Page 28 of The Vampire's Bride

His pupils expand and I feel like a bird trapped in a serpent’s gaze as his crimson eyes travel down my form, desire and hunger burning in their depths. “You are beautiful,” he says, voice rough. “Perfect.”

Heat floods my cheeks at his praise.

His fangs lengthen, and he flexes and extends his fingers, as if fighting the urge to reach for me.

Taking a deep breath, I move closer and pull my hair to one side, exposing my neck. “It’s all right,” I whisper. “I am ready.”

CHAPTER 9

JULIET

“You do not know what it is that you are asking for,” he says darkly.

“I do.”

Careful to retract his sharp claws, he cups my chin and tips my face up to his. His fangs extend and his red eyes swirl with black as they stare deep into mine. “You are certain?”

“Yes.”

Desire curls low in my belly as he leans in and skims the tip of his nose along the curve of my neck and shoulder, inhaling deeply. I’ve never been touched so intimately before.

“Will you be gentle?” I barely manage.

His intense gaze holds mine as he wraps one arm around my back, pulling my body flush with his. I loop my arms around his neck as his other hand cups the back of my head. He threads his fingers through my hair, holding me tenderly. As if we were already lovers.

Heat pulses between my thighs as a low rumbling purr rises in his chest and his warm breath whispers across my skin. “Always.”

My heart stops and then begins hammering at the slight sting of his fangs poised over my skin. I gasp as they pierce my flesh, sinking deep into the artery of my neck.

My mouth opens in a silent cry, and I arch against him as the pain quickly gives way to intense pleasure. I dig my fingers into his shoulders as desire pools deep in my core.

He braces one hand on my back and gently lays me down on the nest of blankets.

I part my thighs, and he settles between them. I love the weight of him over me as his powerful form covers mine and the gentle suction and pull against my skin as he accepts the offering of my blood.

Warmth spreads through my veins, and a soft whimper escapes me as he tightens his hold. Only a few layers of fabric separating my body from his as his hardened length presses against the entrance of my core.

“Valaric.” His name leaves my lips in a soft moan. I trace my fingers over the thick muscles of his shoulders and back as he rolls his hips against mine, creating a delicious friction between us.

He groans as I run my fingers through his hair and arch up against him, wanting more. Pleasure builds like a giant wave, so intense that I can barely breathe. I’ve never felt anything like this before. I’m completely lost in sensation, swept away in an ocean of bliss.

It’s over all too soon as he presses a tender kiss to my neck, laving, his tongue directly over the two puncture marks to seal them. My heart flutters as he growls low in his throat and whispers against my skin. “Mine.”

When he pulls back, I’m breathless and a bit dizzy, his intoxicating scent flooding my nostrils. He cups my chin, brushing his thumb tenderly across my cheek. “Are you all right? Are you in any pain?”

Pain?I’m certain what I felt was the exact opposite. I’m also acutely aware of how my body is practically molded to his. My chest rises and falls, pressed solidly against him as I struggle to regain my composure. Still panting, I somehow find the words to reply. “I’m fine.”

Warmth fills me as I trace my fingers lightly over my neck, remembering the feel of his lips pressed against my sensitive flesh. I’ve written several romantic scenes for my stories, but now, I realize that I have not done any of them justice. I feel as if I’m floating on a cloud of pure and utter bliss.

“Truly?”

Worry mars his handsome face. It warms my heart to know that he cares so much. His hair is slightly mussed and I love knowing that I am the reason for it.

A faint smile curls my lips as I reach up and comb my fingers through the silken strands, smoothing them back from his forehead. “Yes.”

“You are… not afraid?”

I shake my head. Guilt fills me as I look down at the bandages around his torso. “I’m sorry I left the castle. It’s my fault you were hurt. I misjudged you, and instead of staying to talk about it, I left.”

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