Page 142 of The Vampire's Bride

“It was my fault we didn’t return,” Aerlyx explains. “I used too much magic transporting so many. I meant to take them to the manor, but we ended up at my home instead. And we’ve been waiting there for my strength to return.”

He scrubs a hand across his jaw. “I’m still exhausted, and my powers are not completely replenished. I’ll go back for Eben and Damar, and then portal them here when night falls again.”

Elsie looks at him. “Before you leave, I’d like to send you with some food for my son. No doubt he’ll have been missing a home cooked meal.”

Aerlyx laughs. “I assure you, he is being well-fed at my bakery. In fact”—he grins—“when he returns tomorrow you will probably notice that he’s put on a bit of extra weight.”

“It’s true,” I add, suppressing a grin as I think of Eben wolfing down plate after plate full of pastries.

Desperate to see my wife, I glance toward the study.

“Juliet’s asleep,” Elsie says. “But I know she’s been anxious to see you. She was worried. We all were. Go to her, my Lord. I’ve already closed the curtains to keep out the light.” Elsie puts a gentle hand on the middle of my back and guides me to the study. “She’ll be glad to see you.”

When I enter the study, I find Juliet lying on the plush sofa. I move to the couch and kneel beside her. Her long blonde hair is draped over the pillow like a golden waterfall, and her full pink lips are slightly parted as she sleeps.

Gently, I brush a stray lock of hair back from her forehead, marveling at her beauty. She is truly lovely, my human wife. Her eyelids flutter open and a radiant smile spreads across her face.

“Valaric.” She sits up and cups my cheek. “Is it really you?” Her eyes search mine. “Or am I dreaming again?”

“I am here, my Juliet.”

She throws her arms around my neck and presses her lips to mine in a tender kiss. “I was so worried.” She traces her fingers lightly across my brow, staring at me as if she still has trouble believing that I’m here. “What happened? Where have you been?”

I curl my wings around her as I hold her close, reveling in the feel of her body against mine. “Aerlyx took us somewhere safe, where he could replenish his magic,” I murmur into her hair, inhaling deeply of her delicate scent. “We had to wait until he was strong enough to return.”

As if the sound of his name has summoned him, Aerlyx appears at my side. “As much as I hate to interrupt,” he says with a mischievous grin, “I wanted to tell you that I’ll be leaving to return to the others.”

Juliet smiles at him. “Thank you for bringing him home, Aerlyx.”

“Of course,” he replies smoothly. “I’ll be back later tonight with Damar and Eben.”

With a casual flick of his wrist, a ring of purple smoke swirls around him, and he disappears once more.

Juliet returns her gaze to mine. “I missed you,” she whispers.

“And I, you.” Emotions swell my chest. She is my heart, and I never wish to be parted from her again. “More than you couldpossibly imagine.” Gently, I lift her from the sofa. “Come. You should rest.”

I start to take her up the stairs to her room.

“Wait,” she says, and I halt abruptly, gazing down at her in confusion.

“Take me to your chambers,” she whispers as she touches my face. “You’re my husband, Valaric, and I don’t want to sleep apart from you anymore.” She lowers her gaze. “Unless… you do not want me to stay with you,” she adds a bit hesitantly.

I hate the uncertainty that crosses her features. She is everything to me and I never want her to doubt it. Ever again. “You are my heart, Juliet.” I drop my forehead gently to hers. I want so much to tell her that I love her, but the curse forbids me from speaking the words before she does. “I will always want you in my arms.”

Softly, she bites her lower lip. “Then take me to bed,” she whispers.

My heart hammers as her luminous green eyes meet mine. “As you wish.”

I carry her down the spiral staircase to my chambers and seal the door shut behind us. I walk us to the bed, but I’m reluctant to let her go. My fangs extend and venom fills my mouth. I’ve never wanted anything as much as I desire her. The need to claim her, to mark her and change her scent, so that every male knows she is mine, is nearly overwhelming.

It’s been three days since I’ve had her blood, two days since I’ve touched her, and my need is all-consuming.

“You’re still holding me,” she whispers, touching my face.

I brush my thumb lightly across her cheek, watching in wonder as a lovely pink flush blooms across her petal-soft skin. “I am.” I gaze down at her, completely mesmerized. “Would you like me to let you go?” I ask, even though everything within me wants only to hold her close.

She runs her fingers lightly across my lips. A soft gasp escapes her as she brushes the tip of one fang. The smell of her arousal thickens the air, threatening to overwhelm me.

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