Chapter 41
CHAPTER 41
VALARIC
A s Juliet sleeps, her head resting on my bicep, I study her delicate features. Gently, I brush my fingers over the soft curve of her cheek before tracing my thumb across her full pink lips, slightly parted in a small o . Her silken hair is a cascade of soft waves that spills over my arm, each strand shimmering like spun gold.
She is everything good and light. A stark contrast to the darkness that clings to my soul. I am so undeserving of her. I nearly lost myself in her arms this night. I was so close to giving in to the temptation to claim her, despite knowing the terrible danger it could put her in.
Even now, the desire to claim her is nearly overwhelming. I want all of her. Everything she would give me and more.
But I cannot bind her to me. Not when it might mean the witch would use our bond to make her suffer. Not when she has no idea of the truth of my curse, and the sins that I bear.
She draws closer to me in her sleep, instinctively seeking warmth and safety in my arms. My mind drifts to what we are and what we might never be. I would give all that I am to be worthy of being her mate.
And yet, it is this very love that demands I hold back. I cannot claim her until I find a way to free us both from this curse.
I’m so lost in my thoughts it takes me a moment to recognize the warning that prickles my senses.
My entire body goes tense. Someone has crossed one of my wards.
“What’s wrong?” Juliet blinks sleepily up at me. “Are you all right?”
“Get dressed,” I say hurriedly as I rise from the bed. “Something has tripped one of the wards.”
The acrid scent of her fear permeates the air. Dressing hastily, I move to her side and press a quick kiss to her temple. “You are safe here,” I reassure her. “Stay inside. I will return as soon as I can.”
“Wait!” she calls, but I’m already out the door and ascending the stairs.
When I reach the first floor, Eben greets me, his expression worried. “You sensed it too?”
I nod.
Lysander rushes to my side. “I’ll check the perimeter. Stay here with your bride.”
“No.” Although I appreciate his bravery, he is still a relatively young Vampire. He is strong and a skilled fighter, but he is also impatient. Whoever tripped the wards may be lying in wait. The last thing I want is him rushing into a trap and getting himself killed.
His mother would never forgive me, nor would I forgive myself. He is like a younger brother to me.
“You two stay here,” I command. “Protect the manor while I do a sweep of the grounds.”
I’m not sure where Aerlyx is, but I imagine he is somewhere nearby. These wards were enhanced by his magic; he had to have sensed they’ve been crossed.
A hint of spiced apple hits my nostrils. I follow the scent and lavender eyes blink at me from the shadows. “Can you sense where they are?” I whisper.
He shakes his head.
“Follow me,” I tell him.
Rushing out into the night, I spread my wings and take to the sky, circling the property as I scan below for any signs of an intruder.
It could be the blood witch, but I doubt it. In the past, she has always simply appeared without warning. My wards are useless against her because she controls my curse. She would not have activated them.
My thoughts turn to Juliet. If we were still at the castle, I would worry it might be her attacker. The one who left her for dead may have come to finish where he failed before, worried that she will regain her memory and report him for his crime.
But no human would dare venture so deep into the kingdom of Morrowynd. Not without a powerful Vampire patron to assure their safe passage.
And I doubt Stryker has anything to do with this. If he wanted to attack, he would wait until we go to him. Just as we are doing tomorrow to attend his ball, I think to myself bitterly.
Movement in the shadows catches my eye as I circle over the gardens. Folding my wings, I swoop down low to investigate. Dust and leaves swirl around me as I carefully alight on the ground, my senses trained on my surroundings.
Awareness raises the hair on the back of my neck.
I am not alone.
“Show yourself,” I demand. My claws lengthen into dagger sharp points as my fangs descend. “I know you are here.”
“You found me rather quickly.” A deep voice spears the darkness.
Clenching my jaw, I turn toward the sound. Red eyes meet mine as a familiar figure steps from the shadows, like a ghost appearing from the past. “Impressive, Valaric.” Damar arches a brow. “It seems you did learn something from me after all.”
Time has not changed him, but then again, my kind are immune to its ravages. My gaze travels over his shoulder-length hair, a deep blue color at the roots that gradually fades to silvery-white ends.
His pale skin is a stark contrast to his dark tunic and pants and the flowing blue cape that conceals his black wings. His crimson eyes gleam in the moonlight as he studies me, his mouth set in a thin line of disapproval.
“Why have you come, Damar?” I meet his gaze evenly. “Why now, after all this time?”
“Is that any way to greet the one who took you in? Who trained you in our ways?” he responds smoothly. “The one who made you a Lord of the Great House of Greyvale?”
He never fails to remind me of my place or all that I owe him, but I do not let it dissuade me from seeking the truth. “Answer my question,” I demand. “How did you get past the wards?”
He arches a condescending eyebrow. “Did it ever occur to you that because I am the High Lord of House Greyvale, that such things would not affect me when I decide to visit one of the many homes owned by our Clan?”
Guilt pulls at the edge of my resolve. He speaks the truth. I had no right to ward our estate without informing him. And yet… knowing his disdain for humans, I’m not entirely sure I can trust him around Juliet.
“Why are you here?” I ask again.
Instead of answering, his lips curl in an enigmatic smile. “Have you kept up with your training, Valaric?”
Before I can respond, he moves into a defensive stance, a challenge in his gaze as he issues a command. “Defend yourself.”
Without hesitation, he lunges forward, his attack swift and precise.
Instinct guides my movements, and I spin away, avoiding his strike and countering with one of my own as we fall into the familiar but lethal dance of combat.
Damar kicks out, and I twist away, but not fast enough. His leg connects with my side, and I go flying back, slamming to the earth with a pained grunt.
Rage builds deep within as I jump to my feet and rush toward him. Slamming into his chest, we tumble to the ground in a battle for dominance with claws and fangs.
Juliet’s voice cuts through the night. “Do not touch him!”
My head snaps toward the manor, my eyes widening in panic as I see her running toward us. Using all my strength, I push Damar away, sending him flying backward as I rush toward my bride with inhuman speed.
Protective instincts surge through me as I place myself between her and Damar. Spreading my wings wide to shield her from his view, I spin back to face him.
“Stay behind me,” I tell her.
Damar leans to one side and his dark gaze locks on Juliet. “And who might this be?”
A low growl rumbles deep in my chest. “She. Is. Mine.”