Rejected. Trapped on an alien world. I should hate him.
So why don't I?

Nina

Cinderella, I'm not.
I've been matched to a Kagathi Lord, but he wants nothing to do with me.

Reo is grumpy.
Rude.
Sometimes a downright jerk.

But there are flashes of kindness in his eyes.
And when we touch nothing else matters.

Reo

My mate. My heart.
My blood burns to claim Nina, keep her.

But more than the Suhlik threaten the peace here. If the forces ranged against the peace ever learn how much Nina means to me, she'll be in danger.

And I will do anything, everything, to keep her safe.
Even from myself.