The world spun violently.

"No," I said. "No, that's not...you must have misheard..."

"I didn't mishear shit," Zane said. "Zephyr, he's been playing you, he has been playing all of us. The romance, the bond, the research...it's all part of whatever sick plan they have."

"That's impossible," I said, but my voice shook. "The bond...I can feel him..."

"Bonds can be faked," Avalon said quietly. "With enough skill and the right magic and Vampires are masters of deception."

"But the sex," I said desperately. "Last night, he was gentle, caring..." I choked on my words.

"It was an act," Zane said, and I heard pity in his voice. "A really...