:33than ever before.
00:53:36There are a thousand
00:53:37ways love can look.
00:53:39Damien's love
00:53:40was a thousand
00:53:41sweet words.
00:53:42But he couldn't
00:53:43even make me
00:53:44a hot breakfast.
00:53:47Caleb's love
00:53:48was never spoken
00:53:48out loud,
00:53:49but he knew
00:53:50my schedule
00:53:51and my comfort
00:53:51better than I did.
00:53:54At three in the afternoon,
00:53:56the shop was quiet.
00:53:58I was sitting
00:53:59at the register,
00:54:00sorting through bills.
00:54:03The wind chime rang.
00:54:05I didn't look up.
00:54:08I didn't look up.
00:54:08Welcome!
00:54:09Buy two cookies,
00:54:11get one free.
00:54:13Yuna!
00:54:16A hosky,
00:54:18exhausted voice
00:54:19full of complicated emotions.
00:54:23I looked up.
00:54:25Damien Voss
00:54:26was standing
00:54:26in the doorway.
00:54:28He looked
00:54:29ten years older
00:54:30than when we last
00:54:31fought.
00:54:33His hair was
00:54:34gray at the
00:54:35Tims.
00:54:36His eyes
00:54:36were sunken.
00:54:37The powerful
00:54:38alpha presence
00:54:39that could intimidate
00:54:40lower-ranked wolves
00:54:41was completely gone.
00:54:44I looked
00:54:45back down
00:54:45at my bills.
00:54:47You're lost.
00:54:49This is the south,
00:54:50not the main city.
00:54:52He stood there,
00:54:54staring at me,
00:54:55his throat
00:54:55bobbing.
00:54:57Yuna,
00:54:58I knew
00:54:59you weren't
00:54:59dead.
00:55:00I looked
00:55:01for you
00:55:01for six months.
00:55:07Looking
00:55:07for me
00:55:08for what?
00:55:10I still
00:55:11didn't look up.
00:55:13Aren't we even?
00:55:15Even?
00:55:19His laugh
00:55:20was dry
00:55:21and raspy.
00:55:24You threatened
00:55:25to kill yourself
00:55:26to drive me away,
00:55:27then turned around
00:55:28and married
00:55:28a border captain.
00:55:30Now you're
00:55:31carrying his child.
00:55:33And me?
00:55:37Nova
00:55:37turned me
00:55:38into a puppet.
00:55:40She
00:55:41and her
00:55:42beta
00:55:42lover
00:55:42control
00:55:43the whole
00:55:44blood-flang
00:55:45pack.
00:55:46My mother
00:55:47is sick
00:55:48in bed
00:55:48saying your name
00:55:50every day.
00:55:51His voice
00:55:52cracked.
00:55:56Yuna,
00:55:57I finally
00:55:58understand.
00:55:59I get it
00:56:00all now.
00:56:01I shouldn't
00:56:02have lied
00:56:03to you.
00:56:04I shouldn't
00:56:05have made
00:56:06Mira
00:56:06fake her
00:56:07paralysis.
00:56:08I shouldn't
00:56:09have groveled
00:56:10to the Blackwood
00:56:10pack for the
00:56:11deputy position,
00:56:12but I had
00:56:13no choice
00:56:14back then.
00:56:14I had
00:56:15nothing.
00:56:17If you stayed
00:56:18with me,
00:56:18you would have
00:56:19suffered.
00:56:20I wanted to
00:56:21get on my feet
00:56:22first,
00:56:23then come back
00:56:24and make it
00:56:24up to you.
00:56:26I finally
00:56:27looked up
00:56:28at the man
00:56:28I had loved
00:56:29for seven years.
00:56:32His face
00:56:33was aged,
00:56:35his body
00:56:36hangered.
00:56:37All the
00:56:38light I
00:56:39used to be
00:56:39obsessed with
00:56:40was gone.
00:56:43I closed
00:56:44the bill
00:56:45book and
00:56:46spoke in a
00:56:46flat,
00:56:47emotionless
00:56:47tone.
00:56:50Damien,
00:56:52you never
00:56:53really understood
00:56:54anything.
00:56:55You don't
00:56:55even know
00:56:56what you did
00:56:56wrong.
00:56:58What you
00:56:59call guilt
00:56:59is just
00:57:00regret that
00:57:01you failed.
00:57:02You're not
00:57:03sorry you hurt
00:57:03me.
00:57:04You're just
00:57:05sorry about
00:57:06how things
00:57:06turned out
00:57:07for you.
00:57:10You don't
00:57:11regret lying
00:57:11to me for
00:57:12seven years.
00:57:14You just
00:57:14regret not
00:57:15using me all
00:57:16the way,
00:57:16letting me
00:57:17get away.
00:57:19You didn't
00:57:20come here
00:57:20because you
00:57:20love me.
00:57:21You came
00:57:22because you
00:57:22saw that
00:57:23without you,
00:57:24I'm happier
00:57:25than you.
00:57:30His face
00:57:30went completely
00:57:31pale.
00:57:32Do you
00:57:33know how
00:57:33I survived
00:57:34those seven
00:57:34years?
00:57:35I stood
00:57:36up and
00:57:36looked at
00:57:37him across
00:57:37the counter.
00:57:38I woke
00:57:39up at
00:57:39five every
00:57:40morning.
00:57:41I turned
00:57:42your mother
00:57:42over,
00:57:44cleaned
00:57:44her,
00:57:44fed her,
00:57:46massaged
00:57:47her.
00:57:49When she
00:57:50was bored,
00:57:51she'd
00:57:51purposely
00:57:51dirty the
00:57:52bed and
00:57:53watch me
00:57:53clean it
00:57:54up again
00:57:54again.
00:57:58The two
00:57:59days a
00:57:59year,
00:57:59year,
00:58:00you came
00:58:00home.
00:58:01I barely
00:58:02slept.
00:58:03waiting for
00:58:04your every
00:58:04command.
00:58:05I was
00:58:06on call
00:58:0724-7,
00:58:08happy to
00:58:09be your
00:58:10maid,
00:58:10thinking that
00:58:11was love.
00:58:12And you?
00:58:14You showed
00:58:15up with your
00:58:16pure-blood
00:58:17mate and your
00:58:18two kids and
00:58:19told me you
00:58:20could give me
00:58:21everything except
00:58:22the title.
00:58:23Damien,
00:58:25don't you think
00:58:25that's disgusting?
00:58:26his eyes were
00:58:28bloodshot,
00:58:29his lips
00:58:29trembling
00:58:30violently.
00:58:31He couldn't
00:58:32say a word.
00:58:33I let out
00:58:34a breath.
00:58:36Enough.
00:58:38I don't want
00:58:39to dwell on
00:58:39the past
00:58:40anymore.
00:58:41Leave here.
00:58:42Don't come
00:58:43back.
00:58:45Yuna!
00:58:47He lunged at
00:58:48the counter and
00:58:48slammed his
00:58:49hand down on
00:58:49it.
00:58:52I've already
00:58:53ended things
00:58:53with Nova.
00:58:54I ended it
00:58:54myself.
00:58:55It's all
00:58:55over.
00:58:56She spent
00:58:57my money
00:58:58on her
00:58:58lovers.
00:58:59I caught
00:59:00her in
00:59:00the act.
00:59:01And she
00:59:01still took
00:59:02half my
00:59:03territory.
00:59:04I have
00:59:05nothing left
00:59:05now but my
00:59:06true heart.
00:59:07Come back
00:59:08to me.
00:59:09I'll give
00:59:09you anything
00:59:10you want.
00:59:11I looked
00:59:11at him and
00:59:12almost laughed.
00:59:15Damien,
00:59:16do you know
00:59:17why I chose
00:59:17Caleb?
00:59:18He stiffened.
00:59:19Not because
00:59:20he's a Border
00:59:20Patrol captain.
00:59:22Not because
00:59:23he has the
00:59:23highest warrior
00:59:24medal.
00:59:28Not because
00:59:29of the
00:59:29council certified
00:59:30mate Dietri.
00:59:34I spoke
00:59:35slowly,
00:59:35each word
00:59:36clear.
00:59:38It's because
00:59:39he never
00:59:39makes me
00:59:40wait.
00:59:40He said
00:59:41he'd be
00:59:41back in
00:59:42two weeks
00:59:42and he
00:59:43came back
00:59:43on time.
00:59:44He said
00:59:45he'd petition
00:59:45the council
00:59:46for a mate
00:59:46decree and
00:59:47he did
00:59:47everything in
00:59:48his power
00:59:49to make
00:59:49it happen.
00:59:50He almost
00:59:51died in
00:59:52battle and
00:59:53his last
00:59:53act before
00:59:54dying was
00:59:55to have
00:59:55his commander
00:59:56deliver the
00:59:57certification
00:59:57to protect
00:59:58me.
00:59:58And you?
00:59:59You made
01:00:00me wait
01:00:01seven years.
01:00:03And then
01:00:03you told
01:00:04me I wasn't
01:00:04worthy of a
01:00:05title.
01:00:05He opened
01:00:06his mouth
01:00:06but in
01:00:07the end
01:00:07had nothing
01:00:08to say.
01:00:09Just then
01:00:10the wind
01:00:11schlym rang.
01:00:13A tall
01:00:14straight figure
01:00:15walked into
01:00:16the shop.
01:00:16His coat
01:00:17was covered
01:00:18in dust.
01:00:19His eyes
01:00:19were sharp
01:00:20and cold.
01:00:23It was
01:00:24Caleb.
01:00:25He completely
01:00:26ignored
01:00:26Aunt Damien.
01:00:27He walked
01:00:28straight to
01:00:28me,
01:00:29reached out,
01:00:29and touched
01:00:31my belly,
01:00:32frowning
01:00:32slightly.
01:00:34You've lost
01:00:34weight.
01:00:35Have you been
01:00:36eating properly?
01:00:38I smiled.
01:00:40The doctor
01:00:41said I'm
01:00:42actually a
01:00:42little heavy.
01:00:44I don't
01:00:45care.
01:00:46In my
01:00:47eyes,
01:00:47you're thin.
01:00:49He pulled
01:00:50a crumpled
01:00:50piece of
01:00:51paper from
01:00:51his pocket
01:00:52and slapped
01:00:53it on the
01:00:53counter.
01:00:56The rogue
01:00:57elimination
01:00:57and mission
01:00:58ended early.
01:00:59I took
01:01:00three days
01:01:00leave.
01:01:03Come on.
01:01:05I'm taking
01:01:05you to the
01:01:06healer for
01:01:06a prenatal
01:01:07checkup.
01:01:08I looked
01:01:08at the
01:01:09paper.
01:01:10The moon
01:01:10goddess
01:01:11wax seal
01:01:11was clear
01:01:12and bright.
01:01:14It was
01:01:15the mate
01:01:15bond
01:01:16decreed.
01:01:17Why do
01:01:18you carry
01:01:18this around
01:01:19with you?
01:01:22He shrugged
01:01:23casually.
01:01:28For the
01:01:29healer's
01:01:29bloodline
01:01:29registration,
01:01:31proof that
01:01:32we're legal
01:01:32mates.
01:01:33I couldn't
01:01:33help but
01:01:34laugh.
01:01:38Damien
01:01:38stood frozen
01:01:39to the
01:01:39spot,
01:01:40his face
01:01:40as pale
01:01:41as paper.
01:01:48Caleb
01:01:48finally turned
01:01:49to look at
01:01:50him,
01:01:50one eyebrow
01:01:51raised.
01:01:53Mr. Voss?
01:01:55Still here?
01:01:58what?
01:01:59Here to buy
01:02:00cookies?
01:02:03Buy two,
01:02:04get one
01:02:04free.
01:02:05Too bad
01:02:06I'm not
01:02:06selling to
01:02:07you.
01:02:07Damien's
01:02:08throat
01:02:08bobbed.
01:02:09He grinned
01:02:09him teeth.
01:02:14Caleb
01:02:15Hunter,
01:02:15don't get
01:02:16too
01:02:16cocky.
01:02:18You think
01:02:19you've
01:02:19won?
01:02:20You're
01:02:21just a
01:02:21border
01:02:21patrol
01:02:22captain.
01:02:22With
01:02:23your salary,
01:02:25what kind
01:02:26of good
01:02:26life can
01:02:26you give
01:02:27her?
01:02:29Caleb
01:02:30didn't get
01:02:31angry.
01:02:31Instead,
01:02:32he chuckled
01:02:33softly.
01:02:35He put
01:02:36his arm
01:02:36around my
01:02:37shoulder,
01:02:37leaned down
01:02:38and kissed
01:02:39my forehead,
01:02:40then looked
01:02:40up at
01:02:41Damien.
01:02:43Mr. Voss,
01:02:45do you
01:02:45know what
01:02:46a good
01:02:46life really
01:02:47means?
01:02:48It's
01:02:49having
01:02:49someone
01:02:49waiting
01:02:50for me
01:02:50at home
01:02:50when I
01:02:51come back
01:02:51from duty.
01:02:52It's
01:02:52someone
01:02:53cooking
01:02:53me a
01:02:53hot
01:02:53meal
01:02:54when I'm
01:02:54exhausted.
01:02:55It's
01:02:56knowing
01:02:56that when
01:02:57I fight
01:02:57to protect
01:02:57the pack,
01:02:58there's
01:02:59always
01:02:59someone
01:03:00behind
01:03:00me
01:03:00who
01:03:01truly
01:03:01cares
01:03:02about
01:03:02me.
01:03:03Did
01:03:04you
01:03:04ever
01:03:04give
01:03:04her
01:03:04even
01:03:05a
01:03:05shred
01:03:05of
01:03:05that?
01:03:06Seven
01:03:07years
01:03:07together.
01:03:09And
01:03:09you
01:03:09never
01:03:10once
01:03:10claimed
01:03:10her.
01:03:11You
01:03:12were
01:03:12never
01:03:12her
01:03:13legal
01:03:13mate.
01:03:14You
01:03:14were
01:03:15just
01:03:15some
01:03:15low
01:03:15life
01:03:16who
01:03:16barged
01:03:17into
01:03:17her
01:03:17life
01:03:18and
01:03:19stole
01:03:19her
01:03:20heart
01:03:20and
01:03:21her
01:03:21time.
01:03:22The
01:03:23last
01:03:23trace
01:03:23of
01:03:24color
01:03:24drained
01:03:24from
01:03:24Aunt
01:03:25Damien's
01:03:25face.
01:03:26Caleb
01:03:27stopped
01:03:27looking
01:03:28at
01:03:28him.
01:03:29He
01:03:29looked
01:03:29down
01:03:30at
01:03:30me,
01:03:30his
01:03:31gaze
01:03:31soft.
01:03:32Any
01:03:33cookies
01:03:33left?
01:03:33I'm
01:03:34hungry.
01:03:36I
01:03:36took
01:03:37a
01:03:37box
01:03:37of
01:03:37fresh
01:03:37cookies
01:03:38from
01:03:38under
01:03:38the
01:03:38counter
01:03:39and
01:03:39handed
01:03:39them
01:03:39to
01:03:40him.
01:03:41He
01:03:41took
01:03:41a
01:03:41bite,
01:03:42his
01:03:42eyes
01:03:43curving
01:03:43into
01:03:43a
01:03:44smile,
01:03:44warm
01:03:45and
01:03:45gentle.
01:03:46Yeah,
01:03:47that's
01:03:48the
01:03:48taste.
01:03:48He
01:03:49took
01:03:49my
01:03:50hand
01:03:50and
01:03:50walked
01:03:50out
01:03:51of
01:03:51the
01:03:51shop
01:03:51without
01:03:51looking
01:03:52back.
01:03:53As
01:03:53I
01:03:53reached
01:03:54the
01:03:54door,
01:03:54I
01:03:55glanced
01:03:55back
01:03:56out
01:03:56of
01:03:56habit.
01:03:57Damien
01:03:57was
01:03:57still
01:03:58frozen
01:03:58in
01:03:58place,
01:03:59empty
01:04:00and
01:04:00numb,
01:04:01completely
01:04:02lost.
01:04:03sunlight
01:04:03streamed
01:04:04through
01:04:04the
01:04:04window,
01:04:05stretching
01:04:06his
01:04:06lonely
01:04:06shadow
01:04:07long.
01:04:08I
01:04:09didn't
01:04:09stop.
01:04:10I
01:04:10walked
01:04:10away.
01:04:15Walking
01:04:16down the
01:04:16street,
01:04:17Caleb
01:04:17held my
01:04:18hand with
01:04:18one hand
01:04:19and his
01:04:19cookie
01:04:20with the
01:04:20other.
01:04:21Oh,
01:04:22by the
01:04:22way,
01:04:23I've
01:04:23decided on
01:04:23the
01:04:23kids'
01:04:24names.
01:04:25Yeah?
01:04:27What
01:04:27names?
01:04:28Soren
01:04:29for a
01:04:29boy.
01:04:31Sage.
01:04:32For a
01:04:33girl.
01:04:34I
01:04:35was
01:04:35puzzled.
01:04:37Why
01:04:38those
01:04:38names?
01:04:39He
01:04:40looked
01:04:40down
01:04:40at
01:04:40me,
01:04:41his
01:04:42eyes
01:04:42soft
01:04:43and
01:04:43tender.
01:04:44Soren
01:04:44means
01:04:45dawn.
01:04:46You
01:04:46broke
01:04:47free
01:04:47from
01:04:47the
01:04:47darkness
01:04:47of
01:04:48Greywood.
01:04:49You
01:04:49are
01:04:49the
01:04:50dawn.
01:04:51Sage
01:04:52means
01:04:52wisdom.
01:04:54I
01:04:55was
01:04:55clumsy
01:04:56and
01:04:56slow
01:04:56before,
01:04:57stupidly
01:04:58waiting
01:04:58for you
01:04:58in the
01:04:59south.
01:05:00I
01:05:01hope
01:05:01our
01:05:01kids
01:05:01are
01:05:02more
01:05:02clear
01:05:02headed
01:05:02than
01:05:02we
01:05:03were.
01:05:05Boy
01:05:06or
01:05:06girl,
01:05:06those
01:05:06are
01:05:06the
01:05:06names.
01:05:07I
01:05:07was
01:05:08Caleb
01:05:08quiet
01:05:08for
01:05:08a
01:05:09long
01:05:09time,
01:05:10my
01:05:10eyes
01:05:10burning.
01:05:11This
01:05:12man
01:05:12wasn't
01:05:13good
01:05:13with
01:05:13words.
01:05:14He
01:05:15never
01:05:15said
01:05:15sweet
01:05:15things.
01:05:18But
01:05:18every
01:05:19single
01:05:19word
01:05:19came
01:05:20from
01:05:20deep
01:05:20love.
01:05:22I
01:05:22leaned
01:05:22gently
01:05:23against
01:05:23his
01:05:23shoulder
01:05:24and
01:05:24silently
01:05:25agreed.
01:05:25In
01:05:26the
01:05:26distance,
01:05:27the
01:05:28rumble
01:05:28of
01:05:28an
01:05:28SUV
01:05:29engine
01:05:29echoed.
01:05:31Once,
01:05:31that
01:05:32sound
01:05:32of
01:05:32people
01:05:33leaving
01:05:33and
01:05:33coming
01:05:33back
01:05:34terrified
01:05:34me.
01:05:35But
01:05:35now,
01:05:36I
01:05:37was
01:05:37afraid
01:05:37of
01:05:37nothing
01:05:38because
01:05:38I
01:05:38knew
01:05:39no
01:05:40matter
01:05:40how
01:05:40far
01:05:40the
01:05:41road,
01:05:42he
01:05:42would
01:05:42always
01:05:42come
01:05:43to
01:05:43me,
01:05:44always
01:05:44return
01:05:45to
01:05:45me.
01:05:47The
01:05:47man
01:05:47beside
01:05:48me
01:05:48was
01:05:48like
01:05:48that.
01:05:49And
01:05:50the
01:05:50quiet,
01:05:51steady
01:05:51happiness
01:05:52I had
01:05:52finally
01:05:52found
01:05:53was
01:05:53like
01:05:53that
01:05:54too.
01:05:56The
01:05:57day
01:05:57the
01:05:57twins
01:05:57were
01:05:58born,
01:05:59Caleb
01:05:59was
01:05:59out
01:05:59on
01:05:59a
01:05:59mission.
01:06:01When
01:06:01I
01:06:01was
01:06:01wheeled
01:06:02back
01:06:02to
01:06:02my
01:06:02room
01:06:03after
01:06:03delivery,
01:06:04the
01:06:04first
01:06:04thing
01:06:05I
01:06:05saw
01:06:05was
01:06:05a
01:06:05small
01:06:06with
01:06:06figure
01:06:06A
01:06:06carved
01:06:07from
01:06:07a
01:06:07fang
01:06:07on
01:06:07the
01:06:07bedside
01:06:08table.
01:06:12A
01:06:13note
01:06:13was
01:06:13tucked
01:06:14under
01:06:14it.
01:06:17Babe,
01:06:18I'm
01:06:18sorry I
01:06:18couldn't
01:06:19be there
01:06:19with
01:06:19you.
01:06:20Are
01:06:20the
01:06:20babies
01:06:20okay?
01:06:21I've
01:06:22chosen
01:06:22the
01:06:22names.
01:06:23Soren
01:06:24for
01:06:24a
01:06:24boy,
01:06:24Sage
01:06:25for
01:06:25a
01:06:25girl.
01:06:26When
01:06:26I
01:06:26come
01:06:27back,
01:06:27I'll
01:06:27take
01:06:27the
01:06:28three
01:06:28of
01:06:28you
01:06:28to
01:06:28see
01:06:28the
01:06:28border.
01:06:29Caleb.
01:06:32I
01:06:33held
01:06:33the
01:06:33note,
01:06:34laughing
01:06:34and
01:06:35crying
01:06:35at
01:06:35the
01:06:35same
01:06:36time.
01:06:37Soren
01:06:37meant
01:06:38dawn.
01:06:39Sage
01:06:40meant
01:06:40wisdom.
01:06:43Caleb
01:06:43was never
01:06:44one to
01:06:44settle
01:06:44for a
01:06:45quiet
01:06:45life.
01:06:46Some
01:06:47wolves
01:06:47belonged
01:06:47to
01:06:48the
01:06:48wilderness
01:06:49and
01:06:49the
01:06:49horizon.
01:06:51Three
01:06:52months
01:06:52later,
01:06:53he
01:06:53got a
01:06:53long
01:06:53leave.
01:06:59He
01:07:00kept
01:07:00his
01:07:00promise.
01:07:01He
01:07:01took
01:07:02us
01:07:02up to
01:07:02the
01:07:02highest
01:07:03ridge
01:07:03on
01:07:03the
01:07:03border.
01:07:07I
01:07:08sat
01:07:08in the
01:07:08passenger
01:07:09seat
01:07:09holding
01:07:09the
01:07:10two
01:07:10babies,
01:07:11looking
01:07:11down at
01:07:12the sea
01:07:12of clouds
01:07:13and the
01:07:13winding
01:07:14rivers
01:07:14below.
01:07:17I
01:07:18thought
01:07:18back to
01:07:19that
01:07:19blizzard
01:07:19seven
01:07:20years
01:07:20ago.
01:07:21back
01:07:22then I
01:07:22thought
01:07:22my
01:07:23life
01:07:23was
01:07:23over,
01:07:24trapped
01:07:25in a
01:07:25cage
01:07:25called
01:07:26waiting,
01:07:27waiting
01:07:27for
01:07:28someone
01:07:28who
01:07:28would
01:07:28never
01:07:29truly
01:07:29come
01:07:29home.
01:07:33And
01:07:33now I
01:07:34stood
01:07:34at the
01:07:34top
01:07:34of the
01:07:35mountain,
01:07:36holding
01:07:36my
01:07:36children
01:07:38with
01:07:38the
01:07:38man
01:07:39who
01:07:39would
01:07:39risk
01:07:39his
01:07:39life
01:07:40to
01:07:40protect
01:07:40me
01:07:40by
01:07:40my
01:07:41side.
01:07:49Yuna?
01:07:50Yeah?
01:07:52Do you
01:07:53know what
01:07:53I thought
01:07:53the first
01:07:53time I
01:07:54saw you?
01:07:55What?
01:07:58He
01:07:59looked out
01:07:59at the
01:07:59horizon.
01:08:01The
01:08:01whole
01:08:02clear sky
01:08:03reflected
01:08:03in his
01:08:03eyes.
01:08:04I
01:08:05thought
01:08:06you
01:08:07belong
01:08:07in this
01:08:08free
01:08:08wilderness.
01:08:11My
01:08:12heart
01:08:12tightened.
01:08:13Why?
01:08:17There's a
01:08:17light in
01:08:18your eyes
01:08:18that longs
01:08:19for freedom.
01:08:20Only a
01:08:20wolf who
01:08:21yearns to
01:08:21run wild
01:08:22has that
01:08:22look.
01:08:25I
01:08:26smiled,
01:08:27my eyes
01:08:27stinging
01:08:28a little.
01:08:33And
01:08:34you?
01:08:35Where
01:08:35do you
01:08:35belong?
01:08:37He
01:08:38thought
01:08:38for a
01:08:38moment,
01:08:38then
01:08:39answered
01:08:39simply
01:08:39and
01:08:40firmly.
01:08:41My
01:08:42home
01:08:42is
01:08:42you.
01:08:43Wherever
01:08:44you
01:08:44are,
01:08:44I'll
01:08:45be.
01:08:47The
01:08:48twins
01:08:48in the
01:08:49back
01:08:49seat
01:08:49babbled
01:08:50and
01:08:50fussed,
01:08:51probably
01:08:51annoyed
01:08:52at
01:08:52being
01:08:52ignored.
01:08:54Caleb
01:08:55chuckled.
01:08:56Okay,
01:08:57okay.
01:08:58Daddy's
01:08:58sorry.
01:08:59Come on,
01:08:59let me
01:08:59show you
01:09:00something
01:09:00pretty.
01:09:02He
01:09:03rolled
01:09:03down
01:09:03the
01:09:03window.
01:09:04The
01:09:05mountain
01:09:05breeze
01:09:05rushed
01:09:06in,
01:09:06fresh
01:09:07and
01:09:07clean.
01:09:09The
01:09:09warm
01:09:10sun
01:09:10covered
01:09:10our
01:09:10family
01:09:11of
01:09:11four,
01:09:12gentle
01:09:12and
01:09:13steady.
01:09:14I
01:09:15remembered
01:09:15what
01:09:16Marta
01:09:16once
01:09:16said,
01:09:18some
01:09:19wolves
01:09:19belong
01:09:20to the
01:09:20wild,
01:09:21some
01:09:22wolves
01:09:22belong
01:09:23only
01:09:23to
01:09:24you.
01:09:26I
01:09:27leaned
01:09:27gently
01:09:28against
01:09:28Caleb's
01:09:29shoulder,
01:09:29looked
01:09:30at the
01:09:30kids
01:09:30in the
01:09:30back
01:09:31seat
01:09:31and
01:09:31smiled
01:09:32with
01:09:32my
01:09:32eyes.
01:09:36The
01:09:37best
01:09:37mate
01:09:37isn't
01:09:38the
01:09:38one
01:09:38you
01:09:38wait
01:09:38for.
01:09:39It's
01:09:40the
01:09:40one
01:09:40willing
01:09:41to
01:09:41run
01:09:41beside
01:09:41you.
01:09:43The
01:09:44truest
01:09:44happiness
01:09:45is
01:09:45finally
01:09:46meeting
01:09:46someone
01:09:46who
01:09:47is
01:09:47willing
01:09:47to
01:09:48walk
01:09:48into
01:09:48the
01:09:48future
01:09:49with
01:09:49you.
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