Page 98 of Midnight Enchantment

Lily turned to face her mother as Callie set the delicate, shoulder-length veil in place.

“Perfect!” Ava exclaimed.

“You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” Callie said, blinking back her tears. “I can’t believe my little girl is getting married.”

“Did you find a gown you like, Granny?” Lily asked.

“Yes. It’s hanging in the dressing room.”

“Well, let’s see it,” Callie said.

Ava stepped into the dressing room.

Lily smiled at her reflection. In a few days, she would be Raedan’s wife. The very thought unleashed butterflies of happiness in the pit of her stomach. Wife. Was there ever a more beautiful word?

She glanced over her shoulder as Ava came to stand beside her.

“Granny, I love it,” Lily exclaimed. The gown was pale pink silk, simple and elegant. Instead of a veil, she wore a circlet of pink roses in her hair.

“Callie, what do you think?”

“I’m with Lily. I love it. Now, what amIgoing to wear?”

Lily smiled at Raedan as they walked through the park that night. “I found a dress today. I can’t wait for you to see it.”

“I am sure you look beautiful in it.” Pausing, he drew her into his arms, unable to believe she was his, that soon he would be able to hold her, kiss her, make love to her all night long.

“Where are we going for our honeymoon?” Lily asked.

“Anywhere you want.”

“I don’t know. I’ve never been anywhere, but you, you’ve been everywhere.”

“But never with you.”

She smiled, pleased. “Where would you suggest?”

“Anywhere with a bed,” he muttered.

Lily stared at him, then burst out laughing.

“You think it is funny?”

“No. I’m sorry I laughed.”

Taking her hand, he started walking again, hoping the exercise would cool his desire. She would never know how hard it was for him to be near her. Even without the demon, his desire for her blood, his yearning to possess her, was a constant temptation. He had never loved anyone the way he loved her. Her laughter, her generosity of spirit, her faith and trust in him, her willingness to ease his pain … in nine hundred years, he had never known a woman like her.

He sighed when they returned to Ava’s house. His future in-laws were inside with Ava and Mason. Dominic and Maddy would be here tomorrow night.

They were about to go inside when Claret appeared on the porch beside them.

Lily let out a gasp of surprise when she saw the vampire.

Raedan grimaced.

“I see my blood did the trick,” Claret remarked with a smirk. “I’ve come for what is owed me.”

The hunger in the vampire’s eyes sent an icy chill down Lily’s spine. Claret had given Raedan her blood when he desperately needed it and he had promised her Hungarian blood in return. And now she was here to collect.

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