Page 115 of The Vampire's Bride

Immediately, I pull Juliet behind me, spreading my wings wide to shield her as a deep growl rises in my throat. Lengthening my claws, I prepare to fight. I don’t care if he’s the prince. I will end him before allowing him to touch her.

“Calm yourself,”he speaks in my mind. His eyes remained locked on me as he speaks aloud, ordering his guards to stand down. He turns to the closest one. “Our wives can enjoy the conservatory while I speak with Lord Greyvale. See to it that they are comfortable, protected, and well fed.”

One of the guards starts toward Juliet, but I bare my fangs. “Do. Not. Touch. Her,”I grind out.

“I vow that no harm will come to your wife, Lord Greyvale,” Raine says smoothly. “I merely wish to have a discussion with you.”

When I don’t move, he blows out a frustrated sigh. “Fine. What will it take to convince you that I will not hurt her?”

I keep my gaze trained on the prince as I call out to my friend. “Aerlyx.” I don’t have to look to know he’s somewhere nearby, concealed in the shadows. Since Raine already knows of him, I won’t deny his presence any longer. “Stay with Juliet. Do not leave her side.”

“Of course,” he replies.

Alayna gasps behind me and Raine’s eyes widen as he looks over my shoulder.

“This is ridiculous,” the prince huffs. “You cannot expect me to allow an Incubus near my blood wife.”

“Why not?” I counter. “Your guards will watch over Alayna, while my Incubus guard will protect Juliet.”

“I prefer the word ‘knight.’” Aerlyx grins widely. “Incubusknighthas a much better ring to it. It sounds more noble, don’t you agree?”

I suppress the urge to throttle him as he winks at the prince. It is not wise to antagonize someone so powerful.

“He’s anIncubus,” Raine says incredulously. “You’re a fool to allow him anywhere near your bride.”

“You asked me what it would take to trust you. Well, this is it.” I gesture behind me. “My Incubus guard will watch over my wife while we talk.”

“Incubusknight,” Aerlyx corrects, waggling his brows. “Remember?”

Now is not the time to be joking. I clench my jaw, trying to project a calm I do not feel. “Yes. My Incubus knight,” I repeat, trying to keep my voice even despite my irritation with my friend who seems to have a death wish.

“And not just any knight,” Aerlyx adds as he puffs out his chest and dramatically flares out his wings. “I am Aerlyx the Great, Son of the Fourth House, Holder of the Sacred Chalice of Ryx, Heir to the Divine Rings of Tanos, and Knight of the House of Greyvale. Trust me.” He winks at the prince. “Your blood wife is in good hands here.”

Raine looks at him as if he’s sprouted two heads, before quickly regains his composure and growls, obviously unimpressed.

When this is over, Aerlyx and I are going to have a serious discussion about his teasing during inappropriate times.

Raine levels a dark glare at me. “You’d do well to not provoke me, Lord Greyvale.”

“I could say the same to you,” I state firmly, not backing down.

His nostrils flare and his eyes swirl with black as he speaks in my head.“Provoke my wrath and by the time I’m done with your mind, you won’t even remember how to say your own name.”

As he uses his dark gift, I notice the fine sheen of sweat across his forehead and the slight wince as he speaks. It seems hisvocariability takes a physical toll on him.

Focusing my thoughts, I reply, wondering if he can hear me.“If you had that kind of power, you would have used it already.”

When he narrows his eyes, I know he’s received what I sent.

“If you think that I—”He starts to speak in my mind again but stops. Closing his eyes, he grimaces, and puts a hand to his forehead. A trickle of black blood runs from his nose, dripping onto his tunic.

“Raine!” Alayna pushes past me, rushing to this side. She pulls a handkerchief from her dress and dabs at the blood. “You need to sit down.”

“I’m fine,” he grumbles.

“No, you’re not,” she insists. “You’re—”

“I said I’m fine,” he snaps.

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