Eleanor felt a sudden wash of relaxation as Conaan's lips met hers, one that was different from everything she'd shared with Alexander. She found her fingers seeking his robe, and she held on to it tight, so she wouldn't fall, her knees turning to puddles under her.

He slowly broke away, his eyes still closed, his lips slightly parted.

She swallowed, looking up to him, her chest heaving.

"Eleanor..."

She met his eyes, the intensity behind them weakening her even more. She found herself drawn in, the feelings she thought she couldn't have for anyone else suddenly seeming a bit too little.

"Is this...how a mate bond should feel?"

He...