I don’t need a mate to complicate my life. Just because I recognize that Brianna is my fated mate doesn’t mean I have to accept it. If she rejects me, I’ll be free. Easy enough. But every second we’re apart feels like my soul is being shredded. Literally. When the bond goes away, I’ll never have another shot at a mate. I thought I didn’t want one. But Brianna is like no woman I’ve ever known. She’s strong, loving, and an amazing single mom. Far too good for the playboy dragon I’ve been all my life. I need to stay away but she needs protection from her ex, and I can’t stand to see her and her daughter in danger.