“You're so sweet, Gregori, Savannah purred, her voice strong in his mind.I am not sweet, he objected strenuously.”

“I know Julian," Gregori volunteered, his white teeth gleaming in the darkness. Water lapped at the boat, making a peculiar slapping sound. The rocking was more soothing and peaceful than disturbing.Beau looked smug. "I thought you might. You both have a connection to Savannah, you both ask the same questions about natural medicine, and you both look as intimidating as hell.""I am nicer than he is," Gregori said, straight-faced.Savannah's head brushed his chest. Her laughter was sweet music in the stifling heat of the swamp.”

“Gregori's arm moved from around her waist to circle her neck, a male gesture of ownership. Savannah laughed to herself. Carpathian men were not far from the cave.I caught that, mon amour. Gregori's soft voice brushed at her mind, a low caress that curled warmth in her stomach. He sounded close to teasing, but she noticed he didn't drop his arm from around her neck.”

“You can," he said. There was a tremulous note in his voice. "You're strong—you're so, so strong. It's why I love you.”

“How sweetly he came to her, she thought. Even with his bulk and power, he came to her...sweetly.”

“Did he have to be so intimidating? Carpathian males were all enormously strong; they didn't need to look it. There was no need for his huge chest and bulging arms and thighs like oak trees. She had started out with bravado, determined not to be intimidated, but he was power personified."I am reading your mind," he mentioned softly.She hated her traitorous body, the way it dissolved at the sight of him and the sound of his velvet, caressing voice. "I told you to stay out of my mind.""It is a habit, ma petite."She flung another pillow at him. "Don't you dare bring up the wolf. I'm sure our laws forbade such a thing. You're a cad, Gregori, and you're not even sorry.""Remove your clothes, Savannah.”