Page 189 of The Vampire's Bride

It’s been a week since we returned to the castle. Everyone was so happy to see her. Even Damar. Concentrating on our bond, I send a wave of love and warmth across the tether.

A lovely smile spreads across her face and she turns in my direction. “I know you’re here, my love.”

I love that she can sense when I’m near. A smile quirks my lips as I step out of the shadows and walk toward her. She looks up at me with her captivating green eyes as I take a seat on thebench and pull her into my lap, wrapping my wings around her form.

She snuggles into me, resting her head on my shoulder.

“I read the latest chapters of your book.”

“And?” she asks, softly biting her lower lip. “What did you think?”

“You’ve left me in complete and utter suspense.” I arch a teasing brow. “I’m dying to know if Lord Danric will declare his love for Princess Cassia before she marries the prince from the neighboring kingdom.”

Juliet laughs, a musical sound that fills the cold air with warmth. “I guess you’ll just have to wait for the next chapters to find out what happens,” she teases in return.

“You are cruel, my beautiful wife.” I chuckle, and then press a kiss to her forehead. “But I adore you anyway.”

She smiles brightly at me. “And I love you too, my dear husband.”

This moment is light and I hate to ruin it, but there is no other way to tell her what I have to say. “Damar received a summons. We must go before the royal court to officially have you recognized as part of our Clan and Lady of House Greyvale. Lysander will come as well, as he will become a Lord.”

“What about Reyla?”

“She has decided to simply remain as she is.”

“Why?”

“She said she has no need for a title, but I suspect it may have something to do with her former life as a blood wife. A title would draw unwanted attention to her.”

“It wouldn’t do the same for Lysander?”

I shake my head. “Reyla left his Vampire father before he knew she was carrying his child.”

“Does Lysander know who his father is?”

“No. Reyla has told no one. Not even him.”

“What about the wolves? Will they join the Clan?”

“They are still considering. Elsie told Damar this morning that he will have to join their pack first.”

Juliet laughs softly. “What did he say to that?”

A grin tugs at my mouth. “That he would consider it.”

I hold her closer, savoring the feel of her in my arms. “We must leave in two days.”

A shadow of worry crosses her face. “Do you think it’s safe?”

I’m sure she is remembering the Vampire ball. She has mentioned many times how afraid she was for me and the others when we were separated. “Aerlyx and Eben will travel with us. Lysander and Damar will be there as well.”

My thoughts turn to the enchanted blade Prince Raine gave to me. I pull it from my belt and hand it to Juliet. “I want you to keep this on you while we’re there.”

Over the past few months she has become quite skilled with a blade. I do not anticipate she will need it, but I’ll feel better knowing she has something to defend herself with if she needs to.

Her eyes flash with concern. “Do you think we’ll be attacked?”

It would be foolish for anyone to attack us before the court, but I will leave nothing to chance. It’s the reason we will go with extra guards. Guards that I am certain are loyal to not only our House but to me and my bride. But still, I do not want Juliet to be afraid. If anything were to happen, Aerlyx has been instructed to take her away immediately. “I will die before I allow anyone to harm you. I swear it on all that I am.”

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