Page 214 of Volik

My growl switches to a purr. “I think I like hearing you speak in the old language.”

Her pretty pink tongue licks across the tip of her fang. “I’ll let you teach me more Latin if you also teach me self-defense.” She emphasizes the phrase, making it into something I cannot deny.

I tip my head back and exhale. “I do not like this, Nixy.”

Warm palms press against my stomach. “I know.”

When I tip my head back down, I catch her smile. “You are tricky.”

She lifts a shoulder. “I know.”

“You are not tired?”

Nix shakes her head. “Nyet.”

“You want to start right now?”

She grins. “Da.”

I sigh, then I take her hand. “I will teach you self-defense. But if you injure yourself, I will not be pleased.”

Chapter 91

Nix

Icling to Volik’s hand as Dread walks out of his little cabin in the woods.

The sight of the druid’s glowing golden eyes may be too much for my nervous system right now, so I keep my attention on the forest floor.

As soon as we walk through the portal Dread is about to make, we will be in France.

France. The country.

It’s Friday evening here. And if my math is right, it’s nearly midnight where we’re going.

I’ve never been to Europe before. And I’m excited. But I’m more nervous, so that emotion is winning at the moment.

If it wasn’t for Volik holding our pulse steady, I’d probably be hyperventilating.

Large fingers flex around mine. “Do not stress, Mea Unica.”

I lean into Volik’s side and inhale fresh mint.

We’ve spent all week talking about this visit. So I don’t need to tell him why I’m nervous. He’s also spent all week telling me why it’ll be fine.

I just need to get there. Rip the vampire-hoard-sized Band-Aid off.

A dozen feet away, Dread grumbles something, then there’s a flash of light.

“Wait here,” he grumbles. And when I look up, he’s disappeared through another gold-trimmed pitch-black portal.

According to Volik, Dread walks through first to check the surroundings. Making sure he’s not opening up a portal into an active battle. Or in the middle of a stampede of animals. Stuff like that. So he’s not over there alerting anyone that we’re coming. But if someone happens to be close enough, they might notice the portal appearing or feel its magic.

When we get there, I’m going to be introduced to new people. I’m going to forget names. Embarrass myself. And give off enough stress stench to make everyone wrinkle their noses.

At least I already know Uncle Frio and Aunt Bridget by name, if not by face. Though apparently, Frio isn’t his real name. But it’s what he’s gone by for so long, since he comes from a cold bloodline, that Volik doesn’t even remember his given name.

I’m also trying my best not to dwell on the fact that Aunt Bridget shares a lot of features with Volik’s mom. They were sisters. From another family lucky to have two children. And it’s all so sweet and heartbreaking…