Chapter 38
Celeste
The shot rang out, and I screamed. Liam’s huge body was suddenly cradling me, and I could only stare out at the massive hitman as I recoiled at the sound of the gunshot in the small space.
But I didn’t feel anything hit me. I saw instead that the massive alpha sent to kill us had now fallen to the ground, his chest bleeding and his gun sliding across the floor. Behind him, stepping into the house like a dark nightmare, was Dante.
His face was determined as he shot the alpha again, and Liam rolled over to cover my eyes. “Don’t look, Celeste.” He whispered, but I had to see. I had to know what was going on. I ripped his hands from me.
Dante stood there, chest heaving, eyes darker than a storm. His hair was wild, his shirt torn, and dark blood dripping down his side. For a second, I forgot how to breathe.
Behind him, Elijah was on his knees, arms wrenched behind his back, Dante’s hand fisted in his collar. Elijah’s face was pale but defiant. Dante shoved him forward into Sterling’s waiting grip.
“It’s over. We’re safe.” Dante said, taking another step toward us.
“I had him call Gideon. He thinks we’re dead.
” He waved the gun toward Elijah, who was looking defeated.
Dante wiped his forehead, his eyes catching mine.
His whole tone softened, his demeanor changed as he took another step toward me, then stumbled, falling to the floor.
It was only then that I saw the dark stain on his shirt. “Dante!” I bolted forward before I even thought about it. Liam shouted something, Sterling moved to block me, but I was already kneeling beside him on the floor.
“He’s hurt!” I cried out, the sight of my mate’s wound nearly causing me to black out. Blood spread fast through his shirt, hot against my fingers as I pressed down. His jaw tightened, but his dark eyes stayed on me.
“It’s fine,” he lied through gritted teeth, reaching up to brush his fingers across my jaw. “You’re safe now.”
“You’re bleeding, you idiot,” I snapped, voice shaking. “That’s not fine.”
His mouth curved in something like a smirk, even as his face paled. “Still so bossy. I missed that.”
“He needs help! He needs- ” My throat closed around the rest. My palms were wet now, and I couldn’t bear to look down. The room around us blurred. Vigo was beside me, pulling Dante’s shirt up.
“Let me treat him.” Vigo said in a calm voice, trying to stop my panic. “He was shot, but looks like it didn't hit anything major. He should be okay, if he doesn't lose too much blood.” Vigo said wryly.
“Celeste, forgive me.” Dante said, his voice husky as his breathing slowed. I gripped him, hugging him to me as tears came down, not even caring that I was getting both of us covered in blood.
“Dante, you stupid idiot!” I mumbled into his shoulder, and felt him chuckle before wincing in pain. “We need to get you to the hospital!”
“No.” His hand found my wrist, and my heart fluttered. “We can’t let them know we’re alive. We have the upper hand right now. We can save Harringday, save you.” He said in between gasps of breath.
“We need to get him stable.” Vigo muttered, quickly ripping fabric to stall the blood loss on Dante’s body. I covered my mouth, trying not to sob as I watched Dante’s pale face. Vigo turned to face Liam.
“Get her out of here before she panics. I’ll treat Dante.” I felt arms lifting me, but I fought against them. I wanted to stay with my mate. He needed me.
“Let me go!” I yelled, squirming against Liam as Sterling tried to calm me. Dante looked over and smiled.
“I’ll be alright, Celeste. Let him help. Once I’m stable, I’ll send for you.” He said, his voice already growing drowsy. I looked at him, tears flooding my vision. “And then, Celeste,” he added, looking me straight in my eyes. “You and I are long overdue for a talk.”