lia's

ne circles, ancient runes carved into the floor, candles arranged in patterns that prob

nt supernatural nonsense' with

as supposed to take place," Cordy explained,

make his grand rejection spe

public venue for my humiliation," I mutt

personal' quite like an

t as enthusiastic as a man facing execution. Which, give

learly cost him, and his hands shook

lelight played across his chest, highlightin

treacherous wolf stirred with interest, apparently having forgotte

nd the outer edge of the circle. "To break it, you'll need to establish a direc

eated. "That sounds

ympathetic look. "The connection required is..

rance like she was afraid I might bolt at

oul-deep, dear. The kind of connection

concentrated awkwardness. Lysander's jaw tightened, and I coul

ly couldn't bear the thought

d to forge the exact connection you publicly rejected five ye

started, but I

re you apologise or explain or make this about fee

e, not to have a heart-t

have been hurt, but I was well past caring

my sympathy when he'd chos

actly does one go about establishing a soul-deep connec

vised. "Skin to skin. The more con

with an expression I couldn't quite read.

ng to stand there looking tr

as approaching a wild animal. When he was close enough tha

said quietly, "that I n

aving your life?

to a position where you

honest in a way that reminded me why

lic rejection, there had been moments like this. Moments whe

s chest. His skin was burning hot, fever-bright and dam

xploded into sensation. The mating bond, damaged but not de

rate and fighting against the dark tendrils

that was considerable, but the deeper ache of regret and

ay something precious for the app

channeled healing energy through the connection. "The cu

s touch gentle despite the tremor i

of agony through both of us. Lysander's back arched, a l

onnection, trusting me with a vul

rehead as I pushed deeper into the tangle of dark magic.

p," he managed thr

energy into saving the man who'd broken my heart, fe

passing moment, and I couldn't tell if that was helpin

core of the curse and beginning the delic