Emma Pov

　　My scream echoed through the corridor, the sound reverberating off the wide walls and freezing Matthew in place. His eyes, filled with so much fury and hatred, locked onto mine as I approached him. His hand was raised, ready to punch Daniel. The muscles in his arm were tense, and I noticed scratches on his skin, his expression a mix of rage and despair.

　　"Emma..." Matthew mumbled my name, his voice hoarse and tired, my mate's breathing heavy and rapid. Each inhale seemed to absorb all the tension from the environment. His aggressive presence filled the silent corridor, creating an almost palpable aura of danger. His hand moved toward my face, his bruised and warm fingers caressing my cheek with unexpected gentleness. "Emma..." he repeated my name as if he couldn't believe I was here, in front of him, safe and awake.

　　I placed my hand on top of his, pressing it against my skin. Time slowed around us, the wave of internal emotions balancing with the momentary calm of his touch. My heart, which had been pounding in my ribs and chest with fear and uncertainty, now calmed at the feel of my mate's touch. I felt a wave of relief seeing him here in front of me. The corridor seemed to shrink a few centimeters, the atmosphere becoming more welcoming, even if only for a few precious seconds. A sense of relief washed over my body.

　　"He, he..." Matthew questioned with his voice still hoarse and more severe. I could feel the words trembling, hatred resurfacing. His eyes moved to Daniel behind me. "Did he hurt you, Emma?"

　　I broke away from Matthew's comforting and loving touch, shaking my head to deny the accusation in his question. I took a few steps toward Daniel and helped him up, though it wasn't really necessary. Daniel and Jordan were nearly identical in physique, strong and muscular.

　　Daniel's face had a cut on the lip, just like Matthew's. Both were injured, the smell of blood mingled in the air, and I could almost taste the metallic and bitter flavor on my lips.

　　As I helped Daniel up, Matthew growled in disapproval, but I didn't let that intimidate me.

　　"Emma, get away from him, now!" Matthew commanded with an animalistic growl, his eyes glowing with wolf power. Matthew took a few steps toward me and reached out to grab me, but I quickly moved away. His eyes were shocked, and his brow furrowed.

　　"Matthew, stop this," I pleaded with a hurt and resentful voice. "Daniel didn't do anything wrong."

　　"Emma, you were unconscious. You have no idea how I found you in that room. This pervert was undressing you and..." Matthew declared accusatorily and angrily.

　　"I was changing Emma into warmer clothes, you idiot!" Daniel interrupted with irritation in his voice.

　　They both tried to lunge at each other again, but I remained in the middle, trying to break up their useless argument. A guest exited their room near where we were, the man's eyes widening at the scene we were creating.

　　I flashed an awkward, apologetic smile and wished him a good night as he headed to the elevator.

　　"You two, enough of this nonsense!" I ordered seriously, placing my hands on each of their chests, creating enough space to prevent them from attacking each other.

　　"Matthew, Daniel is telling the truth," I said in a calmer voice. Matthew opened his mouth, ready to refute me, but I continued, not letting him interrupt, "Yes, I was unconscious. But Eldra, my second wolf, wasn't. She saw everything. Daniel saved me from my brother James," I explained with a more serious and less emotional tone. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other as I recounted the situation. "That jerk brother of mine tricked me, making me believe he was apologizing. In reality, he drugged me, and it seems it was a contaminated potion. It knocked me out for several hours."

　　Matthew's eyes grew darker with each word I spoke, while Daniel's eyes became ominous, and threatening. Both showed anger at every detail I shared about what James had done.

　　"Daniel brought me here to take care of me, Matthew. I was burning up with fever, shivering, and everything," I continued, turning my face to Daniel. "Thank you, Dan. For taking such good care of me. I don't know how I can repay such kindness."

　　Daniel smiled warmly, which made my heart swell, his hand seeking mine and intertwining our fingers affectionately. My heart skipped a beat for a few seconds at this gesture.

　　"I only need one thing in return, Emma, for what I did for you," Daniel said softly, his words gentle.

　　"And what would that be?" I asked, curious, raising an eyebrow at his declaration.

　　"That you know I'm in love with you," Daniel announced calmly, and my heart leaped out of my chest, leaving me breathless for a few seconds. My eyes widened at the declaration I wasn't ready for or had any idea about. "I love you, Emma," Daniel's hand reached for my face but stopped midway when the sound of a phone ringing broke the moment.

　　I sighed in relief at the interruption, Daniel noticed this, and I saw the pain in his eyes.

　　"You've got to be kidding me," Matthew grumbled behind me, and Daniel shot him a cold look.

　　"Unfortunately, Emma, I need to take this call. I'm glad you're up and aware that there are always other options. A new love to call your own," Daniel said quietly, his blue eyes sparkling like falling stars.

　　I didn't know how to respond, but Daniel didn't wait for an answer anyway. He answered the call and left the corridor, taking the stairs. I watched him leave, my heart still racing from the revelation.

　　Daniel loves me?

　　"I didn't see that coming," Eldra commented in my mind.

　　"Neither did I," Accalia agreed.

　　I shook my head, trying to dispel the conflicting emotions threatening to surface. I felt a soft, comforting touch on my waist that I knew very well.

　　Matthew pulled me to him, forcing me to turn my body so that our bodies met in a warm and loving embrace.

　　"Thank you for coming here for me," I whispered in gratitude.

　　"I would go to hell for you, Emma," Matthew declared in my ear, his lips soon finding mine.