Page 52 of The Vampire's Bride

We’re so close, the warmth of her body radiates to mine. Unable to resist the temptation, I dip my head to the curve of her neck and shoulder. Her eyelids flutter closed as I press a tender kiss over the bite mark on her neck. “It is my sincerest desire,” I whisper against her skin. “That each time I drink from you, you will experience only pleasure.”

Bittersweet venom floods my mouth as I recall how freely she offered herself to me at the inn. When I drank from her, I was tempted to permanently mark her then. To claim her in the ways of my people, so that every male who comes near her would know she belongs only to me.

I long more than anything to possess her entirely.

The dark creature within purrs in delight as she leans back into me with a soft sigh. I’m about to give in to the temptation to sink my fangs into her tender flesh, but she suddenly tenses in my arms and turns to face me.

Worried she’s afraid, I take a small step back. I search her eyes for any signs of fear but find none.

“You said there are some who sell their blood and some that even offer it without expecting payment in return.”

I nod, unsure why she is repeating what I told her.

Softly, she bites her lower lip. “I understand that you must partake of blood. But now that I know the effect it can have upon not only the person who gives but the one who receives…” Her voice trails off as her blush deepens. “I’m not comfortable with the idea of you drinking from another person besides me. And I ask that you not do it.”

Her gaze holds mine evenly. “You are my husband and I feel it would be improper for you to experience that level… that heightened state of emotion with anyone else.”

Of all the things I thought she might say, this was not it. The darkness within me revels in her covetous words. It seems mywife is as possessive of me as I am of her, and I cannot deny how much this pleases me.

The curse requires me to drink from her every three days. Even if it did not, I would not take from anyone else. Not now that I have found her.

I never drank directly from my previous wives. Nor have I ever been aroused when drinking from any of those that I hunted. When I took their life blood, I was merely sating my hunger. Nothing more.

Juliet is the only one I have ever experienced pleasure with in this regard.

My gaze lowers to the bite mark on her neck. I was hers from the moment our eyes first met. But perhaps this means she is beginning to consider herself just as much mine in return.

“I will drink from no one but you,” I vow. “And I will supplement my need by hunting lesser prey.”

“Good.” I’m completely transfixed by my beautiful wife as her luminous eyes stare up into mine. “Can I go with you the next time you go to the forest? We could fly and you could hunt, and—”

And just like that, my ardor completely dissipates. Lowering my wings from around her, I take a step back. “No. I will not take you when I hunt.”

She frowns. “Why not?”

“I don’t want you to see that.” I shake my head. “It would change the way you look at me. You would fear me if you saw what I am capable of—”

“No, I would not.” She takes a tentative step closer. “If you are trying to tell me you’re a villain, I do not believe it for one moment.” Her emerald eyes study me intently. “You’re a good man, Valaric.”

Frustration builds deep within. The last thing I want is for her to be afraid, but my curse can only be broken if she acceptsall of me—both the monster and the man—no matter how ugly the truth may be. “I cannot risk having you anywhere near me when the bloodlust courses through my veins.”

Confusion mars her lovely features. “What are you talking about?”

“When I hunt, the darkness within me takes over,” I meet her gaze evenly. “It would not be safe for you to be anywhere near me when that happens, Juliet.”

Some of the color leaves her face as understanding dawns. If I could, I would spare her the terrible truth of the darkness I carry within, but the sooner she faces and accepts it the better. I cannot shield her from my dark nature. If I do, she will never break my curse.

CHAPTER 17

JULIET

“Ineed you to understand something.” Valaric’s piercing gaze holds mine. “It has been over fifty years since I was human, Juliet.” As if to emphasize his point, he places two claw-tipped fingers under my chin, and his eyes swirl with black as he tips my face up to his. “I have seen things that you could only imagine and done things that I’d rather you not. The world is full of darkness and when you cannot walk in the light, the dark is all you can see. And the darkness is what you become.”

He clenches his jaw. “I want to be more than I am. But the truth is, I am a predator—a creature of the night. I know you’ve offered to keep my schedule, but you are meant to walk in daylight. You do not have to chain yourself to this eternal darkness for me.”

“I know what you are, Valaric, and I understand that Vampires are dangerous.” I meet his gaze evenly so he can see the truth of my words. “But you are not a danger to me. Youdidn’t have to take me as your true wife. You could have just as easily made me your blood wife, but you did not.

“Your people are much stronger and faster than mine. You could have taken anything you wanted, without my consent. Instead, you have protected and cared for me.” I tug at the hem of his cape, around my shoulders. “Just like how you noticed I was cold without me even saying anything, and you gave me your cloak.”

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