Thane rolled over in bed, sleep-dazed, and expecting to wrap his arms around Bex’s warm body like he’d done many times. Exhausted after making love again, he smiled at the thought of her being here. Keeping up with his mate’s needs while she was in her prime had already proven to be a challenge. One he liked, a lot. He never realized the pain and discomfort a she-dragon went through during their prime, but after witnessing the relentless ache coursing through Bex, he had a greater appreciation for what females endured. He was grateful Bex only had to go through this once a year.

The cold sheets next to him jerked him awake. He rolled back over and looked at the clock. A whole day had gone by. “Fuck.” He ran his hands through his hair and sat up. His stomach rumbled reminding him they hadn’t eaten in a while. “Bex,” he called out thinking she was in the shower. “I’m going to fix some food. What would you like?” He slipped on his jeans thinking it was odd that she didn’t reply. He padded across his bedroom to the bathroom. “Bex.” He knocked on the door. Slowly, it creaked open. He looked inside. She’s not here.

Quickly, he made his way out of his room to the top of the stairs trying not to panic, but the realization she was gone grew minute-by-minute. He looked down into the living room, praying he’d find her. “Bex,” he called out again. He gripped the wood railing as he searched the porch through the wall of windows. There was no sign of her.

He raced back into his room, searching for Bex’s overnight bag. It was gone, too. “Shit.”

She could still be at Dorothea’s packing. He tugged on a t-shirt from the dresser and bolted downstairs. There was still time, he prayed, to reach her before she left. There had to be. This couldn’t be the way it ended. He slipped on his hiking boots and grabbed his jacket before he left the house.

The Firebird’s engine roared to life as Thane turned the key. He slammed it in reverse, barely missing the garage door as it went up. Tires screeching, he raced down the mountain. The smell of Bex’s jasmine scent still on his skin made him go faster. He had to reach her in time. She couldn’t leave without saying goodbye.

He’d thought she would have changed her mind after knowing they were mates. All the other stuff didn’t matter. All he wanted was her…to spend his life loving her.

A mournful cry bellowed from inside him. His dragon felt the same way. They were losing their mate. “Fuck.”

Thane’s heart settled as he pulled into Dorothea’s driveway and saw Bex’s car parked curbside. She was still here. He cut the engine and took in a deep breath. What was he going say? What could he do to make her stay? He’d given her everything he had. He’d been so confident he could change her mind, but there was nothing left to make her want to be with him. Thane stepped out of the car and froze as he watched Bex hug Dorothea goodbye at the front door.

For a minute, he thought of running to her, flying her far away from all the outside influences keeping them apart, until she accepted him as her mate. Yes, his dragon was a greedy bastard and yes, the thought was creepy, but he was a desperate man. In less than a week, this woman had awakened him in ways he never dreamed possible.

Thane leaned on the passenger side door waiting for Bex to finish her goodbyes with Dorothea. He stiffened when Bex turned around and began to walk down the driveway. She paused after she saw him waiting. One look at her and he knew she’d been crying—her eyes were red and swollen. Frustrated, he kept his mouth shut, too afraid the sea of words ready to come out would only deepen her pain. Damn her, she could make this all go away if she’d just stay. He’d given everything to her—heart and soul, but it wasn’t enough.

Angry that she was going to skip town without even saying goodbye, he realized if he hadn’t come here, she’d be long gone already. The idea of losing his mate pissed him off.

Bex averted her gaze and continued down the driveway, stopping in front of him. “Hey,” she said.

He stuffed his hands in his jean pockets. He didn’t know what to do or say.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered and scooted close enough to kiss his cheek. He turned away before her lips touched his skin. He refused to accept her goodbye.

* * *

Tears filled Bex’s eyes. All her life she yearned to have that special connection with another dragon and now that she’d found it, she had to let it go. She had a life back home, a life she’d worked hard to achieve. Finishing her dissertation and finally reaching her goals were in her grasp. Besides, she was honest with Thane from the beginning, she wasn’t staying. Her heart raced with sadness. Words escaped her when she saw the hurt on Thane’s face. She didn’t blame him for not wanting her kiss; there was nothing she could say or do to ease the pain. This is exactly why she left this morning without waking him. She wasn’t strong enough to end it.

One more kiss, one touch, and she’d never leave his bed. And now seeing him like this, well, she knew if she stayed any longer, she wouldn’t go back to the life she’d worked so hard for. She couldn’t throw it all away.

Before she completely lost it, she continued to her car. Quickly, she threw her bags in the backseat, then got in and pulled away. She gripped the steering wheel and focused on the road through the tears. She didn’t dare look back. Every mile marker she passed was a reminder of what she was leaving behind. And no matter how loud she turned up the radio, nothing erased her thoughts of Thane and the time they’d shared together.

The sound of her cellphone vibrating brought her back to reality. Mel’s name flashed on the radio screen. Bex debated whether to answer. She was in no mood to talk about her vacation, and Mel would want to know everything. On the other hand, she didn’t want to worry her friend. “Shit.” Bex accepted the call. “Hey, Mel.”

“Hey, stranger. I’ve been trying to get ahold of you. Check your messages much?”

“I’m on vacation, remember.”

“I know, but Dr. Valstrath has been trying to reach you all week. He even came into the lab. I told him you had the flu and bought you some time, but I think you need to check your email. Sounded like it was important.”

“I wonder what’s going on. He never comes to the lab.”

“Check your email, woman.”

“Right. I’m on my way home.”

“So…”

Oh, dear god, here it comes.

“What?”

“You know what. How was your vacation? Meet any sexy men?”

“Mel, I’m hanging up, I’m driving. I’ll tell you everything soon.”

“You better.”

“Bye.”

Bex hung up and pulled over to the side of the road. She had at least two more hours in the car and she couldn’t wait until she got home to check her email. She put her hazards on, then pulled her phone out of her purse. It was silly that she hadn’t checked her email sooner, but she had other things on her mind.

She scrolled through her messages and found an email from Dr. Valstrath, subject, urgent. “Shit.” Bex opened it.

She sighed in relief. He wanted to see her first thing Monday morning. Tomorrow was Sunday, giving her the day to catch up before she met with him. But why the urgency? Odd, she thought, but then again, he was an odd man.