Daniel Pov

　　The young man is with Emma in his arms, laying the alpha in the back seat of the car. The last time I saw him, the situation wasn't much different. The streetlights cast shadows on James's tense features. Doesn't this kid learn from his own mistakes, for fuck's sake? The street is quiet, with only the distant sound of cars passing by and the wind gently rustling the trees.

　　James turns his body, his eyes widening as he notices my presence. "Hey, you…" James points at me with a fake smile on his lips, "Your name is Daniel, isn't it?" The dim streetlight highlights his pale face, creating an unsettling contrast.

　　"Yes, and what the hell are you doing with Alpha Emma?" I demand, dropping the shopping bags on the ground. The bags fall with a muffled thud, but none of the clothes spill out. Anger and disbelief begin to bubble inside me, my fists clenching instinctively.

　　James's expression darkens, and he raises his clenched fists to confront me, making me laugh derisively. I crack my neck, stretching for the intervention I'm about to make. The cold night wind chills my skin, but the adrenaline in my blood keeps me warm.

　　"Listen here, asshole. Emma is my sister, I do what I damn well please with her, got it?" James snaps, advancing toward me. His body trembles with rage, while mine is filled only with the fury of what I'm witnessing now.

　　I click my tongue in disapproval and shake my head, "No, you little shit. Emma is an alpha, and as far as I know, your shitty wolf pack isn't allied with hers. You're not taking your sister. You're kidnapping an alpha who is my ally," I declare firmly. My claws emerge shortly after my words. "You choose how you want your ass kicked, kid. Because either way, you're not taking Alpha Emma."

　　Despite my warning, James decides to risk confronting me. I have to give him credit for his stupidity and courage, thinking he could take me on. His first attempt to throw a punch at me is completely thwarted as I dodge swiftly, landing a punch to his stomach. James staggers back, and I seize the opportunity to hit him in the face. The impact is strong, making James let out a muffled groan.

　　The dim streetlights help maintain the advantage of the low-lit parking lot, which is almost empty. Adrenaline courses through my body, and Remus is ready to give me more power if necessary. I let James advance, dodging his attack again and bringing my leg straight to his side, hitting his rib. James falls to the ground, and I bring my clenched fists towards his face until he is unconscious. The smell of blood mixes with the cold night breeze, leaving a metallic aroma in the air.

　　My breathing is heavy as I rise from James's unconscious body. I head towards his car and see that Emma is unconscious. Her face is peaceful as if she were merely sleeping, but worry dominates my thoughts.

　　"What did that idiot do to you, queen?" I question aloud, observing Emma's pale face. I look around for a place where I can protect Emma. After all, I can't take her back to the Stonehaven Pack on my motorcycle.

　　"There's a hotel across the street," Remus comments in my mind, and I look over the car, searching for the establishment.

　　At the end of the street, I see the sign of a hotel with available rooms, and I smile at my wolf's sharpness.

　　"What would I do without you, huh, Remus?" I ask humorously, bending into the car to pick Emma up in my arms. Emma's head rests on my shoulder, and I can feel the gentle rhythm of her breathing against my skin, stirring conflicting feelings within me.

　　"A dead guy a long time ago, Daniel," he replies sarcastically, and I chuckle.

　　With Emma in my arms, I hope she wakes up, but it doesn't happen. I also grab the shopping bags and head across the street. The night is cold, and clouds are now forming in the starry sky, cars speeding by on the avenue.

　　The hotel is a tall building with nearly thirty floors, well-lit and luxurious. The lights from the rooms shine through the windows, like stars reflected from the building. I hold Emma closer as I reach the reception. The main area of the reception has a spacious lounge with many armchairs, sofas, and tables scattered around. There's a huge chandelier near the main stairs further back in the reception, hanging from the high ceiling and emitting a warm glow. Soft music plays, making the environment even more pleasant, as if it were there to calm the nerves of those who enter. The feeling is at least affecting me.

　　"Hi, good evening. Could I get a room with two beds, please?" I ask the young receptionist. The girl's eyes widen when she sees Emma in my arms. I smile at the young receptionist and make up an excuse, "She got too excited with the shopping and ended up falling asleep. You women always surprise me."

　　I know I have an almost hard-to-ignore charm, and with that in my favor, I say cheerful and seductive words to the receptionist, who quickly hands me the room key. She smiles shyly, without asking any more questions.

　　"Just follow this corridor to the elevator. Your room is on the first floor," she informs me before handing over the room keys.

　　I thanked her and followed the given instructions. I walk through the luxurious, well-lit corridor, moving slowly towards the elevator. I observe my reflection with Emma in my arms, wanting so badly to kiss her and tell her how I feel.

　　As I enter the elevator, I look at Emma, who is still asleep, a mix of worry and protectiveness growing even more in my chest. The elevator starts to rise. As soon as we reach the first floor, I search for our room, which ends up being at the end of the corridor.

　　The room is spacious, indeed with two double beds. The smell of recent cleaning quickly reaches my nose. I lay Emma on the bed and touched her forehead, gently caressing her cheek and whispering her name with affection.

　　"Emma, Emma, wake up. It's me, Daniel. I need you to wake up, queen," I say softly, my fingers brushing her face, tempted to lightly trace them over her soft lips.

　　Emma's breathing is slow, and I notice that her skin is a bit feverish.

　　"She was probably drugged, Daniel," Remus deduces, causing even more concern.

　　"Emma has a very shitty brother," I declare aloud.