Page 43 of Bitten Vampire

Before Theresa and Melissa decide to rip out my hair too.

He seizes my arm and steers me off the path, across the lawn, towards the side of the hotel.

“What are you doing?”

“You look so… beautiful. Incredible in fact.”

“Jay, that’s inappropriate.” I wrench my arm free, skin crawling. “It is your wedding day. You should be with Melissa, not cornering me. This is wrong.”

“I can’t stop thinking about you.” He steps closer. “I’ve missed you.”

I step back. He advances again, and before I realise, I am boxed against the stone wall.

“When did you get so beautiful?” he murmurs. His breath reeks of whisky.

I plant my palms on his chest and push. “Jay, this isn’t appropriate. Step back.”

“But you’re my girl.”

“No, I’m not. I haven’t been your girl for nearly seven months, and if we’re honest, not for years. Melissa is yourwife, and unlike you, I believe in commitment, in loyalty. I won’t lower my standards—or my morals—for anyone, least of all you. Move back, now.”

For one ridiculous moment I wish I had my vampire strength, my fangs.

Then—

Over Jay’s shoulder I spot someone I never thought Iwould see again, striding straight toward us. My mouth drops open, and a tiny squeak escapes me.Oh my?—

“I think you’d better listen to the lady and step back before I make you,” says a velvet voice that sends goosebumps along my arms.

And there he is. Valdarr.

He radiates quiet menace, standing in full sunlight, unfairly magnificent in another immaculate suit. The black ink wrapping down around his fingers makes him look lethal. He gives me a small nod and approaches with purposeful calm.

“Apologies I’m late,” he says gently, then leans in and kisses my cheek. Soft, warm, familiar, as though we have done this a thousand times.

I stare, dumbfounded.

Jay stiffens. “Who the fuck are you?”

Oh my gosh, Jay did not just swear at my vampire! The thousand-year-old vampire wearing sunlight like a coat.

Valdarr steps between Jay and me, shielding me with his body.

“Her attachment to you is what made you special—you realise that, right? You should have counted your blessings and cherished her. She’s no longer yours,” he says, voice razor-sharp. “You are embarrassing yourself. Go back to your wife.”

“I’m not gonna take advice from a punk with a lip ring.”

Valdarr looks Jay up and down with open contempt, a slow, deliberate sneer curling his lips.

“Here’s the advice from a ‘punk with a lip ring’: learnthe difference betweenowningandhonouring. You tried the first. I’ll be doing the second.”

Wow. I have no idea what to say.

I simply stare at him. Valdarr. Standing here in the sun, dressing Jay down like an immortal knight in bespoke armour.

I don’t care what happens tomorrow; right now, he is my hero.

Jay is equally speechless. His mouth opens and shuts like a fish on dry land.