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“Is it wrong that I’m glad he’s dead? After the way he had Saul tortured?”

Crank squeezed Vic’s hand. “I’d be worried if you showed any sign of grief. The guy was a fucking—”

“Whatever he was, it was thanks to Jake’s interrogation, and his and Seth’s gifts, that we discovered where you were,” Saul interjected. “Not to mention what Theron was hiding.”

Vic stilled. “Would that have anything to do with artifacts?”

Crank nodded. “Jake and Seth have gone with them to Rome with that archivist.”

“Orsini?” He smiled. “This is great news.” Then he yawned.

“And we’ve talked too much. Saul’s right. You need sleep.” Crank caressed Vic’s cheek. “What are you looking forward to most about getting home?”

Vic smiled. “Going for a swim in the lake. Preferably with you two.” He closed his eyes. “And having a batch of Mrs. Landon’s oatmeal raisin cookies all to myself,” he murmured.

Seconds later, he was fast asleep.

“Nowwill you take a break?” Crank demanded.

Saul stood. “Yes.” He gave Crank an inquiring glance. “You think Brits can make decent pizza?”

Crank laughed. “Anyone can make decent pizza. Let’s google it, though. Just to be sure. I’ve seen what these people eat for breakfast, and I worry about what might end up as a topping.” He cast a last glance at Vic as they left the room.

It’s going to be okay.

VALMER DIDN’Tspare the awesome surroundings of Leighton Hall a second glance.

He only had eyes for Rudy.

He caught Rudy’s scent the moment he crossed the threshold, and sure enough, there was his mate, waiting for him with open arms.

Valmer didn’t hesitate. He grabbed Rudy and swung him around, unable to restrain the joyous laughter that tumbled from his lips. Rudy locked his arms around Valmer’s neck and his legs around Valmer’s waist, their mouths fused in kiss after kiss.

“Oh my God, you’re really here,” Rudy murmured between kisses.

“Me? I’m the proverbial bad penny. I keep turning up,” Valmer teased, before claiming Rudy’s lips in another passionate kiss. “Fuck, you smell good. You taste good too.”

A cough behind him reined in Valmer’s exuberance, and he lowered Rudy to his feet. Aelryn stood by the door, smiling, his eyes bright.

“That was a pleasant sight at the end of this day.” He came forward. “We have a few days here before we leave for the US. Enjoy the hall—and each other’s company, of course. Richard’s cook is amazing. I promise you will not go hungry within these walls. The gardens are beautiful.” Aelryn gave a short bow. “And now I’ll leave you alone.”

“Aelryn,” Valmer blurted. “Thank you. For rescuing me. And for sparing Rudy.”

Aelryn’s face glowed. “I too have mates. I’d like to think someone else in my position would have done the same thing.” And with that he left the hall.

“They’ve given us a beautiful room,” Rudy told him. “A few days R and R is exactly what you need.”

“What Ineedis to call my parents.” Valmer grabbed Rudy’s hand. “Thank you for thinking of them. I was going out of my mind worrying about them—and you.”

Rudy flushed. “They were startled to learn we were mates, but they soon adjusted to the idea.” He bit his lip. “I’m sorry, but they asked me where you were and what had happened to you, so… I told them. They know it was the Gerans behind it.”

“Did they believe you?” Valmer imagined his father would be difficult to convince.

Rudy frowned. “I thought they were going to give me a hard time at first, but no, they accepted what I told them.” He smiled. “Word is getting out. People are starting to learn what the Gerans have been doing in secret.”

Valmer huffed. “Whatever’s gotten out, I suspect that is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot more to come.”

And when it’s finally out there, I’m going to do my damnedest to make sure every shifter on the planet learns the truth.