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"I do not wish to protect you because you are poor or weak." He frowned, "How could you think such a thing? My desire to protect you comes from my need to protect my mate. You could be stronger than me, and I would still need to protect you. It is the same as a wolf needing to protect his mate, though she is every bit as capable as he. It is an instinct that has been with me since before I was born."

"I am unsure what you are talking about."

He shook his head, "My lifemate, do you not realize how much you protect me already. All because I have met you, there is no way that I shall ever become the undead, no way that I can ever give into the darkness that eats at me. You have saved my soul, Crimson Dawn, protected it from certain damnation. It is all I can do, protecting you, for the gift you have given me."

"That is not enough for you? Saving my soul?" Zakiel was completely confused, somewhat hurt, "Then you never wished to save me...or to be with me." He cursed in the old language and bowed stiffly, formally, at Crimson Dawn, I am deeply sorry that I have burdened you. You will no longer need to worry for me. I will burden you no longer." Zakiel's insides screamed at him to turn back to her, that she had no idea how important she was to him. But he pulled his will together and forced himself to take the steps away from her, back into the darkness where he could move to the next life, where perhaps she would meet him and accept him there.

He stopped, "Of course you do, I am as much yours to care for and protect as you are mine. While we are not bound as we should be, it is still the truth. I simply do not want you to feel that you must do such things. You have already given so much to me..."

His eyes flickered, moving over her, burning for her. "I will certainly not stop you, my lifemate. I would very much like for you to look after me." Zakiel smiled slowly, seductively, "You have a most opportune chance now."

"I would not object to you showing me how much you care. I need you, Crimson. And I need to know you want me as well." He stepped closer, brought his mouth inches above hers, but did not move to kiss her. He wanted her to chose.

Zakiel's amusement echoed through his mind, Do you know what you do to me? He kissed her back and rested a hoof on her waist, still allowing her to make the moves.