Page 192 of Volik

Surrounding the coffee table is a striped couch and a pair of fairly uncomfortable armchairs. And on the other side of the open living area is the small kitchen and dining area.

I left the dining table completely empty, in case they prefer to sit there.

Obviously, I could still have a recording device hidden somewhere, but keeping the setup stripped down helps to give the feeling of privacy.

Not to mention the fact that I have never and will never secretly record someone. If I did, I’d probably be dead by now. And I certainly wouldn’t try to pull one over on Volik. Who even knows what he’s capable of?

Maybe me, after tonight? Maybe I’ll learn something that no one else knows.

Inhaling slowly, I force my nervous system to calm down.

Chill. Out. May.

One minute left.

Putting my game face on, I cross to the front door.

I’m pretty nomadic. My belongings are limited, and I stay in short-term rentals. All so I can have the freedom, and privacy, to follow stories. But this is my first and last time renting a house in the damn Appalachian Mountains.

I already have the curtains pulled shut, since darkness has fallen and I don’t want anyone seeing in, but if people weren’t coming over, I’d also have this door deadbolted with a chair wedged under the handle.

Professional. I remind myself, then I open the door.

Pretending I’m not scared of the things that call my name from the woods, I step out onto the low front porch.

This house isn’t super secluded, but it’s in an old neighborhood with large lots and full-size trees blocking any direct views of the neighbors, making it feel much more isolated than it is.

I slide my hands into my pockets so I can’t watch my fingers fidget.

The porch light is on, but the bulb is old and yellow, and the glow barely reaches past the front step.

Maybe I should just wait inside.

As I think that, the night goes silent.

My pulse jumps.

Oh hell no.

Then something huge drops to the ground just yards away from my front steps.

An embarrassing scream yanks free from my throat.

“Sorry!” Nix’s voice comes from the dark. “It’s just us.”

And I try to act cool as I press both of my hands to my stomach.

The pretty woman with black eyes and fangs peeking out between her lips steps into the light with a guilty look on her face. “I told him we should’ve walked up.”

I fight to keep my voice even. “Nope, you’re good. I just… wasn’t prepared for that.”

It’s embarrassing to admit because I’m an investigative journalist. I should’ve made better assumptions about their mode of transportation.

Volik steps up beside Nix, into the light, and the forest around us comes back to life.

I glance toward the dark. Usually when it goes quiet, it stays that way for several long, terrifying minutes.

“You are under my protection now.” Volik’s deep and serious voice brings my attention back to him. “I have told them.”