Page 103 of The Vampire's Bride

“Let go,” he whispers. “I have you, my ashaya.”

My every muscle goes tense, and then I’m falling over the edge, crying out his name as pleasure roars through me like fire, leaving behind nothing but ash in its wake.

I’m still breathless and panting when he moves up my body, capturing my mouth with his own. I taste myself on his lips, and he growls as I circle my fingers around his length to guide him to my entrance.

The large bulb of tissue at the base expands and he quickly wraps his hand around mine as his stav begins to pulse. He roars out my name as he erupts, covering my abdomen and pelvis with the thick, viscous ropes of his release.

It feels as though it goes on forever. And when it stops, he gazes down at me, his eyes dark and full of possession as he smooths his hand over my body, as if marking me, spreading his essence over my skin.

He drops to one side and enfolds me in his wings. His heart beats a strong and steady rhythm beneath my palm as a thrumming sound vibrates in his chest, something between a purr and low growl as he gently nuzzles my temple.

I nestle in his embrace, reveling in the feel of his body against my own. He skims the tip of his nose alongside mine and runs his hands up and down my back, tracing patterns across my flesh as if he cannot stop touching me.

Thoroughly sated, my eyes blink open and closed as I struggle to stay awake.

“Rest, my ashaya,” he whispers. “I have you.”

Ashaya.Beloved.Although he has yet to declare his love, I feel it in the way this word leaves his lips in sacred reverence.

But as my mind hovers in the place between sleep and awareness, I wonder why he did not mark the space above my heart and give me his venom. Why he didn’t claim me in this way, and why he didn’t take me completely.

The questions sit on the tip of my tongue, but exhaustion keeps them from my lips as I drift away into peaceful oblivion.

CHAPTER 41

VALARIC

As Juliet sleeps, her head resting on my bicep, I study her delicate features. Gently, I brush my fingers over the soft curve of her cheek before tracing my thumb across her full pink lips, slightly parted in a smallo. Her silken hair is a cascade of soft waves that spills over my arm, each strand shimmering like spun gold.

She is everything good and light. A stark contrast to the darkness that clings to my soul. I am so undeserving of her. I nearly lost myself in her arms this night. I was so close to giving in to the temptation to claim her, despite knowing the terrible danger it could put her in.

Even now, the desire to claim her is nearly overwhelming. I want all of her. Everything she would give me and more.

But I cannot bind her to me. Not when it might mean the witch would use our bond to make her suffer. Not when she has no idea of the truth of my curse, and the sins that I bear.

She draws closer to me in her sleep, instinctively seeking warmth and safety in my arms. My mind drifts to what we areand what we might never be. I would give all that I am to be worthy of being her mate.

And yet, it is this very love that demands I hold back. I cannot claim her until I find a way to free us both from this curse.

I’m so lost in my thoughts it takes me a moment to recognize the warning that prickles my senses.

My entire body goes tense. Someone has crossed one of my wards.

“What’s wrong?” Juliet blinks sleepily up at me. “Are you all right?”

“Get dressed,” I say hurriedly as I rise from the bed. “Something has tripped one of the wards.”

The acrid scent of her fear permeates the air. Dressing hastily, I move to her side and press a quick kiss to her temple. “You are safe here,” I reassure her. “Stay inside. I will return as soon as I can.”

“Wait!” she calls, but I’m already out the door and ascending the stairs.

When I reach the first floor, Eben greets me, his expression worried. “You sensed it too?”

I nod.

Lysander rushes to my side. “I’ll check the perimeter. Stay here with your bride.”

“No.” Although I appreciate his bravery, he is still a relatively young Vampire. He is strong and a skilled fighter, but he is also impatient. Whoever tripped the wards may be lying in wait. The last thing I want is him rushing into a trap and getting himself killed.

---