“Bella?” It was Mom this time.
“I won’t.” Her voice was almost inaudible.
“Fine. Let’s give them time to talk.” Riley’s voice was cold. He let go of Nadia before he went back to Trent, offering him a hand.
Trent took it, and as soon as Riley helped him off the ground, he hugged him and whispered something in his ear, to which Trent just nodded his head. Both their faces showed no emotions at all.
I looked at Bella, who was still on the grounds. Her face was already dry with tears. I wanted to go to her, but Dawson directed me to the packhouse. Only then did my heart relax when I saw Trent extend his hand for Bella to take. It took a while before Bella took it, and he helped her off the ground.
“She’ll be fine. She’s in good hands,” Dawson whispered in my ear before kissing my hair, and I just nodded my head, scooting my body closer to him as we walked toward the packhouse.
Chapter 91
BELLA.
Ihad no idea whatgot into me, but I panicked the moment I smelled him. Everything came flashing in my head—my dreams and everything I worked hard for. Ellie was willing to readjust her life so she could be with Dawson, but I was not sure if I could do that.
Especially after finding out I was mated with Trent.
Everyone was talking about him last night, about how he was the player among all of them. Who would want to be mated with a player? I spent my entire life saving myself for my mate, only to be mated with a player who changes females as if they were clothes.
What would happen if I decided to pursue my studies? Will he satisfy himself with other females while I’m not around?
I wouldn’t deny that I was attracted to him. He was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen, but he scared me. Hauling me like I was a piece of meat ready to be devoured was something I wasn’t prepared for.
“Maybe we should let them talk.” Ellie’s voice snapped me back to the present.
I was on the ground, blocking Trent from Riley’s anger, and I didn’t even know why I was doing this. He wanted to go with the rejection, and it was what I wanted as well, right?
My wolf, Venus, snarled at me. Of course, she had been waiting for our mate and did not agree with my disposition. But she wouldn’t understand my inner turmoil.
“I won’t unless she asks me to,” Trent replied to Riley’s words, and my eyes automatically closed as my grip on his leg tightened. His voice was too smooth, and if I don’t move away from here, I might end up giving in to my desires.
“Bella?” Mom asked me, and I snapped my eyes open.
My throat felt too dry.
“I won’t.” I tried to speak, but nothing came out.
My eyes locked with Ellie’s, and for a moment, I wanted to cry again, but I held my tears back.Why did Ellie get the good one and I was left with a player?Not that I was attracted to Dawson, I was not.But don’t I deserve a man who’s loyal to the mate bond, too?
I knew everyone was already walking away, but I remained on the ground. I was still lost.
What would happen next? Will I be able to take the pain of the rejection? Can I move on from him? Or should I give it a try and put my heart at risk?
I was still contemplating when I saw a hand laid out in front of me. I tilted my head slowly and met his ocean blue eyes, and I was blown away.
I was already losing my stance, and it wasn’t even ten minutes yet.
I raised my hand and reached for his. So many sparks exploded that I instinctively pulled my hand back, terrified of the explosions.
Trent chuckled. A smile tugged on his mouth while his hand was still in front of me. “It won’t burn you.”
I bit my lips and reached for his hand one more time. This time, I let the sparks dance around my fingers as he clamped his hand over mine and pulled me gently off the ground.
I was expecting him to let go of my hand, but he didn’t. Instead, he led the way, tugging me behind him, and it dawned on me that he was walking toward the forest.
“No. Not there.”
