Page 196 of Volik

I lift my head from Volik’s chest so I can look up at him. “I’d like to treat my old family how they treated me.”

Volik nods. “We split them in half.”

I laugh as I shake my head. “I meant that I want to forget they exist. They can keep living their lives without me, and me without them.”

“You are sure?”

“Yeah. I don’t need them anymore.” I place my hand over Volik’s heart.

“I know.” He places his large palm over mine. “I am here.”

Chapter 81

Volik

Icontinue to run my fingers through Nix’s hair as she rests against my chest while a movie plays quietly on the TV. A classic she has never seen. And one we will have to watch again.

She deserves so much more than she’s gotten. And I’m going to give it to her.

Everything.

Her muscles are relaxed in sleep.

I want to wake her.

Want to remind her she is My Only.

I want to tell her that I love her.

The words are there, ready, dripping off my fangs.

But I have spent my lifetime listening to tales. And I have learned.

Women need time.

Nix needs time to get to know me.

Time for her own feelings to grow toward me.

Time to believe me when I tell her.

So, I will wait.

I will show her my love in all the other ways.

I will keep her heartbeat steady even when she is scared.

I will protect her with my every breath.

And when the time is right, I will tell her.

Nix makes a soft sound, and I purr, keeping her settled.

When the time is right, I will give her my love through words. But I know she already knows.

I know she feels it.

Holding Nix close, I wonder if I can get Dread to put a portal into the homes of her parents.