Chapter 28: ; Reward Me

As soon as Cheska changed back into her human form, she stammered, "Matthew De Silva... I-why did you do that?" She felt her body tense up, wondering if she had lost control once again. However, this time she remembered every sight, sound, and feeling.

Cheska couldn't help but feel frustrated with herself. "But I can't control myself," she thought. She then looked at her opponent, who was now back in his human form and unconscious on the ground.

Matthew smiled at Cheska while caressing her face. "You missed my heart," he commented before falling to the ground.

"Oh god, I'm sorry... please don't die..." Cheska muttered on her knees while holding Matthew's body. She feared the worst but was relieved when he started laughing.

"I told you, you missed my heart, so I won't die from this injury," he stated and rubbed his pierced chest. Matthew had miscalculated the events, and to protect everyone, he had stepped in, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

"I don't understand why you would do that," Cheska said, looking at him with confusion.

"I must protect you and the pack," Matthew replied, still lying on the ground.

Cheska couldn't help but feel grateful for his sacrifice. "Thank you," she said, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Of course," Matthew said, smiling weakly. "It's what I do."

Cheska's remorse was overwhelming, and tears flowed freely down her face. "I'm sorry, I thought I could control it— but seeing him mocking me, I forgot everything..." she said through sobs.

Matthew looked at her with fondness before turning to where Cheska's mother had appeared.

"Matthew, are you okay?" Luna Maurice asked worriedly as she took off her blazer and wrapped it around Cheska's body.

"Nothing to worry about. I'm healing," Matthew replied, his speech improving as his wound slowly closed. "Aunt, can you check on the guy? I blocked Cheska's attack, but she still caught him..."

Cheska couldn't bring herself to look at her mother because of the guilt she felt. "I'm sorry, Mom..." she uttered, still bowing her head in shame.

"Why? It's not your fault that you're strong and he's weak..." Luna Maurice responded calmly, surprising Cheska with her understanding tone.

Here's a paraphrased and proofread version of your text:

Cheska couldn't believe her mother wasn't angry with her, but she was too ashamed to look in her mother's eye.

'Is my mother not angry? But why? I was this close to ending Matthew and that guy's life,' she thought to herself. As she looked at the wolves that were still surrounding them, Cheska realized that Matthew had known this would happen.

She held Matthew in her arms and looked into his eyes as she spoke her sentiments. Tears flowed down her face once again, so she quickly wiped them away before covering Matthew's still-bleeding chest.

"Cheska..." Matthew called out as he felt his recovery speed up. "Don't think too much. This is not your fault... It's not a sin to be strong," he affirmed with a sly smirk on his face.

"How could you say that? I almost killed you..." Cheska snorted.

To ease her heart, Matthew stood up as if nothing had happened. "You almost killed me? I'm sorry to disappoint you, but you need more than that to kill me..."

The pack members gave way to Matthew as he stood up.

"Alpha, I thought no one could interfere? Looks like you don't care about your words..." Charles commented as soon as he saw Matthew.

"I cannot bear the thought of witnessing young wolves perish under my watch. They are the future of the pack, and every life is valuable. Additionally, I do not want Cheska to bear the burden of taking a life," Matthew replied to Charles, his eyes scanning over the pack members before signaling for them to withdraw.

The pack members were left bewildered, murmurs and comments flying around as they tried to make sense of what had just happened.

"Did Cheska win? How come she's standing while her opponent is on the ground?" one participant questioned in shock.

"Maybe the Alpha knocked out her opponent, but if you look at Matthew, he's also injured..." another chimed in, confusion etched on their faces.

Despite the curiosity of the pack, Matthew refused to divulge any further information on the incident, redirecting their attention toward the next participant.

"Since the last fight is over, the next participant needs to prepare," he stated before turning away.

As the program continued, Matthew and Cheska made their way to retrieve her clothing and a palpable silence between them.

"What's wrong? You're quiet," Matthew asked, noticing Cheska's silence.

"You're asking me that? You know something's bothering me. And because of this, I always end up putting you in danger," Cheska replied, her steps quickening.

"I can't deny that there's something peculiar about you, especially since you're the only woman who's ever rejected me," Matthew teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"This isn't the time to joke around, Matthew! I put you in danger twice...you almost died! All because I couldn't bring myself to kill that crazy bastard!" Cheska burst out furiously.

As she held onto Matthew, she felt his blood seep through her fingers, and she thought she was going to lose her mind. She couldn't shake the image of his smile when her claws sank into his chest. She knew she had hurt him, but her movements were too quick to undo the attack.

"My dear Cheska, if you feel sorry for me, perhaps you can give me a little reward," Matthew responded, ignoring her sulking.

Cheska is disheartened to see Matthew in this state. She couldn't understand why everyone was so amazed by his actions. 'Where was the feared Matthew De Silva? she couldn't help but wonder.

Choosing not to answer him, Cheska picked up her dress and began to get dressed. The program wasn't over yet, and she still had to prepare.

"Hey...I'm still waiting for my reward," Matthew called out, not letting her go that easily as he pinned her against a boulder.

Cheska's eyes widened in surprise, immediately becoming nervous. "What are you doing?" she asked, confused. They were alone behind the rock, and anyone could witness their intimate moment.

"You said I almost died twice because of you. So, you should reward me," Matthew whispered in her ear, his breath hot against her skin.

Cheska's body shuddered as Matthew's breath sent goosebumps over her skin. She knew what was about to happen, and she didn't want to repeat the same mistake.

"Please, not now. Everyone's here, so let's not fool around," Cheska pleaded urgently, feeling her chest constrict as she struggled to breathe. She couldn't believe what was happening to her, the mere presence of Matthew making her lose her sanity.

"I'm not playing around, Cheska. All I'm asking for is my reward," Matthew replied, his intense gaze unwavering.

Cheska felt like she was about to die. How could she deny Matthew De Silva's seductive eyes? She was powerless against him.