Zevara’s POV Talon lifted me and dropped me on the counter, his eyes scanning me critically. My heart thundered in my chest. What the hell was he doing? I pushed hard against his solid chest—trying to shove him off and get down—but he stood still like a solid rock. “Stay put, Vara.” His voice was calm and familiar. “I don’t bite, you know.” That nickname again. And I stayed put. Just like his father, his voice controlled my body. Talon’s hand reached out and my heart skipped a beat, thinking he was going to touch me—and Goddess knows, I might not be able to resist—instead, he brushed a strand of hair from my face. I bit down on my lower lip and threw my head to the side. I swear… I couldn’t bring myself to stare at him for long. He looked so beautiful, and his lips looked so rosy t

