Page 46 of The Vampire's Bride

I’m glad we’re not as high up as we were before, and my heart no longer feels as if it will beat out of my chest. Feeling a bit more secure, I loosen my grip around his neck. Now that I’m not worried about falling to my death, I can appreciate how spectacular the view is from up here.

I gaze down at the river beneath us—a ribbon of silver cutting through the woods as moonlight reflects off the water’s surface. It rushes over the edge of a cliff, dropping into a large pool below before continuing on down the mountain toward the village.

“We’re almost there.” Valaric’s voice is a soothing rumble against my ear.

He beats his wings furiously, picking up speed as we fly up the mountainside. Several bright spots of light flicker in the distance. Squinting my eyes, I can just barely make out the dozens of lit torches around the outer wall of the castle, shining like a beacon in the darkness.

Valaric flies over the main gate and straight to the balcony of my room. Still holding me in his arms, he touches down so gently, I’m not even sure we’ve landed until he starts for the door. He pushes it open and then kicks it shut behind us.

He carries me to the sofa and carefully sets me down before he removes my damp cloak. Ripping one of the fur blankets from my bed, he drapes it around my body and then turns his attention to the fireplace. It doesn’t take him long to start a fire in the hearth.

“About time you two showed up,” Elsie says from the doorway, hands planted on her hips. “Do you have any idea how worried we were?”

Valaric opens his mouth to speak, but she cuts him off. “Eben and Cole tried searching for you, but the storm was so bad, they had to return.” She shakes her head. “We feared the worst.”

“I’m sorry you were so worried,” I tell her. “I—”

“Where were you these past two days?”

“The local inn in Corvania,” Valaric says.

Judging by the shocked look on her face, it’s the last answer she expected to receive.

“Corvania?” Eben walks in, shaking his head. “They hate Vampires there.”

“Aye,” Elsie agrees. “When we go for supplies, we’ve always been careful not to let them know what you are. There are a few hunters that frequent that town, you know.”

Worry tightens my chest. Now that they know Valaric is a Vampire, I pray they don’t send someone to try to assassinate him. Hopefully, the innkeeper and her husband will be able to assuage their fears.

Eben looks at Valaric. “Did you run into any trouble while you were there?”

“Nothing I couldn’t handle,” he replies darkly, and I’m sure he’s thinking of Harvik—the drunkard that tried to flirt with me. Valaric looks between Eben and Elsie. “I’ve arranged for someone to bring the mare back once the snow has thawed.”

Valaric turns back to me and kneels. He takes both my hands, blowing gently on my palms before rubbing them between his own to drive away the chill that still clings to my skin. “Are you warm enough? Do you need anything?”

I’m completely mesmerized as his eyes search mine, his thumbs tracing small circles across my knuckles. “I’ll be fine.”

“Let’s get you into a nice hot bath,” Elsie says. “Then, we’ll find you something a bit warmer to wear.” Her eyes drift to my neck, widening slightly when her gaze lands on the two puncture marks. She quickly masks her surprise with a cheerful grin. “You must be hungry. I made a delicious venison stew I believe you’ll like.”

Before I can say anything, she turns her attention to Valaric. “And you,” she says sternly. “You should go hunting as well.”

“I’m fine,” he protests.

“Nonsense.” She waves a dismissive hand at him. “We’ll take care of your lovely bride while you’re gone.”

Valaric looks at me, and I give him an encouraging nod. “She’s right. You should go. I’ll be all right.”

He presses a tender kiss to the back of one hand, and my cheeks flush with warmth. “I will return to you soon.”

“Be careful,” I tell him.

A hint of a smile curves his lips. “I will.”

When he leaves, Elsie goes to the cleansing room to draw my bath.

As much as I appreciate her help, I feel bad having her take care of me. She already seems to have her hands full around here. “I thank you for your help,” I tell her. “But you don’t have to wait on me like this.”

“It’s no trouble,” she insists. “Besides, it gives me something to do. I’ve always been one that likes to keep busy, you know.”

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