"All this is simply your reaction to my Gifts. You never loved me before, not in all those years. Now that you who I--what I can do, you've convinced yourself it's more than it is. Its simple instinct." "Perchance you're right. But the result is the same, isn't it? We were meant to be together in life. That's our law, because that is our instinct, the natural order of our kind. Strongest mates to strongest." She took the steps necessary to stand before him. She held out a hand to him and he accepted it, lightly, his fingers cradled hers. "This is not life, Rhys." "No." He studied their locked hands, the pulse in her wrist. "But it is still love. Just as I loved you when we were young--" "Stop it," she whispered. "My heart beast for you." He released her fingers and gave her that faint, sardonic smile. "I am going to marry Hayden." "I know. And I'm still going to love you." The smile deepened. "Sorry."