Page 215 of Volik

I blow out a breath.

The festivities will go until the early morning and will resume tomorrow afternoon, continuing until we portal back sometime Sunday. So at least I’ll get a break for sleep even if I’m the only one who uses it for that.

I smooth a hand down the front of my skirt.

The weather is supposed to be cool where we’re going, but my body temperature has climbed every day since I woke up with fangs. So I’m in a light blue skirt that hits mid-calf and a white tank top. And the backpack Volik is wearing is stuffed with another skirt, another tank top, a pair of jeans, a sweater, pajamas, toiletries, and an emergency dress because I couldn’t decide what to bring.

Volik is obviously in his all black. With just an extra pair of underwear stuffed in the bag with mine. Vampires don’t appear to sweat. Or have body odor. And basically, don’t get their clothes dirty except for whatever they get on their clothes.

Must be nice.

Volik bends and presses a kiss to my hair. “They will adore you.”

Forcing my body to relax, I tip my head back and look up at my handsome mate. “I adore you.”

His smile is soft as he lowers his mouth to mine. “Good.”

My eyes close as our lips press together. And I remind myself that this trip is even more for him than it is for me. Even if he doesn’t think so.

Someone makes a disgusted sound a few feet away. “Go now. I will close the portal once you are through and open it again in sixty hours.” Volik pulls away, and we both look at the druid with the glowing eyes. “Do not come back through the portal before I come to get you.”

Volik nods. And Dread holds his arm out, gesturing for us to go now.

The movement pulls his robe open, once again showing him in nothing but a pair of loose pants beneath. And as curious as I am to see what the symbols on his body are, I quickly divert my attention to the portal.

Then, with unsteady steps, I follow Volik through the black doorway, into France.

Iblink twice before I smack Volik’s hip with the back of my hand. “A castle?”

He smirks down at me. “Da.”

“Don’t be all cute right now. Are we seriously spending the weekend in a castle, and you didn’t tell me?”

“I thought it would be a good surprise. And distraction.”

I want to argue, but it’s working.

We’re in the middle of a large sloping hill. And at the top of the hill, about a quarter mile up, is a castle, lit up, inside and out. And I’m so focused on that, I hardly notice the forms walking down the hill toward us.

“Volik!” A male voice booms through the night. “My boy is home!”

Cheers go up from the others.

“And he brought his mate!”

The cheers increase.

Volik places his hand on my back. “Hold steady, Ma Fleur.”

And that’s my warning before two dozen vampires jump toward us, stopping just feet away.

My breath catches.

My heart tries so hard to beat faster. But Volik prevents it. And his palm against my spine prevents me from stepping back.

Inhaling my mate’s scent, I fortify myself.

I will not look weak.