"I'm not surprised," he mused, his fingers tangling loosely into her red hair. "I've been in touch with her... not constantly. I know she has a lot more important things to deal with than me, but I ask her pretty regularly how you are. If you're safe, how you're doing with things." And Eala had indicated to him that she would ensure that he didn't stay away from Airlie forever. He just hadn't realized how soon she would make good on that promise. He felt as he stood there that he couldn't touch Airlie enough. He couldn't feel her enough. There would never be enough because she was the piece of him that had always been missing since the day they went their separate ways, and he simply didn't want to live without her again now that he'd felt what it was to be close to her again after so long being apart. There would never be enough of Airlie for him to be satisfied, because she was the other piece of his soul.

"I would never think that," he agreed, giving her a reassuring look and a firm shake of his head. "You're a strong Kindred in your own right, my love. And I know that you've grown much stronger and more controlled under Eala and Rory's tutelage. I'm grateful for them. I don't want you to do everything I want just because I'm your Sire anyway. You always had a fiery edge that I loved about you, even before you were turned. I love you as you are, darling. That will never stop. I just... I need you, Airlie. I can't lose you again. I don't know what that means for us, but I know that much."