Yes, I'm being punished. The Goddess must be dancing with glee at my predicament. I want Pepper so badly it hurts. All the hand jobs in the world won't take care of my erection. I recite the reasons why I cannot have Pepper and "I want her" replaces each one. My want is not important. Pepper is.

She's not Sarn's wolf shifter. They suffered for love and their pain was unavoidable. I'm not Sarn. I would never give up my dragon and I'm not in love. I'm infatuated and turned on. ...