Page 160 of The Vampire's Bride

Gripping the silken strands, I angle her mouth to my own, kissing her long and deep.

I tighten my arms around her back as I thrust up into her, creating a delicious friction between us. She moans, her blunt nails scraping against my chest as my knot expands inside her, locking us together.

Her gaze holds mine as she reaches her climax, crying out my name as she finds her release.

My knot begins to throb and a primal roar rips from my throat as I erupt deep inside her, flooding her with my seed.

We’re still knotted together as I wrap my arms around her and roll us onto our sides, facing each other. Her face is flushed as I gently brush the damp hair back. Tenderly, I press another kiss to her lips, staring at her in wonder as I whisper. “My perfect and beautiful wife.”

“Yours,” she agrees, and my heart is full as she nestles into my chest.

CHAPTER 68

VALARIC

It’s been two weeks since Lyra and the others disappeared from the castle. The roses on the enchanted bush are nearly dead. Only a few petals remain on two of the blooms.

It’s a blood moon tomorrow evening. A sacred time for the wolves. They left yesterday for the woods and will be gone for two days, most of which will be spent entirely in wolf form out of respect for their moon goddess. Little Kaely was excited. Only recently has she learned how to shift.

Lysander and Reyla have already returned to Nightshade, where Lysander has been discreetly investigating who ordered Juliet’s assassination attempt. I suspect it is Stryker, but Prince Raine said our Clan has many enemies, and I have to be sure before I act.

Aerlyx took me to the towns and cities where my previous wives used to live, but we found no trace of them. I am convinced the witch must have them somewhere else.

If she does, I do not understand her purpose. I have summoned her many times, but she still has not appeared. Damar and I went to her cottage and she was not there either.

Aerlyx and Damar are actively searching for a Shade Stone, but they are not easy to find. Those who have them are reluctant to part with them, no matter the price Damar has offered.

It seems there is nothing to be done but to wait for the witch to reappear. And while we do, I have promised Juliet that I will not let it ruin our time together, however short it may be.

When I walk into the study, I find her seated at her desk, her quill moving quickly across the parchment as she writes her story. A smile tugs at my mouth when she softly bites her lower lip, like she always does when she’s in deep concentration.

As if sensing my gaze upon her, she lifts her head. A stunning smile curves her mouth as her gaze meets mine. I walk toward her and she stands. Gathering her up in my arms, I lift her off the ground and spin her around once before pressing my lips to hers.

Juliet cups my cheek, her luminous eyes staring deep into mine. “You’re still holding me,” she says with a teasing smile.

“I am.” I love having her in my arms. I would hold her forever if she’d let me. “Would you like me to put you down?”

She brushes her mouth to mine. “No.”

Fervently, I return her kiss, curling my tongue around hers. I pull back and then press a line of suctioning kisses down her neck. I love the soft moan she makes as I graze my fangs along her delicate flesh and then trace my tongue over the hollow at the base of her neck, feeling her fluttering pulse beneath.

Damar steps into the room and clears his throat. Juliet freezes in my arms, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Gently, I lower her feet to the floor and then turn to him with an irritated look.

“Forgive my interruption,” he says. “But I must speak with you before you retire to your chambers for the day.”

Juliet stretches up on her toes and gives me a quick kiss. “I’m going to watch the sunrise from the gardens, but I’ll meet you in our rooms after that.”

When she leaves, I turn back to Damar, arching a brow. “What did you need to discuss?”

“Prince Raine has been quietly encouraging the rumors about you and Juliet. Even the priests and priestesses of the temples have been spreading the belief that you are the Fallen Knight fated to the Sanishon.”

We already knew this, but I wonder why he is pointing it out now.

Before I can ask, he continues. “A majority of the Houses and the people believe this. Support for our clan has grown. But this has also gained us new enemies. Many of whom are claiming it is sacrilege to push this belief that you are part of the prophecy.”

“Sacrilege?” I’m stunned. “That’s rather extreme, is it not?”

“Not when you consider that the very record of the fated bond among our people is that of King Drovyan—the Conqueror—and his mate, Queen Kalara.” He pauses. “Nearly every Vampire knows their story.”

---