Page 73 of The Vampire's Storm

“Ari is standing in as captain.” He shared and Bray was a little surprised, but happy Vincent trusted their uncle enough to appoint him.

In theory, it should’ve been Craig, but likely his brother knew the commander would have taken off after him. Ari was the most ancient vampire alive and the most experienced soldier among them. Hell, he’d taught all of them how to win at war.

So it made sense.

That and he had his own team of assassins with him and could coordinate everyone.

“Vincent let you leave,” Brayden said, almost as a question.

“The king and Ari were a breeze to convince compared to Brianna.” Craig frowned. “Fucking hate leaving her.”

He felt that.

Being away from Willow was destroying him from the inside out. It felt like battery acid eating at his heart. He needed her back in his arms. He needed to see his daughter’s face.

He needed Nikolay’s neck in his hands so he could snap it.

Soon, he would.

Craig proceeded to update him on the strategy he’d been privy to before leaving and that there was a senior team of warriors ready at their disposal.

“Good.”

“Once we have a location, backup will be right behind us,” Craig added.

“How’s the king?” Bray asked.

Of everyone, he felt the most guilt toward his brother. All his life, he had been told Vincent’s life was the most important. And it was. For all of them.

But protecting your mate was a guttural instinct.

It was simple.

Vincent was alive and breathing.

Willow and Isabella were in the arms of their enemy and missing.

A warrior makes swift decisions based on facts.

“He understands,” Craig replied, zipping up his black jacket. “He’s concerned about the girls.”

Bray smiled. Willow would milk every second out of it and make Vincent suffer once she returned home.

Not if. When.

There could be no if. If her life ended, so did his. It was how their race worked. Insanity—true madness—kicked in and eventually the mate left behind could no longer stand it.

“He has reason to. He knows my life depends on it.” Brayden said, taking a few steps out onto the sidewalk, then turned back to his friend. “Let’s go pay a visit to Elizabeth.”

Craig joined him as they walked to the crossing.

“You need to know the king has declared we’re at war. Anyone tries to interfere or harm you; I will kill them.” The commander growled.

Two teenagers in hoodies and backpacks glanced at them.

Craig let out a growl, and they moved away.

“Depending on it, buddy. I’m depending on it,” Brayden said.

---