Page 179 of The Vampire's Bride

Her eyes widen slightly, and I know she’s received it. “Was that from you?”

I nod.

“You are my ashaya. My fated one,” I explain. “Only those who are fated can communicate with each other in this way.”

“You can read my thoughts?”

“I can sense your emotions,” I tell her. “Your thoughts… I can only hear the ones you send to me.”

She looks away, her face a mask of uncertainty. “I don’t know what to say,” she murmurs. “All of this feels so confusing. I mean, I only just met you yesterday.”

“We’ve known each other for months.”

She shakes her head. “But I don’t remember them.”

“Yes, you do,” I say gently. “Your memories are still there. They are simply locked away. Together, we can—”

“How do I know you’re not lying?” She shakes her head. “You’re a Vampire. How can I trust you?”

Her words are like a slap to the face, but I refuse to give up. “I understand your hesitation. Truly, I do.” I drop to one knee before her. “Please, let me prove myself to you. Allow me to court you, Juliet.”

Her gaze softens, but the doubt still lingers behind her eyes. “This is a lot to think about,” she finally says. “I’m sorry, but I’m just not sure I can do what you’re asking. I’m not sure how this would work between us. I’m human. You’re a Vampire.” She sighs heavily. “Forgive me. It’s late. I should return to the manor. I’m sorry, but I must take my leave.”

My heart squeezes painfully in my chest. She does not believe me.

She turns to walk away, but I am desperate to be near her. And even though I know it would be better to let her go, I just want a few more moments in her presence. “Juliet,” I call after her, and she glances back at me. “Please, allow me to fly you to your balcony.”

She hesitates for a beat, then nods.

I scoop her in my arms, spread my wings, and gently lift off from the ground. When I set her down on her balcony, I force myself to relinquish my hold even though everything inside me wants to never let her go.

I know I should probably just leave, and say nothing, but I cannot. “May I call on you tomorrow evening?”

Her small brow furrows as she lowers her gaze, considering. “I’m not sure that would be a good idea,” she finally says.

My heart sinks. Her memories are buried so deep in her mind, she does not trust them. Or me. And I cannot blame her. Most of the terrible stories that circulate about my people are true.

Gently, I cup her cheek, pleased when she does not pull away. “I will never force myself upon you, Juliet. If you wish me to leave, I will.” I search her eyes. “But I’m hoping your heart will convince you to ask me to stay.”

I want so much to pull her into my arms. To wrap my wings around her and hold her close. But she does not want this. Not yet anyway. And I have to accept that she may never want me.

She gazes up at me, her eyes full of uncertainty. “I think it might be best if you leave.”

Her words are an arrow through my chest. Swallowing against the lump in my throat, I allow my gaze to travel over her face one more time. “Goodbye, Juliet.”

The darkness within me fights against my controls, desperate to reclaim her, but I push it back down. I cannot force her to remember me, and I don’t want to scare her. All I can do is hope that my actions will convince her of what my words cannot. That she is everything to me, and I would never hurt her.

“Goodbye, Valaric,” she whispers.

Spreading my wings, I take to the sky. It takes every bit of my strength to fly away from her, when all I want is to hold her in my arms and never let her go.

CHAPTER 77

JULIET

When I wake, I turn my gaze to the window. Soft, buttery morning light filters in through the curtains. My sleep was restless, plagued by dreams of Valaric—of his lips on mine, his arms around me, the intensity of his gaze. It all felt so real, but I’m not sure if it was.

Sighing, I push back the covers and swing my legs over the edge of the bed. I walk to the balcony. Perhaps the crisp morning air will help clear my mind. When I step outside, something catches my eye on the railing. It’s Valaric’s necklace. I recognize the Shadow Blade pendant immediately.

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