Chapter 31
CHAPTER 31
VALARIC
A lthough I’m annoyed by Aerlyx’s deception, I am glad he was able to finish so quickly. I feel better having the extra wards to keep Juliet safe. Especially after our visit to the clothier. The last thing I want is for an enemy like Stryker to catch us unaware.
“How did you two meet?” she asks, pulling me back from my thoughts.
“Well.” Aerlyx leans forward in his chair, his eyes locked on my wife in a way that makes me want to throttle him. “Allow me to regale you with a tale of adventure, bravery, and battle,” he says animatedly. “One that will be remembered for many years to come.”
Juliet laughs, and I struggle to suppress a low growl as he continues. It seems he is winning her over with his jovial personality. And while I’m glad she is at ease, jealousy rears its ugly head. I dislike Aerlyx trying to charm my wife.
She is mine. Not his.
“It was a dark and stormy night,” he says dramatically. “Fit for neither man, monster, nor shadowbeast . The wind was howling through the woods and—”
“I saved him from a group of hunters,” I cut in dryly.
Aerlyx scoffs. “Well, now you’ve gone and ruined it,” he says, feigning offense.
“I still want to hear the story.” Juliet looks between the two of us, eyes bright with interest. “Tell me.”
The Incubus grins widely, pleased by her request.
Before he can launch into his tale, I add, “The weather was terrible, and I was searching for a place to shelter. A cave where I could stay for my day rest if I was caught out when the dawn arrived. But then I heard voices. Several men yelling and—”
“It was terrible,” Aerlyx interrupts. He brings his palm to his chest and tips up his chin. “But I held onto my dignity, putting on a brave face. Despite all I’d been through I was determined not to let them break me.”
“You poor thing,” Juliet says, giving him a pitying look. “That sounds awful.”
“It was indeed.” Aerlyx gives her a solemn nod. “For a while, I wasn’t sure I would survive,” he says, laying it on thick. “It was a rather terrifying ordeal.”
When I found him, the hunters had not yet begun their torture. If they’d been given enough time, I’m sure they would have done something terrible. Fortunately, when I arrived, the worst they’d done was wound his pride by having captured him in the first place.
“Those sneaky, underhanded humans”—he halts abruptly and looks at Juliet—“no offense.”
“None taken,” she assures him.
“They trapped me.” He shakes his head. “It was a case of mistaken identity. They had me confused with a rogue gargoyle that had stolen something from their kingdom.” He spreads his hands in a helpless gesture. “And try as I may, I couldn’t convince them that I was not the male they were looking for.” His gaze sweeps to me. “But then Valaric arrived. Like a valiant hero of old, he swooped in and cut my bindings, and made quick work of the men.”
Juliet’s eyes go wide.
“I didn’t kill them,” I quickly interject because I do not want her to picture me as a bloodthirsty murderer. “I merely rendered them unconscious.”
Aerlyx reaches across the table and claps a hand on my shoulder. “We’ve been practically inseparable ever since.” He winks. “In fact, I’m not sure what he’d do without me.”
“Gods forbid,” I reply, pursing my lips.
“I do know one thing,” Aerlyx says pointedly. “When I get married, I will be sure to invite you both to my wedding.” He crosses his arms and sits back in his chair, pinning me with an accusatory glare. “Really, Valaric, I’m one of your oldest friends. I can only assume the raven that was supposed to deliver my invitation must have lost its way in a storm.”
I stop short of rolling my eyes. He can be so dramatic sometimes. “I’m sorry, Aerlyx.”
“That’s much better,” he says, sitting up straighter. A smile lights his face. “Since I wasn’t there, you can make it up to me by allowing me to celebrate with you now.” He turns to Juliet. “How about a glass of wine?”
Before she can answer, he jumps up from his seat and heads for the door, calling over his shoulder. “You still keep the good stuff in the cellar, right?”
“You already know I do. I’m not sure why you’re even asking.” I purse my lips. “I’m surprised you haven’t simply helped yourself before now,” I add.
“It would be poor form to take without invitation,” he replies. “And I am nothing if not a gentleman.”
Juliet covers her mouth, trying to stifle a laugh, but it’s easy to see the amusement that dances in her eyes.
I arch a brow. “You may find him funny now, but Incubi are known for their ravenous appetites. You won’t think it amusing when he eats us out of house and home.”
She laughs, and I’m struck by how lovely the sound of it is. She is truly captivating, and I am completely in her thrall.
“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 will definitely woo 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. “Were you invited 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.
She frowns. “Do you not want me to touch you?”
“I don’t think that’s the problem.” Aerlyx snickers into his glass. “I think he wants you to touch him too much.”
I level a warning glare at him, and he clears his throat, composing himself once again.
I turn back to my wife. “Juliet, you are not yourself.” Gently, I lift her into my arms and then stand. “I think it would be best if we retire early. The wine should be out of your system when you awaken.”
Glancing at Aerlyx and the half empty goblet in his hand, I arch a brow. “I trust you can find your room without help.”
He nods. “Would you like me to check in on her during the day while you’re sleeping?”
“No.” Jealousy rears its ugly head and my voice comes out harsher than I’d intended. “I would not.”
“Someone should watch over her,” he insists. “Don’t you think?”
I’m too distracted by Juliet’s touch to respond as her hands begin to roam again, smoothing over my chest and up my neck. My eyelids flutter shut, and I bite back a growl of arousal as she massages the tips of my ears. “Juliet,” I rasp, tipping my head to pull away from her grasp. “You must stop.”
“She didn’t even have a whole glass and she’s acting as if she drank an entire bottle,” Aerlyx adds.
She leans in close to my neck and inhales deeply. Tingling pleasure spreads through my body as she whispers against my skin. “You smell so good. Like mint and cedar.”
Aerlyx is right. I cannot leave her alone in her room. She is so intoxicated she might stumble out onto the balcony and fall over the side of the cliff and to the beach down below.
Eben eyes her in concern. “I can check in on her while you sleep, if you’d like,” he volunteers.
“No.” I growl as primal possessiveness surges through my veins. “She will sleep in my chambers with me.”
Without waiting for him to respond, I leave the room and head straight for the spiraling stone staircase that leads down to my chambers, beneath the first floor of the manor.
When we reach my room, I kick the door closed behind us, sealing it with a flick of my wrist. Snapping my fingers, I activate a fae light to illuminate the space for her human eyes.
My chambers here are comfortable but somewhat sparse. I carry her to the large, curtained bed and untie the green velvet drapes from their posts. Carefully, I pull back the thick fur comforter and lay her down gently on the plush mattress. I slip off her shoes and help her remove her dress, leaving her in only her shift before I tuck her beneath the soft, silken sheets.
When I start to move away to light a fire in the hearth, she grasps my wrist. “Don’t leave,” she whispers.
“I won’t,” I reassure her. “I am merely going to start a fire for you.”
She releases me, and I light the hearth, adding several logs to make sure it burns evenly throughout the night. If she were not here, it wouldn’t be a concern. My kind are able to adapt to nearly any temperature, but I remember the terrible nights spent huddled in the cold near the fire when I was still human. And while it is not nearly as cold here as it is back at our castle, I don’t want her to be uncomfortable.
When I return, her eyes blink open and closed as she struggles to stay awake. I kneel on the side of the bed and gently tuck the covers up around her shoulders. “If you need anything, I will be on the sofa, nearby.”
We slept next to each other at the inn, and I’ve sat in bed with her when she’s had a nightmare. But that was before I knew the taste of her lips, the small sounds of pleasure she makes when I touch her, and the feel of her body moving against my own. If I were to remain in the bed with her now, I doubt I would be able to fall asleep.
“Stay with me,” she whispers. “I don’t want to sleep alone.”
Desire flares brightly within, but I tamp it back down. Indecision freezes me in place. “You are not yourself. The wine is making you—”
“Please,” she pleads, her eyes searching mine.
Although I know it isn’t wise, I cannot deny the longing in my heart. “Just to sleep,” I murmur, more to myself than to her.
I remove my tunic and boots and slip into the bed beside her. She immediately rolls toward me and I pull her into my chest, folding my wings around her smaller form. She fits so perfectly in my arms, as if she were made to be mine.
Her gaze drops to my mouth and desire sparks within as she reaches up and touches my lower lip, like she did earlier. Need courses through me. My fangs extend and venom fills my mouth with the want to mark her—to claim her. To make her my true mate.
She touches the tip of one fang and then cups my cheek. “Kiss me,” she whispers.
At war with myself, I swallow hard. I know I should push her away, but I cannot. I press my hands to the curve of her waist, my fingers flexing against her soft and delicate form as I pull her closer.
Her green eyes search mine. In their luminous depths, I see my reflection… the dark desire and hunger that burns in my gaze. As much as I want Juliet, I cannot claim her now. Her mind is clouded by alcohol, and I would never take advantage of her like that. “I cannot,” I say, voice rough. “You do not want this.”
“I do.” She brushes her thumb across my cheek, and I find myself leaning into her touch. “Kiss me, Valaric,” she murmurs. “I want you.”
The temptation to take her is almost more than I can bear. Drawing in a shaking breath, I force myself to pull away. I press a tender kiss to her cheek. “Rest now, my ashaya,” I whisper in her ear. “I will watch over you while you sleep.”