Page 103 of Volik

My ideal blanket.

I need to get in touch with my aunt and uncle. Need to find out more about human mates.

If I was a smart vampire, I would have spent my lifetime researching this. Finding out if the bond works any differently when a mate is human.

I know a few things about mates. And since our hearts beat as one, I believe that some of the facts I know will be true for us as they are for vampire pairs. But I cannot be certain. And there is still so much unknown.

Too much unknown.

Closing my eyes again, I focus on Nix’s vibrant scent.

Danger is everywhere. Always has been. Always will be. And maybe I did not prepare as I should have for her, but my lack of knowledge will not affect Nix’s safety.

I have not gotten complacent.

And with the way I have changed—the amplification of my gravito, the amplification of everything—I will make myself into more.

I will be her mate.

Her confidant.

Her other half.

But I will also be her protector.

Her shield.

Her weapon.

I might not have the same title or reputation, but my brother is not the only one in the family who knows how to fight.

My resolve hardens.

I will talk to my relatives. We will announce our mating. And I will show the world that I am not a vampire to be wary of. I am one they should be terrified of.

Because if anyone comes after my Nix, I will unleash every molecule of power roiling inside me. And that may be world-ending. But if my mate is harmed… I will not care.

But humanity should. So they will be warned.

Soaking in another moment together, I hug Nix’s soft body to mine. Then I slide my hands down her back and grip her ass.

Her breathing changes as she wakes, then she lets out a sleepy groan.

At the sound, my cock—which has been half hard all night—pulses almost painfully in my tight pants.

I need to find clothes that fit.

I flex my fingers, squeezing her perfect butt, while I lift my head and kiss her hair.

Nix nuzzles her face against me.

“Bonjour, Ma Fleur. It is time to wake.” I kiss her again.

My mate grumbles her displeasure.

“Unless you want to quit your job.” I slide one hand up her back. “That would be more than acceptable.”

Nix lifts her head and squints up at me. “What?”