Chapter 85

Chase's eyes widened, his face pale, as if I'd uttered a death sentence. "Elodie, no," he whispered, his voice laced with desperation. "You can't stay with me."

I stood firm, my resolve strengthened by our shared moments. I knew what I wanted. I wanted him, and I couldn’t even imagine a life where he wasn’t there.

"Why not? Or don’t you want me?" I asked, my voice steady.

“Fuck, no!” He refuted with wide eyes. Chase's hands grasped my shoulders, his touch burning with urgency, and his eyes softened. "You're human, Elodie. You're vulnerable. My world is full of dangers, and I won't risk losing you."

His words painted a vivid picture of the perils that lurked in the shadows, but I refused to back down. "I've seen the dangers, Chase. I've faced them with you. And I'd rather die by your side than live without you."

My heart pounded with each word, but I knew this was what I wanted as well as I knew my name.

Chase's face contorted, his eyes pleading. "Don't say that. You don't understand—"