“You know there is a way around my uncle’s commands and my parents’ demands.” I ran a finger tentatively up his chest. “We could run away from the fae lands. We could stay here. Create a new life. If we can’t find a way to stop Arnel from controlling me, that may be our only option, but only if you’re willing. I would never stay here indefinitely without you. Where you live, I live.”
He cupped my jaw again, his eyes bright with raw emotion. “I realized the same, but I’m not willing to give up yet. I don’t want him to win, and I don’t want him to chase you from your home.”
I nodded in agreement. “Me neither.”
Since time was running out, we both got up in a hurry. Once dressed, Kole rang for Nicholas to retrieve us.
The vampire arrived promptly, never once commenting on the state of our dress, or the fact that we now smelled of one another, or the fact that the scent of sex hung heavily in the air.
Nicholas led us back to the rickety elevator, and on the walk there, the effects of drinking Kole’s blood hit me. I felt lighter. Stronger. My belly felt pleasantly full, and my soul sang with happiness at the bond swimming around inside me.
At the elevator, Nicholas opened its door for us. “I’ll be in touch via courier once the gargoyles have finished searching the libraries. Until then, I wish you both well.”
The vampire’s expression stayed composed, never once appearing anything but smooth. Nicholas, it seemed, had impeccable manners.
Although, our mingled scents was a problem.
When we reached street level and were out of the library’s wards, Kole mistphased us back to the fae lands’ portal to return home, but before we could enter it, I pointed out my concern.
“We need to hide that we’ve completed our bond. That’s not something I want getting back to my parents before I have a conversation with them.”
Luckily, our mating marks weren’t on our necks, making them easier to hide with clothing, but since our scents had changed, we would both need to use magic to hide that.
Kole frowned, but eventually nodded. “How long do you think we need to do that?”
“Until I’ve found a way to tell my parents that I’ll never marry the male of their choosing, and after we defeat Arnel.” Worry strummed through me at what my uncle would do if he knew Kole was my mate. “Arnel might send an assassin for you if he learns we’re mated. I don’t want to risk that.”
“I can handle myself, Prim.”
“I know that, but what if they come for you when you’re sleeping or attack you when you least expect it? Everyone has moments of weakness, even you.”
He cupped my cheeks. “I’ll keep it hidden if that’s what you want.”
I clung to his wrists. “It is, just for now. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you.”
“We’ll both keep our scents glamoured. Now, are you ready?” He glanced at the glowing green portal door. “There’s no tellingwhat will happen to us once we return. This may be the last moment I remember that we’re mated or what we just shared.”
Anxiety burned through me, and I hated, absolutelyhatedthat he could be right. “You’ll always have your mating mark, no matter what.” I ran my fingers along the smattering of tiny stars inked onto his inner wrist, then pushed a wave of my love for him along our bond. “And we’ll always havethat. You’ll always be able to feel me, so even if I’m forced to erase your memories, you’ll still know that something sacred passed between us.”
His eyes burned, glowing as brightly as sapphires. “I’ll always love you, Princess, no matter what. Help me find my way back to you if your magic is forced to hurt me.”
“I will. I promise.”
He clasped my hands, and reluctantly, we leaped through the portal.
We arrived back justafter sunset. It was the first time I’d ever been late, but I couldn’t have cared less, because the second we reappeared in my chambers, and I was back in the fae lands once more, a rush of my uncle’s commanding magic came over me.
Despair hit me just as fast. The magic knew, becauseIknew with absolute certainty that Kole was aware that I was a vampire. Doubt no longer clouded me. I could no longer pretend that perhaps he didn’t know.
Which meant my uncle’s command didn’t either.
Kole stood beside me, his jaw locked and his expression resolute. Horror from me beat into him along our bond.
I backed up, but it was no use. “Oh Gods, Kole, I’m so sorry, but his command is coming?—”
It was the only warning he got.
His expression closed off, but he nodded understandably. Acceptingly. But his utter sadness strummed toward me along our bond.
