Zack King—gorgeous hunk, military hero, her brother’s best friend. But to Blair Masters, he’s also an arrogant jerk, her first lover and an expert heartbreaker. He walked out of her life without a word and that’s where he can stay.

But fate has thrown Zack a second chance with the woman who has filled his dreams for over a decade. This time, he isn’t walking away.

Publisher’s Note: Originally available in the Chances Are anthology.

After being attacked and left for dead on the side of a mountain, Myrra Lansyr isn't worried about waking up naked, being tied to a bed or stranded with a stranger seeking vengeance for his murdered brother. Far more frightening and unacceptable are the deep, unrestrained desires Brett Canon looses within her every time they touch.

Again and again he pushes her to her limits and past them — sexually and emotionally — and still demands more. Years before, she chose duty to country over personal feelings, but for the first time in her life, the obligation of her position as Captain of an Ilyrian royal guard is challenged by a longing for more. And Brett will do whatever it takes to keep her safe in his arms and present in his life.

Rordyc Kilth, First Son of the Fourth House of Ilyria, doesn't accept failure. Even his own. Though he hadn't found his mate in time to keep another man from claiming her, they had been matched by the gods and Brooke Phillips was rightfully his. And he would have her. The gods didn't care if she had been lost to another world as a child—his duty to his family and his people's survival demanded she return to Ilyria. Mated to him in body and soul.

Her refusal of her destiny didn't bother him. By the time he's done with his passionate seduction, she won't remember any other man's hands or mouth on her except his. And after the way she explodes in his arms during their first kiss, he's sure of his success. The raging need simmering between them is all-consuming.

Until Brooke disappears. With ancient Ilyrian enemies and the mob closing in, he accepts that it's not duty, destiny or even desire driving him to find her. It's a soul-deep need for the total surrender of her heart. This time, he will not fail.
 

Wyc Kilth, heir to one of the five Ilyrian thrones, has spent years searching for the Mystic prophesied and matched to him. As a child, Bethany was hidden on another world. Now the future of Wyc's people depends on the success of him not only finding her, but convincing her to finish their Mating Rite and return to Ilyria.

Wyc is stunned by the mere sight of Bethany, and her reaction is just as explosive. Though denying his claim on her, she taunts him with the chemistry sizzling between them.

In keeping Bethany safe and fulfilling his mission, Wyc must overcome his ancient enemies, trained slayers, and a traitor within his trusted inner circle. But his most difficult obstacle is Bethany's refusal to accept him as her mate.

Knowing she is unable to ignore the need that rages between them, Wyc uses her desire to bind them together. Again and again, he pulls out her emotions through her body's reaction, determined to work his way so deep into her heart she will have no choice but to accept that he truly is her destiny.