Chapter 46
CHAPTER 46
VALARIC
L ike a snake, coiled and ready to strike, Prince Raine’s penetrating gaze travels over my wife with a look of intense fascination.
Fierce possessiveness surges through me, and I struggle to bite back the growl building in my chest. Knowledge is power and I cannot give him the truth of our initial meeting. To do so would reveal my tie to the blood witch, and subsequently, my curse.
Before I can answer, Juliet replies. “I’m afraid our story is not as exciting as you might have hoped, Prince Raine.”
I’m surprised at her bravery as she steps out from behind me to stand at my side. If not for the scent of her fear flooding my nostrils, I’d think her unafraid as she faces one of the most powerful Vampires in the realm.
“I was injured and Lord Greyvale healed me,” she explains. “He gained my heart and my affections in the process. We were wed in a temple of the old gods.”
She glances around the room at the dozens of red eyes observing us closely before turning her attention back to him. “I understand that ours is a rather unusual pairing, but our story is as old as time.” She takes my hand, squeezing it gently. “We are simply two people who found each other and decided we never wished to be parted.”
Raine’s eyes sparkle as he huffs an incredulous laugh, fascination and delight flashing across his sharp features.
The prince is intrigued.
I admire Juliet’s bravery, but it is dangerous to draw the interest of one of our kind, especially someone as powerful as Prince Raine.
Damar and I move closer to my bride, both of us tense.
In the shadows, Aerlyx’s glowing lavender eyes blink at me before disappearing again—a subtle reminder that we have a quick means of escape if this all goes wrong.
Prince Raine carefully lowers his blood wife from his lap and stands. He raises his glass and gestures to me and Juliet with a sly grin. “To a tale as old as time.” He turns to the crowd. “This is a ball, is it not?” He motions to the musicians in the corner of the room. “Let us dance and enjoy the evening.”
He steps down from the dais with his blood wife. “Come, Alayna.” He offers her his arm and guides her to the center of the room before directing a glance at me. “Lord Greyvale, you and your lovely bride will dance beside us.”
Despite his easy smile, his words are both a command and a subtle threat. If I were to refuse, it would be considered an insult to his royal highness and thus, the very crown itself.
The music begins and I grit my fangs. Because Prince Raine has chosen us to dance next to him, Juliet may be paired with the prince many times throughout the evening, depending upon what type of song is played.
Unease moves through me, and I am tempted to whisk my mate away from here with Aerlyx.
As if sensing where my thoughts have gone, Damar gives me a subtle shake of his head.
According to our laws, no members of a Great House may be harmed during a social gathering like this. It is known as Right of Guest, and it is one of our most sacred tenets. I pray that it will not be broken this night.
“Before we begin,” Prince Raine’s voice echoes throughout the room, and the music stops abruptly. “I would remind you all of the sacred Right of Guest.” His red eyes shift to mine. “Now, that that has been said, I suggest we return to enjoying all the pleasures this night has to offer.”
I still. There have always been whispers that the prince is a vocari —able to read the thoughts of others, but it has never been confirmed. Now, however, I find myself wondering if these rumors might be true.
Prince Raine turns his sharp gaze to us, and I slip my arm around Juliet’s waist and pull her close as the stringed quartet starts up again.
Dancing in time with the music, we spin and whirl across the floor. Damar catches my eye from off to one side, and I know he is watching for danger.
My human bride is surrounded by predators. Her fear scent still lingers, but it is not nearly as strong as it was earlier. Leaning close to her ear, I drop my voice to a low whisper. “Are you all right?”
She dips her chin in a small nod.
Several pairs of eyes observe us, many of them darkened with hunger. As I hold Juliet in my arms, my protective instincts surge and the truth is revealed with sparkling clarity.
I am the most dangerous Vampire here. Not because I am the strongest, but because I have something I’d do anything to protect.
I allow my gaze to travel over the room, leveling a dark glare at any who look on with covetous intent. I want there to be no doubt in their minds that Juliet belongs to me and that I will end anyone who dares try to harm what is mine.