"I…" Setan clenched his fists. "I can take you away from here. I can bring you to Blazing Flame City and let you live there, but…"
He looked at Zena, guilt filling his eyes. "What happened that night… I'm truly sorry. But I can't bond with you. I… already have someone I care about. I can't take another female as a mate. It wouldn't be fair to you."
If he were to choose, it should be with his whole heart. If he carried Nina in his heart yet bonded with someone else, what would that be but betrayal?
He continued, "But don't worry. I will still support you. Within my means, I'll give you a comfortable life and ensure you live without worry. But… that's all I can offer."
That was the extent of the responsibility he could take. Anything beyond that, he could not give.
Only now, faced with a real choice, did he understand that bonding was not something one could do with just anyone. It had to be the one who truly lived in his heart.
