Page 18 of The Vampire's Bride

It will weaken me to ignore the demands of my curse, but I cannot trust myself not to harm her in my current state.

Curling my hands into fists at my side, I turn my gaze to the window. Moonlight covers the snowy landscape, casting a silver glow across the gardens and the mountains beyond. I must leave while I can, before it’s too late.

I start for the door, but she grips my forearm. “It’s all right.” She tilts her head, offering herself again to me so trustingly. My fangs extend and the sharp taste of venom fills my mouth as intense need threatens to overwhelm my senses. She has no idea the danger she is in. “You may take from me, if you need to, Valaric.”

Her words erode the last of my control, and I pull her into my arms. The dark and primal thing deep within claws its way to the surface. A deep rumbling growl vibrates in my chest as I run my fingers through her hair. Gripping the silken strands firmly, I tip her head to one side, exposing the elegant column of her throat.

My gaze drops to the pulsing artery along her neck as her heart quickens its pace. Raw desire and hunger consume me asI skim the tip of my nose along the length of it, inhaling deeply. My nostrils flare and I growl as a hint of arousal threads through her delicious scent.

“Valaric,” she whispers in my ear, and I go completely still.

Swallowing hard, I lift my head.

Juliet blinks up at me. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No,” I barely manage.

“It’s all right.” She reaches for me again. “Take what you need.”

Desire roars through my veins as I fight the dark impulse to sink my fangs deep into her flesh. To join my body with hers and take everything she would willingly give to me and so much more.

“Seven hells, Juliet!” My fangs are bared and primed with venom as the monster within me howls in rage, demanding that I claim her. “Do you not realize how dangerous it is to offer yourself to me while I’m in this state?”

Her eyes widen in terror as the acrid scent of her fear thickens the air.

The dark creature within thrashes beneath the surface as I struggle to maintain my control. This is madness. My need is too intense. If I don’t leave now, I will lose myself entirely.

CHAPTER 6

JULIET

Like prey caught in a predator’s gaze, I’m frozen in fear. Valaric’s eyes are black as pitch as he bares his fangs in a feral snarl. I barely recognize my husband as he looms overhead, like a terrifying nightmare made manifest before me.

With inhuman speed, he rushes to the balcony. Extending his massive wings, he flies from the castle like a dark wraith, snow swirling violently in his wake as he races away, disappearing into the forest.

My heart hammers in my chest. Closing my eyes, I take several deep breaths, trying to calm my nerves as the realization of what I’ve married—the creature I’ve bound myself to—sinks in. I know my husband is not human. He’s a Vampire; not a man. And yet, when he looked at me with his raven-black eyes and his fangs… when I saw the monstrous side of him, I was terrified.

Even now, my entire body is still trembling.

With shaking hands, I pull my heavy fur cloak around my shoulders. The small pouch of gold coins in my pocket—a giftfrom my mother—clinks with each step as I rush out to the balcony and down the stairs to the gardens below.

I put my hand over them to still the noise as I quietly slip through the gardens. Strong wind whips at my cloak as I trudge through the snow toward the stables.

I send a silent prayer to the gods that I don’t run into anyone. I’d rather not have to explain myself. I just want to take a quick ride to clear my head. If I hurry, I can be back before anyone even realizes I’ve been gone.

When I push open the doors, a chestnut mare whinnies softly, catching my attention. She’s gentle-natured and allows me to place the bridle and saddle without issue.

If my mother were here, she’d probably faint knowing that I’m riding astride instead of side-saddle like a proper lady. Pulling my hood over my head, I click my tongue and guide the mare toward the main entry gate.

Snow falls in thick sheets, and I draw my cloak tighter around my shoulders. As we pass beneath the stone archway, I glance back at the castle entrance, half expecting Valaric to appear and protest my leaving.

Fortunately, he is nowhere to be seen. When he left, he flew in the opposite direction of the main road. Hopefully, he will not realize I’m gone until it’s too late to come after me.

I just need a bit of time alone to order my thoughts.

Clicking my tongue, I urge my horse onward. She breaks into a canter down the main road and into the forest. The crisp smell of pine and winter fills my nose. Cold air burns my lungs with each inhalation and the wind howls through the trees, clawing at my form. Slivers of moonlight spear through the clouds, providing just enough illumination to guide our path.

Several pairs of glowing eyes move in the shadows, reminding me that the realm of night is not just Valaric’s domain. It belongs to other creatures as well.

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