Leo was grateful for that, at least. After all, vampires who found their fated ones but never claimed them would eventually lose their minds. It took time, of course, to reach that point. But when it did, the only solution was to kill the vampire via beheading or to cut their heart out. Those who went wild for their fated ones had unbelievable strength and faster healing properties than your average vampire.
She added, "And maybe I can help Nora too, while I'm here. She seems to need a friend."
At the image of Nora finally stepping outside of the building without fear, a rare burst of emotion clogged his throat.
Pushing it aside, he put out his hand. "Then we have an agreement."
She gingerly placed her hand in his, and a spark traveled up his arm at the feel of her warm skin against his. Her pupils dilated, and he knew she felt it too.
His fangs ached and his gaze moved to her neck. However, he quickly shook her hand and dropped her fingers. "I'll see what I can do to get Khan to help you as quickly as possible." He stood. "I should do that now. Will you be fine until Nora comes back with your tray?"
She bobbed her head. "Yes. Although if you have any sort of books related to fae witches here and could send them to me, I'd greatly appreciate it." She smiled wryly. "It seems after convincing myself I wasn't really a fae witch for a decade—and being shunned by most of my kind—I need to study and learn some parts of being one all over again."
At the sadness and regret in her eyes, it made him do a double take. Leo had always thought the fae witches had a better bargain, what with not having to worry about fated ones or even surviving their frozen states until their hearts beat again. They had one life to live, aging at a normal rate, and that was it.
However, he was coming to realize that no matter the paranormal species, each had its benefits and struggles. Fae witches were apparently petty bastards when it came to a lack of magic. "I'm not sure what we have in the building, but I'll have one of my staff look around. I'll keep you updated about Khan and your training as well."
He turned to move, but she reached out and gripped his sleeve. He looked down at her and she smiled. "Thank you."
Leo didn't think he'd seen her smile before, and it made her face all the more beautiful. What would she look like if she didn't have to worry about her siblings and knew she could always count on his protection? Would she laugh more, tease more, and all around brighten up his life?
The thought sent a rush of panic through him. He couldn't have those things. Especially now with someone out there supposedly bent on destroying him; anyone close to him would become a target.
And for some reason, the image of Yesenia ending up dead with her throat slit made him want to bare his fangs and destroy whoever had done it to her, no matter the cost.
Fuck.Needing distance, Leo tugged his coat away from her fingers, nodded, and walked out of the room.
Without his bride's presence, some of his tension eased and Leo focused on what he could do rather than any sort of bloody hopes and dreams he couldn't risk wanting.
It seemed like he and the fae witches were going to get rather cozy in the near future. Maybe he'd even mend the rift caused by his predecessors.
Yes, that would fuel his main reason for helping his bride, along with protecting his reputation. Any other reason was simply unacceptable.