The Werewolf's Bride Read online

  Then come back to me.

  It can’t be that easy.

  It is. So come out. You are the heartkeeper I need. The one I will always love, and even if you die, I won’t go back to loving her. As far as I’m fucking concerned, she looks like a boy to me now—-

  Do not make me sound gay, milord, the duke interrupted gently.

  Then stop eavesdropping.

  Or you could use a more private thread of communi—-

  Soleil cut both friends off, saying, I’ll come out if you manage to break it. She closed her eyes. There, she had said something selfish. She had given him a reason to stop loving her.

  Ilie pushed himself up. Alright.

  Her eyes flew open. What? I’m being selfish! Didn’t you just say—-

  Ma lisse. The smile in his voice sliced into her heart. Do you believe you can fool me just like that? You are a romantic, and what you are truly asking for is proof – a grand gesture so that you may let go of all your fears.

  He stared at her, using his scent to guide his gaze straight to his heartkeeper’s. I’ll break this shield for you then. He shook his head. If I had only known this was the type of courtship you wanted—-

  And then suddenly he was ramming the defenses in his wolf form—-

  Ilie!

  I would have ceased sending you flowers and just fucking got rid of the town hall for you.

  His claws tore a breach through the defenses, but warding spells struck him at the same time, and his wound started to bleed anew.

  Serves me right, loving one of the Trois Belle Lames—-

  Another attack against the shield—-

  More breaches.

  More blood.

  Soleil couldn’t bear it anymore.

  She started to run.

  The barrier dropped the moment she crossed past it—-

  Ilie crashed in the ground when he suddenly found nothing to break past.

  He opened his eyes tiredly just as Soleil dropped to her knees in front of him.

  She started to cry. It took all of her strength to drag Ilie’s wolf form to her lap, but she managed to do so.

  In her mind, he told her hoarsely, If we fight again, Chalys will be trembling in terror because what would you ask of me then?

  She choked back a laugh. Oh, Ilie.

  Using what little power he had left, Ilie switched back to his human form and reached up to touch his heartkeeper’s face. “Would you have me take down Brimstone’s own castle, perhaps?”

  She sobbed and laughed, and when she still could not speak, she simply pressed his knuckles to her lips.

  The kiss made the marquis close of his eyes. Her love, her forgiveness, her pain – all of it was in her kiss, and underlying it was her answer.

  She had come back to him.

  “I love you, my heartkeeper. Believe me. Please.”

  A smile wobbled over her lips. “I do, milord.” Her voice caught. “I do.” And I love you, my demon. My wolf. My marquis.

  Epilogue

  One week later

  “Lord Ilie Marcovici,” the butler announced. “Le Marquis di Lunare.”

  Soleil rolled her eyes as all heads turned towards her husband. Admittedly, he deserved all the fawning and fussing, the way he cut quite the dashing figure in his burgundy coat and tight-fitting breeches.

  Even so—-

  When the marquis reached her, she told him dryly, “Grand entrance, fashionably late...how terribly vain of you.”

  Shaking his head, he said with mock hurt, “You always accuse me of things I am innocent of.” He took her hand and lifted it to his lips. “You look utterly ravishing, ma lisse.” His gaze dropped to her cleavage.

  She blushed. “Ilie!”

  He laughed. “May I have this dance, milady?”

  She rolled her eyes, saying, “Like I could give it to anyone else, since you made sure everyone hear you threaten to slash the throat of any gentleman who would dare ask me to a dance—-”

  As he spun her into the dance floor, she let out a little sigh. “Oh, what shall I do now? My reputation as an Incomparable is no more?”

  He drew her close, murmuring, “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” His eyes gleamed wickedly.

  Oh no, she knew that look—-

  And then he was dipping her low—

  Ilie, she said warningly.

  He placed a kiss just right above her neckline.

  Her entire body turned red.

  Curse you, Ilie!

  She could feel everyone staring at them as he pulled her up.

  “What did I do?”

  But before she could answer, the marquis was already swiftly leading her to the powder room.

  Seriously, Ilie—-

  I only want to please you. He pushed her inside the powder room, locked the door, and then he turned to his wife.

  Lift your skirts up, he ordered her.

  Curse you. But she was already lifting her skirts up, and already she could feel herself getting wetter as she heard him unzip his breeches. He turned her around, pushing her towards the wall. Her breasts flattened against the cold surface.

  I love you, ma lisse. And then he plunged his throbbing cock into her pussy.

  She swallowed back a scream.

  The marquis thrust in and out of her, every stroke deep and hard—-

  Someone knocked on the door. “Excuse me? Is anyone inside?”

  Her eyes widened. Ilie!

  The marquis chuckled in her ear. Answer her, tell her you will open the door in a minute.

  “I am sorry, milady, I will be able to open—-”

  Her husband reached around her body for her clit.

  She choked.

  “Is that you, Lady Soleil? Are you alright?”

  The marquis began strumming her clit like it was an instrument to play.

  She closed her eyes. Curse you, Ilie. Out loud, she croaked out, “Yes. I have just the most p-pressing headache—-”

  Oh God, Ilie was moving so much faster now, and what he was doing with her clit—-

  “Just give me a moment,” she panted. “P-please?”

  “Of course, milady.”

  The marquis cupped her chin to turn her head around so he could capture her mouth with a kiss. I love you.

  I love you but I also hate you—-aaaah!

  The marquis had pinched her clit, and before she knew it she was already coming—-

  Ilieeeeeeeeeeeeeee——

  She cried out into his kiss as her body shuddered against his. A moment later, she felt the marquis give the same telltale shudder, and then his powerful hips were pumping even more furiously against her, his cock shooting out load after load of his cum.

  Exactly one minute later, and Soleil stepped out of the powder room, her hair undone, and her gown more than a bit rumpled. Behind her, wind whipped inside of the room from a half-open window.

  Lady Mitchell stared at her in dismay. “Oh, my dear marchioness. Was it that bad?”

  Inside her mind, her husband said with a smirk, Very, very bad, do you not think?

  Shut up. She summoned a smile. “It was, but I am feeling much better now, milady. Thank you for the concern.”

  Ilie and his marchioness met halfway in the ballroom. “Another dance?” But he was already spinning her into the dance floor.

  She smiled up at him. “Sometimes, you are so very—-” Before she could finish, she felt her phone vibrate against her thigh.

  At the same time, the permanent wound over his heart blazed into life, the demon duke calling out to his Galere.

  You must come at once, Silviu commanded without preamble. A situation has arisen.

  How bad is it? Curving an arm around Soleil’s waist, he walked her to the balcony so she could read her message without being seen.

  It turns out that you’re not the only one with two heartkeepers.

  The connection closed.

  When he looked at his wife, he saw that she had already heard of the same issue. />
  “It seems some humans are involved, and that’s why they have a need of us,” she told him worriedly.

  He pressed a kiss on her forehead. “Promise to take care of yourself for me?”

  “If you promise me the same thing.”

  “You have my word.”

  They returned to the ball, and the two other Orpheline sisters joined them.

  “Do not risk your necks needlessly,” he warned them.

  Fleur rolled her eyes. “Why did I even think that you would be a cool, easygoing older brother?”

  “I told you he wouldn’t be,” Aurora reminded her baby sister. “However, he does offer the nicest bribes.”

  The four of them made their excuses, and this time it was the marchioness’ turn to plead fatigue. When they were outside, the three sisters boarded their carriage while Ilie slipped out of view. The sisters changed into military greens inside the carriage while Ilie shifted into wolf form. The women began strapping their weapons into place while Ilie leapt into the darkness and began loping towards Brimstone.

  Ma lisse?

  Yes?

  Wait for me naked if you get home first.

  You wish.

  But they both knew she would.

  They smiled at each other in their minds.

  But when the connection closed, they pushed all thoughts of love aside.

  Duty was always first, and right now the world had in need of the Galere and the Trois Belle Lames.

  The End

  Author's Note

  02 April 2020

  Hello to new readers! If this is the first book of mine that you've picked up, thank you for giving it a chance. I hope you enjoyed it, and in case you want more from this "world", I'm happy to let you know that The Vampire's Pet is also available on Kindle Unlimited, which is Zari and Alexandru's story. You can check out its excerpt on the next page.

  As for old readers, hello again! :) Thank you for always being so supportive of my work. I truly appreciate you guys being there for me through thick and thin.

  It's Day XX of enhanced community quarantine here in Metro Manila. To be perfectly honest, I've long stopped counting, and I've even prepared myself in case our quarantine is extended. I simply want the best for everyone, and if additional days of locking down is what's needed, then so be it. Whatever the failings of other people around us have, I'd like to put greater stock in God and trust Him to look after us.

  I've also been keeeping up with the news about the rest of the world. For some countries, they've finally managed to start flattening the curve, and I'm so glad about that. We need more good news like that, so please keep it up. For countries whose death tolls continue to rise and projections on the next two weeks are even grimmer - please stay positive and keep practicing social distancing.

  In my country, for instance, our government is only able to afford offering less than $200 in aid to those in need. That's significantly a lot less than what other countries are able to offer their citizens. It's just the way it is, though, and we can only do what we can to make things better for those who need more help.

  My point is - let's not lose hope. We will all get through this!

  Until our next journey,

  Marian Tee

  P.S. If you have a few moments to spare, please consider leaving a review for The Werewolf's Bride. The reviews let me know what you enjoy (so I can write more of those), and they also help with the organic marketing of my book, which indie authors like me very much need.

  P.P.S. I still have a couple of old books to re-publish and enroll in Kindle Unlimited. For old works, I try to set them free for a couple of days as soon as they go live. Please subscribe to my newsletter if you'd like to be updated about this.

  The Vampire's Pet

  Also available on Kindle Unlimited

  Previously published as The Master and His Soul Seer Pet under Marian Tee and Blood Gift under Sage Matthews

  Zari inhaled, preparing herself to reveal to the world the truth about her Master.

  Yes, go on, pet. I’m interested in hearing what you have to say.

  Her head jerked, her eyes landing on the silent figure that had come into the classroom in patent disbelief. The class, picking up on her shock, followed her gaze, and everyone squealed when they saw Alexandru at the back.

  It had been one month. One month since she had last seen him, and somehow it felt like one month had wrought such a huge change in him. He was taller than she remembered, his powerful aura more authoritative. Even his sheer gorgeousness came as a shock to her, with his wavy black hair and green eyes. Had he really been this beautiful from the very start?

  All in all, Alexandru made a larger than life figure, and the way he took everyone’s dumbstruck attention as nothing out of ordinary just made him more intimidatingly attractive. Zari’s head reeled at the thought that the vampire everyone was staring dreamily at was her Master. And she – a person as ordinary as her – was his human pet.

  Zari watched her Master’s lips curve in a familiar sly smile. “Go on, pet. I’m eager to hear what you have to say. What do you think of me as a Master?” Before she could answer, he continued in his mind, Because earlier I heard exactly what you thought. Pervert, wasn’t it? And bully, too?

  Alexandru almost laughed out loud when he saw the look of horror dawning on his pet’s face just before color spread in her cheeks.

  And there it was, the blush he had missed seeing. It was disturbing, the way he had found himself thinking about that blushing look on Zari’s face so many times while he had been out hunting.

  Small and with a body so slim it was almost boyish, Zari would have appeared average if not for her lush, ash-blonde hair. But what he really liked about his little pet were her large gray eyes and expressive face. In all the years he had roamed the earth, and they were very many years, Alexandru had hated all things that could be described as cute...until this girl came into the picture.

  With her, “cute” was synonymous to arousing and right now, she was being extremely cute with the way she lied in a straight face. “My Master is the kindest Master on earth. He is the most intelligent, the bravest, and just the very best all around.”

  The entire class was silent, as if unable to decide whether Zari was being sincere or sarcastic.

  Zari lowered her head in shame. She was such a major fail at becoming an ideal pet.

  Alexandru slowly shifted on his feet, not wanting anyone to catch how his cock had reacted to Zari’s futile attempt to butter him up. Did she know how cute she was? Did she?

  Madame Lavinia cleared her throat. “We are so honored you have found the time to visit us, Master Alexandru. Class, please give Master Alexandru a warm welcome.”

  Wide-eyed, Zari watched the entire class quickly and gracefully slide to their feet and drop to a curtsy. She hurried to do the same, not wanting to be the odd duck out...again.

  “Welcome, Master Alexandru,” the entire class chorused.

  “Welcome, Master Alexandru,” Zari hurried to say, but she was too late. Her Master knew it, too, judging by the amusement glinting in his green gaze.

  It’s not funny, Master, she griped at him glumly.

  It is. And since I find the way you make the worst human pet in the entire school entirely delightful, you should be thankful.

  She glared at him. Is that supposed to make me feel better?

  His smile widened. You see, pet? You should have been happy about what I told you, and yet here you are, glaring at me in front of the entire class—-

  Zari jerked at Alexandru’s words, and when she looked back at the other girls, she realized that all of them were glaring at her on her Master’s behalf.

  “Go and give your Master a proper welcome, dear Zari,” her teacher urged.

  Before Zari could even think of what a proper welcome meant, Madame Lavinia was already pushing her forward, leaving Zari no choice but to walk towards Alexandru. She stopped when she was in front of the vampire but kept her gaze d
own. She needed a moment to herself because right now, all she could think about was that her Master was really indeed here.

  Did you miss me, pet?

  No, Master.

  Alexandru chuckled in her mind. As always, the lies. You know I have to punish you for that, don’t you?

  Her head snapped up, Zari ready to protest.

  Alexandru took that as his cue to kiss her, his fingers curling around her nape just before his lips took hers.

  Shock and embarrassment flared up inside Zari at the unexpected touch of Alexandru’s lips over hers. Oh, she should have known! She thought about struggling but decided not to, knowing that would only make her lose much-needed brownie points with her teacher. The only way she could resist then – and stay sane – was to refuse her Master entry to her mouth.

  Fists clenched against her side so she wouldn’t accidentally cling to him, Zari did her best to keep her lips pressed together.

  Alexandru knew Zari was doing her best to resist him, but it only made him want her more. It only made more determined to have her begging. Open your mouth, pet.

  No, Master.

  If you don’t open your mouth—-

  Slowly, he moved his hands, settling them on her waist. Just that one simple touch and he felt her shudder. She was so beautifully responsive, and Alexandru knew he would die a happy man if she remained like that for all eternity.

  Will you open your mouth now?

  No—-

  He lifted his head up, reluctantly ending the kiss because he wanted to see her reaction. When her eyes slowly drifted open, Alexandru immediately moved his hands up, enough to reach the undersides of her breasts.

  Zari stiffened in shock at her Master’s touch, unable to believe where his hands were. Just as unbelievable was the lack of protest from the teacher and the other girls in the room. Did they all think this was a proper welcome for a Master?

  In a moment, I’m going to cup your breasts and play with your nipples. So one last time, pet – are you going to open your mouth?

  Knowing Alexandru was not the type to bluff, Zari did one better.

  It was Alexandru’s turn to be surprised when, instead of simply opening her mouth, Zari threw her arms around his neck and initiated the kiss. He recovered from his shock right away, of course, and returned the kiss with hungry passion, his tongue sweeping inside her mouth, dying for another taste of her sweetness.