mel

stead, his calm expression suggested this was exactly what he had hoped for. A

d. But instead, he reached out and gently stroked my chee

thought, feeling the intense pull of h

nd I felt the space between us close as he took a step closer,

couldn't. My heart hammered in my chest, and my body betraye

ches from mine. Then, his hot breath against my neck se

hed him away, gasping for air. "Wha

his voice low and smooth. "Since you thought I was going to reject you, I fig

heart racing. "So yo

ul glint in his eyes. "Unless yo

but a part of me *longed* for the mark, for that connection. M

stammered. *W

ew minutes ago, you wanted me to reject you. Now, you want me to

art pounding. "I don't know," I admi

n. As the doors began to open, he quickly pr

m not going to mark you, not yet. You're not ready. But I will mark you, Amelia. Soon. You're my

od the logic. I needed to see if he was diffe

Then, his gaze darkened, and he added, "But one thing-don't try to r

y spine. "Possession?" I echoed

y on, I'm not letting you out of my sight," he said wi

vator doors opened, and he step

ny?" he asked, his tone light,

to speak, and followed

on ceremony. I'd like you to come. It'll be a good chance for us to get to know each

to give this a chance. "Okay," I replied, forcing

smile returning. "I'm

ance before I walked back to my seat. The ceremony was nearly

brow raised. "You're back? I t

. "But I took some medicine, and the fever'

your lucky day. Not only did you miss your favorite professor Dr. Edward

me all over again. "You're right,

all, my mind racing. Not only had I missed the speeches of the two men who had shaped my life, but

contin