Chapter 31: No More Running

Bella felt everything at once.

The heat of Dante's skin.

The raw strength of his arms locking around her, pulling her tight against his chest.

The rapid, uneven pounding of his heart, as if he had nearly lost his mind trying to get to her.

His breath was rough, his grip unforgiving, his entire body still vibrating with rage.

He had slaughtered for her.

Had torn through every warrior in his path, had ripped Viktor apart without hesitation, had walked into the enemy's den dripping in blood—

All for her.

And Bella?

She wasn't ready for what that meant.

She stood frozen, caught between relief and something far more dangerous, far more consuming.

Because she could feel it.

The mate bond twisting between them, thick, unrelenting, dragging her under.

"You're shaking."

Dante's voice was low, rough, his lips ghosting over her temple, his fingers tightening around her waist.

Bella's breath hitched.

Because she was.

Not from fear.

But from something far worse.

Something she had spent weeks trying to ignore.

Something she could never fight again.

She wanted him.

Desperately.

Completely.

But she couldn't just give in.

Not yet.

Not when she still didn't trust him.

"Let go, Dante."

Her voice was hoarse, weaker than she wanted it to be.

Dante stilled.

His grip on her tightened for just a second—

Then, with a sharp exhale, he pulled back.

Bella immediately missed his warmth.

And she hated herself for it.

Dante's blue eyes burned into hers, searching, dark and unreadable.

"Are you hurt?"

Bella swallowed, shaking her head.

"No."

Dante's jaw ticked.

Then, without another word, he tore off his shirt and wrapped it around her shoulders, covering her.

She stiffened as his fingers skimmed her arms, his touch sending heat straight through her.

"Let's go home."

It wasn't a command.

It wasn't soft, either.

It was a promise.

Bella hesitated, her golden-brown eyes locking onto his, a silent war raging between them.

Then—

She nodded.

Because this wasn't over.

Not by a long shot.

And Bella?

She wasn't running anymore.