Page 119 of The Vampire's Bride

“When I heard you had taken a human for your true wife, I thought it was nothing more than mere rumor. I came here to find out the truth.” His gaze locks with mine. “Now that I’ve seen you together, I know it is real. But I want to know why.”

I could tell him she’s my ashaya, but then I’d be giving away more information for him to use against me. And that, I will not do.

I jerk my chin toward the manor. “What of you?” I challenge, turning his scrutiny back upon him. “Tell me about Alayna.”

“I’m not sure what you are insinuating,” Raine says rather tersely. “Alayna is my blood wife—bloodsworn to me for the past—”

“I’ve seen how you look at her.”

A mixture of anger and worry breaks through his carefully controlled expression before he masks it with a casual shrug. “She is attractive for a human. You mistake desire and hunger for devotion. She is my blood wife. Nothing more.”

I narrow my eyes. “Lord Stryker is your uncle. Your own flesh and blood. And yet, you only trustyourguards to watch her. Why?”

Irritation reflects in his eyes. “Observant, aren’t we?” he asks, voice tight.

Tension thickens the air as the roar of the ocean fills the silence between us. I’ve struck a nerve, but I cannot take backwhat I’ve said. Inwardly, I curse myself. I shouldn’t provoke him. The prince is a dangerous man. One I did not want for an enemy.

A sly grin tugs at the corner of his mouth. “And here I thought you didn’t like to play games.”

“I’m not,” I state firmly. “Enough with this intrigue. Now, tell me why we’re here.” I gesture to the space around us. “Why does the Prince of Morrowynd seek an audience with me? A Vampire who was made, not born.”

Raine’s expression turns serious. “For the only thing that cannot be bought.”

I frown. “What is that?”

“I want your loyalty, Lord Greyvale.”

I consider him a moment, unsure if this is some sort of game—an elaborate trap. “House Greyvale has already pledged itself to the crown,” I remind him.

“I’m asking for your loyalty tome—not the crown.” His red eyes pierce mine. “I will have your answer now.”

I snap my head toward the manor as all the pieces begin to fall in place. He separated me from Juliet so he could use her as leverage to gain the support of my House for what? Some ridiculous political ambitions?

Anger sparks in my chest, and I bare my fangs. “If you dare to harm my mate, I don’t care who you are, I will not hesitate to end you.”

His face is an impassive mask, but worry is easily visible behind his eyes for he knows I speak the truth. I’ve killed others of our kind before.

“There is no line I will not cross to protect she who is mine,” I growl.

I would burn the world for Juliet and lay the scattered ashes at her feet if she asked me to. Nothing else matters but her.

“You misunderstand.” He meets my gaze evenly. “I am not your enemy. I would never hurt your wife.”

“And why should I trust you?”

“My father sent me here to take your wife from you. To return her to the King of Aralon and his nephew.” He shakes his head. “I can do nothing about your curse, but I can ensure that the King of Morrowynd allows you to keep your bride. But I must have your loyalty in return.”

“Why me?” I ask again. “Why ismyloyalty so important?”

“Because you are Lord Valaric of Greyvale, and before you were turned, you were a Shadow Blade of Aralon.”

I go still at the use of my former title. “I didn’t realize being a Shadow Blade was something our kind would hold in high regard.”

“The Elite Knights of Aralon were honorable,” he says. “They were known for their deep loyalty to their king. Will you not now give that same loyalty to your prince?”

Whatever his reasons for wanting me on his side, I’m not sure I want to hear them. But I will not be led into a trap. “Tell me what it is that you want,” I demand. “I cannot blindly give you what you ask without knowing what it entails.”

“You can and you will,” he replies darkly. “Because if you do not, my father will take your bride and return her to her people.”

---