Page 188 of The Vampire's Bride

I slip my nightshift back on and take a few bites of my food. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was. Everything is delicious. Valaric offers me a cup of tea. “I asked the innkeeper’s wife to prepare this for you.”

When I bring it to my lips, I still at the familiar scent. It’s moon tea. It’s meant to prevent pregnancy, reminding me that there are still many things we haven’t discussed. Instead of taking a sip, I set the cup back down.

“What happens now?” I ask.

His brow furrows in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Now that your curse is broken. Where do we go from here?”

He brushes my hair back from my face, staring at me like I’m a rare and precious treasure. “Wherever you wish, my ashaya. We do not have to reside at Greyvale Castle if you don’t want to. We have over a dozen homes scattered across the seven realms. And if you desire to be closer to your family, I’m sure we could find some place suitable.”

I love that he is offering me this, but that’s not exactly what I was talking about. “I love Greyvale Castle, but I’m not just askingabout where we’ll live. I was asking about our future.” I gesture to the moon tea. “Do you not want any children?”

“I do.” He curls his left wing around my shoulder, tucking me into his side as he cups my jaw. “But only if you want them as well.”

“I do, but—” Another question sits on the tip of my tongue, but I’m almost afraid to ask because I’m not sure I truly want the answer.

“What’s wrong?” Valaric takes my hand and entwines our fingers. “I can sense something through the bond.”

It’s still a bit strange being so connected to him. And I wonder how long it will take until it feels normal.

“Are you going to turn me?”

“No, I will not risk it. Only one in three survive the change.”

I understand his concern, but I don’t think he’s considered what will happen in the future. “I’m human, Valaric. If you don’t turn me, eventually I will age. You’ll stay young and I will—”

“I love you, Juliet, and nothing will ever change that.” He stares deep into my eyes. “But you don’t have to worry about growing old. You are my mate. As long as I give you some of my venom from time to time, you will remain as you are,” he explains. “You will still be human, but you will not age.”

“Are you certain?”

He nods. “Many Vampires do this for their human bloodsworn.”

“What about our children?” I ask. “Will my being human affect their lifespans or make them weaker than full-blooded Vampires?”

“No.” He drops his forehead to my own and then presses a tender kiss to my lips. “We will have many years together, my lovely wife.”

I love the sound of that. Already, I can imagine the future laid out before us—bright and full of laughter and beauty. “I canhardly wait to get home. I’m sure Elsie and the others must be so worried.” I frown. “What about Damar? Will he be staying there now that you’ve reconciled?”

Valaric’s eyes meet mine. “Only if he does not make you uncomfortable.”

“He did at first, but not anymore,” I admit. “He loves you like a brother. He saved your life.” I cup his cheek. “He’s your family, Valaric. Just as much as the wolves, Lysander, and Reyla are. And that makes him my family as well.”

A sharp knock at the door interrupts our conversation, and Valaric moves to answer it.

“I hate to intrude, but we should probably leave soon,” Eben says. “You do realize that you two can cuddle in the carriage on the way to the castle too, right?”

My cheeks heat in embarrassment, and Valaric growls low in irritation as they fall back into their familiar back and forth banter.

CHAPTER 81

VALARIC

Carefully, I pick my way through the castle gardens, making sure to keep to the shadows as the last rays of the sun sink below the horizon. A thin layer of snow laces the ground as a cool breeze blows through the trees.

Ahead, I see Juliet seated on our bench, watching the sunset. Her blonde hair catches the fading light, lending her an ethereal glow.

My heart is full as I observe her from the shadows. I never knew it was possible to love someone so much. She is everything to me, and I cannot imagine my life without her.

---