Page 4 of The Vampire's Bride

“The women are taken away from their families.” She blinks back tears. “Is it true?”

“Yes.”

I hate the trepidation in her eyes as she studies me. I want to tell her that I am as helpless in this as she is, but I cannot. I dare not tell her of my curse, lest she fear me even more than she already does.

To Juliet, I am the villain who will take her from her family and everything she has ever known. Even if she knew the truth, I do not deserve her sympathy, and thus I will not seek it. I am the fool who bargained with a blood witch and lost.

“Will you turn me? Or will you kill me?” She meets my gaze unflinchingly despite the acrid scent of her fear. “I’d prefer to know your intentions now.”

I want to vow that I will save her. That I will sacrifice myself to make sure that she lives. But I cannot promise this. The curse prevents me from turning her, and her end will be brought about by my curse. “I will do neither. I will keep you until death. Your end will not come by my hand.”

Despair twists deep within as her green eyes search mine. It seems the witch may have her vengeance after all.

“And my family?” she ventures. “Will you take me away from them?”

“It is an unfortunate necessity to remove you from any reminders of your life from before.”

It is yet another stipulation of the dark magic that binds me, but I cannot tell her this.

When she opens her mouth to protest, I quickly add, “I assure you that you will come to understand this later.”

“I am a blood wife,” she murmurs, more to herself than to me. Closing her eyes, a single tear rolls down her cheek.

I hate that she believes I’m a monster, like so many of my kind. That she thinks I want her only so I may drink of her blood and have her serve me in my bed. “You are not a blood wife.” Gently, I take her hand in my own. “You will be mytrue wife, and I will be your husband for as long as you live.”

“But we’ve exchanged no vows,” she points out. “We haven’t been properly married.”

“It matters not. The bargain has already been made. But if you’d prefer an actual ceremony, one can be arranged.”

I’m not sure what compelled me to offer that last part, but it is too late to retract. Hope sparks in her eyes, and I find that I much prefer it over her despair.

“It will have to take place this night and in a temple of the old gods,” I add.

Her expression falls, and I can already guess what she will ask next. I am well aware that most weddings take months to plan, especially among those of the wealthier class. “Why so soon?”

“We must return to my castle before sunrise and the new gods will not accept one such as me in their place of worship.”

“Could my family attend?” she asks a bit hesitantly.

“If you wish.”

“I do.”

“Then it will be done,” I reply, pleased to be able to grant her at least one request. I stand, offering her my arm. “Let us inform your family. I’m sure they are eager to see you.”

“Thank you, Lord Greyvale.”

I dip my chin in a subtle nod. I do not deserve her thanks. The sadness in her gaze is a dagger through my heart, and I pray that my curse will not be her doom.

CHAPTER 2

JULIET

Istand from the bed and the world starts to spin a moment before strong arms wrap around my waist, steadying me. “Careful now.” Lord Greyvale’s voice is rich and smooth like velvet. “You have been in bed and unconscious for three days.”

I open my mouth to speak, but the words die in my throat as I’m trapped by the intensity of his gaze, his red eyes glowing like smoldering embers. His hair, black at the roots, growing into silvery white, falls over his brow, accentuating his sharply pointed ears, aristocratic face, and a strong, masculine jaw.

His skin is as pale as the moonlight that filters through the curtains. Black, leathery wings lie folded against his back. His finely tailored dark tunic and pants do little to hide his lean, muscular physique, his entire form exuding raw strength and power.

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