Page 105 of The Vampire's Bride

Rage builds deep within as I jump to my feet and rush toward him. Slamming into his chest, we tumble to the ground in a battle for dominance with claws and fangs.

Juliet’s voice cuts through the night. “Donottouch him!”

My head snaps toward the manor, my eyes widening in panic as I see her running toward us. Using all my strength, I push Damar away, sending him flying backward as I rush toward my bride with inhuman speed.

Protective instincts surge through me as I place myself between her and Damar. Spreading my wings wide to shield her from his view, I spin back to face him.

“Stay behind me,” I tell her.

Damar leans to one side and his dark gaze locks on Juliet. “And who might this be?”

A low growl rumbles deep in my chest. “She. Is. Mine.”

CHAPTER 42

JULIET

Damar.I stare in shock at the High Lord of House Greyvale—the Vampire that took Valaric in after he was turned.

Shock flits briefly across Damar’s face before his lips curl up in a snarl. “It is true then,” he says darkly. “The rumors I have heard.”

A large wolf steps out of the shadows behind him, its dark fur bristling. I recognize Eben’s silver eyes immediately.

Damar crouches in a defensive stance, glaring at Eben. “Tell yourdogto stand down, Valaric.”

Eben snarls, his razor-sharp fangs gleaming in the moonlight as he circles the other Vampire.

“What have you heard, Damar?” Valaric asks. “Why are you here?”

Damar steps closer, his red eyes blazing. “I heard rumors you were here in Nightshade. That you’d taken a human as your true wife.” His nostrils flare. “Tell me it isn’t true.”

Valaric straightens, tipping up his chin. “And if it is?”

“I did not think you would be foolish enough to bind yourself to a human,” he sneers. “How dare you do something so rash without informing me first. I am the High Lord of this House and our Clan. You had no right to do this without my blessing.”

“It wasmydecision.” Valaric growls. “Who I choose to wed should not concern you.”

“Itdoesif it makes our House appear weak,” Damar seethes. “It’s one thing to enter into a bloodsworn arrangement with a human to obtain sustenance, but another thing entirely to make one a member of our House through marriage.”

“What’s done is done,” Valaric states firmly.

Damar clenches his jaw. “So it seems.”

Tense silence fills the air as they glare at each other. After a moment, Valaric turns to me. “Go back inside with Eben. I must speak with Damar.”

I’m hesitant to leave him. “You’ll be all right?” I whisper.

His expression softens. “Yes.”

Eben immediately shifts back into his human form. He conjures dark trousers to cover his lower half, but I notice his claws have not retracted. He looks over his shoulder at Damar and bares his razor-sharp fangs in warning.

“I can assure you, the feeling is mutual, dog.” Damar narrows his eyes.

When Eben and I return to the manor, we find Reyla standing just inside the entryway, wringing her hands in her skirts. “Is it true? Is Damar here?”

Eben nods. “You and Juliet should remain inside.” His gaze shifts to Lysander, standing behind her. “We’ll do a quick sweep of the perimeter. Make sure no one else came through the wards.”

Lysander nods in agreement.

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