Page 83 of The Vampire's Bride

I drop my head into my hands with a low groan. My entire body is still humming with unfulfilled need and desire even as indignation rises within at how quickly Valaric left, locking me away in my room with barely an explanation.

Frustrated, I begin pacing, trying to burn away the pent-up energy still coursing through my veins at the memory of his touch. My heart pounds as I remember the feel of his hands on my body and his lips covering mine. I wanted him so much, but I was also so nervous. It’s the reason I told him to stop. I’ve never done this before and I wanted to slow down a bit. I wanted to talk to him about it, but we were interrupted.

Drawing in a deep breath, I push down my desires and direct my focus to my anger. This isn’t going to work. He cannot simply lock me away whenever he feels the need to protect me. I understand him wanting to make sure I’m safe, but keeping me confined is another thing entirely.

My thoughts drift to Lord Stryker and how he regarded Maryl—as if she were a pet. And while I do not believe Valaric treats me the same, in this moment I feel more like athinghe needs to hide away and protect, instead of a person.

“We are going to have a very long conversation when you get back,” I murmur under my breath. “Locking me in a room isnotacceptable.”

“Well, well, well.” The hairs rise on the back of my neck at the unfamiliar voice. I spin toward the sound to find glowing lavender eyes blinking at me from the corner of the room. “What have we here?”

A tall, dark figure peels away from the shadows and steps into the light. Wearing only a pair of black trousers and boots, he is as tall as Valaric and heavily muscled. He has lavender skin and pointed elvish ears. His deep purple hair is cut short andslicked back, accentuating the two proud horns that curl back from his forehead. His face is sharp lines and angles, with a prominent nose and a slightly pointed chin.

Large purple, leathery wings spread out from his back while a long, arrow-tipped tail swishes lazily behind him. Short black claws tip his fingers. He flashes a smile that would probably be considered handsome if not for the wicked, white fangs peeking from between his dark lips.

“Who are you?” I ask the question automatically even though my mind has already come up with the answer.

This must be the Incubus Valaric spoke of. When I was a child, my grandmother told me several stories about Incubi, all of them cautionary tales. Fear ripples down my spine when I remember Valaric warded the door. No one should be in this room.

“How did you get in here?”

“I’m an Incubus,” he replies smoothly, his voice rich like silk. “There are very few wards that can deter my kind. Especially when a lovely woman is involved. I am Aerlyx,” he says with an exaggerated bow. A sly smile curls his lips, a mixture of mischief and curiosity reflecting in his gaze. “I’m a friend of Valaric’s. What shall I call you,my Lady?”

Even though he knows my husband, I’m not entirely sure I trust him.

He stalks toward me with predatory grace, and I take a few steps back, putting some distance between us. “I am Lady Juliet Greyvale.” I tip up my chin, feigning a bravery I do not quite feel right now. “Why are you here?”

He cocks his head to one side. “Your husband summoned me to meet him.”

“No.” I narrow my eyes. “I meant: Why are youhereinmyroom?”

“Do not worry, Lady Greyvale. I mean you no harm. I was merely curious about you.” A playful smirk twists his mouth as his eyes rake over my form. “And I believe I understand now why Valaric is so interested in strengthening his protective wards.” He moves closer. “And I’ll do it, of course. Though I must admit, I am far more interested in getting to knowyoubetter first.”

I take another step back. “I am married.”

“I know,Lady Greyvale.” He chuckles. “But I am an Incubus”—he waggles his eyebrows—“and I promise you I am much more interesting than that brooding Vampire you call a husband.”

I cross my arms. “I’m not interested.”

“Give me a chance.” He flashes a seductive grin. “Perhaps I can change your mind.”

A menacing growl echoes from the hallway a moment before wind buffets my dress as Valaric rushes to my side with inhuman speed, his eyes black as pitch. “Back away from my wife,” he snarls, pulling me behind him. “She is mine.”

“Really, Valaric,” Aerlyx admonished, feigning offense. “You wound me. I may be an Incubus, but do you truly believe I’d try to steal your new bride? How could you even think such a thing, my old friend?” He tsks. “I was merely teasing. Besides, I would know she was yours even without your chest beating declaration. I can smell you all over her.”

A mischievous gleam enters his eyes. “My apologies if I interrupted your newlywed activities on the beach with my arrival.”

He winks at me, and hot embarrassment scalds my cheeks.

Valaric growls at the Incubus, but he ignores it and continues. “I thought it was strange of you to request extra wards, but”—he looks around my husband to me and flashes a devilish grin—“now I believe I understand.”

He winks at me again. “Really, Valaric, I’m surprised you haven’t already had dozens of hunters and unmated males trying to break through your defenses, hoping to liberate your lovely wife from the evil thrall of her Vampire husband.” His eyebrows lift. “Or perhaps even a few of your own kind may be interested in stealing her away from you, taking her as their own blood wife.”

“No onewill take her from me.” Valaric growls. “Are you going to strengthen the wards or not?”

Despite his terrifying appearance in this moment, I love how fiercely protective my husband is of me. It makes me feel safe and cherished.

Aerlyx shrugs. “That depends.”

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