‘‘You’re obviously an intelligent woman,’’ I told Maata, hoping to make her see reason. ‘‘I know this situation appears to indicate one thing, but I assure you that I’m no one’s mate. I’m a doppelganger, not human, not an elemental being like Cyrene, not even a spirit. Strictly speaking, I’m made up of shadows.’’

‘‘You felt like flesh and blood to me.’’ Gabriel was right behind me, the warmth of his body reaching me even though the night air was balmy. A little shiver went up my back as his breath caressed the nape of my neck. For a moment I was reminded of Magoth’s repeated seductions, but where he was icy cold, Gabriel radiated heat. ‘‘There is no other who could withstand my fire, May. It is a shock to me, too—a joyous one, I assure you, since I never expected to have a mate—but we will explore this new phenomenon together.’’

I turned slowly and looked at him, really looked at him. His eyes were still bright with an emotion I realized was part sexual interest and part jubilation. But there was something else in his expression, something unyielding that hinted of trouble to come. He was a dragon, a wyvern, a healer, yes, but also a man who was a leader, someone who would quite likely fight to the death to protect his sept. He would be focused, relentless in his pursuit of whatever stirred his interest, and also possessive, since that was reported to be a trait common to all dragons.

An oddly deflated feeling possessed me, a sadness that I couldn’t risk experiencing what it would be like to be cherished by such a man. Sooner or later, however, reality would catch up to me, and that would be the end of everything. As much of a temptation as Gabriel represented, it would be better for us all if I didn’t give in and see what a dragon had to offer.

‘‘No,’’ I said simply, with as much kindness as I could. ‘‘There is no phenomenon. There is nothing to explore, at least not between us. I will arrange to have Cyrene moved. We will not impose upon your kindness any longer.’’

I made it across the room, my foot on the stairs before the two bodyguards caught me, one on either arm.

‘‘You are the wyvern’s mate,’’ Maata said, her face set. ‘‘You cannot reject him.’’

‘‘Excuse me?’’ I asked, unable to believe what she said.

‘‘You are his mate. You can’t leave.’’

I looked at the other guard, Tipene, the one who had stepped on my arm. His face was just as impassive as Maata’s. ‘‘You are the mate,’’ was all he said, just as if that was the end of the discussion.

‘‘Even if a doppelganger could be a mate, and even if I was that doppelganger, it doesn’t matter. I can’t stay.’’