"Well, my dear, you've finally come," he said mockingly. "I've waited a long time for you to accept one of my invitations. Come in and relax, and we'l... discuss your problem." He ushered her into the plush living room, and directed her to the huge circular sofa situated in the middle of the room. Soft, seductive music came from hidden speakers in the wall, and the lights had been turned so low, that when Erik walked over to the portable bar, Thea could see only the burning ember of the cigarette. They buried him under a pile of rock not far from the spot where he had died. It was then very sad to see Verla crying over his grave, while she mumbled incoherent words of farewell to her mate.Within the last few days she had lost her family, and all of her tribe and now her mate was gone. But Vincent knew that the people of her world never gave up, even if things were really bad. He had discovered this while being held prisoner in Haski's village. All of the slaves there had accepted their. She now had soft skin and a few of the maid's more noticeable age spots had disappeared. Derwen's friend was in very good cheer during the day and she loved how I now occasionally nibbled on her ears in public, showing the staff her new status as one of my lovers.The day after my return, I explained to Derwen how we'd killed Baron Basina's heir at the market village battle and that they were the Caldavian family that had captured Laudus and her sisters. We schemed to spread a rumor in Conquest. He put his hands on either side of her leaning forward and staring up into her longing eyes. ‘You look cold,’ he said, she nodded. He put his right hand on her cheek. ‘Feel how cold my hands are. I’m cold because I’ve been standing out here, wasting my time for your sake.’ His cold hands burned her soft skin with desire. ‘I’m sorry, Sir. I…’ her voice trailed off as he slipped his hand under her top, pressing it against her belly. She froze, shocked and ecstatic at his intimate touch, not sure.