“I don’t want to hurt you,” he said, feeling like he wanted to return the favor. “You won’t. I know you are still in love with your mate, and I do not blame you. What you had with her is a once-in-a-lifetime love.” “What about you?” “I have no need or desire to take her place. And I accept you just as you are, in any fashion you choose to come to me. Or not, if that is the way it must be.”
