Chapter 62: The Price of Protection

The air was thick with the scent of blood and decay as Dante stood in the heart of rogue territory, staring down Ronan Blackmoor.

The King of the Rogues.

The man who had built an empire out of the exiled, the abandoned, and the forgotten.

Dante had spent his entire life destroying men like him.

And now?

He was about to make a deal with one.

Ronan leaned back on his throne of bones, amusement flickering in his dark eyes as he studied Dante.

"You must be desperate, Alpha." His voice was smooth, taunting.

Dante didn't respond.

He was here for one thing.

"There's a second enemy coming for Bella," he said, his voice cold, sharp. "And I need to know who they are."

Ronan smirked.

"Ah, yes. Your mate. Quite the prize, isn't she?"

Dante's wolf bristled.

"Choose your next words carefully, Blackmoor."

Ronan chuckled.

"Relax, Rodrigo. I have no interest in your little Luna. But others?" His smirk widened. "Not everyone shares my restraint."

Dante's jaw clenched.

Because he already fucking knew that.

"Tell me who they are," Dante ordered, his voice low, lethal.

Ronan tapped a finger against his armrest, watching him closely.

"And what do I get in return?"

Dante's chest rose and fell slowly.

Because he had expected this.

Ronan Blackmoor was many things.

A ruthless warlord. A monster. A man who thrived in the chaos of the lawless.

But he was not a fool.

"Name your price."

Ronan's smirk deepened.

"I want free passage for my wolves through White Moon's borders."

Dante's entire body went rigid.

The room fell silent.

Because this?

This was more than a trade.

This was a power play.

Ronan wanted his rogues to have access to White Moon's land.

And Dante?

He had spent his entire reign as Alpha ensuring that would never happen.

"Not happening," Dante said immediately, his voice cold as ice.

Ronan sighed, shaking his head.

"Then I guess your mate will just have to fend for herself, won't she?"

Dante's fists clenched.

Because the bastard knew exactly what he was doing.

He was dangling Bella's safety in front of him, knowing that Dante would do anything to protect her.

Ronan's smile widened.

"Decisions, decisions, Alpha."

And Dante?

He knew he was about to make a choice that could change everything.