Chapter 145: The Alpha Will Not Lose Her
"Where is she?"
Dante's snarl shook the packhouse.
His wolf was dangerously close to the surface, his entire body thrumming with tension.
Chase stepped forward. "She went to the river."
Dante didn't wait.
He stormed through the trees, his pulse pounding, his breath sharp, his instincts screaming.
Bella was too quiet.
Too still.
He knew what was happening.
Knew that she was at war with herself.
And if he didn't reach her soon—
She would be lost.
Forever.
The second he saw her, his stomach clenched.
Bella was kneeling by the river, her hands bloody, her shoulders tense.
She didn't turn when he approached.
Didn't acknowledge him.
She just stared at the water.
Dante's chest ached.
"Bella."
She exhaled slowly.
"I can't wash it off."
Her voice was quiet. Empty.
Dante frowned. "Wash what off?"
She lifted her hands, showing him the blood that wasn't there.
"Me."
Dante's heart cracked.
"There is nothing to wash away," he murmured. "You are still you."
Bella finally looked at him.
And he saw it.
The conflict.
The fear.
The craving.
"What if I don't want to be?" she whispered.
Dante's chest tightened.
"Then I will remind you."
Bella swallowed hard.
"How?"
Dante took a slow, careful step forward.
"By making sure you never forget who you are."
Then—
He reached for her.
And for the first time in weeks—
She let him.