Emma Pov

　　"Ladies and gentlemen of the council. In the last seven months, we've been preparing for this war. Our alliance with the Moonshadow Pack has been weakening, and their methods of leadership are abusive, extreme, and outdated," Matthew speaks with a more serious and firm voice. "A clear example is Emma herself, standing before you. A murder was committed on the Moonshadow Pack's land, and they didn't investigate it properly. They condemned and judged an innocent girl without enough evidence." Matthew points to me, and I feel even smaller with everyone looking at me.

　　I adjust myself in the chair I'm sitting in, trying to keep my nerves under control.

　　"We know the Moonshadow Pack has been stealing from and massacring smaller packs, always seeking the best advantage. We don't want to stay allied with that. We need to unify into one kingdom, under one leadership." Matthew continues, and I raise an eyebrow at his words.

　　So, that's what Matthew wants? To become a king? I look at him with more attention, more curiosity. Territorial domination is dangerous and very, very devastating. Lives are lost in the process.

　　"Alpha Matthew Anderson, she's still a member of the Moonshadow Pack, this cannot be ignored. After the surprise attack her pack attempted, I do not advise keeping her free to roam our territories, gathering information," Mrs. Dawson declares with coldness and anger in her voice.

　　"I will think about it, Mrs. Dawson. Now, everyone is dismissed." Matthew declares firmly.

　　I wait for all the elders to leave and see Matthew approaching me with more relaxed shoulders.

　　"Mrs. Dawson is very suspicious. Don't worry about her," Matthew says with a slightly cheerful voice, a gentle smile appearing on his lips.

　　I try to mimic him, but I still feel out of place and unwanted after the meeting. "I think I'd better go to my room," I inform, looking down and starting to walk away.

　　However, Matthew grabs me by the elbow, stopping me from moving forward. I look at him with a confused expression, but there's a softness in Matthew's features, even with the slight injuries on his face.

　　"I want to take you somewhere today, come with me," Matthew asks in a softer voice, and I nod in agreement. "Meet me at the front door in an hour, I need to fix my face first," Matthew says with a laugh, and I also let out a contained laugh.

　　When I meet Matthew at the front door of the main house, I am freshly showered and wearing tight light blue jeans, and a red camisole, and my hair is still damp and a bit unruly. Matthew, on the other hand, has a more casual style. His pants are light gray linen, and his shirt is a blue dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows. His hair is slightly more groomed, and the bruises that were on his face have completely disappeared.

　　My heart races in my chest at the sight of Alpha Matthew's beauty, especially when I approach and smell his incredible scent. I control myself from closing my eyes and breathing deeply near his neck, just to feel more immersed in his masculine aroma.

　　"Where are we going?" I ask curiously as we leave the house.

　　"You'll find out soon," Matthew comments playfully and mysteriously, increasing my curiosity even more.

　　He leads me to a more secluded area of the Night Howlers Pack territory. Near the garden where Charlotte and I once chased butterflies. Passing the garden, I notice a glass gazebo a few meters away from a small pond. The gazebo is illuminated with lanterns and hanging lights, creating a cozy atmosphere despite the darkness of the night.

　　I'm breathless at the beauty of the gazebo.

　　 Many flowers adorn the sides of the gazebo, and as we get closer, I see that a candlelit dinner has been set up inside.

　　"Matt…" I say, impressed by the decoration. "How did you do this?"

　　"I was already planning all of this before today's events. I wanted to make use of your gift a little more," Matthew responds close to my ear, his warm breath tickling me and sending a shiver of desire through my body.

　　Throughout the dinner, I'm impressed by the details. But my heart still hammers from the events of earlier today. The accusations made.

　　"Relax, Emma," Matthew whispers beside me.

　　"I am relaxed," I retort, and Matthew laughs. "Okay, I'm a little relaxed. It's just that, Matt, I don't,"

　　Matthew interrupts my words with a soft kiss on my lips. It leaves me astonished and wide-eyed, and he pulls back just a few centimeters. "You didn't do anything wrong, Emma. Just stay here with me, in this moment. Can you do that for me?"

　　Matthew's green eyes shine at me, and I feel my heart flutter inside me. "Here and now?" I whisper to him as Matthew's lips come closer to mine.

　　"Here and now. Stay, Emma." Matthew growls softly before his lips touch mine.

　　His tongue deliciously invades my mouth. My hands go to his shoulders, pulling Matthew closer to me. My lips against his are a perfect fit.

　　I feel whole again as Matthew's hands begin to roam my body. I don't know how we moved from the chairs to the sofa filled with cushions in the gazebo, but there we were.

　　"Matt…" I moan excitedly in Alpha Matthew's ear as he bites my neck and runs his hot, rough tongue over my skin.

　　I quickly remove Matthew's pants as soon as I feel his rigid cock against my thigh. Our clothes are thrown aside, and even with the gazebo's doors open and a cold wind passing through, making my nipples harden, I don't care.

　　Matthew turns my body, making me straddle him. My pussy is already throbbing to sit on his hard, firm cock. The fit is perfect, making me moan loudly as I feel him penetrate me.

　　"Fuck, I missed feeling you inside me, Matt," I mutter as I ride Alpha's cock. Matthew's hands squeeze my breasts, and he pulls me closer, lying me down as he begins to thrust deeper inside me.