Page 48 of The Vampire's Bride

Eben lifts a small children’s book off the counter and hands it to me. I take a seat at the table and, to my surprise, Kaely crawls into my lap.

I’m only halfway through the story about the gentle moon shining down on all the wolf children in the village when shestarts to nod off in my arms. Her eyelids blink open and closed as she tries to stay awake.

Elsie looks at me. “You’re a natural.”

My heart fills as I glance down at Kaely, asleep on my lap. She’s so precious. “I love children,” I whisper.

“Aye. It shows.” Elsie smiles warmly and then carefully lifts Kaely into her arms. “You’ll be an excellent mother someday when you have one of your own.”

Her words settle in my chest like a heavy stone. I’ve always known I wanted a family, but I don’t know if it will happen now. I’m not quite sure what Valaric expects of our relationship. Given that he was surprised I wanted a real marriage, I imagine children may not be something he has truly considered.

“There’s stew and tea for you on the counter when you get hungry,” Elsie calls over her shoulder as she and Eben start for the door to put Kaely to bed.

I move to the counter and serve myself a bowl of stew. When I take a seat at the table, my thoughts turn to my new husband, remembering the meals we shared together at the inn. I’m surprised by how much Valaric already affects me. I never felt anything like this toward Jonathan.

As if my very thoughts have summoned him, Valaric appears in the doorway.

My heart flutters as his intense gaze meets mine and a subtle but handsome smile curves his lips.

He speaks with Eben and Elsie, their voices far enough away that I cannot make out what they’re saying. Judging by the scowl on Valaric’s face and Eben’s wide grin, I imagine he must be teasing my husband again. It seems to be something of a favorite pastime for him.

If I were wise, I would guard my heart until I know for sure Valaric feels for me as I do him. But when his crimson eyesreturn to mine, a spark of hope ignites deep within, and I cannot help but wonder if this is the beginning of something more.

CHAPTER 16

VALARIC

Standing just outside the doorway of the kitchen, Elsie and Eben walk toward me, with a sleeping Kaely in her grandmother’s arms.

Amusement curls Eben’s mouth. “Spying on your bride?” He waggles his brows. “Worried I’ll steal her out from under your nose?”

Although I know he is only joking, I force myself to bite back a growl.

“Stop it,” Elsie hisses, lightly swatting at his shoulder. “His kind are just as possessive as ours when it comes to their mates. The early days of a mating are not the time for you to be teasing him, Eben.”

Eben stops short of rolling his eyes. “He knows I don’t mean it.” His gaze shifts to me. “Right?”

I give him a tight nod.

“Uncle Val.” Kaely looks up at me, her little eyelids drooping as she struggles to remain awake. “Aunt Juju read me a story. She even did all the voices good. Just like you.”

“I saw that.” A smile tugs at my mouth. “Does this mean I’ve been replaced?”

“No,” she denies emphatically. “Aunt Juju doesn’t do the wolf’s howl as good as you do.”

“Now that you mention it”—Eben grins—“hedoesdo a surprisingly good howl. Especially for a Vampire.”

“I think I’d like to hear that,” Juliet’s voice cuts in as she walks toward us with a teasing grin.

“Yeah.” Eben crosses his arms, a smirk playing on his lips. “I’d like to hear it right now too.”

He snorts when I shoot him an irritated look. I turn my attention back to Juliet. “Perhaps some other time.”

“Look, Uncle Val,” Kaely interrupts, flashing her teeth. “My fangs are coming in.” She points proudly to her canines. “They look just like yours.”

I bend down just enough so that my face is even with hers, pretending to study her tiny fangs. I smile. “They do indeed.”

She wraps her little arms around my neck. “Goodnight, Uncle Val.”

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