Solomon got to him first. Valor was alone. Was he stupid? Did he seriously think he was going to walk away from this untouched? Was he that stupid?

I watched through the window as my family surrounded him. Eric hit him first.

I knew it wasn't easy to kill a vampire, but they would die eventually.

I could see Pierre in my peripheral vision.

"Willow. That is your mate. Are you really going to let them kill him?" He asked.

I growled at Pierre.

I could see Valor, he wasn't even fighting back. Why?

I winced as they began kicking him. My wolf howled at me, no matter what he did, he was still her mate.

I didn't even realize I was moving until I was outside, my legs were carrying me as fast as they could, crashing into the huge bodies of my brothers, fighting past Solomon and my father and colliding with Valor, sending us flying back, me landing above him, tears in my eyes as I stared down at him, his face bruised.

"Why would you come here? Alone?Why aren't you fighting back? Are you stupid?" I growled.

"I'm starting to think so." He answered honestly, blinking away the disorientation.

I winced as he gripped his jaw, popping it back into place before he stood up at an alarming rate of speed, placing me down gently in front of him.

"Willow, move." Solomon growled.

"No. You aren't going to hurt him anymore. He's still my mate." I said.

"Why shouldn't we kill him?" My father growled.

"Because he's in love with her." Pierre said.

I turned in confusion, turning to Valor who had his head bowed, eyes on mine as he nodded.

"They've just met. Bullshit." My father growled.

"Willow has just met Valor, yes, but he has seen her many times before." Pierre said.

"What does he mean Valor?" I whispered as I stared at him, his scarlet eyes boring into mine as he smiled as if recollecting a moment, closing his eyes.

"You were seventeen. It was almost four years ago. Your birthday. You went for a run with Solomon in your human form. I wasn't part of the coven back then.That's why your parents don't know who I am. I use to hunt rogues in my past life. I could smell your scent from miles away. Cinnamon and warm vanilla. I knew I had to have you. I waited in the trees for hours, following you quietly for miles, but then I heard you. Your laugh. It was literal music to my ears, and when I saw you... you were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. The way your eyes twinkled hen you did something you loved. It amazed me. You see the beauty in everything around you, no matter how bad the circumstances. When I was first created I hated what I was and I became so dark I didn't even think I had a soul or a purpose, but the moment I saw you I found it. I knew I would keep you safe. Even if I couldn't ever have you the way I wanted.I watched you almost every day after that. Pierre found me not long afterward while he and Giselle were hunting. He helped me." Valor said.

It was dead quiet.

I was stunned as I stared at Valor, his eyes opening as he looked at me.

"When I bumped into you at the store..." I whispered.

He nodded.

"You were so much more mesmerizing up close. I was at a lost for words. I never meant to hurt you in any way. Anya was a distraction for me. I found myself lacking control around you. I am so sorry for everything." He said.

I breathed out in disbelief, staring at Valor.

I could feel myself itching for his touch, tears in my eyes as I grew tired of fighting. There was something about him that I would never be able to shake. I felt safe with him. Happy. I wanted this.

I pulled him against me, kissing his lips softly as I wrapped my arms around him, burying my face in his chest.

"Why didn't you tell me? Or show yourself to me?" I whispered.

"Because I didn't want to scare you. If we were meant to be it would happen." He whispered as he smoothed my hair, inhaling my scent.

"It did." I said.

"I hoped it would." He said as he pulled away from me.

"Pierre! Why the hell didn't you say anything?" I asked.

"It had to be your own choice." He said grinning.

"Own choice my ass. Vampires don't eat normal food, why the hell was Valor in a grocery store?" I asked with a grin.

Pierre shrugged with a grin.

I could see my father, his anger faded, but he still stared at Valor.

"May I speak with you Valor?" My father asked.

Valor kissed my head before walking over to my father silently and bravely considering their previous encounters.