Page 85 of The Mating Claim

Tear glistened in her eyes. “Oh Drust… oh my sweetdragon.”

For a moment they simply held hands, staring at each other. She blinked, as he could see the confusion finally clouding herexpression.

“But… you can’t leave this earth, my darling Drust. You’re an immortal wizard. You died long ago and becameimmortal.”

Drust slowly pulled his hand away, the realization slamming into him like a freight train. She was right. He was immortal, and he’d said those things to her as if he still walked on earth as a dragonshifter…

As if he’d said them to her before, longago.

His gaze went to her dragon birthmark. It glowed blue. He did not need to open his shirt to see his own marking, for he knew instinctively it also glowed blue, signaling the intimate and deep connection betweenthem.

Heknew.

The reason why he felt so compelled by her, so drawn to her. Sofrustrated.

“Why do I dream exclusively of you, of making love with you, of being with you as if we were meant to be together?” shewhispered.

“These dreams you’ve had, they are not dreams, sweet Lacey. They arememories.”

“I, I.” She pulled her hand away. “They can’t be. It can’tbe.”

Doubt clouded her face and he knew this was the wrong place to discuss something so very serious. People talked and laughed around them. Silverware clinked against plates and reggae music played in the background. It was too cheerful andvibrant.

He signaled for the check, adding a silent mental push for the waiter, who brought it immediately. Drust paid in cash, adding a generous tip for both the honeymooning couple and theirdinner.

Hand on the small of her back, he guided Lacey out of the restaurant. There was a walkway leading to a nearby canal. Clasping her hand, he walked with her as they saidnothing.

At the canal’s edge, he turned and faced her. Finally, a little privacy to say what was on his heart, what he knew was thetruth.

“Lacey, you and I have met before, in another life and time, when I was mortal. The dreams you’ve had were memories of that life. You are my soulmate. It is rare to happen but it does. Do not fear it,” he saidsoftly.

Her lower lip wobbled as she touched her birthmark. “It’s the reason forthis.”

He nodded. “The mark is the same as mine, so we would find each other again. Through time eternal, we are destined to be one. You hold my heart within you, and nothing, not even death, may partus.”

“I don’t remember my other life, but I know from my dreams what we shared was precious and wonderful and I loved you dearly. It was horribly sad to leave you. I don’t want to lose you again,” shewhispered.

“Youwon’t.”

He kissed her gently, hungering for her, but knowing he must restrain himself. Everything must seem so new and a little frightening toher.

Lacey touched his cheek when they parted. “Drust, I don’t know about this soulmate thing. All I know is I have these crazy feelings for you and part of me doesn’t want them. Because they scare the hell out ofme.”

They walked back to the restaurant. When the valet brought around his car, he opened the door for Laceyhimself.

They said nothing on the drive home, the self-driving car smoothly navigating through the crowded streets. When the Jag pulled into the driveway, he walked around the car to open the door forher.

Lacey made no move to walk into the house. Instead, she toyed with the strap of herpurse.

“What’s wrong?” he askedsoftly.

“It’s…” she pushed a hand through her hair. “I can’t deny my feelings for you anymore,Drust.”

His heart beat faster withhope.

“But whoever I was in my past life, Drust, I can’t be her again. I mean, talk about expectations… I can’t be a person who’s been dead for centuries. Iwish…”

He put a finger under her chin and lifted it so their gazes met. “What do you want, Lacey? What do you trulydesire?”