Page 9 of The Vampire's Bride
Sighing heavily, I decide against it. She hugs her mother one last time before I lead her away from them, and back to my carriage.
My driver, Eben, has a wide smile on his face as we approach. I’m glad to see Juliet’s trunk is already secured on the back. He hops down from the seat and bows low before us. When he straightens again, he runs a hand through his short brown hair, smoothing it back into place. His silver eyes are full of mirth as he grins, flashing two rows of sharp white fangs.
Juliet pales and presses into my side. Eben would never hurt her, but she does not know this yet. The dark creature within me is pleased that my mate already looks to me for protection.
“This is Eben Wolfstark. He is a Wolf-Shifter, and an honorable male,” I reassure her. “He would never harm you.”
Eben straightens, his grin widening at the compliment. “Congratulations on your wedding.”
His gaze travels over my bride, and I bite back a possessive growl. Although I know he would never try to tempt her away from me, primal instincts unfurl deep within.
My fangs extend and bittersweet venom fills my mouth as I fight the intense need to bite and mark her so that any male who approaches will know she is my mate.
“It is wonderful to meet you, Lady Greyvale.” He bows again.
“It is nice to meet you as well, Eben.” She smiles warmly. “You may call me Juliet.”
I clench my jaw in jealous frustration. She has not yet offered for me to call her by her first name. But then again, I have not extended this offer for my name either. This is something I must rectify as soon as possible.
Eben glances at the sky. “We should hurry if we’re to make it back to the castle in time. Unless you wish to secure a room at an inn?”
The last time I stayed at an inn, I did not sleep well. The hatred of my kind runs deep among many, and I was concerned that someone might try to attack me during my day sleep. I’d rather not repeat the experience, especially on my wedding night.
Besides, the new moon will be here in a few nights, and the terrible change will be upon me soon. I’d rather not risk being caught away from the castle when it happens. “No. Let us make for home.”
Eben nods and jumps back up into the seat while I help Juliet into the carriage.
As soon as we’re seated, the carriage lurches forward. It is far from smooth as the wheels roll over several bumps and ruts. Only our joined hands keep her from tumbling to the floor as we race down the road.
Her eyelids begin to droop and she yawns. I have seen this before. It is the restorative sleep that follows shortly after receiving a Vampire’s blood.
Another bump of the carriage sends her leaning against me. Her movements are sluggish as she pushes herself upright, exhaustion marring her features. “Why am I so tired?”
“It is an effect of the healing properties of my blood,” I explain. “You will require rest before you are fully recovered.”
Even as I tell her this, it is easy to see she is struggling to remain conscious. “It’s hard to keep my eyes open,” she murmurs.
If not for the ceremony, we would have been home before this happened. “Rest,” I speak softly. “We will arrive at the castle shortly.”
“The ribbon,” she murmurs. “Please take extra care with the knot when you remove it.”
I’ve heard the superstitious belief that the gods frown upon a marriage if the knot of the ribbon comes untied when removed, but I am surprised that my new bride cares so strongly about this, especially since she has just wed a monster.
Perhaps it is a good sign that she wishes for our union to be blessed.
I wish I knew for certain how she feels. Vampire couples that share a fated bond are able to sense each other’s emotions. Depending on the strength of their connection, some can even read each other’s thoughts.
Unfortunately, I cannot detect either from her, and I doubt she can sense anything from me as well. So, I will simply have to do my best to prove my commitment to her through my actions.
Her eyelids blink open and closed as I carefully unwind our hands, taking great care to ensure the knot remains intact. When I’m finished, she gives me a faint smile and then relaxes against me.
The carriage hits another bump, jostling her in her seat. I wrap my arm around her, steadying her so she does not hit her head against the window.
“May I hold you?” She was afraid of me when she first awakened, and her fear scent has all but faded since then, but I do not want to presume anything. I wait patiently for her answer.
“Yes,” she whispers.
Gently, I lift her from her seat and place her on my lap. My bride is very light, and I’m surprised by how much she already trusts me. Despite the enclosed carriage, it is winter outside and she shivers in my arms. “Are you cold?”