Page 193 of Volik

“Them?”

He dips his chin. “The woods.”

My eyebrows lift. And as wild as it all sounds, I suddenly feel a thousand times better about staying in this house.

“Well.” I blow out a breath. “I appreciate that.” Then I step to the side. “Please, come in. We have lots to talk about.”

Chapter 79

The Article

My Interview with a Vampire

May Branock

As a journalist, it is my job, my passion, to find and share truths. I often find myself wading through bureaucratic tape, redacted files, and purposefully published misinformation. As is our political landscape.

Today was different.

One of the topics that has always been of interest to me, and has been of interest to most people for the past seven decades, is that of alternate evolutionary outcomes. More specifically, vampires.

I, like many of you, have been consumed by their stories. Their history. And the seemingly unending questions surrounding them.

There is so little that we, the public, truly know.

And I believe that is on purpose.

But today, I met a vampire.

I met Volik Vadas.

And his mate, Nix Novak.

Through those redacted files and golden-washed reports, I have fact-checked what they have told me as much as possible. But it is my belief that this is the truth.

And this is everything they told me.

Chapter 80

Nix

“They left the same way they came, into the night sky. Leaving behind a tale of fate, future, and hope, as they continue to search for answers to their own questions. They do not wish for alarm. They do not wish for anything but continued peace. But they are prepared for all alternate outcomes.” I lower my phone and blow out a breath. “Well, it’s out there now.”

Volik nods. “It should not take long for my relatives to see this and call. Then we will visit.”

I turn sideways on the couch to face Volik. “My family will see this too.”

“Da.” He turns so our knees are touching.

“I… don’t plan on talking to them when they do.”

Volik holds his hand out for me.

No questions. Just acceptance.

It’s been one week. Less, actually. And yet… Volik is my family now. More than my lineage is.

He’s everything I need.