Dante barely made it into his office before his control snapped.
He slammed a fist against the desk, his breath ragged, furious.
Bella followed him inside, closing the door behind them.
She watched him silently, her heart pounding.
Because she knew.
This wasn't just about Gavin.
This was about her.
"You need to stop blaming yourself." Her voice was quiet, steady.
Dante laughed darkly, shaking his head.
"You think I blame myself?" He turned, his blue eyes burning with something dangerous.
"I don't. I blame him."
Bella exhaled. "And he's dead."
"Not soon enough."
Bella stepped forward, placing a hand on his chest.
"Dante."
His body tensed under her touch.
His breath was uneven, slow.
"You almost lost me today," she whispered.
His jaw locked.
"I won't let it happen again."
Bella's fingers tightened against him.
"Then train me."
Dante's head snapped up.
"What?"
"Train me," she repeated, her golden-brown eyes fierce.
"I won't be taken again, Dante. I won't be someone's target."
Dante's chest rose and fell slowly.
"You think I haven't been protecting you?"
Bella shook her head.
"I don't need protection." Her voice was firm.
"I need to be strong enough to protect myself."
Dante stared at her for a long, tense moment.
Then—
He smirked.
"Fine, little wolf." His voice was low, dangerous.
"You want to train? Then prepare to break."