Page 129 of The Vampire's Bride

It’s hard, but I somehow manage to bite back a grin. Damar has no idea what he’s in for. Elsie will consider his proposal but, before she makes any decisions, she’ll definitely make him grovel first. I’m certain of it.

“What about Lysander?” I ask. “And his mother?”

They’ve been in service to our House even before the wolf shifters arrived. They are steadfastly loyal. Being official members of our Clan would offer them even more protection than they have now. Despite Reyla’s dislike for Damar, given his mistrust of humans, I’m sure she would not turn such an offer down if it meant another layer of safety for her and her son.

“I will speak with them,” Damar replies. He glances at the cellar door. “Do you think the Incubus will join us as well?”

“He has his own life here,” I point out. “You’ll have to ask him.”

“I will.”

Sighing heavily, Damar lies back down. He looks at me. “Is there anything else you’d like to discuss? Or can we finally go to sleep now?”

I have one more question. And it’s one that I want an answer to right now. “Why are you doing all of this?”

“I already told you.” A hint of irritation shifts into his gaze. “I’ve had enough of grief. I will not lose anyone else.”

These past few years of our estrangement have been hard. Damar is like a brother to me. He was all I had after I was turned, and I missed his company more than I cared to admit. Emotions lodge in my throat, but I somehow manage to speak around them. “Thank you.”

He nods and then turns onto his side, his back facing me. “Now, go to sleep.”

CHAPTER 54

JULIET

Standing before the window of the study, I pull back the curtains just enough to gaze out at the sea. Storm clouds gather overhead, muting the early morning sun. Thunder rolls above us as lightning fingers across the sky.

It’s been three hours since Aerlyx left me here at the manor. Closing my eyes, I send another silent prayer to the gods, begging for a sign that Valaric and the others are all right.

Alayna’s warning echoes through my mind. She said our Great House has many enemies, and I wonder if any of them decided to strike. Maybe that’s why Valaric and the others are missing. If so, it is only a matter of time before they come for me as well.

I’m not afraid for myself. I’m worried for Valaric, Eben, Aerlyx, and even Damar. Swallowing against the lump in my throat, I stare out at the waves rolling toward the shore.

This waiting is agony. I never expected to truly fall for my husband, but I have. Regret settles like a heavy stone in my chest. I should never have left his side. I should have insistedthat we stay together. I love him and I left him behind. If I had stayed, maybe then we would at least be together now.

Tears threaten to fall, but I blink them back. I have to be strong. I don’t want to break down, and I cannot afford to lose faith.

“The horses are ready and tied in the courtyard. You must go, my Lady,” Lysander’s deep voice says behind me. “My mother has already readied your things.”

“We cannot just leave,” I protest. “We need to wait. We need to give them a chance to come back.”

“If they could have, they would have already returned.” He gives me a pitying look. “Because they have not, we must assume it isn’t safe to remain here. You must go to Greyvale castle.”

“Why?”

“Because there is strength in numbers,” Reyla says from the doorway. “The wolf pack can protect you during the day, and my son will guard you at night. The pack is loyal to your husband. They will help us keep you safe.” She glances at Lysander. “My son is strong, but he is one person. We need the others.”

Guilt swells my chest. I understand what she’s saying. Staying here puts not only myself, but also her son in danger, since he feels obligated to protect me. I won’t be responsible for him coming to harm. I look between Lysander and Reyla. “You have both been so kind to me, but I will not ask you to risk your lives for mine. You owe me nothing. I—”

“Lord Greyvale could have turned us away when we came to him for protection, but he did not.” Reyla rests a hand on my shoulder. “You are the most important person in the world to him. You are his true wife. Wewill notabandon you.”

A lump forms in my throat at the reminder of what a good man my husband is to inspire such loyalty in those who know him.

Despair tightens my chest. I hate not knowing where he is and what has happened. And the thought of leaving here without him is almost more than I can bear.

“My Lady?” Lysander says gently. “You and my mother need to leave. Now.”

A tear slips down my cheek. “I can’t.”

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