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 turned his gaze aside, nibbling a lip as he stared at something on the rocky path. Taden’s heart smote him. Maybe Nathaniel had meant to go on his way without stopping. But then the green gaze swept up to meet his, dark with passion.


“I want nothing more,” Nathaniel assured him, his tone a caress. Taden reached for him, but Nathaniel slipped away from his grasp and started down the trail into the pines. Taden followed, impatient for the evening when the others were settled into the rooms he’d provide, far from his own.


Lost in amorous dreams, he nearly collided with Nathaniel, who’d come to a stop at the foot of the path. Captain Bryce sat with Miranda on a log near the grazing horses, but Nathaniel’s eyes were fixed on Conor. His cousin stood several steps away, his rapt attention on the couple. Taden winced at the longing and despair betrayed on Conor’s dark features as he gazed on Miranda’s fair head.


Chapter 12