Page 136 of Volik

The hillside shakes.

Our hearts still beat.

She is alive.

But she is hurt.

Nix is hurt.

The earth groans around us.

I am standing between the foot of the bed and the door. My gravito instinctually pulled me to this spot upon waking. Putting me between Nix and the only entrance into the room.

“Volik.”

“Stay behind me.” My voice is animalistic. Hardly recognizable. The fear of failing My Only clawing at my throat.

I can protect us.

I can rip apart anyone who dares to enter our home.

I can collapse the hallways and keep us whole.

I can ruin anything.

Another pulse of magic rolls out of me as my gravito moves under my skin.

I am ready.

“Volik.”

I can hear Nix crawling across the bed behind me, but I stare ahead at the dark doorway. Arms wide. Palms out.

“Mate.” Her voice is calm. Close.

Hands settle on my shoulders.

Warm hands.

Nix is standing on the mattress behind me, and she slides her hands over and down until they are against my chest. A palm over my heart.

“Volik.” Her exhale is hot against my neck. “I’m okay.”

She’s talking. But her voice sounds… different. Just a little off.

She says she’s okay, but I cannot take my eyes off the hallway. My protectiveness will not let me.

“Volik—” Her hands start to pull back up over my shoulders as she moves, like she’s going to get off the bed. Like she might try to get in front of me.

I reach one hand back, gripping her naked hip, keeping her behind me.

She sighs. “If you won’t listen, I’ll bite you.”

Lips brush against my neck.

“Nix—”

Fangs sink into my skin.