Victoria chuckled when Vail teased her about watching him like a hawk. She had to otherwise the vampire could easily sneak in a hasty manoeuvre or two without her even noticing. From their initial banter she couldn’t put it past him to cheat just to win, the vampire was not only stubborn but had a rather cheeky side to him. However, it seemed he was merely naturally good at the game. To which she couldn’t fault him. She made it her personal goal to beat him at least once before she was turfed out tomorrow.

She’d enjoyed their time together, just the two of them in each other’s company, just as much as he had. True, they had to go back to momentary meetings few and far between at the disapproval of his father. Yet she was sure her mother would welcome him to the manor once she saw how well Vail had treated her. With nothing but respect and gentle loving tender touches even at their most passionate encounter. She could still feel the tenderness of his lips and how his kisses fell like delicate flowers all over her body. Even if she had to endure his initial bite.

It was clear he was beginning to desire her once more as he kissed her firmly, she even found it hard to break away herself as her hand gripped his wrist, showing her strength was returning. And she had not yet had the lust that a vampire had that Vail felt for her blood. She was going to miss being in his arms whenever she so pleased to be embraced within his protective cocoon. They had one last evening together, to research and plan while they still could before being forced apart in the morning. 

She nodded at the Lord as he declared he would be back momentarily. She didn’t mind him leaving her alone in the room when she was awake so she could keep her wits about her and remain alert to his cousins attempting a feast again. She had been given a loud bell to ring if even any of them sniffed too close to the door. Victoria eagerly awaited Vail’s return with the book, impatiently wanting to know what secrets lay between the pages. Any hope was better than nothing at all. Even if they found out the ritual could no longer be done, at least they tried. She contemplated asking Vail to run away with her, far away from his family so they couldn’t force them apart ever again. But that would render Vail lonely after her inevitable death. They may have ten or twenty years together depending on her health.