Chapter 34: Losing the War

Bella was running out of time.

She could feel it—the slow unraveling, the way the mate bond was tightening around her like an unbreakable chain.

She had been so sure she could fight it.

That she could ignore the pull, ignore Dante, ignore the way her body ached for him every time he was near.

But she was failing.

Because every time she closed her eyes, she saw him.

Every time she took a breath, she swore she could still taste him on her tongue.

And now?

Now, he had stopped chasing her.

Now, he was waiting.

Watching.

Knowing she would come to him.

And that?

That was the most dangerous thing of all.

Because Bella wasn't sure how much longer she could hold out.

Dante's Patience is Running Out

Dante stood in his office, his hands braced on the desk, his breath slow, controlled.

He was giving her time.

But fuck, it was killing him.

The bond was a living thing inside him, roaring, demanding, pulling him toward her.

His wolf, Zephyr, was barely leashed.

"She's suffering," Zephyr growled.

Dante clenched his fists.

"I know."

"Then take her."

Dante let out a slow exhale, trying to contain the wild rage inside him.

"She has to come to me."

His wolf snarled in frustration.

"She will. But how much longer are we going to let her fight before we break her?"

Dante gritted his teeth.

Because he could feel it.

Bella was close to snapping.

And when she did?

He would be waiting.

The Breaking Point

Bella sat on the edge of her bed, her hands clenched into the sheets, her breathing uneven.

Her skin was too hot.

Her body was too restless.

The mate bond was punishing her for resisting.

She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to fight the fire, trying to ignore the heat curling low in her stomach.

But she couldn't.

Because it wasn't just the bond.

It was him.

His touch.

His scent.

His voice.

Every memory of him was burning her alive.

Her wolf, Luna, growled impatiently.

"Stop fighting. Go to him."

Bella shook her head violently.

"No."

But it was a lie.

Because she was already standing.

Already moving toward the door.

And when she reached the hallway—

She didn't stop.

She didn't hesitate.

She walked straight to him.

Straight to Dante.

The Moment Everything Changes

Dante had just poured himself a drink, his mind a mess of rage and restraint—

When the door to his office swung open.

And there she was.

Standing in the doorway.

Breathless. Wild-eyed. Wrecked.

Dante's entire body tensed.

Because he knew.

She had finally lost the war.

Bella stood there, her golden-brown eyes locked onto his, her hands trembling at her sides.

And then—

She moved.

Not slow.

Not hesitant.

She crossed the room in seconds, gripping the front of his shirt, yanking him down—

And crushed her mouth against his.

Dante snapped.

A deep, guttural growl ripped from his throat as he grabbed her, lifting her off the ground, slamming her against the desk.

The glass in his hand shattered against the floor.

But neither of them cared.

Because this was it.

The moment Bella finally stopped fighting.

The moment she finally gave in.

Dante's hands were everywhere, gripping her hips, tangling in her hair, his breath ragged as he kissed her like he was claiming her all over again.

"Say it," he growled against her lips, his fingers digging into her skin.

Bella let out a shaky breath, her body trembling.

"Say you're mine."

Bella's nails dug into his back, her pulse racing, her lips swollen from his kiss.

She could still fight.

Still push him away.

But she didn't.

Because they both knew the truth.

She had always been his.

"I'm yours," she whispered.

And this time—

She meant it.