"Serena," he stated, his voice softer than before. He gazed directly into her eyes, holding her there when she tried to glance away. "Yes. We do share a mate bond."
She blinked fiercely, her heart racing with his forceful response. "You. think so?"
"I do not think so," he informed her, his voice rising in urgency. "I feel it. Every part of me senses that you are mine. When you are close, my wolf rouses, broods with awareness. When you are hurt, I feel as though I am hurt too. That is not a dream. That is not a trick of power."
Serena's mouth parted, breathing delicately. His words meant something, and not the hollow solace she'd expected. However, doubt still lingered in her eyes.
"But your master," she panted, "he said you couldn't—"
"I don't care what he said," Killian interrupted h
