Page 211 of Volik

“S-sorry.” I sniff again.

The barest hint of burnt mint floats in the air between us.

Volik moves an arm under my neck and pulls me into a fierce hug. “Nyet, Mea Unica. Je ne nous tuerai pas.” He presses a kiss to my forehead. “I am not telling you this to worry you, Mate. I am telling you so you are informed. So you know, if ever the worst happened.”

I close my eyes as I breathe him in. “What would be the worst?”

“If we are ever separated. That would be the worst.” He kisses me again. “But I would find you.”

Volik loosens his hold and pulls back.

Blinking my eyes open, I meet his gaze.

“I will always find you, Nixy. You are mine.” He cups my cheek with his large palm. “Tell me you understand.”

I pull my hands away from my chin and grip Volik’s wrist. “I know.” I move my other hand to his chest. “You are here. And you will always come for me.” The mate bond pulses heavy in my chest.

“I will find you. And you will do what you must to wait for me. So, I need you to know.” He strokes his hand over my hair. “There is only one way to kill a vampire.”

I exhale. “Tell me.”

Chapter 89

Morell

Someone skitters across the street, getting away from me.

My lip lifts as I glare at them.

Pitiful human.

I keep to my fucking self when I have to come into this godsforsaken town. They don’t need to act like I’m going to eat them.

My mood continues to sour the farther I go, as more bar doors open, allowing cheerful sounds to burst out onto the street.

No one here is trying to make the world better. They aren’t even trying to make their own existence better. Just humans laughing and drinking as they waste their disgustingly short lives.

I hate listening to them.

Hate smelling them.

I hate⁠—

My steps falter.

And I stop.

Was that…?

Did I just hear his name?

My heart pounds as I slowly turn to face the large window beside me.

It’s a café. Nothing special. Another cesspit of humanity.

But someone…

I let my eyes trail over the tables, looking for a match to the voice I just heard.