It kept him alive, he was certain; even more, it kept his darkest of his demons at bay.

Nikolai stroked her cheek, then wrapped her in his embrace. “You’re safe,” he said tenderly beside her ear. “I’ve got you, and I’m going to keep you safe.

Kellan’s hand found hers, took it into his strong grasp. “There,” he said, pressing a kiss to the center of her palm. “I’ve got you, Mouse.” “Yes, you do,” she replied.

He was on his knees before this female, and he'd gladly stay there for the rest of his life.

What did Mira show your attacker last week? he asked, desperate to turn the attention away from himself now. Yakut shrugged. Only he can know. The girl has no knowledge of what her eyes reflect. Thank God for that. Niko hated to think of the education she might have just gotten otherwise.

She wanted to feel him pound away her fears, a hammer to smash through all her guilt and pain and emptiness.

I love you so much … I don’t want to live a single moment without you at my side.