The Vampire's Bride by Amarinda Jones Read Free Book Online Page A

dark.
    “Tell her, Fang.”
    That made Josephine smile. She had forgotten Polly’s nickname for Alaric when he was being impossible. “Yeah, Fang, what is it?”
    Alaric spread his hands in a plea. “Just remember what I’m about to say is only a really small part of why I want you here.”
    “Oh yeah?” Josephine knew whatever he was going to say was going to piss her off. As much as she wanted to believe Alaric loved The Vampire’s Bride
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    her and that there was a connection between them, she knew vampires, on the whole, were slaves to their desires. Alaric loved two things above all others—sex and Maverick house. Sex they had done, so this was about the house. “So, whatever this is about revolves around this pile of stone.”
    “It’s more about you.”
    “Uh-huh, how so?”
    “I need you.”
    Josephine’s needed to know more. “Why?”
    Alaric looked uneasy. “Why all the questions, baby? That’s an annoying habit you have.”
    “And your evading them is annoying to me. So be a big, brave vampire and just tell me.”
    “You’ll get all emotional.”
    After a statement like that, it was guaranteed she would. “I suppose you hate that too.”
    “No, it’s kind of cute how worked up you get about things.”
    Alaric reached out for her.
    Josephine sidestepped him “Oh, piss off. Just tell me the truth.”
    “Well, you see, it’s like this…”
    Polly snorted in derision. “Oh, for God’s sake. Tell the woman.”
    She faced Josephine. “He needs you here to solidify his claim to the house. If Alaric marries you, then he wins Maverick House.”
    Josephine staggered slightly under those words. She was a means to an end. Any rekindling or acknowledging of feelings had been doused with cold water. “This is about Richard.” This had nothing to do with loving and needing her.
    “Well, no, more so the house and—”
    “When are you going to grow up?” Josephine had endured enough. She spun around and headed for the door.
    Alaric followed. “I’m two hundred and seventy-five years old, so it’s a moot point.”

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    Amarinda Jones
    “I’m leaving.” She grabbed hold of the front door handle and turned. It wouldn’t budge.
    “Baby—”
    “Don’t baby me!” Josephine pulled at the door. “I will not be used for the sake of this house. And why won’t the fucking door open?”
    She kicked at it, then howled in pain. Pointy-toed white satin pumps were not practical door-kicking-in equipment.
    Polly caught up with them. “You’re an idiot, Alaric.”
    “Go away, Polly,” Alaric growled in annoyance.
    “I live here.”
    “I can change that,” he responded.
    “No, you can’t, Fang. This house controls who lives here. Why do you think Josephine can’t get the door open?” Polly looked at him smugly. “Besides, Richard likes me.”
    “The fucking house won’t let me go? Why can’t my life be normal?” Josephine wailed and beat her fists against the door.
    “You’d be bored with normal.” Alaric pulled her from the door and into his arms
    Josephine fought him. “You don’t need me. I’m sure you can charm any woman into marrying you.”
    “But I love you.”
    “And I hate you.” Josephine took a swing at him.
    Alaric ducked. “Nah, you love me.”
    “Oh, fuck off.”
    Polly smiled. “I’ll let you two fight this out. Don’t take any crap from him.”
    “I don’t intend to. I’m leaving.”
    “No, you’re not.” With one swift move, Alaric hoisted Josephine up in his arms and over his shoulder in a fireman’s lift.
    “Put me down!” She clutched at his hips to steady herself.
    “No, we have to talk.” Alaric turned around and headed up the staircase.

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    “What about? How you interrupted my wedding to use me to get back at your cousin?”
    Alaric slapped her butt. “Oh come on, you weren’t serious about marrying Dimwit. Besides, once I have sole possession of Maverick House, then we can live together in peace.”
    The