When Bella accidentally bumped into Blade, she tried to walk away, but he had different plans. He held her firmly, trapping her within his body and keeping her in one place. Bella could hear the loud beating of Blade's heart, which was in sync with her own. She felt a surge of different sensations coursing through her body, and the slight shudder she felt from him made her realize that she wasn't the only one affected by the mate bond.

"You slipped again," Blade said, his voice filled ...