Page 85 of The Vampire's Bride

“How did you two meet?” she asks, pulling me back from my thoughts.

“Well.” Aerlyx leans forward in his chair, his eyes locked on my wife in a way that makes me want to throttle him. “Allow me to regale you with a tale of adventure, bravery, and battle,” he says animatedly. “One that will be remembered for many years to come.”

Juliet laughs, and I struggle to suppress a low growl as he continues. It seems he is winning her over with his jovial personality. And while I’m glad she is at ease, jealousy rears its ugly head. I dislike Aerlyx trying to charm my wife.

She is mine. Not his.

“It was a dark and stormy night,” he says dramatically. “Fit for neither man, monster, norshadowbeast. The wind was howling through the woods and—”

“I saved him from a group of hunters,” I cut in dryly.

Aerlyx scoffs. “Well, now you’ve gone and ruined it,” he says, feigning offense.

“I still want to hear the story.” Juliet looks between the two of us, eyes bright with interest. “Tell me.”

The Incubus grins widely, pleased by her request.

Before he can launch into his tale, I add, “The weather was terrible, and I was searching for a place to shelter. A cave where I could stay for my day rest if I was caught out when the dawn arrived. But then I heard voices. Several men yelling and—”

“It was terrible,” Aerlyx interrupts. He brings his palm to his chest and tips up his chin. “But I held onto my dignity, putting on a brave face. Despite all I’d been through I was determined not to let them break me.”

“You poor thing,” Juliet says, giving him a pitying look. “That sounds awful.”

“It was indeed.” Aerlyx gives her a solemn nod. “For a while, I wasn’t sure I would survive,” he says, laying it on thick. “It was a rather terrifying ordeal.”

When I found him, the hunters had not yet begun their torture. If they’d been given enough time, I’m sure they would have done something terrible. Fortunately, when I arrived, the worst they’d done was wound his pride by having captured him in the first place.

“Those sneaky, underhanded humans”—he halts abruptly and looks at Juliet—“no offense.”

“None taken,” she assures him.

“They trapped me.” He shakes his head. “It was a case of mistaken identity. They had me confused with a rogue gargoyle that had stolen something from their kingdom.” He spreadshis hands in a helpless gesture. “And try as I may, I couldn’t convince them that I was not the male they were looking for.” His gaze sweeps to me. “But then Valaric arrived. Like a valiant hero of old, he swooped in and cut my bindings, and made quick work of the men.”

Juliet’s eyes go wide.

“I didn’t kill them,” I quickly interject because I do not want her to picture me as a bloodthirsty murderer. “I merely rendered them unconscious.”

Aerlyx reaches across the table and claps a hand on my shoulder. “We’ve been practically inseparable ever since.” He winks. “In fact, I’m not sure what he’d do without me.”

“Gods forbid,” I reply, pursing my lips.

“I do know one thing,” Aerlyx says pointedly. “When I get married, I will be sure to invite you both to my wedding.” He crosses his arms and sits back in his chair, pinning me with an accusatory glare. “Really, Valaric, I’m one of your oldest friends. I can only assume the raven that was supposed to deliver my invitation must have lost its way in a storm.”

I stop short of rolling my eyes. He can be so dramatic sometimes. “I’m sorry, Aerlyx.”

“That’s much better,” he says, sitting up straighter. A smile lights his face. “Since I wasn’t there, you can make it up to me by allowing me to celebrate with you now.” He turns to Juliet. “How about a glass of wine?”

Before she can answer, he jumps up from his seat and heads for the door, calling over his shoulder. “You still keep the good stuff in the cellar, right?”

“You already know I do. I’m not sure why you’re even asking.” I purse my lips. “I’m surprised you haven’t simply helped yourself before now,” I add.

“It would be poor form to take without invitation,” he replies. “And I am nothing if not a gentleman.”

Juliet covers her mouth, trying to stifle a laugh, but it’s easy to see the amusement that dances in her eyes.

I arch a brow. “You may find him funny now, but Incubi are known for their ravenous appetites. You won’t think it amusing when he eats us out of house and home.”

She laughs, and I’m struck by how lovely the sound of it is. She is truly captivating, and I am completely in her thrall.

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