Page 86 of The Vampire's Bride

“It’s true,” Aerlyx says, walking back to us. “My kind are known for their insatiable appetites for food, drinks, games… anything we find pleasurable.” He waggles his eyebrows, and I growl low in my throat.

“Oh, stop.” He rolls his eyes. “I’m not trying to steal your bride.” He turns to Juliet and mock whispers. “Unless you’ve changed your mind and decided you prefer me to your brooding husband.” He flashes a sly grin. “Then, I willdefinitelywoo you away from him.”

I bite back a possessive growl.

“Just imagine.” He playfully taps the arrow-tip of his tail to her nose. “You could be Lady Juliet, mate of Aerlyx the Great, Son of the Fourth House, Holder of the Sacred Chalice of Ryx, Heir to the Divine Rings of Tanos.”

Juliet laughs—a beautiful sound, like the chiming of bells—and the teasing grin falls from Aerlyx’s face as he stares at her, completely transfixed, captivated by my lovely bride.

Possessive fire burns in my veins, and I slip my arm around her waist, glaring daggers at my “friend.”

He waves a dismissive hand at me and then pours the wine. His head snaps to the door and he grins, calling out. “Eben, come join us.” The Wolf-Shifter walks in and Aerlyx offers him a glass as he mock whispers. “Wereyouinvited to the wedding?”

Eben shakes his head.

Aerlyx gives him a commiserating look as he taps his goblet to the Wolf-Shifter’s and then raises his glass. “To the forgotten and unappreciated friends,” he says dramatically.

Sighing heavily, I force myself not to roll my eyes as the Incubus continues. “And a toast to our grumpy Vampire friend and his lovely human bride.” He winks at Juliet. “If a Vampire can ensnare such a lovely ray of sunshine, then there is hope for us all.”

Eben snorts out a laugh, sputtering into his goblet, while I narrow my eyes at them both.

Juliet takes a sip and then puts a hand on her chest. “My, that’s strong.”

“It’s Elvish wine,” Aerlyx says as he downs the last of his glass. “The good stuff.”

“Aye,” Eben agrees.

As far as I know, neither Aerlyx nor Eben have ever sailed the ocean, but from the way they’re singing a series of sea shanties as they drink their wine, you’d think they were a couple of sailors who’d just returned to port.

Thankfully, the lyrics revolve around drinking, glorious battles, and high adventure rather than topics of a scandalous nature.

“Come join us, Valaric!” Aerlyx calls out, and I shake my head.

Bright, peeling laughter spills from Juliet’s lips as she watches him perform a ridiculous jig that involves thumping his tail on the floor in time with his feet. She laughs so hard she nearly falls out of her chair before I catch her.

“Are you all right?” I cup her cheek, noting the bright red flush of her skin.

“Yes.” She gives me a beautiful smile, her eyes glassy as she traces her fingers lightly across the seam of my mouth. “Your lips are perfect,” she whispers.

A warm flush creeps up my neck to my face. “What are you—”

“You’re so handsome.” She touches my face as her green eyes stare deep into mine. “And so strong too,” she murmurs, running her hands down my neck to my shoulders and biceps.

My heart stutters and stops. Something is wrong. Less than a few hours ago, Juliet asked me to stop when we were on the beach. She does not want me. Not like this, anyway.

I glance down at her goblet. Elvish wine is meant to be partaken in moderation because it is known to dull inhibitions, making those who drink it feel warm and languid.

She has only had half of a glass, but perhaps it’s too strong for humans. Worried she may become ill if she drinks any more, I subtly slide her goblet to the opposite side of the table.

“And me?” Aerlyx grins as he flares out his wings and flexes his biceps. “I’m handsome and strong as well, right?”

“Aerlyx.” I growl low in warning. “I’m not in the mood. This is no time for your antics.”

Juliet glances briefly at him before turning her full attention to me. “Sorry, Aerlyx, but no one compares to my husband.”

I am speechless, mouth agape, as she crawls into my lap and cups my face with both hands and then traces the pointed tip of my left ear. “I love your ears,” she whispers.

Like my wings, the tips of my ears are extremely sensitive. I bite back a groan as pleasure ripples down my spine at the erotic touch. When her delicate fingers touch my other ear, I quickly wrap my hands around her wrists and gently pull them away.

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