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that’s not why I came. I did hope you could break at least the first part of the curse, and I’m grateful for your help. Now that I have had the chance to see her again, and know that you are indeed caring for her, I will leave and find another way to be healed.
     
    Matt used his shaman gift to search the air shifter for truth. What he found was nothing but goodwill toward himself, and a deep admiration for Laurin. The second emotion made Matt’s throat tighten. It wasn’t love he sensed—more an infatuation combined with a great deal of lust.
    Kallen wasn’t in love with Laurin, just wanted her. Funny how that actually made Matt feel better.
    The other shifter rose to his feet, the towel wrapped around his waist all that covered him. Matt could see why Laurin would have admired the man—he was powerful and strong in body, and it seemed, extremely kind in nature.
    “What if I told you there’s still a chance for the curse to be lifted?” The words burst out, surprising both of them. Kallen’s eyes widened and Matt laughed in spite of the insanity of the situation. “It’s not as foreign an idea amongst the water people as it is for your tribes.”
    The air shifter sat down with a thump, muted hope in his eyes. He scrambled for the pen.
     
    I would never dream to presume. While the situation would be unusual for me, I will admit I have always admired and desired Laurin. But I don’t want this at her expense, or at the risk of your relationship.
     
    “At least you admitted you want her. Don’t lay on the heroics too thick,” Matt muttered. The frown on Kallen’s face showed his confusion. Matt waved it off. Damn, the man was a shining example of virtue. “Just a warning—I won’t insist on her participation. In fact, she’s got to understand completely what the cure will take, and be the one to initiate it. Will you agree to that?”
    Kallen nodded.
    “I’ll explain the situation to her after we eat. I guess you’ll be our guest for a few days. There’s a spare hammock you can rig up to sleep on deck.”
    Kallen rose again, bowing deeply to Matt before coughing and pointing to the towel. His raised brow and slight smile made Matt realize just how ridiculous he was being. “Yes, I’ll find you some clothes as well. Because even if I’m going to allow you to make love with my partner, I don’t need to see you naked all the time until it happens.”

Chapter Four
    It was the first time the ship had ever felt too small. Matt led her into the forward berth immediately after their meal was finished and proceeded to shock the hell out of her.
    He lay stretched out on the mattress, his chest bare. The weather was warm enough that all he wore was a pair of knee-length khaki shorts. She sat on the edge of the mattress, letting her appreciative gaze roam his body.
    He returned her admiration, his fingers trailing down the side of her cheek, trickling over her collarbone. The brushing tease lit a warmth deep inside. His voice when he spoke was lower than usual, not quiet as if to avoid Kallen overhearing, but husky and needy, like he was a second away from jumping her. “You were brave to try to cure Kallen earlier.”
    “Brave? Matt, he’s a friend. If I can help, I want to.”
    “What if it takes a lot of energy to heal him?” Matt warned. “Are you prepared for that?”
    Laurin leaned back on one elbow. “Is that why we couldn’t do it before? I’m not strong enough?”
    He shook his head as he tugged her closer, rolling onto his back with her draped on top. She lay uneasily, intensely aware that on the other side of the door, Kallen remained at the table looking over a pile of magazines. While they had eaten, Matt had asked him to stay for the night, and although she was happy to have a little longer with Kallen around, being in the bedroom with Matt right now seemed somehow…dirty.
    “You’re strong enough. It comes down to the method of releasing the magic.”
    Hope rose inside. “Really?