Derek's Pov
My attention shifted sharply towards Zachary as he mentioned Bella's name, his lips curving into a smile that ignited a simmering anger within me.
"Don't you even think about it," I snapped, the undertone of anger unmistakable. He locked eyes with me, and in that moment, I could discern the depth of his feelings for Bella. "Don't you dare go close to Bella or attempt to contact her," I added with a mixture of annoyance and possessiveness.
"Bella isn't your property, Derek," Zachary retorted, his voice steady despite my growing tension. My anger escalated, and I impulsively seized him by the neck, my grip tightening.
"Don't say that to me," I hissed through clenched teeth. "Bella is mine and only mine. Nobody else can have her except me." My words were marked by an unsettlin
