He knew she was gone within an hour of her disappearance. It was like Lena to withdraw somewhere in the Castle since it was now her nature to seek solace alone, to rebel and evade and deny what she was. But Declan could always sense her if he wanted to. He could always know where she hid, and be able to retrieve her upon Colin’s request.
But this morning, he had not been paying enough attention. This morning, his mind had been elsewhere. Declan had been distracted by Colin’s destruction of Lena’s prized possessions. He had to mask his feelings from Colin. Keep him fooled. Keep him oblivious. It took a lot of energy and concentration.
Declan neglected the warning signs and inadvertently allowed Lena to slip out of the Castle unnoticed.
And now he was outside the Castle, and therefore a fugitive too.
Though he did not think Colin would begrudge him leaving to find his consort, Declan knew he would not like it. Going out in daylight? Being seen by humans? He would be furious indeed.
Declan knew well how to appeal to Colin’s ego, but was not certain he could be placated this time. His sizeable ego had already been injured.
Despite ruling his family with an iron hand, his youngest charge ran away. Oh yes, Colin would fear the information getting to his King. He would fear looking like an incompetent Master. He would stop at nothing to retrieve Lena before anything happened that he could not conceal.
She would be punished for her disobedience when she was found. And she would be found.
Even more worrisome, Declan doubted she would be able to resist her thirst. Lena had not had the experience. No vampire could resist the desire to feed if they were not constantly aware of its presence. How else would she find blood?
And where would she hide? She would not be able to keep out of sight from humans. Knowing her, she would not even want to. No, Lena would not be able to stay hidden. And Declan half expected to find her being hunted by an angry mob with pitchforks or having caused a mass riot amongst the humans.
Not pitchforks, Declan had to remind himself. It would be guns and bombs these days.
But if she killed someone, if she were recognized for what she was…
“This is why there are rules,” Declan growled to himself as he walked along the side of the highway, letting his instincts lead him.
He had to get to her first. He had to make sure she was safe, did not break the rules, assuming that was at all possible. Most importantly, he had to get Lena under his protection before Colin arrived.
If Colin found her first, Declan could only guess the penalty his Lena would have to endure.
Declan could not allow it. He would not be able to bear it.
Yes, Lena had to be protected, whether she liked it or not.