Page 166 of Volik

“Before you die, your fear will stain these walls.” I use my thumb to twist the top off the bottle. “Replace all the misery that came before it.”

Still holding his arms, I pour the vodka out over his shoulder.

The liquid trails down his body.

Down his stomach.

Between his legs.

He starts to struggle again, his panic rising.

I flex my fingers and break all the bones in his forearms.

He lets out a hoarse scream of pain.

I bend my knees until my mouth is close to his ear. Then I put all the hate I feel for him into my tone. “I said look.”

His tear-filled eyes meet mine in the mirror.

My lips pull back. And I sink my fangs into his shoulder.

I do not go fast. I do not go slow.

I just swallow mouthful after mouthful of his blood.

It tastes typical. Nothing special. But… it buzzes as it slides down my throat.

The energy…

I swallow more. And more.

He’s just a human. He is not powerful.

But he harmed my mate.

He is her enemy.

This is retribution.

I smile against skin that tastes like vodka, not sweat.

The power coiling inside me… That is my prize.

This is the fates’ rewarding me for ending the man who hurt my mate.

I swallow one last time.

His lids are lowering.

He’s losing consciousness.

He will not survive this blood loss. But I stop.

I pull my fangs free and stand up straight.

I let him think it’s over.

I let him meet my eyes in the reflection one last time.