Page 201 of The Vampire's Bride
“He practically stared at you the entire meeting last time,” Valaric grumbles. “I do not wish to speak of him right now.”
I frown. Valaric has always been possessive of me, but lately it’s gotten much worse. Yesterday, he nearly bit Eben’s head off when he teased that he was going to woo me away with his wolfish charm.
These past few weeks we’ve made love at least three or four times each day. He even took me in the study two nights ago. Ava, Cole, Kaely, and Elsie were out hunting, but Eben and Damar were still home. And yet, Valaric was completely unbothered that they could have come in and found us while we were making love.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I was so caught up in the moment as intense desire thrummed across our bond that I threw caution to the wind as well. But still… it’s not like him.
Cupping his cheek, I look into his eyes. “Is everything all right? You seem a bit different lately.”
“I know. Forgive me, Juliet.” With a heavy sigh, he drops his forehead to mine. “I don’t know why, but I’ve been feeling more possessive and protective of you. Especially when an unmated male is nearby.” He clenches his jaw. “And I’ve tried to hold back, but my desire for you is so great that it is often difficult to concentrate on anything else.”
Need coils tight in my core. It does something to me, to know that I make him feel this way. To know how much he desires me.
He cups my cheek, tilting my face up. His nostrils flare and his eyes turn raven-black. “I can scent your need, my ashaya.”
Gently, I lean in and press my lips to his. At first, our kiss is gentle, reverent, like I’m something sacred in his arms. But after a moment, it turns into something more urgent and deeper.
He rips his mouth from mine and kisses a trail down my neck as he cups one breast. It’s been a bit sensitive for the past few days, but Valaric’s is gentle as he brushes his thumb over the already hard peak. My breath catches as his lips find that spot just beneath my ear that drives me mad with desire.
But then, he goes completely still.
“Valaric?”
He lifts his head and his crimson eyes meet mine, filled with something akin to awe. As if he’s seeing me for the first time. His hand moves to my waist, lightly resting over my lower abdomen. “You’re carrying our child.”
Cautious hope blooms inside me, and I rest a trembling hand over his on my stomach, as a tear slips down my cheek. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” His brows knit together with worry. “Are you upset? I—”
“No, my love.” I blink back more tears and cup his cheek with my other hand. “I’m crying because I’m happy.” I study his face. “Are you?”
Radiant joy surges across our bond, like sunlight breaking through a storm, blinding in its intensity. I’ve never felt anything like it before. It leaves me breathless, completely consumed by his happiness.
His lips curve into a handsome smile, and he presses his forehead to mine. “This is the happiest day of my life.”
The warmth in his voice is unmistakable, and it fills every piece of my heart and soul. A smile curves my mouth. “Are you hoping for a boy, or for a girl?”
With his hand still on my lower abdomen, his gaze softens as he considers my question. “Both.” His crimson eyes search mine. “If we have a daughter, I hope she looks just like you.”
I brush my fingers through his hair, my chest aching with love for my husband. “And if we have a son, I hope he looks like his handsome father.”
“I wish we could just stay like this forever.” I brush my lips to his and then smile against them. “But I suppose we should probably tell the others.”
He nods. “Perhaps it would be best to gather them together… tell them all at once.”
“All right.”
I expect him to stand and gently set me back on my feet. Instead of releasing me, he curls his wings even tighter around my form.
I gaze up at him. “You’re still holding me.”
“I am,” he replies, curling one arm possessively around my waist while his other hand cups the back of my head, tracing histhumb lightly across my cheek. “Would you like me to let you go?”
A smile crests my lips. “Never.”
