Emma pov

　　Anger courses through my body like an unending flame, almost causing an eruption. The irritation with the witch's treacherous last-second trick makes me even more determined to uncover the truth through Milena. I feel every muscle in my body tense, adrenaline pulsing in my veins like thunder ready to break the sky. Eldras and Accalia share the same emotion within me, intensifying it even more.

　　"Answer me! Where did that bitch go?" I order with a shout, my voice echoing through the room like a strong thunderclap. Still holding Milena by the collar of her shirt, my grip is strong enough to crumple the fabric, almost tearing it.

　　The woman looks at me with wide, frightened eyes, her pupils dilated with fear. Terror is evident on her face, and it brings me a perverse satisfaction. The animalistic urge from Eldra and Accalia surfaces with euphoria, and my lupine claws emerge, sharp and ready to be used. I also feel my ears grow pointed, making me sensitive to every sound around me, especially Milena Golden's breathing before me. Her heart beats faster than a hummingbird's.

　　Milena gasps in fear, her breathing irregular as she tries to break free from my grip on her shirt.

　　"I… I don't know! I s-swear!" Milena stammers out the words in a desperate whisper. The fear in her voice is almost palpable, almost a beautiful melody to my ears. And it satisfies me. I want her to feel fear, I want her to feel terror, remorse, and pain for everything she did to me, to Ava, and even to Charlotte.

　　My eyes spark with rage towards Milena Golden, a fury burning with an almost unbearable intensity. I release her shirt with a shove, throwing her back onto the bed she was on, which belongs to Faylen. Milena falls awkwardly, her eyes wide and breathing rapidly, like a cornered animal. Yes, that's how I want her to feel.

　　"I can provide my men to search the area for clues of where the witch might be," Matthew suggests, his voice firm and controlled. His arms are flexed as he crosses them in front of his chest, every muscle well-defined under his skin. I almost lose my breath paying attention to his red lips as he speaks, a vibrant touch of color contrasting with the seriousness of the situation. The memory of how those lips of Matthew's can cause shivers and arousal in just the right places.

　　"That's our mate. An alpha like us, Emma." Eldra declares proudly, and I lightly shake my head, pushing aside the declaration for the moment.

　　"Not now, Eldra. It's not that simple, especially now. We need to stay focused on the situation with Milena. I need answers," I announce firmly in my mind to my newest wolf. My mind focuses on the need for information.

　　"Perfect. Brunno, you and Faylen can go with Alpha Matthew's men. You know our area well. You'll be able to guide them expertly," I turn my attention back to Matthew's suggestion.

　　Brunno and Faylen, who were a few steps behind Beta Liam and the elder, nodded and quickly left the room. Now, it's just me and Jordan, along with Matthew, Liam, and Dawson.

　　I sigh loudly as I turn my attention back to Milena Golden, who is sitting on the bed, looking at all of us with frightened eyes. Each of her breaths is a great reminder of the power we now have over her. I can smell the despair emanating from her.

　　"Well, I'll let you conduct the interrogation," I declare calmly, making room for Matthew to approach the woman.

　　However, Matthew places his hand on my shoulder, his touch causing an electric current of emotion and desire within me. How can a simple touch from him ignite something so deep inside me? A simple touch and I already feel euphoric.

　　"She messed with your life more than mine. I believe you have more to gain from the interrogation than I do… Alpha Emma," Matthew says, his voice laden with respect and even a touch of intimacy I know well. The way he says my title leaves me even more emotional, a mix of pride and vulnerability winding around my chest.

　　I hold my breath for a few seconds, controlling the storm of emotions bubbling inside me. I offer Matthew a friendly smile before resuming my inquisitor's stance towards Milena Golden. The air around us feels heavier, laden with almost tangible tension swirling around. The walls of the room, still needing painting and decorating, smell of paint from the living room, absorbing the echoes of our conversation. A light breeze comes through the slightly open window, bringing with it the fresh aroma of the plains. My senses, now heightened by the partial transformation, capture every detail.

　　"You saw what I did outside, so… if you don't want that to repeat, start talking," I demand firmly and authoritatively towards Milena. My eyes remain fixed on her, burning with determination and focus that won't accept excuses. The energy in the air becomes even more charged as if every particle around us is waiting for the inevitable explosion.

　　The woman clears her throat, and I notice her nervousness. She fiddles with the hem of her shirt, her hands trembling slightly. Her eyes are lowered to avoid looking at me or any other werewolf in the room. The tension in her shoulders is also visible, a tense curve that clearly shows her fear.

　　"When I was younger, I always had a crush on Alpha Tim Davis. Before he became alpha, of course," Milena begins to recount awkwardly, her voice almost a whisper. I even detect some disdain as she says it. "We only had one fling, before he got engaged and all that drama with the other wolf pack happened. Anyway, I didn't get what I wanted, to be with him forever. But I never forgot the love I felt for him, even after so many years."

　　I listen attentively to every word Milena Golden says. There is a weight of anguish in her voice, a growing shame painting her story. After all, being obsessed with a guy for over twenty years is indeed depressing.