Page 429 of Master of My Life

“Prepare me?”

Richard smiled. “They’re going to clean you up.”

“Okay . . .” He glanced at Alex as Anna took his hand and led him out of the tent, concerned that

his wife was taking him away.

Alex joined him and the Elder-Mistresses as they left the pavilion. “Chase, I do not want you to

worry about what happens between you and Anna.” He glanced at Anna, who nodded. “We talked

about it, and you need to do with her and Irina what you need to do to become an Elder. And yes, this

means sex.”

Chase swallowed. “I can’t—”

“You can and you must, Chase. You cannot deal with the Immortal essence without them. It will

destroy you.”

“But—”

“You have seen the ceremonies. As I understand it, this one is even more intense. It takes almost a

day to recover and you are going to have instincts on what to do. Please do not worry about upsetting

me. Or Anna.” He smiled. “I would not have her take part if I was concerned.”

Chase pressed his lips together and stared at his friend, who had just told him to have sex with his

wife. Any other time might have been amusing, but this was serious. Alex had said he’d do whatever

it took to help him and this meant giving over his wife. He hugged Alex. “Thank you.”

Alex nodded and kissed Anna. “I love you. Make him strong.”

Anna gave a determined nod. “I will do everything I can.” She took Chase’s hand and led him into

a tent at the edge of the barrier.

“Strip,” Irina said, bluntly, removing her sundress.

Anna removed her clothing and then stooped to untie his boots. The two women helped Chase out

of his t-shirt and pants. Irina smiled, running her hands up his chest and Chase shivered. He hadn’t

been touched by a woman since Sabrina left. The female touch was very different from what he and

Ethan had shared. The pain of the memory of their last night together in Boston, when they’d said

goodbye, struck him like a physical blow, and it was all he could do to stay on his feet. He squeezed

his eyes shut.

“Chase?” Anna asked in a soft voice.

He opened his eyes and swallowed hard. “It still hurts.”

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