MATTHEW's POV

　　Michael freezes in his tracks, his grip on Emma's hand loosening slightly as he turns to face me, surprise flashing in his eyes. Emerging from the shadows, I step forward, my gaze locked on his hand still clasping Emma's.

　　"What do you think you're doing here?" Michael demands, his tone defensive.

　　I ignore his question, my focus solely on Emma's safety. "Let go of her hand," I command, my voice firm and unwavering.

　　Michael's eyes narrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "And what if I don't?" he challenges, his grip on Emma tightening once more.

　　A surge of rage courses through me, a visceral reaction to the sight of Michael's hand wrapped around Emma's wrist. I can't explain the reason for this rage. Is it because I feel protective towards Emma or is it something more?

　　"Let go of her hand, Michael," I growl, my voice low and menacing. "Or I'll make you regret it."

　　Michael's gaze meets mine, defiance flickering in his eyes as he scoffs. "This is none of your business, Matthew," he retorts, his grip on Emma tightening. "It's the private matter of the Moon shade pack. I don't need someone from the Night Howlers pack to butt in!"

　　I grit my teeth, my anger simmering beneath the surface. "I am the Alpha of the Night Howlers Pack," I snap back, my tone laced with authority. "And I won't stand by while you mistreat Emma."

　　Michael's laughter rings out, a hollow sound that grates on my nerves. "And who are you to dictate what I do with my mate?" he sneers, his arrogance palpable.

　　I meet his gaze head-on, my own resolve unwavering. "You rejected her," I remind him, my voice firm. "She's no longer your mate."

　　Michael's annoyance is evident in the flicker of his eyes, and I can see the realization dawning on him that his private affairs are no longer private. The news of his rejection of Emma has evidently spread beyond the confines of the Moonshade Pack, infiltrating even the ranks of our adversaries.

　　I had suspected as much, given the rumors circulating about Emma's situation within her own pack. Still, it wasn't difficult to confirm the truth—I had my own sources, and Emma herself had been forthcoming about the rejection, though I had felt the need to verify her words.

　　Michael's argument cuts through the tension like a knife. "Rejected or not, Emma is still a member of the Moonshade Pack," he asserts, his voice dripping with authority. "As the Alpha of the Moonshade Pack, I can decide whatever I want to do with her."

　　I feel my own frustration bubbling to the surface as Michael tugs Emma forward, his grip tight and possessive. Without a second thought, I step between them, my instincts taking over. "Let her go," I command, my voice low and dangerous.

　　Surprised by my sudden intervention, Michael hesitates for a moment. But when he moves to assert his dominance, I don't hesitate to push back. With a forceful shove to his chest, I send him stumbling backward, releasing his hold on Emma in the process.

　　His eyes flash with fury, his wolf bristling beneath the surface. "You're crossing a line, Matthew," he warns, his voice laced with menace.

　　But I stand my ground, unwavering in my conviction. "I'm not crossing any lines," I retort firmly. "Emma is my mate."

　　With that declaration, I reach out and gently pull Emma closer to me. Emma gasps as her breasts crash on my chest, her warmth spreading to my arms. I can feel how soft her breasts are as they press against my flesh, and her curves as I hold her waist with one arm. The desire to pin her against a tree, and fondle her tits crosses my mind. Fenrir growls as if agreeing with the idea.

　　For a fleeting moment, I'm startled by my own words—Emma is my mate. It's a lie, a desperate bid to protect her, but in this moment, it seems to be our only defense against Michael's behavior.

　　As Michael stares at us in disbelief, his expression frozen in shock, I feel a surge of satisfaction. "It's not possible," he insists, his voice tinged with denial.

　　But Emma steps forward, her voice steady and resolute. "You rejected me, Michael," she reminds him, her gaze unwavering. "Why can't I have a second chance mate?"

　　I meet her glance with a sense of relief—she's playing along, understanding the necessity of our deception.

　　Michael's growl rips through the tension-charged air, his eyes flashing with unmistakable jealousy as he watches me draw Emma closer. For a moment, I can't help but smirk—his possessiveness only confirms what I've claimed.

　　"What do you think you're doing?" Michael demands, his voice tinged with anger.

　　"Just ensuring that Emma's safe," I retort, tightening my grip on Emma's waist. It is my way of showing him that she belongs to me now.

　　"Emma, come back here!" Michael orders, his alpha aura pressing down on her.

　　Emma stands her ground, her voice steady despite the pressure. "I'm not coming back." I can feel her body tremble as she fights against his command. Its impressive how she can battle an Alpha's command. Besides that, there's a look of disappointment in her eyes. She expected him to be better than this.

　　Emma is kind and naive. She believes that there is some goodness in Michael despite the way he has behaved with her so far. It saddens me to see her getting hurt but there's nothing I can do except protecting her at the moment.

　　"Let's go," I leave her waist, and she nods.

　　Michael does not say a word. His shock is evident as he watches Emma turn her back on him and walk forward with me.