Page 144 of Volik

“Since all the lore seems to be wrong, does that mean vampires don’t need an invitation to enter a home?”

I let my hands slide free as I finish. “Did you invite me before I walked into your home the first time?”

“Yeah, yeah. Another lie.” She sighs and sets her phone down. Then she runs her hands through her hair. “You know, you could make a killing if you opened a salon. Handmade blowouts and telling secrets. Match made in heaven.”

I lift my hands and wiggle my fingers. “You think so?”

“I know so. Except you already”—she drops her voice to mimic mine—“have a lot of money.”

I grin. “Could always have more.”

“Uh-huh.” She rolls her black eyes at me. “But if you ever do that to another woman, I will bite you somewhere that hurts.”

My grin widens.

I love when she rolls her eyes at me. Just like I love the way she’s always been able to really see me. Even before her eyes changed, she could tell where I was looking. Something no other human has been able to do.

And then guilt hits me.

I’m standing here preening over her change, loving that she looks a little like me now, but she lost a bit of herself.

“Are you sure you are not upset?” My voice is quiet. “Eye color is a family trait. And⁠—”

She shakes her head. “I’m sure.”

I do not know what I could offer her to make up for it, but I feel the need to try. “Nix⁠—”

She places a hand on my chest, my black short-sleeved shirt a barrier between our skin. “Volik, I’ve never loved my eye color. And I’m not just saying that to be nice or appease you. Feel my heartbeat. Lying stresses me out. But my heart is steady.” I place my hand over hers, knowing our hearts beat the same. “My brother… he had the pretty eyes. I envied them and always wished mine were different.” Nix sighs. “I don’t really want to talk about him right now, since we need to get to school. But please, believe me when I tell you I’m not at all sad about the change.”

I keep my hand over hers. “Do you promise?”

“I promise.” She holds my gaze. “And speaking of eyes!” Her own widen. “I can’t believe I keep forgetting about this. But it happened that, um, the first time.” Her cheeks flush. “And then last night, this morning, whenever, when you thought I was hurt… When you turned around.” She reaches up and gently trails a finger over my cheek. “It was like the color was leaking out of your eyes.”

I hook my free hand around the back of her neck and step my body into hers.

“That happens when I lose control. You do that to me.” I press my nose to her hair and inhale the scent of orchids. “But I will get better. I promise.”

Nix wraps her arms around me in a hug. Her fingertips not meeting behind my back. “It’s hard for me to imagine you before your change. But I think you’re doing a great job at controlling your power.”

“Merci, Ma Fleur.” I kiss her hair again. “I really do have enough money for you to never work again.” I feel the need to remind her.

She lets out a soft laugh. “What would we do all day?”

I rub my cheek against the top of her head. “Be in peace together.”

Her arms tighten around me. “I like that thought.”

“I do too.”

“But I like teaching classes too.”

“Da. I know that too.” I kiss her hair again. “I am coming with you today.”

Nix nods as we loosen our hold on each other. “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.”

“You will not argue?”

She keeps her expression flat. “Nyet.”