Page 217 of Volik

He doesn’t have horns.

His eyes aren’t black.

And instead of holding his hand out, he places his hands behind his back and dips his chin in greeting.

“Name’s Barth.” His voice is full of mischief. “Welcome to the family.” Then, for just a split second, his eyes flash with a golden glow.

Druid.

Before I can react, he steps away, and a beautiful seven-foot-tall vampire takes his place. “My mate enjoys shocking people.” She smiles. “Feel free to question him about druid magic as much as you’d like. He will enjoy the attention.”

After she hugs me and steps away, I tip my head back to look up at Volik, hoping to convey my shock at meeting another druid.

He shrugs as he looks down at me. “I did not know they would be here.”

I let him see my eye roll, which just makes him grin.

Finally, Volik’s uncle steps back up in front of us. And this time, I find my voice. “I cannot thank you enough for this overwhelming welcome, Uncle Frio.”

His smile is wide but sentimental. “You already have.” Then he holds his hand out between us.

I stare as something shines over his skin.

And my breath catches when I realize what I’m seeing.

Frio.

He curls his fingers, and the thin layer of ice on his palm crackles.

“Wow,” I breathe, unable to act unfazed.

Another hand stretches out, over his, and a wave of heat bursts out of it, melting his ice.

“Hello, Aunt.” Volik’s voice rumbles against my back, and I lift my attention from the hands to the woman standing beside Uncle Frio.

“We must not let the men do all the showing off.” She smiles as she winks at me.

I smile back, loving her already. “Never.”

“Such a pleasure to meet you, Nix. I’m Bridget.” She pulls me into a hug, crouching a little as she does. “But you can call me Aunt if you’d like. And I will call you Filia. If that is okay?”

I hug her back, her warmth comforting and familiar, as I nod.

Later, I’ll ask Volik what that means.

Chapter 92

Volik

My aunt calling my mate daughter… This is a moment I will remember forever.

They whisper to each other as I stand behind Nix, looking at the crowd.

“It has been too long,” I tell my uncle, my voice rough.

“Far too long.” He moves to my side as he nods. “We won’t let grief separate us like this again.”

I dip my chin. Unable to respond otherwise, knowing it is my fault we have gone so long. But unable to stop wishing that my brother was here. Wishing my parents were still here.