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Watch full-length drama films featuring powerful business leaders, hidden identities, family secrets, impossible love stories, revenge, and inspiring personal journeys. Every movie delivers engaging storytelling and memorable characters.
Enjoy high-quality drama entertainment with English subtitles and discover new trending stories uploaded on a regular basis.
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FunTranscript
00:00:00The night my ex-husband kicked me out of the pack, I dragged my broken body through the blizzard and
00:00:07collapsed in the Greyhaven neutral zone.
00:00:08Just as my consciousness began to freeze, a flapping recruitment poster caught my eye, seeking a stepmother for a four
00:00:14-year-old pup.
00:00:15Looks don't matter, absolute pack protection provided.
00:00:18Those words, absolute protection, became the only lifeline I could grasp before freezing to death.
00:00:23I followed the address and knocked on the iron gates.
00:00:26That was when I realized the recruitment poster was actually from the Black Ridge pack, the most feared pack in
00:00:32the North.
00:00:33The pressure here was suffocating, but for a rogue wolf like me, it was the best sanctuary I could find.
00:00:37Martha, the housekeeper who brought me in, shot me a glacial look.
00:00:40We're hiring a stepmother, not choosing a Luna.
00:00:43The last woman who tried to seduce the Alpha got her bones broken and was thrown out.
00:00:49Know your place.
00:00:50Don't worry, I'm just here for the protection.
00:00:52Just this morning, my ex-husband's mother coldly stripped my mark and kicked me out.
00:00:57I harbored no illusions about love anymore.
00:01:00Caring for a pup in exchange for shelter was my only way to survive.
00:01:03Martha led me into the dining room.
00:01:05The Alpha who struck fear across the entire North was currently scowling, holding a bowl of soup, completely helpless against
00:01:11his own pup.
00:01:12Just take one bite.
00:01:15Alpha, the new applicant is here.
00:01:17Her scent is clean.
00:01:18No trace of all Tyrion motives.
00:01:21Name?
00:01:22Evelyn Vale.
00:01:23Do you know the rules?
00:01:24Take care of Noah.
00:01:25Respect his boundaries.
00:01:27Make him drink this before it gets cold.
00:01:29Do that and you stay.
00:01:31Fail and you get out of Black Ridge territory immediately.
00:01:36I took the bowl, but I didn't rush closer.
00:01:39Wolf pups always reject forced affection.
00:01:41I noticed some wooden guard figurines on the cabinet.
00:01:43I grabbed three of them and sat on the rug, a good six feet away from the table.
00:01:47Hey, relax.
00:01:48I'm not here to feed you.
00:01:50The patrol has to guard the borders tonight.
00:01:52If you don't eat meat, how will you have the strength to tear apart rogue wolves?
00:01:56The captain eats first.
00:02:00That's not the captain.
00:02:01The one with the sword is.
00:02:05Ah, I see.
00:02:06Then the captain should eat more.
00:02:07As for the guy hiding under the table, well, he doesn't eat meat, so he's weak.
00:02:11He won't be joining the defense battle tonight.
00:02:13Who said I'm not eating?
00:02:14I'm the strongest pup.
00:02:18Martha, take Evelyn to the second floor.
00:02:20Prepare the best guest room.
00:02:21The guest room on the second floor was large and spotless, right next door to Noah's.
00:02:26The third floor is strictly off limits.
00:02:28Take one step up there without permission and you'll be torn to shreds.
00:02:33I nodded repeatedly, promising never to cross the line.
00:02:36The four-year-old pup slept alone next door.
00:02:38He was quiet, which saved me a lot of trouble.
00:02:41But the next day, he went on a hunger strike again.
00:02:43To get the little guy to eat, I pitted him against the fiercest war dog in the territory.
00:02:48Every time the hound took a bite, Noah would aggressively chew a mouthful too.
00:02:51The two predators competed, getting grease all over their faces.
00:02:58Evelyn, what do you think the Black Ridge air is?
00:03:00His furious alpha aura made my tremble.
00:03:03Ow, look, Rowan.
00:03:04I ate more than the hound.
00:03:05This lawn belongs to me now.
00:03:07Alpha, although Miss Evelyn's method is quite absurded,
00:03:10Noah devoured two whole plates of roast meat today.
00:03:12He swore to beat the hound and become the pack leader.
00:03:15Noah and the hound need separate plates.
00:03:17Don't worry, Alpha.
00:03:18The hound is well-trained.
00:03:20It hasn't touched Noah's plate at all.
00:03:25As the sun set, Noah raced across the lawn with the hound,
00:03:28letting out little howls as he ran.
00:03:30The hound bounded after him excitedly.
00:03:32I was laughing so hard I could barely stand.
00:03:35It's like Miss Evelyn has some kind of magic.
00:03:37The young master barely ate, hardly spoke, and wouldn't even go outside.
00:03:40But she's only been here a day and everything has changed.
00:03:43Alpha, I think we finally found the right person.
00:03:46It wasn't until dusk that I led the exhausted, stuffed little guy back to the main house.
00:03:51After putting him to bed,
00:03:53Rowan and I were the only ones left in the massive living room.
00:03:58Sit down, Evelyn.
00:04:00Let's talk business.
00:04:01I took a deep breath and sat down politely.
00:04:03I knew the moment that would truly decide my fate had arrived.
00:04:09You're good with pups.
00:04:10Have you had children before?
00:04:12No, but I took care of my ex-husband's sister's child for two years.
00:04:16They made me quit my job,
00:04:17then turned around and complained that I had nothing to do all day.
00:04:20Eventually, they fired the nanny and dumped the kid on me.
00:04:23Your file says you just got divorced.
00:04:25Why?
00:04:26We were just too different.
00:04:28Silence settled between us for a moment.
00:04:31Rowan watched me, his dark eyes more intense than usual.
00:04:34An accident two years ago robbed this child of his sense of security.
00:04:38Since then, he's refused to trust anyone.
00:04:40I need someone who won't just disappear the moment he starts to rely on them.
00:04:43As long as the Alpha allows me to stay, I'll do my absolute best to care for him.
00:04:47Rowan didn't answer immediately.
00:04:49Instead, he slowly pushed a dark gold folder across the table toward me.
00:04:53I want you to become my contract mate.
00:04:58A registered contract.
00:05:00No marking, no intimacy required.
00:05:02You'll get the highest level of Black Ridge protection and an independent trust fund.
00:05:05Noah gets a mother who won't abandon him.
00:05:08Refusing this won't affect your job as his nanny.
00:05:10It was written clearly on the paper.
00:05:12Permanent independent residency.
00:05:14The right to withdraw unilaterally at any time.
00:05:16An irrevocable and massive trust fund.
00:05:19Every clause in my ex-husband's agreement was designed to bleed me dry.
00:05:23But this one?
00:05:24Every clause left me with a way out.
00:05:26Please give me some time to think about it.
00:05:28Give me your answer by eight tomorrow morning.
00:05:32The next morning, I didn't hesitate.
00:05:35I signed my name on the Black Ridge Packs registry.
00:05:38There was no ceremony, just a stroke of a pin, and I officially became his contract mate.
00:05:44This is for show.
00:05:45If you don't want to wear it, you can put it away.
00:05:47I took the ring and slid it onto my ring finger without a second thought.
00:05:53Wearing this is the safest option here.
00:05:55That evening, the manor hosted a lavish dinner.
00:05:58In this highly guarded Black Ridge estate, the servants bowed and respectfully pulled out the head chair for me.
00:06:03I had finally found the dignity and peace I'd been missing for so long.
00:06:07He didn't understand adult contracts.
00:06:09He only knew that the ring meant one thing.
00:06:11I was staying.
00:06:12He quickly shoved roast meat into his bowl and chewed aggressively.
00:06:14But the moment our eyes met, he stubbornly turned his head away.
00:06:20Later that night, my door was quietly pushed open a clack.
00:06:24Evelyn, can you read me a story?
00:06:26I can ask Rowan to increase your salary.
00:06:29If you don't want to, that's fine.
00:06:34Come here, little guy.
00:06:36Noah quickly kicked off his slippers and scrambled onto the bed, curling up next to me like a little heater.
00:06:43Before I even finished the story, I heard the steady breathing of a sleeping pup beside me.
00:06:48He gripped my sleeve so tightly, as if terrified that if he closed his eyes, I would completely vanish, just
00:06:54like everything else he lost two years ago.
00:06:57The next morning at the dining table, Rowan pushed a supplementary agreement toward me offering to double my independent trust
00:07:02fund.
00:07:02You don't have to do this. Reading a story isn't extra work.
00:07:05What you do holds great value. In Black Ridge, accepting fair compensation isn't greed.
00:07:09No one had ever said anything like that to me.
00:07:11In a werewolf world built on dominance and plunder, this alpha was treating me with genuine respect.
00:07:16Looking into his sincere deep eyes, the walls I had built up for years finally began to crack.
00:07:21I didn't refuse again.
00:07:22Over the next few days, the little guy became my shadow around the estate, until I had to visit the
00:07:27neutral clinic to check on my old injuries.
00:07:29Martha told me, worried, that the tragedy two years ago had deeply traumatized Noah.
00:07:34He hadn't dared to step foot outside the estate gate since.
00:07:36Be a good boy and wait for me at home. I'll come back right after my checkup and I'll bring
00:07:40you a blueberry pie, okay?
00:07:43He's terrified that if you leave, you'll never come back.
00:07:46I promise I'll be back before dark, and I'll read you another story tonight.
00:07:54I'm going with you! I can protect you!
00:07:57Two years. This is the first time in two years he's willingly stepped out that door.
00:08:05With Noah by my side, I successfully finished my checkup.
00:08:08But the results weren't promising.
00:08:10Long-term torture and abuse had sent my inner wolf into a state of total dormian.
00:08:14Don't lose hope. Your wolf isn't stupid. She knows where it's safe.
00:08:18Surrounding yourself with people who make you feel secure works better than any medicine.
00:08:21Are you sick? Does it hurt?
00:08:24I was just too tired before, so my inner wolf fell asleep.
00:08:28It only hurts a little sometimes.
00:08:30When it hurts, eat candy.
00:08:32That's how Rowan used to comfort me. It really works.
00:08:35At my ex-husband's house, I was called dramatic if I shed a single tear.
00:08:39Even the nephew I cared for over two years called me a useless rogue wolf the day I left.
00:08:45Yet this child, who had only known me for a few days, was willing to give me all his favorite
00:08:50candy.
00:08:51Don't be afraid. I'm going to eat a lot of meat and grow taller than Rowan.
00:08:57Then, if anyone tries to bully you, I'll bite them!
00:09:04Martha said he ran out of the territory with you. Are you two all right?
00:09:08We're fine. Today, he was the one protecting me.
00:09:12As long as I'm with Evelyn, I'm not afraid of anything.
00:09:17I know.
00:09:18After we got back, Rowan not only prepared a low-profile, practical Jeep Wrangler for me,
00:09:23but he also issued a strict order forbidding the entire pack from releasing any alpha ore around me.
00:09:28In this notoriously fierce Black Ridge territory, I finally regained my vitality and dignity.
00:09:33The weekend sun was perfect.
00:09:35I drove Noah to the bustling market in the territory.
00:09:39Watching this little boy, who used to be terrified of going outside,
00:09:42now happily following behind me, filled my heart with warmth.
00:09:46The fish is moving!
00:09:48I'm only helping this once.
00:09:50Next time, we're buying ones that don't move.
00:09:52Evelyn, you graduated from Northland Academy, and now you're reduced to playing nanny for another pack?
00:09:57The roguelife isn't so great, is it?
00:09:58Admit you were wrong and bow your head to my mother, and I'll let you come back to serve me.
00:10:02Get away! Don't you dare bully my mom!
00:10:05Where did this little bastard come from?
00:10:09Evelyn, get over here!
00:10:15You dare dodge me?
00:10:17You still carry my scent, yet you're playing nanny for another pack.
00:10:21Are you trying to make me laughing-stot?
00:10:23A laughing-stot across the North?!
00:10:25You were the ones who threw me out into the snow.
00:10:30What pack I'm with now is none of your business.
00:10:33Apologize to my mother, and I'll consider taking you back.
00:10:37Those women out there are just distractions.
00:10:40I've always saved the Luna spot for you.
00:10:42Save it for someone else.
00:10:44I don't want it.
00:10:45I used to think those promises meant home.
00:10:47But the Luna spot for you...
00:10:48It wasn't until his family bled me dry...
00:10:50Get out!
00:10:51...and kicked me out that I realized some toxic pasts aren't even worth a second glance.
00:11:01Evelyn!
00:11:03You useless woman!
00:11:05They already kicked you out!
00:11:06My mom wants to talk to you!
00:11:12Lucas.
00:11:13I took care of him for two whole years.
00:11:16When I left the Mercer family, I blocked everyone except him.
00:11:19I always felt the child himself wasn't at fault.
00:11:21I thought two years of care would at least leave him with some good memories of me.
00:11:25But now, my name falling from his lips was nothing but the cruelty the adults had taught him.
00:11:30A scuffle came through the phone, followed immediately by the shreep voice of Adrian's sister.
00:11:35I heard you went off to play nanny for another pack.
00:11:38Are you brainless?
00:11:39How will the Hollow Valley pack view the Mercer family now?
00:11:42Even if you're gone, you can't deliberately ruin our reputation.
00:11:46Mother always said you'd never be good enough for our world.
00:11:50That you'd never make it into our inner circle.
00:11:52I hung up without a word and permanently blocked the number.
00:11:57When I pulled over by the pine forest, all my punt-up grief and pain finally broke.
00:12:02I leaned on the steering wheel and sobbed.
00:12:05Three years, over a thousand days.
00:12:08Every meal I cooked, every sleepless night, every insult I swallowed, and all I got in return
00:12:14was being told I was never good enough for their world.
00:12:16My own sobs drowned out everything else until I heard rustling from the back.
00:12:20I jolted awake, remembering Noah was still in the car.
00:12:25Here, Evelyn.
00:12:26I looked up.
00:12:28Noah was sitting in his car seat, his gray-blue eyes brimming with concern.
00:12:32I'm sorry.
00:12:32Did I scare you?
00:12:34He shook his head.
00:12:35You can cry as long as you want.
00:12:38I'll stay right here with you.
00:12:40It's not embarrassing for adults to cry.
00:12:43This is our secret.
00:12:44I won't tell Rowan.
00:12:46His pseudo-serious tone made me laugh.
00:12:49I took the tissue and wiped my tears.
00:12:51Thank you, my little hero.
00:12:54Let's go home.
00:12:58After returning to the Stone Manor, the emotional exhaustion and my medication made me fall asleep
00:13:03early.
00:13:04Late that night, a soft knock on the door woke me.
00:13:07Evelyn, can I come in?
00:13:08It was Rowan.
00:13:09I threw on a coat before letting him in.
00:13:11He was wearing light gray loungewear.
00:13:13His usual cold, sharp alpha aura was completely dialed back.
00:13:16Once seated, his gaze drifted to the few old clothes I hadn't put away yet.
00:13:20You haven't touched any of the new dresses in the walk-in closet.
00:13:23Do they not fit?
00:13:25No, they're just too expensive.
00:13:27If they don't fit, I can have a tailor come over and take your measurements.
00:13:32Again.
00:13:34There's no need.
00:13:36I just take care of Noah every day.
00:13:38There's no point in wearing flashy designer clothes.
00:13:42More importantly, I'd learn that whatever you get by relying on someone else taken away
00:13:46at any time.
00:13:47I used to have a closet full of dresses, too.
00:13:51The day the bond was broken.
00:13:53None of them truly belonged to me.
00:13:56Even the engagement ring Adrian gave me was forcibly yanked off my finger by his mother.
00:14:02Those clothes are gifts for you.
00:14:03They are your personal property.
00:14:05Regardless of whether this contract ends, in the future, they belong to you.
00:14:10I didn't answer.
00:14:11He stayed silent for a moment before smoothly changing the subject.
00:14:14The man harassing you at the market today, was that Adrian Mercer?
00:14:18Yes.
00:14:19Don't be afraid.
00:14:20This is Black Ridge territory.
00:14:21He can't try anything here.
00:14:23I don't care what excuse he used to find you.
00:14:26I only care if he crossed the line with you today.
00:14:32I'm fine.
00:14:33I can handle it.
00:14:34He noted, not forcing his protection on me with the usual arrogance of an alpha.
00:14:37If you need guards, a restraining order, or any legal support, just tell me.
00:14:41That is your right as a member of the Black Ridge PAC, not some extra charity for me.
00:14:45This was the first time someone defined their protection of me as my right, rather than charity.
00:14:50Before Rowan got up to leave, he earnestly thanked me again.
00:14:53Noah willingly walked into a crowd today.
00:14:55He even stayed out for so long.
00:14:58The change you've brought him is invaluable.
00:15:00You've already paid me enough.
00:15:01That was the contract.
00:15:02This is gratitude.
00:15:03After he left, I sat alone by the window for a long time.
00:15:07Ember was still quiet, but she didn't push me back into that numb despair like before.
00:15:17Lately, Rowan had been coming home earlier and earlier.
00:15:21As long as there were no urgent PAC modders, he consistently joined Noah and me for dinner.
00:15:27After dinner, he would occasionally take off his suit jacket, sit on the rug, and help Noah build toy fortaces.
00:15:34He was getting a little worried.
00:15:36Has the PAC been running into trouble lately?
00:15:38If you're busy, you can go.
00:15:42I'll take care of Noah.
00:15:45Rowan held a building block in his hand, looking perfectly composed.
00:15:49The therapist said being around family would help you recover.
00:15:54We're registered under the same bond now.
00:15:57Noah and I both have a responsibility to be here for you.
00:16:02Since when were we actual family?
00:16:04That's what I thought, but I didn't say it out loud.
00:16:06Noah is enough.
00:16:08Most of my recovery is thanks to him.
00:16:12Rowan glanced up at me.
00:16:14For a split second, a trace of fleeting disappointment slipped into his scent.
00:16:21Before I could be sure, Noah was already pulling my hand, dragging me off to read a story.
00:16:26Evelyn.
00:16:28What is it?
00:16:30Tomorrow night, the Northern Elders Council is hosting the Winter Charity Gala.
00:16:34By tradition, any alpha bound by a contract must bring their mate.
00:16:40Will you come with me?
00:16:46I'm not familiar with all that complicated social etiquette.
00:16:51You don't need to cater to anyone.
00:16:55Just standing by my side is enough.
00:16:58I hesitated for a few seconds.
00:17:00Looking at his earnest eyes, I finally nodded.
00:17:04The next afternoon, Greyhank's top styling team arrived at the Stone Manor with dresses.
00:17:09They didn't weigh me down with tacky, heavy Luna accessories.
00:17:12Instead, they chose a sleek, high-quality, dark green silk gown.
00:17:16The color perfectly matched the Black Ridge pack's crest.
00:17:19When I walked down the stairs, Rowan clearly paused.
00:17:24The suddenly intense scent of cedar in the air was more honest than any flowery compliment.
00:17:31Rowan, isn't she the prettiest person in the whole universe?
00:17:35Yes.
00:17:38Then can I call you mom tonight?
00:17:42Rowan also looked at me.
00:17:46Just call me Evelyn for now.
00:17:50When you truly understand the weight behind that word,
00:17:53then you can decide if you want to use it.
00:17:56Okay?
00:17:57He nodded, half understanding, but gripped my hand even tighter.
00:18:05I had never seen so many people before.
00:18:08The air was thick with expensive perfume, fine leather,
00:18:11and the faint, probing pressure of alphas from different territories.
00:18:14Amidst the clinking of glasses,
00:18:17the most powerful and wealthy werewolves in the north were gathered here.
00:18:20All the funds raised tonight would go toward sheltering homeless orphans
00:18:24and victims of silver poisoning.
00:18:27The moment Rowan appeared,
00:18:29the noisy hall seemed to hit pause.
00:18:33Then, countless gazes,
00:18:36curious, judging, jealous,
00:18:38all zeroed in on me,
00:18:40standing right behind him.
00:18:47Alpha Hale.
00:18:49And who might this in?
00:18:51I was worried the title of contract mate
00:18:53would humiliate him in front of the other alphas.
00:18:57Just as I was about to say
00:18:58I was merely his companion,
00:19:00Rowan grabbed my hand possessively.
00:19:03Evelyn Vey.
00:19:05My publicly acknowledged mate.
00:19:10His voice wasn't loud,
00:19:12but it carried enough power for every werewolf nearby to hear clearly.
00:19:16A few highly respected elders immediately paid their respects to me.
00:19:20It wasn't the dismissive courtesy shown to a dependent canary.
00:19:23It was true respect for a publicly recognized adult werewolf of equal standing.
00:19:28I wasn't used to this.
00:19:30Instinctively, I tried to pull my hand back.
00:19:33Rowan leaned in slightly, whispering in my ear,
00:19:36Bother you?
00:19:39Does being my mate bother you?
00:19:42No.
00:19:43I'm just afraid of embarrassing you.
00:19:47Only an incompetent Alpha
00:19:48would find his mate unpresentable.
00:19:53I looked up at him.
00:19:55His expression was calm.
00:19:56He clearly thought it was just a matter of fact.
00:20:00But my heart felt like it had been gently struck by something.
00:20:04I used grabbing a drink as an excuse to step away from the crowd.
00:20:08I didn't expect to run into Adrian again,
00:20:10right by the massive champagne tower.
00:20:15He hadn't brought a date tonight.
00:20:17He was wearing the Hollow Valley Pax trade representative badge on his chest.
00:20:22When he saw me, a strong flash of awe and disbelief crossed his eyes.
00:20:30Evelyn, I almost didn't recognize you.
00:20:36His eyes dropped to my hot couture gown and the dark gold ring gleaming subtly on my finger.
00:20:41My sister calling you the other day wasn't my idea.
00:20:44I only let you leave so you'd learn your lesson
00:20:46and see how cruel the world is without my protection.
00:20:50Lately, Black Ridge suspended our supplier qualifications.
00:20:53I've been stressed out of my mind every day.
00:20:56Stop throwing a tantrum and come back with me.
00:20:58As long as you apologize to my mother and sister.
00:21:01I'll submit a new vow and take you back.
00:21:04I took a step back, coldly avoiding his outstretched hand.
00:21:10The moment I signed that annulment, I never planned on looking back.
00:21:18Still as stubborn as ever.
00:21:20Looks like you haven't learned your lesson yet.
00:21:22Once you really get a taste of being a rogue with zero family protection,
00:21:26you'll come crawling back on your knees.
00:21:28Right then, Roland walked over with heavy steps.
00:21:32Adrian instantly dropped his sinister scrow
00:21:34and put on a highly subservative businessman's face,
00:21:37offering his business card with both hands.
00:21:40Alpha Hale, I'm Adrian from Mercer Medical Supply.
00:21:43Regarding Black Ridge suspending our purchasing,
00:21:45I'd like to make a formal appeal.
00:21:47For the past five years, we've provided the finest silver poison antidotes.
00:21:50Please give the Mercer family a chance to be reviewed again.
00:21:52Rowan didn't even grant him a single glance.
00:21:54Medical reviews are conducted independently by the Neutral Healer Guild.
00:21:57I don't interfere.
00:21:59As for giving you time for a private appeal,
00:22:00I only listen to my mate's opinion on the matter.
00:22:03His gaze falls softly on me.
00:22:05Evelyn.
00:22:07Do you think he deserves this chance?
00:22:14Adrian's face instantly went pale.
00:22:17What?
00:22:18What does she have to do with this?
00:22:21She's nothing but a glorified housekeeper.
00:22:24She has no right to give an opinion on professional matters like this.
00:22:30Then I'll reserve my opinion.
00:22:33The air around Rowan turned ice cold in an instant.
00:22:37It wasn't an intentional release of his era.
00:22:40It was the omen of an alpha's absolute fury.
00:22:43The surrounding chatter fell dead silent.
00:22:46Even Adrian instinctively felt a bone-deep terror.
00:22:49She doesn't think you deserve the chance.
00:22:51Your appeal ends here, Mr. Mercer.
00:22:53Black Ridge is permanently terminating our partnership with you.
00:22:56He domineeringly wrapped an arm around my shoulder and led me away.
00:23:02As we walked away, my sharp werewolf hearing caught the low murmurs behind us.
00:23:08God, did he really just insult Rowan Hale's mate right to his face?
00:23:13At the Elder's Gala?
00:23:15Yeah.
00:23:18She's just a bitch who used a kid to climb into his bed.
00:23:25She puts on one designer dress and she actually thinks she's a Luna?
00:23:35I took a deep breath.
00:23:36I didn't look back because he was no longer worthy of affecting my emotions.
00:23:45That night, Rowan donated a massive fund in my name.
00:23:54This wasn't some hypocritical auction meant to show off his wealth.
00:23:58It was real money that would ensure 12 orphaned rogue pups
00:24:02received the best housing, education, and psychological treatment
00:24:05until they came of age.
00:24:07Because of this, many pack elites approached me to talk,
00:24:10casting deeply respectful glances my way.
00:24:13Some sincerely invited me to join the pup rescue committee,
00:24:17while others hoped I could pass their partnership proposals on to Rowan.
00:24:20I wasn't used to this kind of superficial socializing,
00:24:23and I certainly didn't want to make promises on the Alpha's behalf.
00:24:26Rowan quickly sensed my exhaustion and stepped in to block all the networking attempts.
00:24:34Tonight, she only represents herself.
00:24:37If you have business matters, go through the official channels.
00:24:41On the drive back, I leaned against the plush leather seat,
00:24:44turning to him to express my sincere grantity.
00:24:47Thank you for rescuing me tonight.
00:24:49And thank you for not letting Adrian hurt me anymore.
00:24:51You're my mate.
00:24:54Protecting you is my duty.
00:24:56And my honor.
00:24:57Only on paper.
00:24:59You helped me because you're kind.
00:25:01Not because you had to.
00:25:04Rowan fell silent for a long time.
00:25:09Soothing jazz flowed through the car.
00:25:12His cedar scent grew richer and warmer than usual.
00:25:16I could hear his noticeably racing heartbeat.
00:25:19I could also feel the skin on the back of my neck start to tingle,
00:25:24enveloped by his masculine presence.
00:25:26He didn't cross the line to get closer.
00:25:29He just asked softly.
00:25:33What if I don't want us to stay just contract mates forever?
00:25:41My breath hitched.
00:25:44Rowan's gaze lingered on my lips for a second
00:25:47before he pulled it away with immense restraint.
00:25:53You don't have to answer right now.
00:25:56I won't use my alpha privileges
00:25:59or your need for safety
00:26:01to force you into accepting my feelings.
00:26:04He slowly suppressed that scorching scent
00:26:06that was about to swallow me whole.
00:26:07I couldn't tell if I was relieved
00:26:09or feeling a strange, faint sense of disappointment.
00:26:12When we got back to the manor,
00:26:15Noah ran towards me,
00:26:16holding a picture book excitedly.
00:26:22I immediately picked him up,
00:26:24as if grabbing an excuse to escape Rowan's burning gaze.
00:26:32After putting the kid to sleep,
00:26:33I carefully browsed job listings on my tablet.
00:26:37Adrian was right about one thing.
00:26:40I'd received top-year education in the North.
00:26:43I shouldn't rely on any relationship
00:26:45to survive for the rest of my life.
00:26:48Taking care of Noah was my choice,
00:26:50but I still wanted my own career.
00:26:54The Greyhaven Pup Care Center
00:26:55was hiring a program coordinator.
00:26:58I saved the job requirements in training Indo,
00:27:01planning to apply once I was fully recovered.
00:27:05Just then, my phone lit up.
00:27:07It was a message from Rowan.
00:27:13I stared at those words for a few seconds.
00:27:16Before I knew it,
00:27:17I was heading downstairs to make the coffee.
00:27:23Standing at the foot of the spiral staircase
00:27:25to the third floor,
00:27:26I remembered Martha's early warning.
00:27:28I stopped and called Rowan.
00:27:32The coffee is at the stairs.
00:27:35Come down and get it yourself.
00:27:38There was a brief silence on the other end,
00:27:40followed by a low, pleasant chuckle.
00:27:42Please bring it into the study.
00:27:44I invited you up.
00:27:47You never need permission to come up here.
00:27:52I took a deep breath
00:27:54and stepped onto the third floor.
00:28:00The study door was unlocked.
00:28:02When I pushed the door open,
00:28:04Rowan had clearly just stepped out of the shower.
00:28:08He was wearing nothing but a black silk robe,
00:28:11hanging wide open at the collar.
00:28:13His wet, dark hair fell over his forehead.
00:28:17Water droplets slid down his sharp jawline
00:28:19straight onto his sculpted chest.
00:28:22I lowered my head in a panic,
00:28:24setting the coffee down on the desk.
00:28:26Your coffee.
00:28:28As I handed it to him,
00:28:30my fingers accidentally brushed against his hand.
00:28:33His skin was shockingly hot.
00:28:35The moment our fingers touched,
00:28:37Eber, the wolf inside me
00:28:38that had been dormant for so long,
00:28:40let out a very soft whimper.
00:28:43It wasn't destiny.
00:28:45It wasn't the contract.
00:28:47It was just the primal longing of a soul
00:28:50that had been lonely for too long.
00:28:53Finally feeling warmth
00:28:54and shelter.
00:28:58I instinctively took a step back.
00:29:01Am I that scary, Evelyn?
00:29:04No.
00:29:06I just didn't expect you
00:29:08to be fresh out of the shower.
00:29:10He glanced down at his disheveled robe.
00:29:12A subtle flash of embarrassment,
00:29:14rare for a grown man like him,
00:29:16crossed his face.
00:29:17Sorry.
00:29:18My mistake.
00:29:20I turned to leave,
00:29:21but he called out to me softly.
00:29:24From now on,
00:29:25you can come up to the third floor
00:29:28anytime you want.
00:29:31I looked back.
00:29:33Not because of the contract.
00:29:36Because this is your home, too.
00:29:39You can still say no,
00:29:41but my door will always be open.
00:29:44For you.
00:29:50The next morning,
00:29:51I woke up feeling dizzy and lightheaded.
00:29:53My throat was dry and sore.
00:29:55I probably caught a chill last night.
00:29:58When I went downstairs,
00:30:00Rowan was sitting by the French windows,
00:30:02reading a pack report.
00:30:03He was wearing rimless glasses.
00:30:06With his usual sharp edge put away,
00:30:08he had a lethal elegance
00:30:10that made it hard to look away.
00:30:14Good morning.
00:30:19The moment I spoke,
00:30:20I couldn't stop myself
00:30:21from coughing violently.
00:30:25He dropped the report immediately,
00:30:27striding over to press the cool back
00:30:29of his hand against my forehead.
00:30:32You have a fever.
00:30:34It's fine.
00:30:35It's just a little cold.
00:30:37I'll take some medicine
00:30:38and sleep it off.
00:30:43Sit here and don't move.
00:30:44I'll get the medicine.
00:30:46No.
00:30:54He messaged the clinic
00:30:55to make sure the cold medicine
00:30:56wouldn't interact
00:30:57with the wolf recovery pills
00:30:58I was taking
00:30:59before handing me
00:31:00the glass of warm water
00:31:01and the pills.
00:31:07I took the meds
00:31:08and went back to bed.
00:31:11But a call from an unknown number
00:31:13woke me up shortly after.
00:31:17The second I picked up,
00:31:19Adrian's furious,
00:31:20exasperated voice
00:31:21exploded through the phone.
00:31:25Evelyn,
00:31:26I'm right outside
00:31:28the Black Ridge gates.
00:31:30If you don't want me
00:31:31to spill dirty laundry,
00:31:33all our dirty laundry,
00:31:35right in front of Rowan Hale,
00:31:37you get your ass out here
00:31:39right now.
00:31:48I didn't want this disgusting man
00:31:50ruining the peace here.
00:31:51I threw on a coat
00:31:52and walked to the front gates
00:31:53with a dark expression.
00:31:56The moment Adrian saw me,
00:31:58he stormed over,
00:31:59trying to use his height
00:32:00to intimidate me.
00:32:00How long are you going
00:32:02to throw this tantrum?
00:32:06The former Luna
00:32:07of the Hollow Valley Pack
00:32:10playing cheap nanny here?
00:32:13If you aren't embarrassed,
00:32:15I'm embarrassed for you!
00:32:18I have absolutely nothing
00:32:19to do with the Hollow Valley Pack
00:32:21anymore,
00:32:22Mr. Merson.
00:32:23Dressing up like that
00:32:24at the gala?
00:32:26You just wanted
00:32:26my attention,
00:32:27didn't you?
00:32:29Wanted to make me regret it?
00:32:30He took a deep breath,
00:32:31throwing on that arrogant,
00:32:33condescending look.
00:32:34Fine.
00:32:35I'll admit,
00:32:36the house is a mess
00:32:37without you.
00:32:39It's really inconvenient
00:32:41not having someone
00:32:41take care of things.
00:32:45I'll give you
00:32:46one more chance.
00:32:48Go in right now,
00:32:50pack your bags,
00:32:51and apologize
00:32:51to my mother and sister.
00:32:54I'll take you back.
00:32:57You won't have to serve
00:32:58someone else's pup anymore.
00:33:00I already told you.
00:33:02No.
00:33:06You still don't know
00:33:07where you went wrong?
00:33:09Guess you haven't
00:33:10suffered enough
00:33:12as a rogue wolf.
00:33:14I was about to bite back
00:33:15when a tiny figure
00:33:16shot out from the side
00:33:17like a little cannonball.
00:33:18Noah,
00:33:19who had just returned
00:33:20from the pup care center,
00:33:21threw his arms wide
00:33:22and planted himself
00:33:23firmly in front of me.
00:33:24She didn't do anything wrong.
00:33:27My mom is always right.
00:33:35Adrian and I both froze.
00:33:37Noah had never called me mum.
00:33:39But the moment he thought
00:33:40I was being bullied,
00:33:42his first instinct
00:33:43was to step up
00:33:44and protect me
00:33:44like a real man.
00:33:46I crouched down
00:33:47and pulled his small body
00:33:48into a tight hug.
00:33:50It took Adrian a while
00:33:51to find his voice.
00:33:52He looked furious.
00:33:55What did you just call her?
00:34:00Isn't she your nanny?
00:34:02Noah turned around,
00:34:03wrapping his arms
00:34:04tight around my neck,
00:34:06glaring at him.
00:34:07She is my mom!
00:34:11And I love her
00:34:12the most!
00:34:14After yelling that,
00:34:15he looked back at me,
00:34:16a little nervous
00:34:17but hopeful,
00:34:18and whispered,
00:34:22Evelyn,
00:34:23do you want to be my mom?
00:34:26I'll be really good
00:34:28from now on.
00:34:30I'll eat my food
00:34:32and I'll listen to you.
00:34:36My eyes instantly welled up.
00:34:39I do, my baby.
00:34:41Noah hugged me back
00:34:43with all his might,
00:34:44absolutely thrilled.
00:34:46The clean scent
00:34:48of a Black Ridge pup
00:34:49was no longer
00:34:49tainted by fear.
00:34:51All that remained
00:34:53was absolute trust
00:34:54and reliance.
00:34:57But Adrian sneered,
00:34:58acting like he'd just
00:34:59uncovered some shady conspiracy.
00:35:02Now I get it.
00:35:03You hypocritical bitch.
00:35:05You're using
00:35:06a motherless orphan
00:35:07to climb the social ladder.
00:35:09Using him to get
00:35:10into Rowan Hale's bed.
00:35:12Huh?
00:35:14Evelyn, I'm warning you.
00:35:16Rowan Hale is known
00:35:17for being cold-blooded
00:35:18and ruthless.
00:35:18If he finds out
00:35:19you're scheming
00:35:20against his heir...
00:35:22A long, powerful arm
00:35:24suddenly and effortlessly
00:35:25wrapped around my waist
00:35:26from behind.
00:35:29Mr. Mercer.
00:35:32The last time we were
00:35:33at the gala,
00:35:33you publicly humiliated
00:35:35my mate.
00:35:37That is why Black Ridge
00:35:38stopped purchasing
00:35:39from your family.
00:35:42I was going to leave
00:35:43you a way out.
00:35:44I didn't use my pack's power
00:35:45to completely blacklist
00:35:47your family.
00:35:49But you actually dared
00:35:51to show up
00:35:52at Black Ridge's gates
00:35:53today
00:35:54to threaten
00:35:55the woman
00:35:56under my protection.
00:35:59He stared coldly
00:36:01at the pale-faced
00:36:01Adrian.
00:36:04From this moment on
00:36:05you are permanently
00:36:07banned from
00:36:08Greyhoven territory.
00:36:10My guards will deliver
00:36:11this restraining order
00:36:12to the Hollow Valley
00:36:12Pack immediately.
00:36:13Adrian's body
00:36:14started shaking violently.
00:36:15Mate?
00:36:16She's just a rogue wolf.
00:36:18Rowan raised a hand,
00:36:20incredibly gently
00:36:21blushing stray hair
00:36:22from my face.
00:36:25Evelyn Vale.
00:36:27She is my registered mate.
00:36:29She is the mother
00:36:30chosen by my son.
00:36:31Whether or not
00:36:31she becomes the Luna
00:36:32of Black Ridge
00:36:33in the future
00:36:33is entirely her choice.
00:36:35And you,
00:36:36a stray dog
00:36:37abandoned by your own pack,
00:36:38what gives you the right
00:36:39to stand on my land
00:36:40and judge my family?
00:36:45Adrian flinched hard
00:36:46as if he finally saw
00:36:48the dark gold ring
00:36:49on my finger
00:36:49glimming coldly
00:36:50in the sunlight.
00:36:52See him out.
00:36:54If he ever comes
00:36:55near Evelyn again,
00:36:56inform me immediately
00:36:57and enforce the ban.
00:37:04With that,
00:37:05he leaned down
00:37:05and picked Noah up.
00:37:08With his other hand
00:37:09still placed firmly
00:37:10and gently
00:37:11on my back,
00:37:12he led us
00:37:13inside the stone manor.
00:37:19Back inside,
00:37:20I nervously stepped
00:37:21out of Rowan's embrace
00:37:22and led Noah
00:37:23back up to the second floor.
00:37:28Why did you come home
00:37:29so early today?
00:37:31You're usually still
00:37:33at the center right now.
00:37:35Noah's little face fell.
00:37:36Looking a bit wronged.
00:37:38Rowan told me
00:37:39to come home early.
00:37:41Why?
00:37:42He said you can't
00:37:43be following me
00:37:44around all day.
00:37:46He said you need
00:37:48your own life
00:37:49and time to rest.
00:37:52He also said
00:37:53I have to leave
00:37:54some time
00:37:55for you two to date.
00:37:58Or else,
00:37:59you'll never
00:38:00actually like him.
00:38:04I was just about
00:38:05to go ask Rowan
00:38:06why he was talking
00:38:07nonsense to the kid
00:38:08when an awkward cough
00:38:09came from the door.
00:38:11Rowan stood in the doorway.
00:38:12He looked as stoic as ever,
00:38:14but his throat
00:38:15bobbed tensely.
00:38:16Noah,
00:38:18go downstairs
00:38:18and eat your snacks.
00:38:20Don't bother Evelyn
00:38:21while she rests.
00:38:25Noah ran over
00:38:26and planted a loud kiss
00:38:27on my forehead.
00:38:28Mom,
00:38:28I'll come back
00:38:29and hang out with you
00:38:30after I'm full.
00:38:32He said it so naturally,
00:38:34but that long-lost word
00:38:36still made my heart flutter.
00:38:41After the kid left,
00:38:43Rowan walked in
00:38:44and sat in the chair
00:38:45across from me.
00:38:48Feeling any better?
00:38:51Much better.
00:38:54I took a deep breath.
00:38:56Today,
00:38:58thank you.
00:38:59But really,
00:39:00you don't need to jeopardize
00:39:02Black Ridge business interests
00:39:03just for me.
00:39:05I rejected a shameless
00:39:06businessman
00:39:07who lacked integrity
00:39:08and tried to pass off
00:39:09substandard drugs.
00:39:10Black Ridge's decisions
00:39:11are always based
00:39:12on the safety
00:39:13of our people.
00:39:14A proper alpha
00:39:16never compromises
00:39:17the pack's principles
00:39:18for personal gain
00:39:19or grudges.
00:39:21I finally felt
00:39:22completely at ease.
00:39:25As for the restraining order,
00:39:28if you think
00:39:29it's inappropriate,
00:39:30I can ask for it
00:39:31to be lifted.
00:39:32He tried to hurt you.
00:39:33If you think
00:39:34it's inappropriate,
00:39:35I can lift it.
00:39:37No.
00:39:38Keep it.
00:39:39A faint smile
00:39:40appeared in Rowan's eyes.
00:39:43There was quiet pride
00:39:44in them,
00:39:45like he was glad
00:39:46to see me finally
00:39:47standing up for myself.
00:39:49Alright.
00:39:50He leaned forward
00:39:51slightly
00:39:52and his rich cedar scent
00:39:54instantly wrapped around me.
00:39:55He was incredibly close,
00:39:57yet there was no
00:39:58forced pressure.
00:39:59Instead,
00:40:00he was impossibly gentle.
00:40:02Evelyn,
00:40:04I don't want to pretend.
00:40:07This is just some
00:40:08cold employment contract
00:40:09anymore.
00:40:13My heart started racing
00:40:14uncontrollably.
00:40:17I like you.
00:40:18I hope that one day
00:40:19you'll truly choose me
00:40:21as your partner.
00:40:22But I promise you,
00:40:24I will never use
00:40:25Noah's attachment to you,
00:40:27Blackrid's protection,
00:40:28or your right to stay here
00:40:29to force your hand.
00:40:31Even if you reject me
00:40:32in the end,
00:40:33every clause in that contract
00:40:35remains valid permanently.
00:40:38Those words brought me
00:40:39more peace
00:40:39than any sweet nothings
00:40:41ever could.
00:40:41He slowly raised his hand,
00:40:43stopping right before
00:40:44he touched my face.
00:40:46Can I kiss you?
00:40:47Looking into his deep,
00:40:48sincere eyes,
00:40:49I gave a small nod,
00:40:51but Rowan only pressed
00:40:52a restrained,
00:40:53gentle kiss
00:40:53to my forehead.
00:40:55Does this feel too much?
00:40:58No.
00:40:59Good.
00:41:00We'll take it slow.
00:41:02He tucked my blanket in
00:41:03and left the room.
00:41:04After he left,
00:41:06Ebba lightly stretched
00:41:07in my consciousness.
00:41:08This time,
00:41:09she wasn't rushing.
00:41:10She wasn't afraid.
00:41:12She merely let me feel
00:41:13exactly what I was feeling.
00:41:15A deep, burning desire
00:41:16as this powerful alpha
00:41:17drew closer.
00:41:21The next day,
00:41:23Noah happily left
00:41:24for the care center again.
00:41:26Before he left,
00:41:27he acted like a little adult,
00:41:29patting my hand
00:41:30and telling me
00:41:30not to miss him too much.
00:41:33My cold had completely
00:41:34cleared up.
00:41:35Rowan traded his usual
00:41:37immaculate suit
00:41:38for a cozy black musser
00:41:39and invited me
00:41:40to Greyhaven's
00:41:41private theater.
00:41:42Just a regular date,
00:41:44not some obligatory
00:41:45social event.
00:41:46Looking at him,
00:41:47the last shred
00:41:48of my defenses vanished.
00:41:50Okay.
00:41:51I'll go.
00:41:53Since I had already decided
00:41:54to leave the past behind
00:41:55and start over,
00:41:56I couldn't keep treating
00:41:57everyone's kindness
00:41:58and closeness
00:41:59like an abyss.
00:42:00The movie was
00:42:01a standard romance,
00:42:03a little cliche,
00:42:04but the theater was packed
00:42:05with young couples.
00:42:07When the leads kissed
00:42:09on the big screen,
00:42:10muffled giggles
00:42:11ribbled through the crowd.
00:42:12Rowan's hand rested
00:42:13on the armrest,
00:42:14close to mine,
00:42:15but he maintained
00:42:17a polite distance.
00:42:18He didn't force a touch,
00:42:20but his cedar scent
00:42:21had turned restless
00:42:23and his heartbeat
00:42:24was racing
00:42:24at more than twice
00:42:25its usual pace.
00:42:27The way he held himself back
00:42:29gave me the courage
00:42:30to make the first move.
00:42:32I turned my hand over,
00:42:35slipping my fingers
00:42:36into his palm,
00:42:37intertwining our hands.
00:42:38Celci.
00:42:42Are you sure, Evelyn?
00:42:44I didn't shy away.
00:42:46Instead,
00:42:47I tilted my head up
00:42:49and kissed him.
00:42:55At first,
00:42:56it was just a feather-light brush,
00:42:58but he only paused
00:42:59for half a second.
00:43:00Once he knew
00:43:01I wasn't pulling away,
00:43:02he took over,
00:43:03cradling the back of my head
00:43:04and deepening the kiss.
00:43:05The alpha's burning heat
00:43:07poured through his palms,
00:43:08his touch dominant
00:43:09yet incredibly patient.
00:43:10He kept his fangs
00:43:11retracted the entire time,
00:43:12making no attempt
00:43:13to leave a possessive
00:43:14bite mark on my neck.
00:43:15When the kiss broke,
00:43:17I leaned against his chest,
00:43:18passing.
00:43:20Are you going to ask
00:43:21every single time?
00:43:22Yes.
00:43:23Until you tell me
00:43:24I don't have to,
00:43:25we'll ask
00:43:25every time.
00:43:27I shot him
00:43:27a sideways glance,
00:43:29raising an eyebrow
00:43:30in suspicion.
00:43:32You don't kiss like a man
00:43:34with zero experience.
00:43:37The tall,
00:43:38formidable,
00:43:39Black Ridge Alpha
00:43:40suddenly showed
00:43:41a rare,
00:43:42uncharacteristic flash
00:43:43of clumsiness.
00:43:44I really
00:43:46have no experience.
00:43:48Then where did Noah
00:43:48come from?
00:43:50He froze for a second,
00:43:52then gently stroked
00:43:53my hair.
00:43:59I'll tell you
00:44:00everything when we
00:44:01get back.
00:44:01I figured it was
00:44:02a painful part of his past,
00:44:04so I didn't press it.
00:44:06On the way home
00:44:07that night,
00:44:08he never let go
00:44:09of my hand.
00:44:13A few days later,
00:44:15right after I put
00:44:16Noah to sleep,
00:44:17I got a text from
00:44:18Rodin asking me
00:44:19to come up
00:44:19to the third floor.
00:44:22When I opened
00:44:23the study door,
00:44:23warm yellow light
00:44:24spilled out.
00:44:26Two documents
00:44:27lay neatly side by side
00:44:28on the desk.
00:44:30One was a
00:44:31supplementary agreement
00:44:32voiding our
00:44:32contract mate restrictions
00:44:33and ensuring that
00:44:34all assets already
00:44:35in my name
00:44:36would remain mine
00:44:36permanently.
00:44:37The other was a draft
00:44:38for the Black Ridge
00:44:39Lunar Ceremony vows.
00:44:40It clearly outlined the
00:44:42rights and responsibilities
00:44:43of the Lunar.
00:44:44I want you to read
00:44:45everything first
00:44:46before you decide
00:44:48whether you truly
00:44:48want a future
00:44:50with me.
00:44:51I read it word by word,
00:44:53then looked up at him.
00:44:54If I sign this,
00:44:56what happens?
00:44:57The entire Black Ridge
00:44:58pack,
00:44:59and even the
00:45:00Northern Council,
00:45:01will publicly
00:45:02acknowledge you
00:45:02as our Lunar.
00:45:04You'll hold
00:45:04extensive decision-making
00:45:06authority,
00:45:06the authority to implement
00:45:08pup protection laws,
00:45:09and independent control
00:45:10over pack resources.
00:45:12Of course,
00:45:13you'll also bear
00:45:14the corresponding
00:45:15responsibilities.
00:45:18What about the mark?
00:45:22Only when you're
00:45:23completely ready
00:45:24and ask for it
00:45:26will I leave
00:45:27my Alpha Mark
00:45:28on your neck.
00:45:29This is just a vow
00:45:30within Black Ridge.
00:45:32It won't bind you
00:45:33with some mythical
00:45:34divine bond.
00:45:35I want you to choose me
00:45:37because you love me.
00:45:39not because of fate.
00:45:42He looked at me,
00:45:43his eyes brimming
00:45:45with restrained desire.
00:45:49Evelyn,
00:45:51you don't have to
00:45:52sign it right now.
00:45:54So you called me
00:45:55up here tonight
00:45:56just to show me this?
00:45:59No.
00:46:00I just...
00:46:01I really wanted
00:46:02to see you.
00:46:04That slightly childish
00:46:06confession made me laugh.
00:46:08I set the files down
00:46:09and took the step myself,
00:46:11diving straight
00:46:12into his arms.
00:46:14Roland,
00:46:15what if I just want you?
00:46:18Right now,
00:46:19and not all those
00:46:20heavy titles?
00:46:22His breathing
00:46:23instantly grew heavy.
00:46:26His repressed
00:46:27cedar scent
00:46:28exploded into the air,
00:46:30sweeping over me
00:46:30like a storm.
00:46:31Yet even now,
00:46:33he was careful
00:46:33not to cross any boundary
00:46:34that might make me
00:46:35uncomfortable.
00:46:36He looked down,
00:46:38his gaze so scorching
00:46:39it could almost ignite me.
00:46:41His voice was hustic,
00:46:43only uttering my name.
00:46:46Evelyn.
00:46:48Then he kissed me.
00:46:49His large hands
00:46:50gripped my waist,
00:46:51pulling me tight
00:46:52against his burning chest.
00:46:53Right before he
00:46:54completely lost control,
00:46:56he leaned by my ear,
00:46:57his voice trembling.
00:46:58Tell me,
00:46:59are you sure?
00:47:02I'm sure.
00:47:03Don't stop, Rowan.
00:47:04That night,
00:47:05all restraint and endurance
00:47:06completely collapsed.
00:47:08His kisses were
00:47:08storching and dominail,
00:47:10filled with a werewolf's
00:47:11undeniable possessiveness.
00:47:12But time and time again,
00:47:14he gently avoided
00:47:15the vulnerable skin
00:47:16of my neck.
00:47:17Even in the throes
00:47:18of passion,
00:47:18he kept his word.
00:47:19He never left
00:47:20a forced mark.
00:47:21It meant this was
00:47:22an entirely equal union,
00:47:23no superiority,
00:47:24no dominance.
00:47:28When the storm
00:47:29finally passed,
00:47:30I rested my head
00:47:31on his arm.
00:47:33Rowan kissed
00:47:33the top of my head
00:47:34and handed me
00:47:35the Luna Vowdraft
00:47:36once again.
00:47:37Now you can sign it.
00:47:41Didn't you just say
00:47:42there was no rush?
00:47:44Because I'm terrified
00:47:45you'll back out.
00:47:49I'm afraid you'll think
00:47:50I'm no different
00:47:51than that bastard Adrian.
00:47:53You two are
00:47:54completely different.
00:47:57I took the pen
00:47:58and neatly signed
00:48:00my name at the bottom
00:48:00of the vows.
00:48:03But I'm not accepting
00:48:04this title
00:48:05because you saved me.
00:48:07And I'm certainly
00:48:08not doing it
00:48:09for revenge
00:48:10against the Mercers.
00:48:11I know.
00:48:14I'm going to apply
00:48:15for that job
00:48:16at the care center.
00:48:20I'm keeping my independent
00:48:21accounts
00:48:23and I will always hold
00:48:25right to leave.
00:48:28It's all clearly
00:48:29written in the document.
00:48:31That's your freedom.
00:48:33If I don't agree,
00:48:35you don't get to make
00:48:36decisions
00:48:37for me.
00:48:40The Black Ridge Luna
00:48:42holds
00:48:42absolute veto power.
00:48:46I smiled too.
00:48:49Actually,
00:48:50I was drawn to you
00:48:52the second I saw you.
00:48:54But what really
00:48:55made me fall
00:48:57was watching you
00:48:58gently pull Noah
00:48:59out of the shadows.
00:49:02Watching you
00:49:03drag yourself
00:49:03out
00:49:04of the abyss
00:49:06step by step.
00:49:10Deep in my mind,
00:49:11Ember,
00:49:12who had been
00:49:12dormant for so long,
00:49:14slowly opened
00:49:15her eyes.
00:49:16She let out
00:49:17a clear,
00:49:18joyful howl,
00:49:20sprinting
00:49:20through my consciousness.
00:49:22This time,
00:49:23she wasn't responding
00:49:24to a bond
00:49:24forced on us
00:49:25by fate.
00:49:26She was responding
00:49:27to the man
00:49:27I had freely chosen
00:49:28with my own
00:49:29heart and soul.
00:49:34The Lunar Ceremony
00:49:35was set for the night
00:49:36of the full moon.
00:49:37When the moonlight
00:49:38was at its peak,
00:49:39Rowan and I
00:49:40entered the inner sanctum.
00:49:42There was no one
00:49:42else around,
00:49:43just flickering candles
00:49:45and a few highly
00:49:46extremed elders.
00:49:47The scent of ancient
00:49:49pine resin
00:49:49filled the air.
00:49:51This was the moment,
00:49:52the final,
00:49:53physical binding.
00:49:58Are you certain
00:49:59you accept this mark?
00:50:02This means that
00:50:03from now on
00:50:04your souls
00:50:05will completely
00:50:06share
00:50:08both pain
00:50:10and joy
00:50:12and Blackreege
00:50:13will honor you
00:50:14as its one
00:50:15and only matriarch.
00:50:20I'm certain.
00:50:21Do it, Rowan.
00:50:29The moment his fangs
00:50:30pierced my skin,
00:50:31a sharp ting
00:50:32sent an intense shiver
00:50:33through my entire body.
00:50:35My wolf let out
00:50:36a thrilled cheer
00:50:37in my mind,
00:50:38actively leaning
00:50:39into his power.
00:50:43The warm mark
00:50:44was complete.
00:50:47There was no
00:50:48forceful hand of fate,
00:50:50just the purest bond
00:50:52between two souls.
00:50:56Hand in hand,
00:50:57we walked onto
00:50:58the raised platform.
00:51:03Below us,
00:51:04thousands of Blackreege
00:51:05pack members
00:51:06erupted in deafening cheers.
00:51:08Rowan held my hand
00:51:10and declared
00:51:10our vows to everyone.
00:51:13I vowed to respect
00:51:14her every decision
00:51:15and never use
00:51:16an alpha's power
00:51:17to suppress her freedom.
00:51:20I vowed to do
00:51:21everything in my power
00:51:22to protect the pups
00:51:24and the weak
00:51:24of Blackreege.
00:51:26And I will always
00:51:28speak with fairness
00:51:28and integrity
00:51:30in the council hall.
00:51:36The Elder solemnly
00:51:37wrote my name
00:51:38in the ancient
00:51:39parchment registry,
00:51:41Evelyn Val Hale.
00:51:44Congratulations, Luna.
00:51:48Down below,
00:51:50Noah stood
00:51:50in a custom-tailored
00:51:52little suit,
00:51:53puffing his chest
00:51:54out proudly,
00:51:55as if he were the one
00:51:56who had just become alpha.
00:51:58Our ceremony
00:51:59echoed through
00:52:00the mind link
00:52:01to the entire
00:52:01Northern Territory.
00:52:03I thought it was
00:52:04a bit too high profile,
00:52:05but Rowan laced
00:52:06his fingers through mine,
00:52:08telling me with a gentle
00:52:09yet dominant tone.
00:52:10The Luna of Blackreege
00:52:12deserves the grandest
00:52:14declaration.
00:52:16I want the entire world
00:52:17to know
00:52:19that you are my one
00:52:20and only.
00:52:21No one
00:52:22will ever look down
00:52:23on you again.
00:52:27That night,
00:52:28my phone started lighting up
00:52:30like crazy again.
00:52:33I glanced at the familiar number,
00:52:35coldly blocked it for good,
00:52:36and shut my phone off.
00:52:40It was just the two of us
00:52:42left in the bedroom.
00:52:44Rowan sat on the edge
00:52:45of the bed.
00:52:47In front of the person
00:52:48he cared about most,
00:52:50this powerful alpha
00:52:51actually showed a rare hint
00:52:53of tension and nervousness.
00:52:56Evelyn,
00:52:58there's something
00:52:58I need to tell you
00:53:00right now
00:53:03about where Noah
00:53:05really came from.
00:53:10He held me close
00:53:11and explained softly.
00:53:13It turned out
00:53:14Noah wasn't his
00:53:15illegitimate son at all.
00:53:16He was the only child
00:53:17of his late sister,
00:53:19Maeve.
00:53:19Two years ago,
00:53:20his sister and her mater
00:53:21were brutally killed
00:53:22by rogues at the border.
00:53:24Rowan brought the orphaned boy
00:53:25back to Greyhove.
00:53:26To cut off any rumors
00:53:27and intimidate their enemies,
00:53:29he went along
00:53:30with the illegitimate son story.
00:53:31He used his alpha title
00:53:33to become the boy's
00:53:34soul's shield.
00:53:35He carries the most
00:53:36noble blood of the Hale family.
00:53:37I can't let anyone
00:53:38forget her.
00:53:39I don't have the right.
00:53:42I finally understood
00:53:44everything.
00:53:46Why this mighty alpha
00:53:47was so innocent
00:53:48when it came to romance.
00:53:49And why Noah
00:53:50so fiercely rejected
00:53:51every woman
00:53:52who tried to get close to him.
00:53:54I smiled,
00:53:55rolling over
00:53:55and pinning him beneath me,
00:53:57raising an eyebrow.
00:54:00So,
00:54:01the strongest alpha
00:54:02in the north?
00:54:03really hasn't had
00:54:04any other women?
00:54:06A suspicious blush
00:54:07crept up Rowan's
00:54:08handsome face again.
00:54:10He averted his glides,
00:54:11looking flustered.
00:54:13No.
00:54:15I smiled and kissed him.
00:54:21That's okay, my alpha.
00:54:22I'll teach you
00:54:24the rest of our lives.
00:54:32Three months later,
00:54:33I passed my evaluations
00:54:35and officially became
00:54:36program coordinator
00:54:37at the care center.
00:54:39Right after work one day,
00:54:40I took Noah
00:54:41to the neutral clinic
00:54:42for my routine checkup
00:54:43and to pick up
00:54:44my prenatal checkup results.
00:54:47Rowan was inside
00:54:48signing the paperwork.
00:54:49Mom,
00:54:50didn't the healer say
00:54:51your wolf was all better?
00:54:54Why do we still have
00:54:55to come to the clinic?
00:54:57I stopped and smiled,
00:54:59gently pinching
00:55:00his chubby cheek,
00:55:01because pretty soon
00:55:02we're going another
00:55:04to have another
00:55:06naughty little pup
00:55:07at home.
00:55:09Noah's eyes
00:55:10instantly lit up.
00:55:12He started dancing
00:55:12around in excitement.
00:55:14A little sister?
00:55:16We don't know yet.
00:55:17It has to be a sister.
00:55:20If it's a brother,
00:55:21I'm only half,
00:55:24giving him half my toys.
00:55:27But if it's a sister,
00:55:29I'll give her
00:55:30all my treasures.
00:55:33Then Mommy says
00:55:34thank you on her behalf,
00:55:35my little gentleman.
00:55:38Pregnancy had made
00:55:39my senses several times sharper.
00:55:42As we walked
00:55:43toward the parking lot,
00:55:44I caught a whiff
00:55:45of something
00:55:46incredibly sour
00:55:47and rotting.
00:55:48The scent of a rogue wolf
00:55:50without any pack protection.
00:55:53A man in tattered clothes
00:55:55with a scruffy beard
00:55:56limped out of the shadows.
00:55:59Evelyn.
00:56:01I stopped in my tracks,
00:56:03looking at this stray dog
00:56:04who couldn't even walk straight.
00:56:06I almost didn't recognize him
00:56:08as the once arrogant
00:56:09Adrian Mercer.
00:56:13Noah protectively blocked me,
00:56:15letting out a fierce,
00:56:16childish growl.
00:56:18I held onto Noah's shoulders,
00:56:20pulling him behind me
00:56:21and calmly looked at the man.
00:56:23Adrian,
00:56:23what happened to you?
00:56:24He suddenly dropped to his knees,
00:56:26bawling with absolutely
00:56:27zero dignity.
00:56:28Evelyn!
00:56:29Please help me!
00:56:31For the sake of the seven years
00:56:33we had together,
00:56:34please help me!
00:56:36the whole North knows.
00:56:38Rowan Hale listens to you now.
00:56:40Just one word from you.
00:56:42And Black Creek
00:56:43could save my family!
00:56:46Watching this man,
00:56:47who once made my life
00:56:48a living hell,
00:56:49begging at my feet
00:56:50like a dog,
00:56:51I felt no joy,
00:56:53nor did I feel any pity.
00:56:56That part of my heart
00:56:57was completely dead to him.
00:57:02Rowan had already told me
00:57:03the results of the investigation
00:57:04a few days ago.
00:57:07After Black Ridge
00:57:08permanently cut ties,
00:57:10the Neutral Healers Guild
00:57:11launched a full investigation
00:57:13into the Mercer's past potions.
00:57:15They found that
00:57:16to extract massive profits,
00:57:18the family had been supplying
00:57:19severely diluted,
00:57:20counterfeit
00:57:21silver poison antidotes
00:57:22for a long time.
00:57:23Just half a month ago,
00:57:25the beta of a mid-sized pack
00:57:27sustained a silver wound
00:57:28in battle.
00:57:30Because they used
00:57:31a defective Mercer antidote,
00:57:33the venom spiraled
00:57:34out of control.
00:57:37He died
00:57:38an agonizing death
00:57:39on the treatment table.
00:57:44This incident
00:57:45completely enraged
00:57:47the entire Northern Council.
00:57:48An investigative team
00:57:50stepped in immediately,
00:57:51seizing all of
00:57:52the Mercer family's assets.
00:57:54Adrian's sister
00:57:54had packed up
00:57:55the family's last secret funds
00:57:57and fled out of the territory
00:57:59right before the disaster struck,
00:58:01leaving Adrian
00:58:01with all the deaths
00:58:02and legal cases
00:58:04tied to the deaths.
00:58:05To protect themselves,
00:58:06the Hollow Valley Pack
00:58:07stripped them
00:58:08of their council seats
00:58:09overnight
00:58:09and banished them completely.
00:58:11None of this
00:58:12was Rowan's
00:58:13deliberate revenge.
00:58:14It was simply
00:58:15the bitter fruit
00:58:16of their own actions.
00:58:21Adrian crawled over
00:58:22like a madman,
00:58:23trying to grab
00:58:24the hen of my dress.
00:58:27I know I was wrong,
00:58:28Evelyn.
00:58:29Just ask Rowan
00:58:30to let us go
00:58:31and I'll do anything!
00:58:33Come back.
00:58:36I'll make you
00:58:37my one and only Luna.
00:58:39You'll have the highest
00:58:40place by my side.
00:58:41I stared down at him.
00:58:43Adrian,
00:58:44what are you really regretting?
00:58:45Losing me or
00:58:47or losing your
00:58:48high and mighty status?
00:58:51He opened his mouth
00:58:52but couldn't say
00:58:52a single word.
00:58:54The answer was obvious.
00:58:55The warriors who died
00:58:56from silver poisoning,
00:58:58they had wives
00:58:59and children too.
00:59:00You should have thought
00:59:01about this day.
00:59:02Diluted for profit.
00:59:04I'm not pleading for you.
00:59:07When you do something wrong,
00:59:09you pay the price.
00:59:10The last spark of hope
00:59:11in his eyes
00:59:12slowly died out.
00:59:13He collapsed on the ground
00:59:14like a pile of mud.
00:59:15I took Noah's hand,
00:59:17turned around,
00:59:18and never looked
00:59:19at him again.
00:59:24The old Evelyn,
00:59:25the one who would
00:59:26doubt herself
00:59:27over a single word
00:59:28or look from him,
00:59:29died long ago
00:59:31in the snow
00:59:32outside the gates
00:59:33of Hollow Valley.
00:59:34The clinic doors
00:59:35opened again
00:59:36and Rowan strode out,
00:59:38holding my
00:59:39prenatal care instructions.
00:59:41He naturally wrapped
00:59:43an arm around my waist,
00:59:44casting a cold glance
00:59:45at the crumpled
00:59:46Adrian on the ground.
00:59:47Want the guards
00:59:47to handle him?
00:59:49No need.
00:59:50I've said all I had
00:59:51to say.
00:59:52Rowan didn't add
00:59:52any extra punishment.
00:59:55He just held my hand.
00:59:56Noah grabbed
00:59:57my other hand,
00:59:58telling him all the way
00:59:59back that we were
01:00:00going to have
01:00:00a little sister
01:00:01at home.
01:00:02We walked toward
01:00:03the parking lot,
01:00:04together,
01:00:05behind us.
01:00:06Adrian never called
01:00:07my name again.
01:00:11Rowan's familiar
01:00:12cedar scent
01:00:13wrapped quietly
01:00:14around me.
01:00:15Eber stirred alertly
01:00:17at the familiar scent
01:00:18of Black Ridge ahead.
01:00:19I once thought
01:00:20that the night
01:00:20I was thrown out
01:00:21of Hollow Valley
01:00:22was the end of my world.
01:00:24Now I understood.
01:00:27A true home
01:00:28is never a piece
01:00:29of territory
01:00:30handed out as charity.
01:00:32It's the person
01:00:33standing right next to you.
01:00:34As long as he was here,
01:00:36I had nothing to fear.