Page 65 of The Vampire's Bride

JULIET

As I lie in bed, I can’t stop thinking about what happened in the gardens. I shouldn’t have kissed Valaric. I wince inwardly at the memory of him telling me to leave. It’s obvious he doesn’t want me in that way.

It’s been three days since he had my blood, and I know how hard it is for him to maintain his control. Gods above, I should have realized he was struggling. Instead, I practically threw myself at him.

I’m glad that he treats me as more than just someone to sate his needs, but at the same time, I must accept that when he first came to me, it was for a simple arrangement. He needed a blood wife to slake his thirst.

It’s not as if we courted or were in love before he saved me. He did not expect us to have a true marriage.I’mthe one that asked for that. And although I do have feelings for him, I doubt they are returned. At least, not in the way I wish they were.

I’ve always heard Vampires are monsters, but when I think of the kindness he has shown me, I know he is not. He’s a goodman. I’m losing my heart to my husband. I wish so much that he felt the same for me. But if all we can ever have is friendship between us, I’d rather have that than to have nothing.

Sighing heavily, I turn onto my side. Dawn will come soon. I need to talk to him. If nothing else, he still needs my blood.

A soft knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts, and I rise to answer it, expecting Valaric. Instead, Eben stands there, his large form nearly filling the doorway, his usual easy grin nowhere to be found. In its place is a smile that doesn’t quite touch his silver eyes.

“Juliet.” He clears his throat a bit nervously. “Valaric asked me to come by and… ask for some of your blood.”

“Is everything all right?” I ask, concerned. “He usually just takes it directly.”

Eben shifts, one hand rubbing the back of his neck. “Um, yeah, I know… it’s just that…” His hesitation stretches, and a knot of worry begins to form in my stomach. “His thirst… it’s strong right now, stronger than usual. He thought maybe this way would be easier for both of you.” He winces as he finishes, clearly fumbling with the words.

Eben is definitely hiding something, but I don’t know what or why. “Are you sure he’s all right?”

“Yeah, he’s fine,” he says too quickly, his eyes darting away. “He just… he didn’t want to overwhelm you.”

Dread settles in my chest. Perhaps Valaric was too uncomfortable to come in person, because of what happened. Maybe this is his way of keeping some distance, of not making things more complicated. I swallow my uncertainty and give Eben a small smile, trying to convince myself that it makes sense.

“All right.”

After I fill a small goblet for my husband, I use the vial of his blood Eben brought me to heal the cut on my arm.

“Thanks,” Eben mumbles as he takes the glass from me, avoiding my gaze. “Sleep well.”

He’s almost out the door, but I call out, stopping him. “Wait.”

Eben turns back to me. “I think I made a mistake.” Heat rises in my cheeks. “I—I kissed him. In the gardens.”

“Why would that be a mistake?” Eben frowns.

“Because maybe it made Valaric uncomfortable. Perhaps he just wants to keep things… simple between us.”

Eben’s expression softens. “I doubt it’s that, Juliet.” A genuine smile tilts his mouth. “I’ve never seen him so happy as I have since he met you.”

An ember of hope lights in my chest. “Truly?”

“Yes.” He grins.

“Then why isn’t he here?”

“It’s just him being cautious, you know.” Eben rubs the back of his neck. “He’s a Vampire, and they drink blood, and he doesn’t want to overwhelm you with his… thirst.”

As I consider his words, I realize they make sense. Valaric is always so careful with me. After all, it’s nearly dawn, and we’ve never waited this late in the night for him to take my blood. I’m sure his need must have been intense.

“I’ll just take this to him,” Eben says, gesturing to the goblet. He smiles again. “Sleep well.”

“You too,” I reply as he slips out of the room, closing the door behind him.

As soon as he’s gone, exhaustion settles over me like a heavy blanket. I crawl into bed, pulling the covers up to my chin. My body relaxes, but my mind just won’t rest. I’m still wondering why this all feels so strange when sleep finally drags me under and into a dream.

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