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

The woman’s smile widened. “I’m Nathaniel’s friend. I’d like to be yours.” She cocked her head to the side and studied him. “Are you Nattie’s new lover?”


Hot blood flooded Taden’s face, but he felt compelled to answer. In that moment he would have told her anything. “I hope to be,” he breathed, and heard the desperateness in his tones.


“I’m glad.” Miranda turned on her heel, and Taden was released from a spell he hadn’t been aware of. He felt out of his depth and quickly drowning.


He joined the group waiting with the horses and gripped the pommel of the saddle to his stallion, grateful for the solid feel of it. Nothing seemed real. He swung astride, and winced as pain shot through his head. He’d forgotten his wound, and it took a moment for his sight to clear. He jerked back when a hand touched his face. He quickly blinked Nathaniel into focus, conscious of the heat from Nathaniel’s thigh as he leaned from his horse.


Chapter 13