He was used to people scurrying away in response to his foul moods, but seeing the woman his instincts clamored to soothe and protect recoil made something in his gut clench.

With a deep breath he forced the despair-filled anger down, locking it deep in the part of his heart where it belonged, rotting away in the darkness. With effort, he carefully smoothed out his facial expression.

“I'm sorry, I… didn't mean to frighten you.” Of its own accord, his hand moved to her shoulder in an attempt at offering comfort. She instantly went rigid, and he caught himself missing the pliable softness her body had responded with the previous night.

He pulled his arm back, letting it fall awkwardly to his side. “I do not desire to take a mate. Ever. And even if I did, my magic would kill you when we coupled.”

Selma’s wrinkled her forehead in confusion. “Then how…? Can you remove my mark? The ring?”

Kain didn’t miss the desperate eagerness flashing across her face. “No. Your mark is permanent, and if I were to remove your ring, you would die. But there are… rumors.”

He grimaced, looking the woman over again. What he was about to suggest—if anyone ever found out, he’d be executed as a traitor. But if he didn’t…

Kain clenched his fist to alleviate the flash of rage conjured by the thought of her beautiful brown eyes dulled like his mother's had been. Broken.

“There are rumors of a place where Breeders can seek sanctuary. Somewhere my kind can’t follow.”

Selma stared at him, suspicion blatant in her pretty eyes. He couldn't blame her, really—she had very little reason to trust his kind.

“And why would you take me there?” She straightened her back in an effort to look confident and strong, but confusion and fear swirled in her otherwise so delicious scent.

He knew she was clinging to her composure by her fingernails, her scent betraying her stoic facade. She was a brave little thing, trying to hide how terrified she truly was, and the heated image of claiming her as his flashed before his mind’s eye. She’d make a good mate—courageous and strong despite her small stature.

But even if he’d wanted a mate, even if his innate magic weren’t a guaranteed death sentence, how long would it be before he’d snuff the light within her, leaving what’d once been a spirited woman a hollow shell?

“Because if I don't, you will die.” He managed to keep his voice calm this time. “You have run away once—you will do so again, until you find yourself in trouble without anyone around to save you. I cannot promise that this place is more than a rumor, but I will give you the option of finding out.”