Chapter 218: The Enemy Steps Into the Light

"We don't wait."

Dante's voice was sharp, absolute.

"We find them first."

The war room was silent, the tension thick, unspoken.

The table was covered in maps, reports, intelligence gathered from the surrounding territories.

Whoever had sent the letter, whoever had left the body—

They weren't just taunting them.

They were watching them.

"We still don't know who they are," Sage said, arms crossed.

"Then we make them show themselves."

Bella's voice was calm, but there was something lethal beneath it.

"They want me? Fine. Let's draw them out."

Dante's gaze snapped to her.

"No."

Bella's jaw tightened.

"You don't get to tell me—"

"I get to tell you everything, Bella."

Dante's voice was low, sharp, commanding.

"You think I'm going to let you be bait?"

Bella lifted her chin.

"You don't have a choice."

The second the words left her mouth, Dante was on her.

One hand slammed onto the table, caging her in, his body pressing against hers, his scent wrapping around her like wildfire.

"You are my mate, Bella."

His breath was hot against her ear, his fury barely restrained.

"I will never let them take you."

Bella's pulse roared.

Because this was what he did.

What he always did.

Dante didn't just protect her.

He claimed her.

"We're not waiting for them to come to us."

Bella's voice was softer now, but no less certain.

"We're hunting them first."

Dante exhaled slowly.

Then—

He smiled.

A slow, dangerous, merciless smile.

"Then let's hunt."