Page 108 of The Vampire's Bride

I’ve only spoken with Raine a few times, but I don’t want him anywhere near her. “She cannot go to the ball. I’ll send her back to the castle in Corvania with Eben.”

“Do you truly believe she can back out now?” Damar huffs. “The strength of our House is in question because ofher,” he says accusingly. “She is coming to the ball. The decision has already been made.”

“No.”

“No?” Damar asks incredulously. “Are you truly that foolish?” He turns his sharp gaze to Juliet. “If you try to hide her away it becomes a challenge to the others. It would only be a matter of time before one of them sought her out and tried to steal her from you just to prove they can.”

He shakes his head. “Do you have any idea how many would jump at the chance to make House Greyvale appear weak? To show everyone that we cannot even protect the one you have claimed as your true wife?”

Fear wraps tight around my spine. He is right.

Damar turns to Juliet and gives her a menacing look. “If you want to survive the ball, you will do exactly as I say. Do you understand?”

“Why do you want to help me?” She frowns. “You’ve already expressed how much you disapprove of me and our marriage.”

“You don’t trust me.” He takes a step closer. “A wise thing for a human when dealing with my kind, but you are not just a simple human anymore, now, are you?” Frustration burns in his gaze. “You are the true wife of my Clansman. And as such, you are now a member of our Great House. And we protect and defend what is ours.”

His eyes sweep to mine. “Even so, we are but two against many. Bring your dog and your demon with us tomorrow,” he says, referring to Eben and Aerlyx. “We may need them before the night is over.”

“I’ll come,” Aerlyx says, suddenly appearing in a haze of purple smoke. He crosses his arms over his chest. “But I’m doing it for him”—he jerks his chin toward me—“not you.”

“At least we can agree on one thing.” Damar arches a brow. “We are both doing this for the same reason.”

I’m stunned. I thought he no longer cared for me, but it seems I was wrong.

Damar may hate humans, but I’m glad he is here. He will remain true to his word. He’ll protect and defend my mate because she is part of our Clan.

When I first saw her, I thought my biggest concern would be protecting Juliet from whoever tried to take her life. I was never truly worried about this because I suspect her attacker was human, and most of them are easily dispatched. But now, it seems we face an even greater threat from my own people.

“We should go inside,” Damar says, his gaze fixed upon the sea and the thin line of gold that shimmers faintly along the horizon. “Dawn will come soon.”

I slip my arm around Juliet’s waist as we walk back to the manor, keeping her close to my side. Dread roils deep in my gut. Damar is right. She must attend the Vampire ball. I wish more than anything that I could hide her away from the world, but I know I cannot.

Lifting my gaze to the sky, I send a silent prayer to the gods, asking for their protection. I never thought I’d find my fated mate, but now that I have, I will allow no one to take her from me. Not the blood witch, not the nobility of Morrowynd, and not even death itself.

If anyone dares try to harm my wife, I will end them without hesitation.

CHAPTER 44

VALARIC

When we step inside the manor, Damar turns to me. “I’d like to speak with you a moment.” His eyes dart to Juliet. “In private.”

“Juliet is my wife. Whatever you have to say to me, you can say to her as well.”

His expression darkens. He opens his mouth to protest but stops as Juliet interrupts.

“It’s all right, Valaric. You have not seen each other in years. And I’m sure you have much to discuss.” She stretches up on her toes and presses a tender kiss to my lips. “I’ll be outside on the balcony for a bit.”

“All right.” My eyes track her as she slips out the door and onto the terrace.

Side by side, we walk in silence to the study. As soon as we enter, I move to the window. Lifting the edge of the heavy velvet curtains, I squint as the first light of dawn begins to spread across the waves, painting the water in gorgeous colors of yellow, pink, and orange.

Juliet stands on the other side of the glass, her silhouette outlined in the light. For my human wife, the sunrise is a welcome gift. But for me, it’s a beautiful torment—a reminder of all that I’ve lost and can never be part of again.

The faint light sends a sharp lance of discomfort through my eyes, but it’s a small price to pay to watch her in the sunlight, imagining myself standing at her side.

“You’ve always had an unhealthy obsession with the sun,” Damar grumbles from the shadows behind me.

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