Page 123 of The Vampire's Bride

A scream pierces the darkness, and my gaze shifts toward the manor. A human woman bursts from the ballroom doors and races out into the gardens. Three Vampires chase after her.

One of them grabs her by the waist and pulls her back to him while the other two surround them, their black eyes gleaming with wicked intent as they flash their fangs.

Unable to stop myself, I rush to intervene, but stop when the woman grins and pulls the closest one toward her, wrapping herself around him.

He sinks his fangs into her neck. An erotic moan rises in her throat as the others bite her tender flesh, drinking from her as well.

Raine calls out to his guards and two of them quickly appear at his side. “Double the guards outside my chambers. Allow no one but me to enter. Do you understand?”

They nod and then rush back to the Manor.

Concerned, I turn to him.

He arches a brow. “I see you’ve never stayed very late at these gatherings.” He sighs heavily. “With so many bloodsworn humans and alcohol, these events often devolve into”—he glances at the woman and the three Vampires still latched onto her—“primal affairs, as you can see.” He looks at me. “But do not worry. I allow no one to touch my blood wife, and I will see to it that no one touches yours.”

Despite his reassurance, he posted more guards to his chambers, telling me he is more concerned than he wants to let on. Fierce protectiveness surges through me. Raine already told me there are some here who wish to harm my wife, and I will not risk Juliet’s safety. “Aerlyx,” I call out, knowing that somehow he will hear me. “Now!”

Raine’s eyes turn raven black as he grits through his fangs. “What did you just do?”

CHAPTER 52

JULIET

Prince Raine’s chambers are the epitome of elegant luxury. A hint of rose oil and lavender hangs in the air. Heavy burgundy curtains are tied open at the windows, offering a wide view of the ocean.

Thick carpets cover the stone floors, the same burgundy color as the drapes. Tapestries with seasonal landscapes and forest scenes decorate the space. A fire crackles in the hearth across the way, casting flickering shadows over the ornate sofa and chairs that sit before it.

Along the left wall is a large four-poster bed, covered with thick black and gray furs. I glance at Alayna, wondering if she shares these chambers with the prince or if she sleeps elsewhere.

Alayna walks to the window, and I join her as we look out at the sea. Shimmering moonlight spreads across the water as the waves crash against the rocks along the cliff wall below.

Although I’m separated from Valaric, I’m not afraid. Outside the doors, Eben stands watch with Prince Raine’s guards, and I’m sure Aerlyx is somewhere nearby, concealed in the shadows.

We left Damar in the ballroom. After all his insistence that we remain together, I’m sure he’s probably worried.

“Maryl told me about you,” she says, breaking the silence.

My thoughts return to my meeting with her at the clothier. I’ve been so worried for Maryl ever since then. “What did she say?”

“That you were kind and that Lord Greyvale was good to you.”

A faint smile curls my mouth as I think of my husband. “He is.” It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask about her treatment at the hands of the prince, but I worry she may find it rude. After all, we’ve only just met.

“Is it true?” Her blue eyes search mine. “Does he treat you well?”

“Yes.”

As I gaze out the window, I think of Valaric. I don’t know what the prince wants from him, and I’m not sure he’s someone we can trust. But as I look at Alayna, I realize that I have an opportunity to find out what sort of man he is, which may be invaluable information for my husband.

Casting propriety aside, I turn back to Alayna. “What are you to the prince?”

“I’m his bloodsworn,” she replies in a practiced way that tells me this isn’t the first time someone has asked her this question.

“Forgive me.” I swallow hard. “It’s just… it seems like you may be something more to him.”

Worry flashes behind her eyes. “You are mistaken. I am bloodsworn to him. Nothing more.”

I’d be inclined to believe her if I hadn’t seen them together in the gardens. The prince’s concern for her was palpable in his every glance and action. My gaze drops to the low-cut neckline of her dress and the puncture marks atop her left breast, directly over her heart. “You carry his mark.”

---