His eyes, green and deep and so treacherous it made my heart bleed to look at them, asked the question he wouldn't allow past his lips.

"Lusus naturae," I answered. "If another wyvera challenges for me and wins, I cease to be your mate."

For the second time in my life I walked away from Drake, away from everything he was, and everything we could have been together.

This time, however, I left my heart behind.

The e-mail was waiting for me when I staggered into the tiny apartment I shared with Jim. Beth, my friend who was also Uncle Damian's secretary, had printed it out and left it on the cans of dog food that sat on the table in the kitchenette, where, driven by Jim's demands for food the second it got home, I would be sure to see it.

I have a three-room flat in London near Green Park,the e-mail read, "if you have no other commitments, I would consider it the greatest honor if you would consent to being my apprentice. I believe there is much we can teach each other."

The e-mail was signed Nora Charles.