Ava's Pov

　　I put on an angelic smile and settle better on the sofa, pulling my legs to rest against the soft cotton pillows. The soft fabric against my skin seems to calm the turmoil inside me a bit.

　　"Incredible. We did hair, and nails, gossiped about boys! The usual!" I lie animatedly and playfully. "And here? Did Dad return from that meeting Emma demanded?"

　　I notice my brother's jaw tense when I mention Emma's name. His eyes flash with something I imagine to be either desire or hatred for her. This is a dangerous mix that seems always about to explode when her name is mentioned.

　　"He sent a message about it! Emma managed to secure the peace treaty!" Michael replies angrily. "That son of a bitch Matthew, he definitely manipulated Emma into doing this. Besides taking her from me, and getting engaged to her, now he's using her like this!"

　　"But a peace treaty is good. Losing lives is very cruel, Michael. Haven't we lost enough?" I question worriedly, trying to ease the tension.

　　Michael shakes his head and scoffs disdainfully, "They are just lackeys, Ava. You don't understand. There can't be peace among werewolves, not this way. Not through Matthew, he's a two-faced manipulator. Emma doesn't see that; she thinks he's a hero, a nice werewolf!" Michael accuses angrily.

　　I squirm on the sofa at my brother's harsh words against the love of my life, Matthew. I want to say he's just jealous because Emma is with Matthew, and I understand his frustration. I also don't see Emma as an incredible savior like my brother does. But that's what love does, right? It shows us the truth about people.

　　The truth is that Matthew is amazing, and captivating, my mate.

　　"What do you intend to do, brother? Matthew has powerful allies now with the treaty. You can't just oppose that. Dad wouldn't allow it," I state firmly. I try to sound rational and spare Matthew from my brother's insane wrath.

　　"I will eliminate that son of a bitch, rest assured Ava. He will be killed by my own hands if that's what it takes to get Emma back," Michael declares eagerly. His voice is so filled with hatred that I become scared.

　　"Michael, you can't kill Matthew. That will spark a new war. That will bring huge consequences," I retort, frightened and apprehensive.

　　Michael approaches me and sits in the armchair next to me, his eyes burning with rage, jealousy, and vengeance. The lamp's light reflects in his eyes, giving him an almost demonic appearance.

　　"I can do whatever I want, Ava. Have you forgotten who I am, by any chance?" his voice is low and intimidating. "If I want to have Emma back, I will have her back. If I want that son of a bitch dead, I will have that son of a bitch dead. There's nothing I can't have, got it? NOTHING!"

　　My body trembles with his final shout, and I rise quickly from the sofa, anger growing inside me like an uncontrollable fire. I can't allow my brother to kill Matthew, all because of Emma who doesn't want him back.

　　"You are insane, did you know that? Completely insane!" I declare angrily and leave the room, heading straight to my room, the sound of my steps echoing in the silent hallway.

　　"What do you intend to do, Ava?" Mia, my wolf, asks with a frightened voice, and I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

　　"I will go after that witch Emily used to create the swapping spell," I inform thoughtfully, pacing back and forth in my room. The shadows dance on the walls, reflecting my restlessness.

　　"What do you plan to do with that woman, Ava? She took our life because of Emily," Mia responds desperately and fearfully. However, I shrug.

　　"Can't you see, Mia? The crux of the matter we are all involved. Michael wants Emma back, and I want Matthew. For me to get what I want, I can't let Emma stand in my way anymore. The witch will help me with that," I declare with certainty. My focus and determination becoming clearer within me with each step I take.

　　I feel the room closing in around me, the air heavy with the scent of wax and old wood. I approach the window and look at the dark night outside, the stars shining with such eagerness as if they themselves were trying to talk to me, to help me with my plan.

　　"Look, Mia. Even the stars want Matthew to be mine," I declare enthusiastically.

　　I am willing to do anything to have Alpha Matthew Anderson by my side. And no one, not even Emma, my former friend, will stop me from achieving that.