Page 112 of Volik

This building is held together with his magic. He could lift the ceiling in here if he wanted to.

Stepping into the warehouse, I stand straight.

The two-story space is mostly one giant room filled with machines and fabric and bits of who knows what organized in a way only Haruto can understand.

He waves at me over his shoulder to follow him into the maze. “It hasn’t been tested against venom, but I have a fabric that should hold up against your excess heat and speed.”

I nod. I have zero intentions of fighting a venomous animal, but still good to know. “Do you have anything already made?”

His obnoxious laugh is back. “I have no mannequins in your size.”

I am about to tell him to take my measurements and that I will return later, but mid-stride, the inside thigh seam of my pants rips. Knee to nuts.

“Merde.”

Chapter 49

Nix

Undoing my seat belt, I glance at my reflection in the rearview mirror. Then I glance again.

When I was getting ready this morning, I thought my bathroom lights were playing tricks on my eyes. Making my skin look… dewy.

I lean closer.

The spots on my cheeks that normally flush red when I’m stressed are… not red.

The dark circles that have been under my eyes for the past decade, give or take, are not dark.

Is this from being mated to a vampire?

They live practically forever. They don’t get sick.

I turn my head side to side, noting the way my hair sways with the movement.

That also looks healthier.

Blowing out a breath, I slump back in my seat.

I like Volik.

A lot.

I think it might be impossible not to like him.

And in the hour we’ve been apart, I’ve thought of nothing but him.

My hand moves to my chest.

If our hearts beat together, and my skin and hair look better, does that mean I’m… turning? Is that even a thing?

Rumors surrounding The Trials spoke of biological tests. Trying to turn humans into vampires. Trying to utilize vampire blood to make humans healthier.

But the rumors all ended the same. With failure.

I bite my lip.

Maybe mating is different?