Page 59 of Green Ravens

“I can smell you…you want to hurt me,” Zorion whispered.

Then Valor remembered that because of their animal DNA, they were natural enemies.

“No, I do not.”

“I can smell your anger.”

Valor was getting annoyed.

“Last time. Come here, or Iwillcome up and get you.”

Zorion clung to his branch.

Valor managed to wait three seconds before he leaped into the tree.

Zorion scurried a little farther until he could go no higher.

Valor scaled the tree, gripping the bark and slinging himself over the thick branches with ease.

Zorion’s scent was stronger now, potent in a way that made Valor’s blood race. He felt an urge to overtake Zorion, but the man in him was stronger than the animal they infused into his system.

Weeks ago, Valor had overheard the scientists saying the tests they were performing were far beyond the scope of their research.

Perhaps their experiments had errors or defects.

He leaned closer until he and Zorion were face-to-face, their breaths mingling in the cool wind.

Zorion tensed, his pulse even more erratic.

Valor softened his voice the best he could, but there was nothing he could do about the gruffness.

“Don’t be afraid of me. I won’t harm you. I am a man of honor. My name was Oakley. But to you…I am Valor.”

He eased his green hood back until it rested at the base of his neck.

Zorion’s gaze remained suspicious as a hollow ache clawed at Valor’s core.

Valor eased closer and slowly reached toward Zorion’s face. He smoothed his fingertips along the scars on the man’s cheek, hesitant but curious, wondering what had happened. He slid his palm down Zorion’s toned arm until he was clutching his wrist.

A spark flared so hot and strong between them that Zorion flinched.

What Jo said was true. He and Zorionwereconnected.

But how?

Zorion’s pulse stuttered beneath his fingers as if he was scared, but he didn’t try to remove his hand.

“You can feel it, can’t you?” Valor asked.

Zorion’s parted his lips as if to deny it, but the words never came out. Instead, those beautiful green eyes held Valor’s in an unyielding grasp.

“I know you don’t remember me.” He caressed Zorion’s pulse until it began to slow. “And I don’t remember you,Sawyer. But I don’t need to remember to know that Zorion matters to me.”

Balancing effortlessly on the branches, Valor pulled Zorion toward him until his head rested on his chest.

He rested his cheek against soft white-blond hair. Beneath the scent of wildness lay a faint fragrance of earthy sweetness.

Thisfelt familiar.

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