As Victoria buried her head against his chest, Vail wrapped his arm around her in a gesture that was meant to comfort but was also innately protective. Still seething from what he had learned about Spencer, he found it impossible to think of any words to sooth her. All he could focus on was picturing the creative ways by which he would exact revenge on the Wynter for the things he had done. Draining the Lady of her blood in such a cruel and unnatural manner was twisted, but even more so, he was sickened to discover that another man had tried to force himself upon her when she could do nothing to defend herself. If he had been close enough to catch wind of what had been going on, he had no doubt in his mind that he would have killed the other vampire on the spot.

He looked down at Victoria as she feebly asked if he was serious. There was a tremor of confusion in her voice that demanded an explanation. Until now, he had been quiet about the depths of his feelings toward her, but there was no way to answer her questions without revealing more about how much he had come to care for her—about how he cared for her more than any vampire should ever care for a human. In his heart, he had already crossed that line. Hiding it had only delayed the inevitable confession.

“Without hesitation,” he professed when she queried if he would really face the Wynters’ wrath for her. The games were over. He was certain about how he felt about her, and if he was going to give his all to keep her safe from a monster like Spencer, there was no more reason to pretend like he only saw her as a blood bag.

Swayed by the weight of his conviction, he brought a hand to Victoria’s cheek and leaned in to press his lips against hers. He kissed her deeply, no longer held back by the reservations that had plagued him before. He was committed to the fate he’d chosen. The repercussions were inconsequential.

When he pulled back again, there was determination mingled with the anger in his eyes. “I would do anything for you, Victoria. You’re more to me than just the blood in your veins. If killing that bastard is what it takes for me to be with you, then I’ll drive the bullet through his heart with my hand.”