Thick, gray clouds filled the night sky and concealed the Harvest moon. Thunder rumbled in the distance, low and ominous. A flash of lightning startled her, the glowing rod striking close, causing her body to pitch forward, then backward. She was losing the battle to stay upright.

Terror seized her heart. She feared nothing could stop her from falling.

The silk nightgown she wore swirled around her, tangling between her legs. The chill of the evening air made her teeth chatter as much as her perilous predicament did. As the wind picked up, her long, curly hair whipped all around her, the auburn strands slashing across her face, impeding her vision.

Finally, the weight of the medallion became too much for her small frame to bear. She had no choice but to accept the inevitable-her body simply couldn't fight the force determined to seal her fate. She gave a quick, silent prayer to the heavens above before she tumbled over the edge of the tall building.

Aja cried out as she fell, a seemingly endless scream that filled the cold night air and echoed all around her.

Suddenly, a large hand pierced the thick blanket of fog and reached out to her, grasping at her own hand. The heavy, wet mist surrounding her made it impossible for her to see any farther than the hand stretched toward her and the sinewy forearm attached to it.

She felt long, strong fingers twine with hers. Her body was lifted out of the dense fog and her feet touched solid ground. Powerful arms wrapped around her, warming her instantly and making her feel protected.

"You're safe." The deep voice and the strong embrace she remained in helped to abate her fear. "You will always be safe while I watch over you."

His warm lips pressed to hers, chasing away the eerie chill that had besieged her earlier. Her arms tightened around his neck as her body melded to his. Large hands skimmed over her backside, pressing her more firmly against him. She felt his strong muscles all around her, felt his erection against her belly. Her heart thundered in her chest and her pulse raced as erotic sensations consumed her, replacing the terror and dread she'd felt before he'd saved her.

His hot, possessive kiss startled her, but also stirred her passion, bringing her to life. His tongue delved deep inside her mouth, caressing and teasing hers, pleasuring her in the most enticing way. The pangs of loneliness that had been so acute of late began to ebb as other sensations overpowered the emptiness she'd felt for so long. Desire built quickly, coursing through her, hot and bright.

As her fingers tangled in his silky hair, she realized suddenly how much she needed this man… Needed him not only to save her from a terrifying fate, but to save her from her isolated existence. She felt an innate connection to him.

Intimacy and warmth flooded her veins. A sense of familiarity swept over her. It was as though she knew him well.

As if they'd always belonged together.

Destined to be.

Forever.