An odd expression crossed Vor’s face. “Youdorealize I can’t get you pregnant until you’re in heat, right?”
“I’m not ignorant of the ways of omegas and alphas,” Snow said. “But the next full moon comes in a fortnight and there’s a chance then.”
“I’m aware,” Vor said, his tone hollow.
“I know this isn’t what you want.”
Vor captured his gaze. “It’s not that… it’s just… too soon, Snow.”
“Logically, I know you’re right. But what else can we do?”
“Lock you in the cellar,” Vor said. “If Daddy hasn’t come to collect you beforehand, that is. A part of me almost hopes he does—as long as he vows to protect you from your step-papa.”
Snow lifted his upper body and looked down at Vor. “Hewon’tbe coming… and you’d truly lock me away? To suffer a heat alone?”
“Snow…”
“You’re my mate, Vor.”
“Shhhh…”Vor said. “Nay.”
“You are.”
Vor spun them, pinning Snow to the bed. “I am a prisoner here, Snow. I refuse to bind you to me. Not like this… and I damned well won’t bring children into this accursed place, either.” He winced. “I don’t want that.”
Rationally, Snow understood and agreed, but he couldn’t help but sadden at the thought of being thrust aside during his most vulnerable moments. “You’re right. Lock me in your cellar. It’s the right thing to do.”
“Your father will come looking. Eventually. I’ll do my damnedest to keep you childless until then,” Vor replied, a pained look crossing his face.
Snow’s womb clenched at the thought of remaining childless. “And then?”
“And then… you find another. A good and fair gentleman who’s not damned like I am.” Vor brushed Snow’s curls back with gentle touches. “One who will be able to give you and your children the world that I can’t.”
“I wantyou.”
“Trust me.”Vor scoffed. “You do not.”
“Vor… you called me yours.”
Vor stiffened. “You can’t be, Snow.”
Snow fought back tears. He refused to believe they couldn’t be together. “We’ll find a way. The wizardmusthave a weakness.”
“I’ve spent fourteen years searching for a way out. I’ve tried everything I could imagine and have come up empty handed. I wish that wasn’t the way of things, but it is. I will die here, in this cottage or out in that grove of trees. I won’t have you imprisoned here, too, at risk of being found by the wizard.” Vor shook his head. “I never should’ve touched you in the first place. I told myself I could have a taste without wanting all of you. I was wrong. I’m sorry I’ve done this to us.”
A tear escaped and ran down Snow’s cheek. “Youwillhave all of me. We’ll find a way.”
Vor rolled them over again, hugging Snow closer. He pressed a soft kiss to Snow’s temple. “We can wish all we want, but it’s impossible, my love. There’s no point pretending and making this even harder on both of us. You deserve more than me. I won’t tie you to this place and prevent you from living a full life.”
Snow lay his head on his mate’s chest and let the tears come. Not just for Vor’s hurtful truth, but for all of it. He’d lost so much in the span of a day—and he wasn’t ready to let go of the promise they held in their hands. Vor had lost, too. Fourteen years he’d lost. Would he really give up on his chance for a small bit of happiness?
Therehadto be a way for them to be together.
Snow refused to give up on his happily ever after.
It was barelygray outside when Snow was awakened again. The mattress dipped beside him, and he immediately grew chilled. He turned to curl against Vor, but the bed was empty. Opening his eyes, he found Vor pulling on a pair of woolen braies, standing at the side of their bed.
“Come back to bed,” Snow pleaded, reaching for Vor’s strong hand.
