Chapter 119

Bella's POV

"Don't follow me unless you want to have triple the same mark on your body too!" I growled in mind link, putting enough distance between all of us.

Anger, fear, and frustration fueled my every step. I ran until my surroundings became unfamiliar, finding solace in nature.

The cool morning air rushed past me, clearing my mind. I found a secluded spot, far away from the chaos, and shifted back to my human form. The pain of transformation mirrored the ache in my heart.

I cradled Cayden in my arms, his tiny form sleeping peacefully as the injury healed without a scar. What if Max and I didn't have Alpha blood? Is that how Cayden would be crying from the pain?

"I promised to protect you, my love," I whispered, pressing a gentle kiss on his forehead.

A rustle in the bushes caught my attention, and Max emerged, his expression a mix of remorse and concern.

"You want me to break your spine or what?" I mumbled, closing my eyes now.

"Bella, please. Let us explain. Peron didn't mean