Emma's Pov

　　Hours pass, and the board fills with the names of wolf packs, not only our allies but also the more distant ones on the continent. The meeting room, with its deep wine color, seems to envelop us in a firm embrace as if the walls themselves were attentive to our discussions and strategies.

　　"Everyone, let's take a break, okay?" I request, after feeling my stomach growl, a silent reminder that time had passed without my noticing.

　　Matthew sends me a text asking if I want to go out for lunch with him. "I need to step out, and we all need to eat something."

　　My entire group agrees unanimously, and we part ways. A few minutes later, outside my main house, I watch Matthew drive up to the entrance. The afternoon sun glints off his windows. He gets out of the vehicle, and I lose my breath seeing how handsome my fiancé looks.

　　His black hair is slicked back, his beard neatly trimmed, and well-defined on his face. He wears aviator sunglasses that let me see even my reflection. Matthew's attire is sporty: khaki shorts and a light blue polo shirt. The combination highlights his athletic physique and the natural confidence he exudes.

　　"Wow, but I have such a hot fiancé, gosh!" I declare proudly, approaching Matthew to kiss him quickly on the lips. The touch is brief but full of affection and desire.

　　He laughs and takes my hand, making me spin in front of him.

　　"Nah, I'm the one with the most beautiful fiancée around, for sure! This dress, I can't wait to take it off you," Matthew teases, squeezing my butt with enthusiasm, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

　　The dress I'm wearing clings to my body, white with cherry prints, with puffy straps that fall off my shoulders. Matthew's compliment makes me laugh sincerely, as he opens the passenger door for me, always a gentleman.

　　"So, how was your day, my love?" Matthew asks curiously as we sit at the restaurant table.

　　The place is beautiful, and we are seated in the open-air area, full of trees and umbrellas. The environment is refreshing and surprisingly quiet, even for lunch hour when many tables are occupied. I give him a tired smile, recalling the exhausting meeting about expanding alliances for Stonehaven Pack.

　　"Quite busy," I begin, my fingers playing with the napkin on the table. "My inner circle and I were looking into… well, I'm not sure if you'd be interested in hearing," I comment a bit hesitantly. I know Matthew desires to create a monarchy, with him as king.

　　But my plan is just an equal, peaceful union, as we once were.

　　Matthew raises an eyebrow and places his crossed arms on the table, "Anything involving you interests me, Emma. What is it?" he asks with curiosity, and I feel encouraged to tell him. I feel excitement and warmth spread through my body, seeing his genuine interest.

　　My fiancé's eyes are focused on every word I say as I explain the concept of my plan. I can't help but feel a surge of happiness sharing this plan with him, even though I'm a bit apprehensive about his agreement.

　　Matthew opens a welcoming smile and reaches out his hand across the table; I take it, and our fingers intertwine. "Emma, you are dazzling. This dream of yours won't be easy,"

　　"Objective. Not dream, objective," I gently interrupt, and Matthew gives me another smile, nodding.

　　"Right. This objective of yours won't be easy to achieve, but I believe it's possible. I fully support your choice, this journey,"

　　"Really?" I ask, impressed, making Matthew laugh.

　　"Really. I learned my lesson after the last confrontation. You're right, Emma. Peace doesn't come from war, but from something more powerful than that," Matthew declares confidently, and I feel my heart swell with happiness.

　　"So, you'd help me make this a reality?" I ask, my voice more animated.

　　"Of course! You're my mate, my fiancée. Of course, I'll be by your side for whatever's necessary, Emma," Matthew responds with conviction, kissing my fingers tenderly. Our eyes don't stray from each other, and I see a sea of unspoken promises in our exchange of glances.

　　During lunch, between bites of delicious food, Matthew and I discussed strategies to implement my plan for a more peaceful union among the wolf packs. The restaurant around us is an oasis

　　of tranquility, with birds singing and leaves rustling, creating a serene symphony.

　　"With my influence, we can arrange a meeting with the three largest wolf packs and the smaller ones too. What do you think?" Matthew suggests excitedly, and I feel a nervous flutter in my stomach.

　　"A meeting…" I ponder this possibility for a few moments. "I think it's the only way to get everyone's attention, isn't it?"