Page 119 of Volik

He just did something to us.

With the tilt of his head.

He takes another step closer.

I can’t tell if he’s looking at another reporter. Or if he’s looking at me.

If he’s just looking at me.

His mouth opens, and my eyes lock on his fangs.

My hands shake.

“Do not crowd my mate.” His low voice resonates around us. “That would be a bad idea.”

He takes another step.

I stay frozen.

One more step, then he stops directly in front of me.

My coworker clings to my shirt as she hides behind my back.

My breathing is ragged. And I don’t want to look.

Don’t want to raise my eyes from his mouth.

But I do.

Because some part of me needs to see.

Then I’m meeting his terrifying gaze.

His eyes show nothing.

No movement. No direction. Just solid black orbs that could be looking at anything.

The giant vampire inhales, and my left hand lifts.

Against my will, my hand lifts.

I reach across myself and grip my wrist with my right hand. But I can’t stop it.

I can’t drag my hand away from whatever force is pulling it up.

Fear turns to terror.

Volik leans down. Towering over me.

And I feel… suddenly hot.

“You two smell like each other.” The vampire drags his tongue over his fang. “But your wedding ring smells like someone else.”

Volik straightens, and I swear something invisible presses against my chest. Warming me even more. Making me too hot.

Sweat beads across my forehead.

And then he’s gone. A blur down the block.