Page 210 of Volik

My heart gives an extra beat before Volik can calm it.

He rubs a hand over my hip. “Do not be nervous.”

“It’s not that.” I press my hand to my chest. “It’s what you said. I… I really appreciate you.”

Volik tightens his arms around me, and I watch him swallow. “I know.” He slides a hand to cover mine over my heart. “I am here.”

I relax, listening to the thud of our heartbeat.

A few minutes pass before Volik lets out a heavy exhale. “When we go home, I will teach you everything you need to know about vampires. I do not know if any other mates are human, or if you will be the only one. My family will not harm you, but danger is always a possibility. And knowledge is a weapon.”

I’m nervous about meeting Volik’s aunt and uncle, and the unknown number of vampires it sounds like they’re inviting. But learning secret history to prepare for the trip… That’s exciting.

And motivating.

Five minutes later, the extra credit assignments are locked in my desk drawer and I’m ready to go.

Hand in hand, we walk up to the roof and jump silently away.

Back home, Volik leads me through to the living room, and the serious look on his face has my excitement over new information diminishing.

“Why do you look like you’re about to tell me bad news?” I start to bite my lip, then once again remember fangs.

“No bad news.” I move to sit on the couch, but Volik stops me. “Wait.”

He goes first, but instead of sitting, Volik stretches himself out on his side, making the huge couch look not so huge. Then he uses the blanket I left out here as a pillow.

He pats the cushion in front of him. “Face me.”

I do as he says, climbing onto the couch, lying on my side, and facing him.

I rest my head on the other part of the blanket so we’re face-to-face, and I tuck my hands up under my chin as Volik settles his arm over my waist.

Then I feel the lightest pressure on my heart. And I know it’s Volik holding our heartbeat steady.

He said it’s not bad news. But he’s still about to tell me something that will make my heart want to race.

“You will not need this information,” he starts, and I try to mentally brace myself. “But I am going to tell you how to kill a vampire.”

I…

My heart tries to stop. But Volik’s control keeps it beating regularly.

I swallow. And I shake my head. “I don’t want to know that.” Tears start to fill my eyes, and I shake my head again. “I don’t want to know, Volik.”

His purr rumbles out of him, and he slides his hand up my spine. “Shh, Ma Fleur. Do not cry.” Volik stretches forward and presses a kiss to my forehead. “There is no reason to cry.”

I sniff and brush at my cheeks, but the tears just keep coming. “Sorry.” I brush away more. “I know they stink.”

“Da, they do.” I smile as more slip off my cheek, soaking into the blanket. “But do not apologize. Just tell me why.”

“Why I’m crying?”

He nods as he runs his hand up and down my back.

I have to drop my voice to a whisper to answer him. “I don’t want to think about you dying.”

His exhale is… emotional.