Page 16 of The Vampire's Bride

It’s strange that we will be living in separate rooms, but I’ve heard it is common among many married couples.

“Elsie will bring you somelynberrytea later,” he adds. “You should drink it daily.”

I’ve never heard oflynberrytea, but I can guess at its purpose. Still, I’d like to make sure I’m right, because if not, I’ll need to replenish the tea leaves my mother packed for me to avoid becoming with child until we’ve decided we’re ready. “Is it better than moon tea for prevention?”

“Yes,” Valaric replies. “It will keep you from becoming anemic.”

My stomach twists in a nervous knot. It seems we’re not speaking of the same thing, and while it’s an awkward subject, given how new we are to each other, it still needs to be addressed. “I meant prevention of conception,” I clarify. “My mother gave me moon tea leaves for contraception. I have enough for two weeks, but I will need to purchase more.”

His mouth drops open, but he quickly snaps it shut. “You would take me to your bed?”

I’m stunned by how taken aback he appears. I thought all married couples engaged in such intimacy, but perhaps I am wrong.

“Yes. We are husband and wife. It is expected that we consummate our marriage or else it is not binding.”

CHAPTER 5

VALARIC

I’m shocked that she says this as if it is something she has already accepted as a given. That she is not afraid of me like the others before her.

My marriage to them was in name only—a contract to seal a bargain made in exchange for saving their lives. They wanted little to do with me, avoiding my company as much as possible before the curse took them.

I’m still so surprised by her words that it takes me a moment to consider the rest of her statement. “What do you mean it would not be binding if we do not consummate our marriage?”

She gives me a curious look. “I’m not sure how it’s done among Vampires, but as for my people, a marriage is not legally binding until it has been consummated. And even then, without evidence of the first blood, the union can still be dissolved.”

“First… blood?”

A crimson flush spreads across her cheeks. “The blood from a woman’s maidenhead.”

I’d heard this evidence is required among some of the royalty, but I did not know it was standard among other humans. It is rather barbaric, in my opinion. Even if Juliet had been with another before me, it would change nothing between us.

“It’s the reason I broke off my engagement with Jonathan.” She swallows hard. “He wanted to have me before we were wed, but I refused. I told him I would only give myself to my husband on our wedding night. He became angry, and we fought.”

“Did he harm you?” I curl my hands into fists at my sides. If he did, he will not live to see another sunrise. I will find him this night and end him.

“No, but I was surprised he was at my house while I was unconscious, given how things were left between us before my… accident.”

Her accident. Now I find myself wondering if Jonathan may still be to blame despite the healer’s reassurances. I think back to his bruised knuckles and his wounded pride when Juliet refused to leave with him that night.

“Your family referred to him as your betrothed when I arrived, and he did nothing to correct them.”

“I broke off our betrothal, but I had not quite found the courage to tell my parents yet. I knew they would be upset because he is nephew to the king of Aralon.” She sighs heavily. “Jonathan has never been one to give up easily and he hates the word ‘no.’”

When I was first turned, I had to reconcile the man I had been with the new darkness buried deep within—the monster that would overtake me entirely if I ever faltered in my control.

Even now, it fights me for dominance as I remember the cunning look in Jonathan’s eye, and the way he tried to force Juliet to run away. He tried to take my mate from me. I nearlykilled him then, and I am still uncertain that I made the right decision in allowing him to live.

“Do you believe he will be a problem?”

“In truth, I do not know.” She shrugs. “It is not unheard of for a man to steal another’s wife if their marriage is not fully consummated, and therefore not binding.”

Possessive anger floods my veins and my fangs extend as the darkness within me takes hold. I will end anyone who dares try to take Juliet from me. “Consummation or not, you are mine.” I growl. “No one will take you from me. I have protective wards around the entire estate that will alert me if anyone tries to cross.”

Her eyes widen slightly. “Am I a prisoner then?”

“You are not my captive; you are my mate.”

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