Vail nodded in understanding when Victoria answered his question. He had guessed that the pill didn’t taste good based on its acrid smell. He was also glad that he didn’t have to take anything like it, both because of the apparent unpleasantness of medicine and because taking it was a sign of sickness. While he couldn’t imagine what it felt like to be ill, it didn’t look like something he was missing out on. He reached for her hand again, this time to hold as she swallowed the pill, appreciative of his species’ superior biology.

At her following question, he remained silent for a long moment, considering how to respond. Since he had met her, his perspective about many things had changed. It wasn’t that long ago that he would have agreed with his father about everything they were quarreling about now. Additionally, the thought of becoming the next head of the clan wasn’t any less daunting to him today than it had been before. The responsibilities the title brought were a heavy burden to bear. He didn’t envy Peter in the slightest for all the duties he’d had to take up since Reginald’s death over a century ago.

“If you had asked me that even a few weeks ago, I think I would,” he admitted, idly tracing his thumb over the back of her hand. “It isn’t something we try to understand. Humans are supposed to be our prey, not our lovers. If I hadn’t broken that rule, myself, I wouldn’t have even humored the possibility.” He paused, studying her face as he reflected again on how far his paradigm had shifted since their night together at The Shire. “But now, I don’t know. I’d like to think that I would at least hear him out.”

The faint sound of footsteps in the hallway caught Vail’s attention, and he turned to the door just before his father stepped inside. The older Hygrace met his gaze with narrowed eyes. “I’m beginning to think you enjoy testing my patience, Vail.”

“I know you disapprove, father, but I’ve made up my mind,” the heir asserted, remaining planted beside Victoria on the bed. He didn’t bother arguing the point any further, since he knew there was nothing he could say to convince Peter that he wasn’t making a mistake. If he was honest, he wasn’t entirely certain that he wasn’t making a mistake either. Taking Lady Crest as a lover could still lead to his death. The only difference was that he no longer cared how their involvement changed his fate. He had meant every word when he’d told her that he wanted to be with her.

“Our traditions are what have kept us alive,” his father growled, folding his arms over his chest. “If you’re willing to abandon them so quickly for a girl you barely know, I can always send her away, so you can get your priorities in order.”

“Actually, I don’t think you can,” Vail rebutted thoughtfully. “She’s in no condition to be moved, and the Saints know she’s with us. They saw me carry her through the front door. If you cast her out now and she dies in the cold, they’ll blame you for her death. She has to stay here until she recovers.”

Peter pursed his lips, pondering the situation for a moment before he asked in a low voice, “Even if I allowed this to continue, where do you think it’s going to go?”

The Hygrace heir looked away from him, perplexed by the question. Truthfully, he had no answer. He was considering turning her into a vampire, but he didn’t know if the ritual could still be done or if she would even agree to go through with it. There were too many unknowns for him to confidently say that he knew what the future had in store for them if he stayed with her.

Peter noticed his hesitation and tilted his chin up, believing that he was finally getting through to his son. “And you,” he turned to the Crest heiress. “If you really cared about Vail, then you would stop taking advantage of his fascination with your blood. I know he was the one who caused those bite marks on your neck. I’m not sure what you think you’re going to gain from keeping him on your hook, but if you don’t stop, you’re going to be the death of him. Then you’ll have made enemies with the rest of the Hygraces, and we don’t take vengeance lightly.”