Damen was aware of how skittish Laurent was; his senses provided him a constant feedback loop of prey's status, as if hoping to feed his instincts to take advantage of their frightened state. He was not going to do so with Laurent's this time.

"I should have sent it sooner. I told you the truth that night; my manners leave...something to be desired. A lack of civilized company gives little cause to practice civility. I am unused to having to control my temper."

It had rained that second night, the moon hidden behind the dark clouds, as if his mother wept for what her son had become.

"It took a great deal of courage to come back," he observed, the amber-brown eyes watching Laurent from across the table. The beastly gaze fell to the flower tucked at Laurent's breast. "Why did you?"