Chapter 26: A Storm Brewing

Dante didn't sleep that night.

He stood in his office, staring at the map of their borders, his mind racing, his body still vibrating with the mate bond's energy.

"You look like hell."

Dante turned sharply, his eyes narrowing as Chase Peterson leaned against the doorway, arms crossed.

"What do you want?" Dante muttered, running a hand through his hair.

"I want to know what the fuck is going on with you and Bella."

Dante's jaw ticked.

"Nothing."

Chase arched a brow.

"You're growling at the walls, your mate is gone, and you expect me to believe that?"

Dante exhaled slowly, trying to steady himself.

"She's upset."

"No shit."

Dante glared at him.

Chase held up his hands.

"Look, man, I get it. You finally marked her. But she's not the type to take that lightly. You knew she wasn't ready."

Dante let out a low, dangerous growl.

"I waited long enough."

Chase studied him for a long moment.

"Did you wait for her, or did you wait for you?"

Dante froze.

Chase sighed, pushing off the doorframe.

"You think marking her means the fight is over, but it's just getting started, Dante." His voice was serious.

"You wanted her to surrender. But what if you're the one who has to?"

Dante's hands tightened into fists.

Because for the first time—

He realized he might have just made the biggest mistake of his life.

And the worst part?

He didn't know how to fix it.