Chapter 80

• *Dante*
• "You know," She said, drawing my attention, her voice softer than usual. "I still can't believe I'm giving up the chance to find my fated mate." I met her gaze, held it. The words hung in the air between us, a reminder of a sacrifice I'd almost forgotten. A sacrifice she seemed to be subtly reminding me of. Guilt surged through me too sharply. It clenched my throat, and I could barely breathe as the thought of what she was going to give up hit me all over again. She continued before I could respond, giving me a small smile. "To be fair, I wouldn't have it any other way," Her voice was light and warm. "The pack, you... you matter to me more than anything else. Right here... with you... this is where I belong."
• Her words only caused the guilt to sink deeper into my chest. Did she really mean that? Or was she just forcing herself to believe it? "Thank you," I said quietly, my voice rough, unsure if she could hear the weight of my gratitude beneath the words. The smile she gave me was softer, almost fond. Something about the situation rubbed me off the wrong way but I couldn't quite place a finger on it. Maybe it was all in my head. Maybe I was only struggling to accept that we were going to be mated because I'd met my second chance mate. A second chance mate who, at least when compared to Bianca, was unfit to rule beside me. What did a man do when engaged in a battle between his mind and his heart?