I whisper, “I can’t do it again, Ez. Can’t keep hurting people. Everything felt so alive in my heart when Dayton and I made love. But it didn’t matter. The curse didn’t break. We’re not mates.” A choked cry escapes his lips. “What does it matter if you’re not mates? Why can’t I love you?” Heavy silence thunders through the room. Did he say… Ezryn looks to the side, fists clenching. “Why can’t he love you … I meant why can’t Dayton love you.”

