Page 140 of Volik

Climbing out of bed, I pad over to the open archway that leads into the bathroom.

Ignoring the little voice that reminds me I’m totally naked, and Volik’s body is total perfection, I flip the light on.

Even though I can apparently see in the dark now, I want to see this part in full light.

The bathroom is stunning.

Carved stone floors, walls, ceiling. The pin lights in the ceiling fill the room with a warm glow.

To the right is a door that must lead to the toilet.

To the left, a long, clear pane of glass covers most of the width of the room. The open part acts as the entry to the shower beyond. A large showerhead hangs down from the tall ceiling. And a wooden towel rack is attached to the wall beside the opening.

Ahead of me is the vanity. The stone jutting out of the wall is carved to create the long countertop holding two sinks. The storage below is cut from the same rock and fitted with wooden shelves that match the towel rack.

It’s beautiful.

Not cold or stark or anything you might think a cave-like house would be.

Except when I stop in front of the sink, I’m looking at stone.

Not a mirror.

“I have another room with a hot tub, of sorts, if you ever want to soak,” Volik says from behind me as he enters the bathroom.

I turn to face him. “You don’t have mirrors.”

He lifts a shoulder. “Nyet.”

“Is that because…?” I let the rest of the question hang, thinking of old tales and thinking they have to be wrong.

Volik shakes his head as he walks toward the shower. “I am a physical being. I have a reflection.”

I can’t help it. My eyes dip.

Yes. Yes, he is a physical being.

“Vampires do not have mirrors because they can be turned into portals.” Volik reaches into the shower and turns the handle, causing water to fall from the ceiling in a steady stream.

I stare at my mate. “Did you say portals?”

“Da.” Volik faces me.

I lift my brows.

He smirks.

I roll my eyes. “Cool. I definitely don’t have any questions about that.”

“Good.” He strides over to a cubby carved into the wall and pulls two huge fluffy towels out.

“Volik.”

“Da?” He hangs the towels on the rack.

When he glances at me, I put my hands on my naked hips.

He smiles. “What is your first question, Mate?”