Marked. Lydia Parks

the familiar shapes between his fingertips and thumb as he spoke. “The knot in the middle is the true heart of the cougar, the sign of courage, and the snake, our friend, is wrapped around the center.”

      She raised her hand to her own necklace.

      “It was given to you when you were born, as was mine,” he said.

      Then she reached out and tentatively touched his necklace.

      He lowered his hand in a clenched fist to the sofa.

      Her gaze jumped to his and her eyes filled with tears. “It’s true, isn’t it?”

      He nodded, and his heart raced as he realized he’d convinced her.

      Her fingers slid up the side of his neck to caress his face and he sucked in a breath of surprise. Her touch was tender, warm, perfect. A groan rose from his chest. Unable to do otherwise, he closed his eyes and turned his face to press a kiss into her heated palm.

      She stroked his hair. “Is that why I’m so drawn to you?”