From the moment Taden rescues Nathaniel from the Sutherlin soldiers' torture, he finds himself caught in the gaze of the most beautiful eyes he's ever seen; amazing eyes that hold him thrilled and confused. The Sutherlins are planning to invade the beautiful Tahon Valley, but as Taden secrets Nathaniel from their reach, he finds himself drawn to the young man. Not only does he feel the urge to protect him, but he feels an ache he hasn't felt in many long years.<br><br>Nathaniel claims to be a traveler from a distant continent, saying he comes in peace. True or not, the youth has powers beyond anything Taden has seen -- control over men and animals and the very weather. Taden falls hard for the strange traveler, protecting him not only from the Sutherlins but from his own mistrustful people, who don't understand Nathaniel's powers and accuse him of being a witch ...

Nathaniel

Nathaniel let out a sigh. “Read my thoughts? No, lord. You must be especially sensitive to me.”


Taden gathered Nathaniel in his arms. “Given the chance, I’d find that bastard and kill him with my bare hands for what he’s done to you.”


He felt Nathaniel shiver and heard his tired breath. Exhaustion lined his face. Taden found his own ardor gone, replaced by pity and anger on his behalf. “Rest,” he whispered in Nathaniel’s ear. “I’ll watch over you.”


“I’m sorry,” Nathaniel began, but Taden hushed him and stroked his curls. The action calmed him as it did Nathaniel, the tension slipping from his body as he threaded fingers through Nathaniel’s hair. He sighed, growing drowsy…and blinked, opening heavy lids. What was happening? Nathaniel’s beautiful face filled his sight. The sweet lips brushed his, and Taden fell at once into blissful sleep. 4


Taden waded through layers of sleep. There was a voice speaking urgently in his ear, and he forced his eyes open and winced at the sunlight.


Chapter 9