She glanced at Dani’s parents, Nina and Matt, who were already reaching for Dani as though to shield her from Robyn. Dani’s wide eyes darted between her parents and Robyn, her confusion and hurt written all over her face. Bella could see it all spiraling out of control. If she continued, if she said or did anything else, Alpha Tomas and Luna Darla would never forgive her.
What did I expect? Bella thought bitterly. Of course, he’d take Luke’s side. He’s his father, after all.
“This is not about you, Bella,” Tomas snapped, his tone cutting like a blade. “This is about Robyn and Dani’s bond and marriage to each other. Don’t screw it up—I am warning you.”
The words weren’t just spoken. They hit her through the mind-link, slamming into her consciousness like a searing hot knife. Bella’s head throbbed from the force of it, the sheer power of his Alpha authority overwhelming her. She hadn’t even been sure she still had access to the mind-link after being gone so long, but clearly, Tomas could—and would—use it with brutal efficiency.
A Mate Bond was sacred, especially one blessed by the goddess. Bella knew this. She didn’t want to be here, didn’t want to risk ruining Dani and Robyn’s bond. But being blindsided by their presence, by the weight of the situation, had left her reeling. I can’t stay here. I’ll only make things worse.
Without another word, she stood abruptly and left, her heels clicking against the floor as she almost ran for the ladies’ room. She pushed the door open and gripped the edge of the basin tightly, struggling to breathe. Her chest felt heavy, her emotions swirling in a chaotic storm. She didn’t want to hurt Dani, didn’t want to interfere with her bond with Robyn. It was just… too much. The surprise, the pressure, the history—it all felt like it was crushing her.
The door opened behind her, and Bella didn’t have to turn to know who it was. The scent of Luna Darla filled the air, soft and calming yet unmistakably authoritative.
“It’s okay, Bella,” Darla said gently, her voice low and measured. “I understand. It’s a shock to see us all here.”
“Understatement,” Bella bit out, her voice tight as she kept her gaze fixed on the basin. Her knuckles were white from how tightly she was gripping it.
Darla sighed softly, taking a cautious step closer. “You’ve been through a lot. And you’re right—this situation is complicated. But Robyn and Dani… they’re meant to be. You know how rare it is for a human to be a goddess-gifted mate.”
Bella exhaled shakily, her voice strained. “I know. That’s why I left before I made it worse.” She finally turned to face Darla, her green eyes filled with turmoil. “But did you have to ambush me like this? No warning, no preparation? Just… show up and expect me to play nice?”
Darla’s lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, she didn’t respond. Then, she said quietly, “We didn’t expect you to be here, Bella. I promise you, this wasn’t planned. But now that you are, you have a choice. You can support Dani and Robyn—or you can make it harder for them. The decision is yours.”
Bella stared at her, her emotions warring inside her. She didn’t want to hurt Dani. She didn’t want to hurt anyone. But the wounds Luke had left—both physical and emotional—weren’t easy to ignore. And now, she was being forced to confront those wounds head-on.
“I just… need a minute,” Bella said finally, her voice cracking slightly.
Darla nodded, her expression softening. “Take all the time you need.” She stepped back, giving Bella space before leaving the room, the door closing softly behind her.
Alone again, Bella let out a shaky breath, staring at her reflection in the mirror. You can do this, Bella. For Dani.
Bella’s legs felt shaky as she tried to step around Luna Darla, but the woman blocked her way with calm precision.
“No, Bella,” Darla said softly, her voice steady and confident. Her gaze was piercing yet soothing, exuding the calm authority of a Luna who had spent decades honing her gift. “Please, just hear me out.”
Bella shook her head furiously, trying to steel herself against the pull of Darla’s presence. “No. You’ll trick me,” she snapped, her voice trembling slightly.
Darla chuckled, the sound light and disarming. She stepped closer, her hand reaching out to gently touch Bella’s arm. The warmth of her touch was almost magnetic, making Bella’s skin prickle with the sensation of surrender trying to creep in. “Everything is going to be just fine, Bella,” Darla said soothingly, her tone dripping with reassurance. “You can come home now. It’s safe, and you’re welcome. I promise.”
Tyler stirred within Bella, her wolf clearly drawn to the Luna’s aura. Even Bella couldn’t stop herself from listening, her defenses weakening under Darla’s influence. She tried to shake off the feeling, her mind racing. Why does her Luna power still feel so strong? Bella wondered. It should have waned when the new Luna—Mia—took over, the transfer of power severing Darla’s connection to the pack. But here Darla was, radiating strength as though she had never stepped down. It was… unnatural.
“I’m not safe there,” Bella whispered, shaking her head as denial flooded her voice. “I’ll never be safe there. Neither will my babies.”
“Yes, you are safe,” Darla countered gently, her eyes soft but unwavering. “I will vouch for your safety. Just come home, Bella. Luke wants to see you. He wants to meet the pups—we all do.” Her hand rubbed soothing circles on Bella’s arm as she stepped even closer.
Bella’s heart raced. She’s doing it—just like Macky. Darla was trying to use her aura to influence her, to lull her into submission and agreement. Her instincts screamed at her to resist.
“No,” Bella said, her voice trembling. She stepped back, putting as much distance as she could between herself and Darla. “Stop it. I’m not going back.” She clenched her fists, her entire body taut with the effort of resisting.
