Page 191 of Volik

Volik grunts.

Question answered, I ask another. “Does Dread do this portal stuff for free?”

“He will collect payment when he decides it. Druids usually deal in favors, not currency.”

“Hmm.”

“What?”

“Doesn’t that make you nervous? That he might ask for something you don’t want to give?”

Volik shrugs. “He knows better than to ask for more than what he is owed. And the favor is usually stealing. I do not mind stealing.”

“Fighting squirrels and stealing for druids. I’m learning so much about you.”

Chapter 78

Miss Branock

Ihit the Brew button on my coffee pot, pull the plastic wrap off the plate of sliced banana bread, and close my eyes.

This is not a social visit.

This is work.

I open my eyes and chew my lip.

It’s work. But it’s also, probably, the most important moment of my career.

I glance at the food items.

Do vampires drink coffee? Will Nix still eat?

The fragrant brew starts to trickle into the pot.

Too late now.

Glancing at the clock, I hurry over to the bathroom in this little one-bedroom house and double-check that I look okay.

Jeans. Navy sweater. Hair up. Glasses on.

I look how I usually do. How Nix Novak, mate to a fucking vampire, and apparent fan of mine, is used to seeing me in videos.

Back in the living room, I take a deep breath.

You can do this, May.

This is just an interview.

They are both professionals.

Okay, one is a professional. The other is an ancient, powerful being, who has only grown more powerful in the past week, putting him even more on the radar of the world’s leaders.

I glance at the clock again. Three minutes left in Nix’s five-minute heads-up.

You can do this.

A final check confirms that my computer is put away in the bedroom, and my notebook, pen, and backup pen are on the coffee table.