Eighty Two

Micheal POV

I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease as I watched Rebecca's eyes narrowed into slits, her gaze fixed on Emily. I knew that look all too well, it was the same look she had given Ruth before she ruined her reputation.

Rebecca's father, the pack alpha, had arranged our marriage when we were just teenagers, solidifying the alliance between our packs. I had always felt trapped by this arrangement, but I had never mustered the courage to defy my parents.

Now, as I watched Rebecca's jealousy simmering just below the surface, I realized that I had to make a choice. I couldn't let her hurt Emily, not when I was starting to develop feelings for her myself.

"Rebecca, let's talk about this," I said, trying to reason with her.

But she just laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "You're defending her, Michael? After everything I've done for you?"

I took a deep breath, trying to calm her down. "Rebecca, this has nothing to do with us. It's about Vincent and Emily's relationship."

But sh