Page 176 of The Vampire's Bride

Eben leans in, his gaze tracking Juliet and her would-be suitor. “Who is that?”

“I do not know,” I grit through my fangs. “But whoever he is, he needs to take his hands off of my wife before I remove them for him.”

Primal possessiveness surges through my veins. Unable to help myself, I push through the throng of dancers, my focus solely on Juliet and her suitor. When I reach them, I don’t bother with pleasantries.

“Dance with me.” The words come out sounding more like a command than a request as I stare deep into her green eyes, my control hanging by a thread.

“Can you not see that we’re—” the man starts but stops as he turns toward me, all the color draining from his face when he realizes what I am.

Ignoring him completely, I extend my hand to Juliet. “Dance with me,” I say again, but this time much softer. A plea instead of a demand.

My ears detect the quickening of her pulse. “Yes,” she whispers, and slips her delicate palm in mine.

I thread my fingers through hers, relishing the feel of her skin against my own, and draw her into my arms. Together, we move across the floor, spinning and weaving among the other couples.

Her scent is intoxicating as I pull her even closer, so close that her body is nearly flush against mine. Juliet is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and I am determined that she will be mine again.

I’m vaguely aware of all the people watching us, but it matters not. She is all that I see. The world around us blurs into obscurity as my eyes remain locked upon hers.

When the last notes of the dance are played, I find myself unwilling to release her from my arms.

“You’re still holding me,” she says softly.

My heart clenches painfully at her words, echoing a tender moment from our past.

“Do you want me to let you go?” I ask, trying to temper the hope that burns deep within as I wait for her answer.

She hesitates, her small brow furrowed softly.

Before she can reply, her brother interrupts. “Juliet, Mother is looking for you.”

Annoyance flares as I try to hide my anger.

In truth, I admire his bravery and how much he obviously cares for his sister. He does his best to appear unafraid when he pulls her away from me, but the scent of his fear is unmistakable.

She glances at me over her shoulder. “Please excuse me, but I must leave you.”

It takes everything inside of me to let her go.

Agony spears my chest as I watch her depart, each step leading her further from my arms.

“How did it go?” Eben walks up beside me, his voice low. “Are there any signs that her memory is returning?”

“I’m so close, Eben.” Frustration burns in my veins. “I believe her memories are still there… locked inside her mind.” On the balcony, she mentioned that I feel familiar. “Something inside her recognizes me. I’m sure of it.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I won’t give up,” I state firmly. “Not until she is mine again.”

CHAPTER 75

JULIET

As I lie in bed, I think of Lord Greyvale. Valaric—the mysterious and undeniably handsome Vampire. There’s something about him. He claims we’ve met before, and I wonder just how well I knew him. I search my mind, but it’s like trying to piece together fragments of a forgotten dream; it keeps slipping further away the more I try to grasp it.

Turning onto my side, I close my eyes and allow myself to drift away.

I’m standing on a beach. Shimmering moonlight reflects across the waves. Valaric walks up beside me. “Why are we here?” I ask.

---