Two pairs of oval-shaped eyes surrounded by feline features stared down at her through a watery haze. She recognized one of them. “Vren! How…” She blinked and wiped a palm across her face to remove her tears. Tears? I must have been reliving that nightmare. “You’re safe, Bethany, on my ship.” His large hand grasped hers and held tight. “No one will harm you here.” His reassuring touch and words banished the anguish inside her. He was alive! She didn’t know how it was possible. She’d believed he’d died. Confused and not sure if she was completely awake, she held his gaze as the other D’Lyrian blotted away the last of her teardrops with a soft cloth. To her, Vren was a beautiful sight, next to naked, wearing only a tapa. “This isn’t a dream? You’re alive, and I’m really on your ship?” “Yes.” He sat beside her and then pulled her into his arms. Heat poured from his velvety skin, warming her to the bone. He grunted, then softly growled when she hugged him as hard as she could.
