The Real You

48. Strategy?

Victoria 

"I will come with you" Victor said adamantly. He already had his bag hanging on his shoulder.

"Okay" I added the last few fabrics into my wheeled luggage bag and secured the zip. 

"Boarding Passes" Stephen handed our airline tickets and smiled at me, "You will do great"

"Thank you" I blushed. I didn't know if I would ever see him again. I looked at his face, trying to remember his features. It is never enough. 

"I will wait out" Victor said knowingly and stepped out of the room.

"I have something to ask" I told Stephen. He raised his eyebrows in acknowledgment and nodded his head.

"If I come back...what do you think will be the relationship between us?" I asked openly. If I am going to die in war, I might as well ask him what I mean to him. A young pup or a woman he can call his own?

"About that..." He took a step toward me and stopped inches away, "I like you, Victoria. I really do"

My heart was pounding against my chest.

"But we can't be together."

No.

"Is it because of my lineage? I am not your stepsister's daughter! My mom and dad are not directly related to you. It doesn't matter in my world! No blood is involved then no one cares! I am not your niece!" The exclamations followed one after the other. 

Steff sighed and held my hands because I was frantically throwing them in the air and complaining.

"It is not that."He assured me, "I cannot change"

"Huh?" I genuinely did not understand at first.

"I cannot be a vampire. I do not want to change. Someday, sooner rather than later, I will turn old and die. What would you do then?"

"Why won't you change?" I pulled my hands from his grip. It is not wise to have your love hold your hands when you are trying to argue with them. You forget what you want to say.

"I don't know. There is no reason, only a preference"

"You'll die" I said more like a realization.

"Yes" He smiled, "And I don't want to die on you when we take things several steps ahead. I am always here to support you as a...friend"

I scoffed, "That's the stupidest line to come out of your mouth"

"Vic-"

"I got to go! See you if I am still alive!"

I stormed out of the room and crashed into a very masculine chest.

"Hey" He said and held my shoulders, only to release them immediately and move away from me.

"Noah" I nodded.

"I cannot come with you but...uhmm...will you please let everyone know that my best wishes are with them? I want them all to come back home safely. I will be waiting."

I frowned, "You won't go back to Gabriella?"

"No" He said strongly, "This is my family. Unless...you want me gone? Does Mo...I mean, Her Highness want me gone?"

I saw the sadness in Noah's eyes. I was too harsh on him. Way too harsh.

"She is your mom. She still wants to be and you are still my brother even if you are dimwitted! You fool!" I hugged him and began sobbing.

It didn't even take him a second to wrap his hands around me, "I love you, Sister. I love everyone"

I laughed, "You lose your temper too soon but we know you love us!"