Page 149 of Volik

Footsteps sound in the hallway, and Nix’s heart tries to jump, but I inhale slowly and keep our heartbeat steady.

She’s nervous.

Worried about the reaction of her students. And the world. But I will not let her worry alone.

Still standing with my back to her desk, I turn my head and keep my gaze on the doorway as a trio of students walks in together.

Their whispers stop when they see me, and their steps falter.

I do not adjust my stance.

The one boy already smells sweaty, but the scent turns sharp when stress pumps through his system.

Da, you should be stressed about looking at my mate.

Even though they cannot tell where I am looking, I still make a point to shift my attention between all of them.

Their eyes might not be able to understand mine, but their nervous systems know when they are being hunted.

They scurry to the far back corner.

The next group comes in.

And the next.

Until it’s a steady stream.

I keep standing where I am. My body blocking the seated students from seeing Nix. My head turned toward the door. My eyes keeping the new students from looking at anything but the floor.

A handful of kids stop at the threshold, then spin away. Inwardly, I smirk to myself.

I do not need the dean’s attendance list.

I just need to stare.

Does not hurt that this is the same group of kids I threatened Wednesday morning.

There’s a soft click behind me as Nix shuts her laptop.

The clock beside the door indicates one minute past ten. Time for class.

I unfold my arms and put my back to the class as I turn to face Nix.

Bending, I plant my hands on the desktop, in a wide stance, keeping myself as a barrier. “You are amazing.” I keep my voice low. For Nix only.

“So are you,” she whispers back, her beautiful eyes looking up into mine.

My heart threatens to quicken.

Matching eyes. Matching hearts.

“Tell me if you want to quit.”

Her smile is instant, and her exhale is light. “A lot of money.”

“Da.” I dip my chin.

She reaches up and touches my cheek. And I have to fight down the purr that tries to escape my chest. “You’ll stay in the room?”