Page 13 of The Vampire's Bride

I lean away, and he blinks several times as if coming back to himself, his eyes returning to their normal red coloring. “Forgive me,” he murmurs. “It has been three days since I have partaken ofanysustenance. And the instinct to claim you is more difficult to suppress than I anticipated.”

Heat floods my cheeks as he speaks of claiming me. Mother did her best to explain what happens on a wedding night between a husband and wife, but I still feel so woefully unprepared. I look down at my hands. “You must forgive my nerves. I’m afraid I’ve no experience with any of this.”

Valaric steps closer. He places two claw-tipped fingers under my chin, tilting my face up to his. “You would apologize to a Vampire?”

“I would apologize to myhusband,” I correct, meeting his gaze evenly. “I don’t know why you chose me when I’m sure there are others you could have helped. But I am grateful that you did. And I would like to repay your kindness with my own.”

His gaze holds mine, something hidden in their depths that I cannot quite discern.

I take a step closer, but my knees give out and I stumble forward. Strong arms wrap around my waist, keeping me upright.

Heat flares my cheeks as Valaric gently brushes the hair back from my face, studying me in concern. Gently, he sets me back in the chair. “You should eat something. You are still weak.”

“Thank you,” I murmur.

“I wanted to return this to you.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out my pearl necklace.

My fingers brush against his as I take it, noting the chain is no longer broken. My throat tightens. This was the last thingmy father gave me before he died. “You fixed it,” I murmur, my heart swelling with gratitude.

He nods as his piercing gaze holds mine. “It was important to you.”

Tears sting the back of my eyes as I study the flawless repair. I’m so touched by his thoughtfulness. “How did you manage to fix this so quickly?”

“I used my magic.”

I didn’t realize Vampires had powers like this. Unfastening the clasp, I hold it out to him. “Will you please help me put it on?”

I lift my hair out of the way as he gently drapes it around my neck. I’d always heard that Vampires could be burned by silver, but he doesn’t seem to have any problems touching it.

Once it’s fastened, I rest my hand over the small gray pearl. I look up at him, a smile cresting my lips. “You have no idea how much this means to me.” My voice quavers. “I cannot thank you enough.”

He opens his mouth to speak, but someone knocks on the door. “May I come in?” I recognize Eben’s voice.

“Yes,” I call out.

Eben walks inside. “Juliet,” he says warmly. “I’m glad to see that you’re awake.” His gaze shifts to Valaric and he grins. “Mind if I borrow that husband of yours?”

“What is it?” Valaric asks.

“I found an area where the wards need strengthening. I thought you might want to know.”

Valaric nods and then glances back at me. “I must go, but I’ll find you when I’m done.”

I nod, already looking forward to speaking with him again.

After I’m finished with my meal, I bathe and dress. I’ve heard Vampires can accumulate large amounts of wealth, owing to their immortal existence, but I wonder just how well off my new husband is. My stepfather is among the wealthier Lords of the kingdom of Aralon, and evenwedid not live in such luxury as this.

The cleansing room is almost as large as the bedroom, with running hot and cold water—that I assume must be the result of some sort of magic—and a claw foot tub big enough for at least two people.

When I walk back into the bedroom, I find Elsie waiting for me. “I’ve started unpacking your things.” She smiles. “And I already hung your wedding gown in the wardrobe. It’s such a lovely dress. I’m sure you’ll want to save it for your own daughter someday.”

The thought of a child makes me remember the tea my mother packed for me. She said I’ll need to drink it daily to prevent conception. I’ve always wanted children, but not right away. I would prefer to get to know my new husband a bit better first.

Elsie hums to herself as she digs through my trunk. She pulls out the wooden box that I thought I’d buried beneath so many layers of clothing no one would ever find it but me. “What’s this?”

I could explain that inside are my most prized possessions. It’s nearly three-hundred pages of adventure and romance. The manuscript I’ve been writing for the past three months. Or as my stepfather and Jonathan always referred to it: my “rather eccentric and ridiculous hobby.”

Instead, I gesture to the table beside me. “If you could please place it here, I’ll go through it later.”

---