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This might be the last time he saw his would-be mate. But it could save her life, in more than one way.

Suddenly, he was flooded with a million emotions. Leaving her alone. Knowing she would never mate and be alone in this world if he died.

“Ella.” Mack followed her in and shut the door behind them. “Are you okay?”

She let out a weird, almost hysterical laugh.

“Yes. Why? Because I was just threatened by humans and watched two enormous vampires snap their necks?” She tossed her bag on the counter and faced him.

“Not that enormous,” Mack muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

Which wasn’t the point...

She wasn’t okay, not at all.

Which meant he wasn’t leaving.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ELLA

Ella walked through the house, knowing Mack would follow. He did what he wanted and never listened to her.

He never had.

Even as a young vampire, he’d always been bossy.

She’d liked that about him all her life—until now. Now she felt like the ground was spinning underneath her and nothing was normal.

Yes, she’d seen signs around Seattle protesting vampires and had watched the debates on social media. Some of the things people said were horrible. But being sprayed like some priest-blessed water was going to turn them to dust was just horrible.

Those guns had been pointed right at them.

Mack was right. The world was a dangerous place.

Dangerous for all of them.

But being in Maine wasn’t going to change anything. She could step outside her door, go to a grocery store, a movie, anywhere, and that could happen again. Next time, she wouldn’t be with Moretti warriors.

And he wouldn’t let her stay at the castle. If he truly cared, he would.

Ripping open the fridge, she pulled out some eggs and bacon, milk and—

“Ella, stop.” Mack took the items, put them on the counter, and pulled her into his arms.

All her emotions suddenly escaped as his huge, strong body enveloped her. “God, I was so scared.” She cried.

“I wasn’t going to let them hurt you.” He rasped and lifted her chin. “Never Ella. You—”

She waited.

As she’d waited forever.

But he didn’t finish the sentence.

When her eyes dipped and heart sank once again, Ella began to pull away.

“El, fuck.”