With acidic satisfaction I watched the barb strike home, Nathan's broad shoulders sagging under the weight of my unveiled hatred. But an instant later he rallied, defiance glittering in his forest-colored eyes.
"Call me what names you wish," he rumbled quietly. "The goddess herself bound us eternally. I have faith one day you will recognize that truth again." His piercing gaze turned wretchedly hopeful. "This chill between us cannot endure forever."
I reeled as though he had struck me a physical blow. How dare this arrogant beast fling our supposed sacred bond in my face after breaking me so cruelly? As if holy assignment alone could erase the damage once ruthlessly inflicted? My hand flew up without thought, whip-cracking across Nathan's chiseled cheek in a spray of blood.
"You made yo
