Chapter 124: Everything New – Part 4*

~ JAYAH ~

Skhal's expression reminded Jayah of a fish who'd been smacked with a rock to stun it senseless. Her stomach went cold as her mate blinked, then blinked again.

There was a frozen, breathless moment when she feared he might draw away from her and her heart screamed in protest. Without thought, she tightened her grip on his shoulders, clinging, pulling him nearer.

But he didn't draw away… he began to talk.

"I couldn't have mated before, Jayah. If I'd taken another female the bond would have formed between us and if she died, or I did, I would never have been able to come to you… our people mate once, for life, Jayah. Always."

"So do mine," she whispered, still holding him as he trembled and for the first time she couldn't tell if it was from desire or fear… or something worse. "But the act… the act doesn't bond us unless the bond already exists. Anima… we can have sex with whomever… the bond… the bond is deeper. It's more."