I gaze at him. Into his stunning green eyes. I see something in them. A desire that has been lingering within me. There is something I fear putting my faith in.

"I don't understand you. What happened?" I inquire of him. "I heard you referring to her as your mate. It was very clear."

A sense of hope begins to swell within me, but I suppress it for now. Expectations often result in disappointments. He rises from the ground and assists me in getting up as well. He takes my ...