Jankyn pressed his lips into Efrica's forehead and inhaled deeply of her sweet scent. Even David's mother, a woman he wanted to marry and claim as his mate, had never moved him as deeply as this delicate woman did. Efrica truly was his mate and yet even as he held her in his arms he did not think he had ever felt so alone, for he could never claim her. It made his past sense of loneliness seem like no more than a bad mood. Although he felt certain he cared for him in many ways, and she desired him, he was going to have to resist the temptation to try to win her heart. She was a woman who loved the garden, the sun, and children. He could give her only shadows, windowless rooms, and quite possibly an empty womb. He could not do that to her. She stirred in his arms and slowly opened her eyes. Jankyn starred into those warm soft amber eyes and felt such a confusing wealth of emotion, he was tempted to toss her to the ground and run for the hills. Instead, he kissed her. Efrica was startled with Jayken's lips met hers. For a very brief moment, she resisted the temptation of welcoming and returning his kiss. But when she parted her lips to allow the kiss to become more intimate, it took but one stroke of his tongue to banish the last twinge of caution. The heat of desire burned away all thought of how good he tasted and how alive he made her feel....