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Useless to fight this, like trying to make a stand against a hurricane. With a groan, the last of my battered self-restraint gives. It bent me until I broke. Now all I can do is let it sweep me away.

I enfold her in my arms, my mouth moving hungrily over hers.

Better than my wildest imaginings!

The kiss is nothing more than a taste of passion, and yet it redefines everything. I’ve enjoyed thousands of kisses over my lifetime, but this is the one that ruins me for all others. Knowing that I shouldn’t be savoring these lips only makes me all the more consumed by them.

Callie’s arms encircle me. A hundred times I’d imagined this moment. All my imaginings pale to the reality of it.

I move one of my hands to her hair, my fingers delving into her rich locks. I need her closer.

Callie pulls away to draw in air—

What in seven hells are you doing, you fool?The sobering thought cuts through my passion and my raging instincts.

Fucking fuck.

All at once I drop my hold on her and stagger back. Callie coats my lips, and all I want is more.

No. No more.

The shadows around me churn as I fight myself. They reach for Callie, wanting to shroud her in my magic.

Claim—keep!

My wings punch through my magic. They spread wide behind me, forcing me to recognize my mate.

She ismine.

Her eyes widen. “Your wings …”

My little secret is out.

All my plans—to bide my time, to learn her ways and be her companion for another year—all gone in an instant. There will be no slow burn wooing her; we’re a lit fuse and this situation is going to explode any second now.

I’ll either need to backpedal my way out of this situation or rush my young mate into a relationship she might not be ready for.

“I’m sorry,” I say. Impossible, this situation I’ve created for us. “It was never supposed to happen like this. I should’ve waited. I’d intended to wait.”

“Des, what’s wrong?” Callie moves towards me.

I run a hand through my hair. Should’ve known it would end like this. Should’ve realized how close I already was to caving to my urges.

“I have to go.”

“No,” she says, her skin losing its luminescence.

I can see her heart breaking in front of me, and for the millionth time in my life I wonder if being honorable is doing us more damage than good.

But she needs to see what honor looks like on a man. I’m the last person to advocate for it—truly, I am—but for once in my life, I’m trying to not be a selfish bastard.

“I’m sorry,” I repeat, my resolve hardening. “I meant to give you more time. I never should have done this—any of it.”

Her face falls.

Really fucking need to leave. I’m going to cave again if I stay.

“But youlikeme,” she insists.