Page 61 of The Vampire's Bride

“Maybe in a few minutes.” I sit on the bench, and he takes the seat beside me. “I just want to enjoy being outdoors a bit longer.”

He loops his arm around my waist, tugging me to his side and curling his wing around me.

A soft sigh of contentment leaves my lips as I snuggle into his warmth. “Thank you.”

“I would make a poor husband if I allowed my wife to catch her death out in the cold.” He arches a teasing brow. “Would I not?”

I laugh softly. “You would.”

The clouds part, revealing a beautiful starlit sky with a full moon as snow falls softly all around us. I lean into Valaric, his presence chasing away the lingering fear from my nightmare.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asks softly, and I know he is speaking of my bad dream.

Valaric is so attuned to me. Even though we are still newly married, sometimes it feels as though we’ve known each other forever. Especially in moments like this. If it were anyone else, I would be hesitant to speak my concerns aloud for fear of sounding mad. But it’s Valaric, and I trust him.

“I dreamed that I died. When I awakened, I—” My voice quavers. “I was worried that I did not survive my attack. And that this world… this life I’m living now is nothing more than a long dream I’m having after my death.”

He tightens his wing around me, but remains silent, waiting for me to continue.

As terrible as my nightmares are, I have an even greater fear. Swallowing against the lump in my throat, I meet his gaze evenly. “I know it’s been weeks since my attack, but I can’t stop worrying that my attacker might try to come for me. To finish what he started.”

“You are my wife.” Valaric cups my cheek, his red eyes blazing. “If anyone dares try to harm you, I will end them.”

My worries begin to melt away under the power of his words. He makes me feel safe. In his arms I feel cherished, protected, and cared for in a way that I never have been before.

“No one will harm you while I draw breath, my ashaya.”

Ashaya. He has called me this before. I assume it’s some term of endearment, but I’ve never asked. “What does ‘ashaya’ mean?”

His red eyes stare deep into mine as he whispers, “Beloved.”

Heat scorches through me. Is this his way of saying he loves me? Or is this simply an affectionate name like ‘dear’ or‘darling?’ I want so much to ask him to explain, but the words get stuck in my throat.

His gaze travels over my face like a gentle caress as he cups my chin. “I have something I’ve been meaning to show you.”

I blink several times, surprised by the abrupt change in subject. “What is it?”

A hint of a smile ghosts his face. “Do you want me to tell you? Or would you rather be surprised?”

I bite my bottom lip, holding back a grin. “Surprised.”

He offers me his hand, and I take it without hesitation.

CHAPTER 21

VALARIC

The moon is full this evening. The ideal time to take her to see the night pixies that live in the gardens. Something about the moonlight calms their normally frenzied nature, so it is the perfect time to fulfill her wish to see them.

“Close your eyes,” I whisper.

With her delicate hand clasped in my own, her eyelids flutter shut. Her trust is a gift more precious than any treasure, and it makes my own guilt exponentially worse. There is still so much I have not told her.

As I guide her through the gardens, my mind drifts to one of our many previous conversations. She wants a true marriage, and I cannot deny that I wish for this as well. I want her more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life. I long to claim her and make her mine in all ways. But I cannot.

If I were to mark her as my mate, the blood witch would know. And if she knew how much Juliet means to me, there is no telling what she would do to her.

Guilt burns deep within. Juliet knows nothing of my curse or the secrets I keep in this castle. I’m tempted to tell her, but I fear it would only make her afraid of me.

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