Drystan glanced down at Melora and smiled. Melora was fast asleep against his chest. He wrapped his right arm tightly around her waist, careful not to let her go. He knew she was exhausted, so he was careful not to make any noise as they continued to ride. The sun was slowly setting, and he knew they would have to make camp somewhere soon.

Draco slowed down his horse and settled beside Drystan's. He looked over at Melora before looking up at Drystan. "We've got to make camp soon," he told him quietly. "Dante knows a spot where we could be safe until it's light again."

Drystan nodded. He looked down at Melora and leaned forward, taking in her scent.

"He's not going to find us, Drystan," Draco told him slowly.

Drystan shrugged. "He found the compound."

Draco shook his head, looking forward at Dante. "He was told the coordinates of the compound, Drystan. He doesn't know where she is."

"They could follow her scent," Drystan growled through clenched teeth. "They know what she smells like."

Draco gave him a sharp look. "You've got her back, Drystan. She's safe as long as she is with you."

Drystan shook his head quickly. "I failed her, Draco. I left her, and they took her from me."

"That wasn't your fault, Drystan," Dante said as he fell into step on his left. "None of us knew that he would be that brave that quickly. You cannot keep blaming yourself, Drystan. Your mate needs you right now. You've got to pick yourself up now. You won't protect her if you think it's your fault." He leaned closer to Drystan and growled, "Fix your head." He leaned back and took a deep breath. His eyes snapped to Melora, and Drystan watched Dante's body relax. "There's a small clearing up here where we'll set up camp." He picked up the pace, forcing Drystan and Draco to keep up.

"He means good, Drystan," Draco told him before moving to catch up with his brother.

Melora began to stir in his arms. Drystan forced himself to keep up with the brothers instead of looking down. His jaw clenched as he felt her hands run up and down his thighs. I would stop doing that now if I were you, Melora, he growled into her head.

Melora chuckled as she leaned further into him. I'll make you feel better once we're alone, my love.

Drystan chuckled as they moved into a small clearing. Do you think you're ready for another round already?

Melora hummed her response as her hands continued to move up and down his thighs. I know that I need you right now, Drystan.

Drystan's jaw clenched again as he took in her scent. He forced himself to focus on stopping his horse. He swung his leg off the horse before pulling Melora down with him. He set her down on her feet as he leaned forward. "You'll have to be quiet out here, Princess." His hands gripped her hips and pulled her closer to him. "No one can hear you, do you understand?"

Melora nodded. "I understand."

"Good." Drystan gave a tight nod as he leaned back and began to take the pack off of the saddle. He took Melora's hand and led them to where the two brothers were fixing their tents. Drystan found a spot near them and began setting up their tent.

"Draco looks like he's in deep thought," Melora mentioned as she motioned in Draco's direction.

Drystan looked up and noticed how Draco was barely moving his lips and how glazed over his eyes looked. He couldn't help the smile that flitted across his lips. "He's talking to his mate."

"Draco has a mate?" Melora held up the tip of the tent as he nailed it to the ground.

Drystan nodded. "He does. She's safe right now."

Melora knelt beside him as her eyes moved over to Dante. "Does Dante have a mate?"

Drystan shook his head. "He does not."

"What happens if he never finds one?"

Drystan looked over at Melora. He reached forward and ran a hand over her cheek. "Vampires who don't find their mate will slowly become mad. They'll succumb to their madness and eventually be too far gone to save."

Melora's eyes moved back to Dante, sadness slowly etching into her eyes. "Do you think he's close to madness?"

Drystan gave her a small smile. "No, Princess." He looked over his shoulder briefly at Dante before returning his attention to his mate. "He still has more time to find his other half." He knew that Melora had saved him more than she knew. When she accepted him, she kept him from centuries of madness.

"It'll be a good idea to get as much rest as possible, " Draco said. "When the sun rises again, we'll move."

"How much longer do you think we have to travel?" Melora asked him as she stood up and wrapped her arms around herself.

Draco looked over at Dante. "Two more days, Melora," Dante answered.

Melora gave a tight nod as she looked up at Drystan. Drystan noticed a flicker of fire in her eyes before she moved into the tent.

Draco snickered as he elbowed Dante. "Looks like one of us won't be getting any rest tonight." They both laughed as they moved into their tents.

Drystan rolled his eyes as he bent through the opening, making sure to tie it shut. He turned to Melora and stopped on his knees. Melora was sitting in front of him on her knees, with only her undergarments on. He took a deep breath and forced his eyes to meet hers. "Melora," He groaned out.

"I told you I needed you, Drystan."