Raygar's POV

The moment my skin touched hers, electricity shot through me. She gasped, her eyes widening, and I knew she felt it too. The mate bond, pulling us together despite everything that should keep us apart.

"Don't make this harder than it needs to be," I said quietly.

She jerked away from me. "Don't touch me."

"Selene, please." The word came out rougher than I intended. "I know you hate me, but I'm trying to keep you alive."

"Maybe I don't want to be kept alive by ...