A pleased smile pulled at Vail’s lip when Victoria declared that she trusted him with every part of her being. He could tell by her occasional questions that she wanted more than just an informal, secretive relationship with him, and he truly did want to give her more than that. He was grateful that she was willing to be patient for now. It would have been selfish of them to put their romance above the threat of the Wynters, because he knew that doing so would only further distract Peter and sever their trust in one another. For the sake of the slim chance that the clan leader might take his advice about preparing for war one day, he would have to keep meeting with the Crest heiress subtly. It was for the safety of his family, and he was glad that she seemed to understand his reasoning.

When she repeated the plan back to him, he nodded. “And no later,” he assured her. Even though he was the one who had insisted that they wait, he wasn’t eager to postpone taking another step forward with her either. Since her lifespan was so brief, it felt to him like they didn’t have very much time. The few decades they would have together were a mere blink compared to his immortal existence. The knowledge didn’t deter him from investing in her as a mate, but it still saddened him to know that the woman who had stolen his heart would only be able to hold onto it for thirty or forty years. He didn’t want to wait any longer than was necessary to stop hiding and be with her every day.

Leaning down slightly, Vail met Victoria’s lips as she kissed him and then met her blue eyes adoringly. “And I’ll miss you as well,” he agreed with a quiet exhale, though a soft smile graced his lips when she called him her love. Although she had been ill at the time, he had enjoyed the days they had been able to spend in his bedroom after he’d whisked her off to the Hygrace manor. It had felt like a window into the future that he longed to share with her, one in which they didn’t have to spend more time apart than together. He hoped the next three days would pass by quickly, so he could return to see her again.

“Stay safe, Victoria,” he advised, his thoughts wandering back to the ominously quiet Lord Spencer. “If you need me before the end of three days, don’t hesitate to tell me. I meant it when I said you’re mine, and I protect what’s important to me. As long as I can help it, I’m not going to allow [i]him[/i] to hurt you again.” His lip curled slightly at the mention of the rival vampire, but the cold expression vanished as he planted one more kiss on her cheek. “Barring any incidents, I’ll see you in three days.”

Turning to the door, he stepped out into the cold night and casted her one last glance over his shoulder. “I love you,” he said to her once more just before he closed the door behind him and began the walk back to the Hygrace manor.