DAKOTA "What are you talking about?" I say, moving backwards out of Hunter's grip. Sweat rolls down my spine, my heart pounding against my rib cage. Hunter is barely containing his rage, it is written all over his face. "You know what I'm talking about, don't you?!" He rages, his nose flaring.He's not going to hit me, is he? I can't help but think. If I failed to find a way out of this mess, the situation could spiral out of hand. Dragging in a shaky breath, I gaze up at Hunter with the most sincere expression I can muster. "Calm down, Hunter. This is probably as a result of my near death experience," I tell him.His frown deepens, confusion written all over his face."But-""You don't trust me. Why?" I breathe, pushing my hair away from my face.He lowers his gaze, his frown fading."I'm sorry. I've been on edge. I shouldn't have-"Again, I cut him off."Forget it, Hunter. I just want to get some sleep. I want to be alone " I say, turning away from him. "Kota, I'm really sorry-

DAKOTA Lowering my gaze to look at the rose necklace I'd just picked from the floor, I straighten, placing the necklace on Dashiell's desk with shaky fingers. He stalks towards me, his brows furrowed. I'm panicking inside, but I won't let him see it. "Give me an answer, Dakota," he drones, stopping in front of me."I... looked through the drawer. I was curious... that's why I took it out," I tell him with bated breath. He stares at me for a moment, stoic and unblinking. Then he silently takes the necklace from me. "I shouldn't have done that... I'm sorry," I breathe.With his shoulders slumped, he returns the necklace to its original position and turns to stare at me. There's a crease in his brows, and his eye seems to have lost its shine. Unable to hide my curiosity, I decide to take the bull by the horn. "Does it belong to your lover, perhaps?" I ask. His frown deepens."Why do you think so?""I mean...it looks like a woman's jewelry," I tell him. Heaving a sigh, he sink

DASHIELL Dakota's pleading gaze does not falter as she questions my identity and intentions. She's desperate, I can see it in her eyes. But, I believe that she's better off not knowing the full details. If she knows everything, she definitely won't stay still. She would end up in trouble in no time. I really want to avoid that."Why aren't you saying anything? Dashiell, I'm your mate. I don't know anything about you, and I feel like..."I cut her off, bringing her to her feet. "Why are you curious about me? Don't tell me it's because you want to know more about your mate. What's your real reason?" I ask. She stares at me for a moment, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I just...I feel like I won't be able to protect you if I don't know what's really going on," she tells me, and I gape at her, stunned. She wants to protect me? How's she going to do that? As it is, she can barely protect herself. I want to do the protecting. I'm strong enough to protect the both of us.

DAKOTA This is it. Accepting him as my mate would mean that I've switched sides. The Six had given me a chance at rebirth, but they want me on their side. Dashiell might be powerful, but there's a high chance that the Six will destroy my soul if they find out that I've betrayed them. Still, the natural urge to comfort my mate and stay by his side is just as intense. Besides, I have to figure out the whole truth surrounding my death as Melanie Knoxx."I won't let you resign yourself to such a bleak life. I will grow stronger. Strong enough to protect the both of us," I tell him. He stares at me for a while, his eyes heavy hooded. "There's no going back from this, you know that, don't you?" He asks, and I nod, cupping his face. He leans closer to me and captures my lips in a searing kiss that sends sparks flying between us. When we pull away for air, he brushes my hair away from my face, a small smile tugging at his lips."Are you sure you can handle me? I'm crazier than you th

DAKOTA The tension in the room is stifling. Landon, who is sitting beside me, has a blank look on his face, as do the rest of the members of The Six. We are currently at Landon's home. I'd just briefed them on the details of the mission that had been entrusted to me. Everything I'd just said was mostly a lie. "Is he influencing you already?" Landon asks, startling me. Keeping my expression schooled, I give him a response."He's my murderer. I wouldn't let that happen."Landon hands me a laptop and a flash drive. "Watch it when you're alone. It's definite proof of his involvement in your murder. I'm just worried that you're starting to lose focus," he tells me. "The meeting has been adjourned to tomorrow evening. Our leader couldn't make it to today's meeting and has insisted that we meet up tomorrow," the oldest member announces. One after the other, they begin to leave until it's just Landon and I left. "Won't you watch the video?" He asks, his brows creased."You said-