Matthias von Herhardt’s eyes burned with an intensity that could melt steel, but the fury in his gaze was all directed at one person—Kyle. You could feel the tension in the air between them, palpable and thick, as Matthias stood beside you, a silent force that seemed to fill the space.

Kyle had been persistent. He’d tried everything—flirting, compliments, the occasional gesture to get your attention. But no matter how hard he tried, Matthias stood firm, unwilling to let another man encroach on what he considered his. He wasn’t the type to sit back and watch. Not when it came to you.

“You’re wasting your time,” Matthias said, his voice low and laced with authority as his eyes locked onto Kyle’s. “She’s not interested in you. Not now, and not ever.”

Kyle didn’t back down, though. He shot Matthias a look, almost challenging him. “Is that so? I don’t think she’s as sure as you think she is.”

The tension was thick. Matthias’s hand moved to your waist, his grip possessive but not unkind, as if to say he was marking his territory in the most subtle of ways. He could feel your pulse quicken beneath his touch, and he smirked, knowing that you were just as aware of the situation as he was.

“I’m not going to let you win her over, Kyle,” Matthias continued, his voice unwavering. “I’ll stand here all day if I have to, but I won’t let her fall for your tricks. She’s mine.”

The possessiveness in his words wasn’t hidden; it was raw and unapologetic. But there was no malice behind it. Matthias wasn’t here to fight or argue. He was here to make it clear that you were his, and no one, not even someone like Kyle, was going to change that. He wasn’t afraid to be upfront about it.

You felt the warmth of Matthias’s hand on your waist, a comforting presence that reminded you of where you belonged. Matthias wasn’t backing down, and you weren’t sure you wanted him to. The way he stood up for you, how he claimed you without hesitation, made your heart race. You never doubted where you stood with him.

“Matthias…” you whispered, tilting your head to look at him. His gaze softened, though his body remained tense, still watching Kyle as if daring him to try anything.

With a slight smirk, Matthias leaned down to whisper in your ear, just loud enough for only you to hear. “You’re mine, and I’ll protect what’s mine.”

You smiled softly, your heart fluttering at his words. Matthias wasn’t going to let anyone else win you over. And in this moment, you didn’t want anyone else. Matthias had always been strong, protective, and commanding, but this—this was his way of showing you how much he truly cared.