Page 97 of The Vampire's Bride

He’s trying to protect me, and I am making it difficult for him to do so by insisting that I accompany him to a ball full of dangerous and powerful Vampires that view humans as lesser beings.

I hate the way things were left between us, and I want to talk to him. Valaric and I promised each other we would never go to bed angry. It’s still several hours until dawn, and I intend to keep that promise.

Standing from the sofa, I start for the door, determined to speak to my husband.

CHAPTER 36

JULIET

As I walk down the hallway, I can hear Aerlyx and Valaric arguing with each other. I follow the sound of their voices, straining to listen.

“You don’t understand,” Valaric says. “This is different. She’s not like the others. I won’t risk her safety.”

I stop short, my heart in my throat. He truly does care for me.

“This is not simply your decision. It’s her life too. A gilded cage of protection is still a cage, Valaric. She’ll resent you if you take her choices away from her,” Aerlyx warns. “I may be unmated, but evenIknow this.”

When I reach the study, the doors are open just enough that I can peer inside. I could eavesdrop some more, but instead I choose to make my presence known. I know it’s the right decision when Valaric’s head snaps to me a split second before I push through the door. With his heightened vampiric senses, I’m sure he would have detected me anyway.

“Juliet, what are you—”

“If you’ll please excuse us, Aerlyx,” I turn to the Incubus. “I’d like to speak with my husband alone.”

“Of course.” He glances back at Valaric and mock whispers. “Good luck, my friend.” He claps him on the shoulder and winks. “Just remember: happy mate, happy fate.”

Valaric purses his lips.

Once he’s gone, I cross the room. Confusion mars Valaric’s brow as I take his hand in mine. “I want to apologize.”

“There is no need. It isIwho should beg forgiveness, Juliet. Not you.” He pulls me into his arms and wraps his wings around my form. “I am sorry for speaking to you as I did. I was frustrated, but that is no excuse for my behavior.”

His apology softens my heart. “I know you want to protect me, Valaric, but if you hide me away, it only makes our House a greater target for our enemies. And that will certainly not keep any of us safe.”

“The Vampire nobility are dangerous, Juliet.”

“I am the daughter of a Lord of Aralon. I grew up amongst the nobility. I understand how important it is to maintain one’s social status and power. That is why I must go with you to the ball. If I do not, they will believe I’m your weakness. We need to show everyone that our Great House is strong and powerful. That we are not afraid of anyone.”

His brow furrows deeply. “You are asking me to deliberately put you in danger. And that is something I cannot do. I care for you too much.”

Care.It is not love. Not yet. But it’s enough to give me hope that my feelings may be returned someday.

While I appreciate his concern, I will not let it sway me. “We must go together. You know I am right.”

Indecision plays across his features before he gives me a reluctant nod. “All right. We will go together, but I want you to remain by my side at all times.”

Nervous anticipation runs through me. I hate that we must go into a den of vipers, but I also know that this is the only way to make sure no one questions the position of House Greyvale.

CHAPTER 37

JULIET

Igaze out at the moonlit sea, watching the rolling waves as they make their way to the shore. A thin line of amber stretches across the horizon, a prelude to the coming dawn.

The Vampire ball is only a few days away, and I dread having to attend. Worry slithers down my spine as I think of Lord Stryker, but I push it back down, determined to be brave.

Closing the curtains, I make sure the windows are completely covered to prevent any stray light from entering my rooms. Valaric is asleep downstairs, but I don’t want to risk him being hurt if he decides to come to my chambers.

Sighing heavily, I lie down in bed and turn onto my side. After the incident with the Elvish wine, I thought Valaric and I would be sharing a room, but it seems I was wrong yet again.

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